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Education Services

Looking for free 2-hour Alzheimer's training in Florida?

Looking for Florida's free 2-hour Alzheimer's training? Call us at (407) 436-7750 to ask about current classes. The Alzheimer's & Dementia Resource Center (ADRC) offers dementia caregiver training through workshops, classes and one-on-one education for caregivers, the public and the medical community.

Nobody hands you a manual when someone you love is diagnosed. If you've ever thought "I can't do this anymore," you're not failing; you just haven't been shown how yet. Knowing what to expect makes caregiving easier.

Learning that brings awareness, hope and dignity

At the Alzheimer's & Dementia Resource Center (ADRC), we educate caregivers, the general public and the medical community about Alzheimer's and other dementias. We serve care partners in Orange and Seminole counties and across Central Florida, and our services for caregivers and care partners are provided at no cost. Call (407) 436-7750 to ask about training.

Our workshops, classes and tailored one-on-one education are designed to bring awareness, hope and dignity as we all learn to live alongside those living with this disease.

Our goal is simple: give caregivers the knowledge, support and programs to prepare for and cope with Alzheimer's and other dementias.

Looking for Florida's 2-hour Alzheimer's training?

Call us at (407) 436-7750 to ask about current classes. We'll tell you what ADRC has coming up and where else to look.

Florida requires some workers in settings like assisted living, adult day care, home health, nursing homes and hospice to complete Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) training. The Florida Department of Elder Affairs approves these trainings and lists them on elderaffairs.org.

Florida's ADRD training comes in different lengths depending on the job, so you may see it listed as a 1-hour or a 2-hour Alzheimer's training. Some approved courses are online and free.

Family caregivers don't need this training to care for someone at home. If you need it for a job, ask your employer which course counts.

Who our dementia education is for

  • Family caregivers

    Practical training for spouses, adult children and other family members caring for a person living with dementia. Free for caregivers and care partners.

    Get one-on-one help
  • The general public

    Talks and classes that help neighbors, faith communities and local groups understand dementia and support families around them.

    Request a speaker
  • The medical community

    Education for health care and senior-care professionals who work with people living with dementia and their families.

    Ask about training

What do dementia caregivers need most?

Most caregivers need three things: knowledge, support and a plan. And rest: many caregivers are running on broken sleep, and burnout makes everything harder.

Knowledge helps you understand what's happening and what may come next. Our classes, our Caregiver Resource Library and the Informed Aging Podcast are good places to start.

Support reminds you that you're not alone. Our free caregiver support groups meet in person and online.

A plan turns worry into next steps. In a free Care Navigation session, we build a personalized care plan with you.

What should I learn first as a new dementia caregiver?

Start with what to expect and how to respond. Many caregivers say they wish someone had told them early on what to avoid, not just what to do.

Learn how the disease may change over time, so new changes don't catch you off guard. Our Alzheimer's and dementia FAQ is a good first read.

Learn new ways to communicate, such as how to answer the same question asked again and again without losing your patience, or what to do when your person keeps asking to "go home" while sitting in their own home, or gets angry in the evening.

Learn how to keep home safe, and how to plan for the decisions ahead, including what the later stages and end of life may look like. Many families say no one prepared them for that part.

Our workshops, one-on-one education and free Care Navigation sessions can help with each of these. The National Institute on Aging also has free caregiving guides.

What tools are available for dementia caregivers?

ADRC offers free tools for caregivers and care partners, alongside our training.

  • Care Navigation

    One-on-one sessions on coping skills, strategies and tools, plus a personalized care plan.

    Learn about Care Navigation
  • Caregiver Resource Library

    Free guides you can download and read at home.

    Browse the library
  • Harmony in Care Music Box

    A free Music Box with simple instruments and instructions for care partners.

    See the Music Box
  • Informed Aging Podcast

    Conversations you can listen to on your own schedule.

    Listen now
  • Remember My Song

    Learn how music reaches people living with dementia, and simple ways to use songs at home.

    Explore the power of music

Questions about dementia caregiver training

Where can I get dementia caregiver training near me?

If you live in Central Florida, ADRC offers workshops, classes and one-on-one education. Call (407) 436-7750 or contact us to find the next class or set up a one-on-one session.

Is dementia caregiver training free?

Yes, for caregivers and care partners. Thanks to our donors, ADRC's services are free to caregivers and care partners. If you're asking for a professional or community group, contact us to talk about what you need.

Can ADRC train my staff, church or community group?

We educate the general public and the medical community as well as families. Contact us to tell us about your group.

Can I learn one-on-one instead of in a class?

Yes. We offer tailored one-on-one education. Our Care Navigation sessions are a good fit if you want help with your own situation.

Can I take dementia training online?

Our education reaches caregivers beyond Florida, too. Call (407) 436-7750 or contact us to ask which classes or one-on-one sessions you can join from home.

Do I need a certification to care for a family member with dementia?

No. Family caregivers don't need a certificate. Learning about dementia still helps a great deal, and that's what our classes and one-on-one education are for. If you need a certificate for a job, ask your employer what's required.

How do I become a certified dementia caregiver?

Take a dementia training course that gives a certificate, from a provider your employer or state accepts. In Florida, many care jobs require Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) training from a provider approved by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs; you'll find details at elderaffairs.org. Ask your employer which course and how many hours you need.

How do I start a free 1-hour or 2-hour ADRD training online?

  1. Ask your employer which ADRD course and how many hours your job requires.
  2. Go to elderaffairs.org and look for the list of approved Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) trainings.
  3. Choose an approved course; some are free and online.
  4. Finish the course and save your certificate for your employer.

Family caregivers who just want to learn can call ADRC at (407) 436-7750 to ask about our free workshops instead.

Is there a free certification for dementia care?

Some free options exist, including free dementia training certification online. In Florida, check elderaffairs.org for approved ADRD trainings, including any free online courses, and confirm with your employer that they count. ADRC's education for family caregivers is free; call (407) 436-7750 to ask about current classes.

What does the Florida Department of Elder Affairs do?

It's the state agency that serves Florida's older adults and their caregivers. It funds local aging services, runs the statewide Elder Helpline and approves dementia (ADRD) training for care workers. It also helps fund some ADRC programs, including our support groups. For state helplines and phone numbers, see our Elder Services Helplines page or visit elderaffairs.org.

Alzheimer's & Dementia Resource Center (ADRC)

Alzheimer's & Dementia Resource Center (ADRC)

1470 Gene Street, Winter Park, FL 32789

Serving Orange and Seminole counties and Central Florida since 1984

(407) 436-7750

info@adrccares.org

Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

ADRC is an independent nonprofit for dementia caregivers. We are not one of Florida's state Aging and Disability Resource Centers. To reach those, see our Elder Services Helplines page.

Ready to learn more?

Call (407) 436-7750, Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, or contact us online to ask about the next workshop or one-on-one education. Want to hear about future workshops? Sign up for our newsletter.

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