MDC_Foundations_Memory_Dementia_Care

Course Description and Competencies

What to Expect

In this course, you will work through four modules of material. Each module is broken down into smaller units. These units will give you a foundation of understanding dementia, assessment and care planning, communication and behavior, and supportive care environments.

Throughout this course, you will find readings and a variety of interactive elements. These include videos, scenarios, and ungraded practice tests to help deepen your understanding of the content. Engaging with these activities reinforces new learning. It also complements the knowledge you bring to this area of study.

Course Competencies

This course covers the following competencies:

The student describes the cognitive, behavioral, and functional characteristics of dementia and related disorders.
The student integrates assessment findings into person-centered dementia care.
The student applies communication and behavioral support strategies for individuals with dementia.
The student plans for supportive dementia care environments.

Assessment

You must achieve a ranking of Competent on each assessment to pass the course. You may attempt the assessment two times before additional support is necessary. If you require further attempts, please contact your Student Experience Team.

1 Final Project

3 Competency Units

Course Outline

Module	Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
Understanding Dementia	Distinguish between normal age-related cognitive changes and pathological cognitive decline. Compare major dementia syndromes by their causes, symptoms, and progression. Explain behavioral and emotional changes associated with dementia progression. Differentiate dementia, delirium, and depression by onset, course, and reversibility. Identify cognitive symptoms of dementia in diverse cultural, social, and environmental contexts.
Assessment and Care Planning	Identify cognitive and functional assessment findings produced by commonly used screening and evaluation tools. Explain how cognitive and functional assessment findings are interpreted within ethical and legal frameworks relevant to dementia care. Develop person-centered care priorities and goals based on cognitive, functional, and contextual assessment findings. Explain how cognitive and functional assessment findings inform long-term and community-based dementia care needs.
Communication and Behavior	Identify effective verbal and nonverbal communication strategies that support comfort, trust, and understanding for individuals with dementia. Use validation, reminiscence, and orientation methods effectively to promote engagement and emotional wellbeing. Respond to distress, agitation, or confusion using strategies that ensure safety, empathy, and de-escalation. Select individualized behavioral support strategies that promote autonomy and dignity for individuals with dementia. Describe communication practices that support effective collaboration with families and caregivers.
Supportive Care Environments	Identify common safety risks present in dementia care environments. Describe environmental factors that support safety, orientation, and independence for individuals with dementia. Explain strategies that promote physical well-being in individuals with dementia, including maintaining mobility, hydration, nutrition, and sleep quality. Explain approaches to supporting caregiver well-being through recognition of stress, mutual support strategies, and sustainable care practices. Summarize collaborative approaches that strengthen supportive environments for individuals living with dementia.

Technology Requirements

We want to be sure you have the tools to succeed! Review the Computer System and Technology Requirements to learn about the technology you'll need. If you have questions about your setup, contact support@academy.wgu.edu.

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. If you haven't already, download this free software. You may encounter an interactive form that contains fields that you can select or fill in. Review how to fill in a PDF form.

Key Contacts

Certificate Connect
Check out this online community to take advantage of course resources, including videos and tips from your educators. You can ask and answer questions, provide feedback on your progress, and interact with fellow students. You will find this platform in the Student Resources section of the course. Log on and do some exploring!

Technical Support
If you encounter technical issues, be sure to contact the Help Desk. Just submit a Support Request for assistance.

Program Support
Do you have questions about your account? Student Support has answers. They can help with billing, switching courses, and other requests. You can contact them at (888) 320-0540 or support@academy.wgu.edu.

Accommodations

WGU provides compliant and accessible learning experiences. If you require accommodation, please contact us at the start of the course. You can email disability@academy.wgu.edu.

We are committed to ensuring that all students with disabilities have equal access to WGU's services and materials. We strive to use best practices for accessibility. Our goal is to conform to existing U.S. laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Our learning management system (LMS) platform is Open edX. Open edX’s commitment to accessible content is published in their Website Accessibility Policy.