Memory Care Programs are essential for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. These specialized programs provide a supportive and structured environment tailored to meet the unique needs of those experiencing memory loss and cognitive decline. The Alzheimer’s Association recognizes programs that incorporate evidence-based practices in dementia care, ensuring that individuals receive the highest quality support. While recognition isn’t an endorsement, it signifies that these programs align with the Dementia Care Practice Recommendations, focusing on crucial areas of care.
essentiALZ: Premier Memory Care Training and Certification
The Alzheimer’s Association offers essentiALZ, a leading training and certification program designed to enhance the skills of professionals working in memory care. This comprehensive program provides high-quality dementia care education, ensuring caregivers are well-prepared to support individuals with memory impairments. The essentiALZ program stands out by including the certification exam within the purchase, making it a streamlined option for both individuals and organizations. This 3-hour training equips professionals with essential knowledge and strategies for effective memory care.
Other Leading Memory Care Training Programs
Beyond essentiALZ, several other training programs have gained recognition for their commitment to evidence-based memory care practices. These programs vary in their focus and duration, offering a range of options to suit different learning needs and professional development goals.
Activated Insights (formerly Home Care Pulse) – Alzheimer’s Disease Specialist Training: This 8-hour program offers in-depth training for those seeking to specialize in Alzheimer’s and dementia care within memory care settings. It provides a robust curriculum recognized until March 31, 2025. Note: essentiALZ exams are purchased separately.
AlzBetter Foundation Training: AlzBetter provides a 4-hour foundational training program recognized until March 31, 2025. This program is designed to equip caregivers with essential skills for supporting individuals in memory care. Note: essentiALZ exams are purchased separately.
CareAcademy™ Dementia Care Certification: CareAcademy’s comprehensive 10-hour certification program is recognized until January 27, 2027. This extensive training delves into various aspects of dementia care relevant to memory care environments. Note: essentiALZ exams are purchased separately.
EduCare by Mirabelle Management – Dementia Series Training: This concise 3-hour Dementia Series Training from EduCare is recognized until December 18, 2025. It offers a focused approach to key aspects of memory care. Note: essentiALZ exams are purchased separately.
Healthcare Academy® Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Training Program: Healthcare Academy® offers a 3-hour training program recognized until April 1, 2026, focusing on Alzheimer’s and dementia care principles applicable to memory care. Note: essentiALZ exams are purchased separately.
HealthCare Interactive® CARES® Dementia Basics™ Online Training Program: HealthCare Interactive® provides a 4-hour online program, CARES® Dementia Basics™, recognized until February 22, 2025. This program offers accessible and fundamental training in dementia care for memory care professionals. Note: essentiALZ exams are purchased separately.
Mission Care Collective – Alzheimer’s Disease Training: Mission Care Collective offers an 8-hour Alzheimer’s Disease Training program recognized until April 24, 2026. This training provides a thorough understanding of Alzheimer’s within the context of memory care. Note: essentiALZ exams are purchased separately.
Nevvon – Dementia Training: Nevvon’s 3-hour Dementia Training program is recognized until November 27, 2025. This program provides essential dementia care knowledge for memory care settings. Note: essentiALZ exams are purchased separately.
OpusVi Memory Care Orientation – Essentials of Person-Centered Care: OpusVi offers an extensive 20-hour Memory Care Orientation, emphasizing person-centered care, recognized until March 31, 2025. This in-depth program is specifically tailored for memory care environments. Note: essentiALZ exams are purchased separately.
Relias Dementia Specialist Training: Relias offers a 6.5-hour Dementia Specialist Training program recognized until November 7, 2025. This program is designed for professionals aiming to specialize in dementia care within memory care. Note: essentiALZ exams are purchased separately.
Telescope HR – Caregiver’s Guide to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Training: Telescope HR provides a 3-hour Caregiver’s Guide to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Training, recognized until August 16, 2026. This program is valuable for caregivers in memory care settings. Note: essentiALZ exams are purchased separately.
Proprietary Memory Care Training Programs
In addition to publicly available programs, the Alzheimer’s Association also acknowledges that some provider organizations offer exclusive memory care training programs for their staff. These proprietary programs are tailored to the specific protocols and philosophies of those organizations, ensuring consistent and high-quality care within their memory care facilities.
Conclusion
Choosing a recognized memory care program and ensuring staff receive proper training are critical steps in providing excellent care for individuals with dementia. These programs, recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association, offer a foundation of evidence-based practices to enhance the quality of life for those in memory care. For further details on essentiALZ training and certification, please use the contact form available on the Alzheimer’s Association website.
