Alzheimer's & Dementia Care Partner Education
Whether you're brand new to caregiving, or you just want to brush up on a specific topic, Insight is here to help! We offer a variety of caregiving classes throughout the year, specifically geared towards family care partners providing care for a loved one at home. Most classes are complimentary, and open to the public.
Want to see upcoming classes? Check out our event calendar.
What's Offered?
Types of Classes
Specialized classes are offered for care partners to build their skills and confidence while learning more about new topics, services, and dementia resources in the community. These sessions can be one more tool in your belt to being a stronger care partner! Classes and workshops are offered on a variety of topics throughout the year, both in-person and online.
Getting started
- Classes for Care Partners - complimentary, one-time classes offered on a variety of topics to help care partners learn new skills and resources available. Typically offered in-person.
- Virtual Dementia Tour - complimentary hands-on experience to simulate the effects of dementia. It is designed to help care partners better empathize with their loved ones and provide better care. Offered in-person several times throughout the year.
- Learning About a a Dementia Diagnosis - This virtual information session is for individuals recently diagnosed with dementia and their loved ones. We explore what dementia is (and isn’t), what to expect early on, the emotional impact of a diagnosis, and practical next steps. Participants will also learn ways to live well with dementia and have time for questions in a supportive, welcoming space. Complimentary.
Go more in-depth
- Care Partner Boot Camp - complimentary, multi-session training for care partners to learn more all in one day! Boot Camps are offered several times each year on a variety of helpful topics for care partners.
- Caregiving at a Glance Workshop - through our popular Caregiving at a Glance guidebook with the help of experts in the field.
And there's more!
- Special guest and expert speakers - Experts in the field present on topics related to caregiving, legal needs, financial plans, and more.
- Community presentations - Insight presents for other groups and organizations, many of which are open to the public. If you miss a class here, join us in your neighborhood!
- Community Education - Insight works with numerous area partners to offer additional educational opportunities throughout the year, such as the Caring for You, Caring for Me workshop series, Northern Virginia Dementia Care Consortium Annual Caregivers' Conference, and more!
Join Us!
Upcoming Classes
Importance of Socialization While Aging
Join us for a discussion about the importance of socialization when aging. Research has found that social support can play a significant role in overall health as people age. Spending time with friends and family members can boost quality of life, including both physical and mental health.
This event is presented by the Insight Memory Care Center Education team at the Reston Community Center.
Addressing Eating Challenges in Dementia Care
We will explore the various factors that affect eating in individuals with dementia, including cognitive, sensory, and swallowing changes. Topics will include how cognitive impairments impact meal preparation, grocery shopping, and meal initiation, as well as sensory changes that influence hunger and thirst awareness. We will also discuss swallowing difficulties and strategies for managing solids safely. Additionally, we will cover dietary modifications, texture adaptations for favorite foods, and provide guidance on comfort feeding for individuals at the end of life. This session aims to equip caregivers with practical tools to support those experiencing eating challenges due to dementia.
This class will be held both virtually and in-person in Fairfax. Please select your attendance type when you register.
The in-person session will be held in the Mazawey Education and Support Center, 3955 Pender Drive, Suite 100, Fairfax, VA 22030.
Virtual attendees will receive Zoom information prior to the class.
This program is a part of our monthly Care Partner Training series. All sessions are FREE, and held the second Wednesday of each month from 1:00 to 2:30 pm.
Presenter
Lauren Schwabish, M.S., CCC-SLP
Lauren received her Bachelors of Science degree with Honors in Communicative Disorders from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and holds a Masters degree in Communication Sciences from Hunter College of the City University of New York. She is licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the State of Maryland and is certified by the American Speech Language Hearing Association.
For more than 20 years, Lauren has provided speech, language, and cognitive therapy services to people with stroke, acquired brain injury, brain tumors, and other complex neurologic diagnoses. Her therapy approach focuses on brain health optimization, life participation, and creative approaches to enhancing independence. Lauren is a strong client advocate who enjoys collaborating with families and health care professionals to ensure the highest quality of care for the whole person. She is passionate about supporting community stroke awareness and creates accessible, engaging, and empowering health education opportunities for individuals and community groups.
SPARK Movie Screening and Q&A (Virtual)
Join us for a special VIRTUAL screening of SPARK: Robin Williams and His Battle with Lewy Body Dementia. This free event will be held via Zoom, featuring a live panel discussion with the Lewy Body Dementia Association following the film. Gain valuable insights into Lewy Body Dementia through the lens of Robin Williams’ experience.
This event is currently full.
We will be holding another SPARK film screening event in October. Sign up for our Classes & Education emails to learn more about this and other upcoming events!
Looking for more information?
Contact Us!
Contact our Education Team at educate@insightmcc.org or 703-204-4664.
