Over the past decade, AGE-u-cate Training Institute has been at the forefront of transforming dementia care through its flagship program, Dementia Live®. This immersive training experience has helped countless caregivers, families, and professionals develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those living with dementia. To mark the 10th anniversary of Dementia Live, AGE-u-cate is thrilled to announce a new initiative: the Dementia Live® Scholarship Program for Dementia-Friendly Initiatives.

This year, AGE-u-cate™ Training Institute is proud to celebrate two major milestones: 13 years of empowering caregivers and communities, and 10 transformative years of our flagship program, Dementia Live®. These milestones reflect not only a commitment to excellence but also the profound impact we’ve had on dementia education and care across the globe.

In the world of aging services, empathy and understanding are the cornerstones of being a care partner. While care partners provide essential physical support, it is the emotional connection that truly sets them apart. Overture Home Care, a leading senior care provider, has embraced our powerful training program called Dementia Live® that nurtures empathy and understanding among their care partners. This program aims to create a deeper bond between care partners and those they care for, ultimately making a profound impact on the lives of those they serve.

Take a look into Overture Home Care’s experience with Dementia Live 

The Challenge of Caregiver Turnover

The senior care industry faces a significant challenge in the form of caregiver turnover. According to Home Care Pulse, the average turnover rate in the industry is a staggering 77%. Frequent turnover not only disrupts the continuity of care but also affects the emotional well-being of the elderly who often form strong bonds with their caregivers. However, Overture Home Care stands out with a remarkably low turnover rate of 30 - 33%.

The AGE-u-cate Difference

So, what sets Overture Home Care apart from others in the industry? The answer lies in their commitment to empowering caregivers through comprehensive training, particularly with our Dementia Live program. This program is designed to help care partners understand the challenges faced by those they care for, particularly those living with dementia, on a deeper level. By immersing caregivers in simulated experiences that mimic the sensory and cognitive impairments of dementia, they gain valuable insights into the daily struggles faced by those they serve.

Empathy and Connection at the Core

At the heart of the Dementia Live program is the emphasis on empathy and connection. Care partners are encouraged to put themselves in the shoes of the elderly, experiencing firsthand the confusion, frustration, and vulnerability that dementia can bring. This unique approach fosters a deeper level of understanding, compassion, and patience.

A delightful benefit of being a part of the AGE-u-cate team is being inspired by our clients and seeing the impact of our programs on their business.   

Last Spring I had the pleasure of connecting with Ellie Webb,  Dementia Care Specialist for the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of the North in Wisconsin.  That connection led to an in-person visit to train Ellie and 9 other team members from surrounding counties supported by the ADRC of the North to become Dementia Live® Coaches. Apart from the beautiful drive through rural Wisconsin as I made my way to the tip of the state on the coast of Lake Superior, spending time with such passionate people anchored in a similar mission to ignite change for their communities filled by buckets and my soul!  View my full LinkedIn post for more pictures. 

Empathy is being able to put yourself in someone else's shoes for a while so you can imagine what they are going through, leading to a deeper understanding of their feelings and behaviors.