Understanding your options for dementia education and guidance

Support for dementia caregiving looks different depending on where you are and what you need.

Some caregivers are primarily looking for clear, reliable education—to understand what is happening and what to expect next. Others are facing specific decisions, changes, or moments of uncertainty that benefit from individualized guidance.

This page explains how dementia support typically works, so you can understand your options and decide what fits your situation.

Education Comes First

For many caregivers, the most helpful starting point is education.

When people understand what dementia is, how it progresses, and why abilities and behaviors change, caregiving becomes more predictable and less overwhelming. Understanding provides a framework that helps caregivers interpret what they are seeing and make decisions with greater confidence.

This educational foundation is the focus of the Better Dementia Course—a structured, medically grounded learning resource designed to help caregivers understand the dementia journey and return to that understanding as needs change.

For many families, this level of understanding is enough to feel steadier and more capable — without needing individualized support.

Learn more about the Better Dementia Course →

When Additional Guidance Is Helpful

Some situations benefit from individualized guidance, especially when:

• Changes feel sudden or difficult to interpret
• Families are unsure what to expect next
• Decisions about care, safety, or transitions feel heavy
• Multiple family members need shared understanding
• Caregivers feel stuck, conflicted, or uncertain

In these moments, having knowledgeable guidance can help clarify what is happening and reduce unnecessary stress.

What Individualized Support Looks Like

Individualized support is consultative and focused.

This kind of support focuses on helping caregivers:

• Understand what is happening now

• Make sense of sudden or difficult changes

• Anticipate what may come next

• Clarify priorities and goals

• Reduce confusion and unnecessary stress

Support may include focused conversations during periods of heightened stress or uncertainty, guidance on caregiving strategies and expectations, and help thinking through complex or time-sensitive decisions.

The goal is clarity and steadiness — especially during moments that feel overwhelming — so caregivers can move forward with greater confidence.

Some families benefit from a small number of focused conversations. Others prefer ongoing guidance as the disease progresses and new challenges arise. The level of support is shaped by each family’s needs, preferences, and circumstances.

Support for Organizations

Amy also works with organizations seeking clinically grounded dementia education and caregiver support.

This includes collaboration with:

• Senior living and memory care communities

• Home care agencies

• Healthcare organizations

• Universities and training programs

Organizational support may include dementia education, caregiver training resources, and clinical perspective to support families more effectively.

Learn more about support for organizations →

If you are unsure what kind of support would be most helpful, you are welcome to reach out.

Some people begin with education. Others benefit from a conversation to help clarify what they are seeing and what options make sense. There is no single right starting point — only what fits your situation.

Contact Amy →

Taking the Next Step