Welcome to the
Brain Health Initiative

As dementia becomes more common in Washington, D.C., it's important for care teams to provide the best care possible. The DC Brain Health Initiative (BHI), in collaboration with the Community Health Administration (CHA) and the Health Systems and Preparedness Administration within DC Health, has developed a dementia training program to meet the requirements of D.C. Law 23-201.

This program includes six courses (totaling 8 hours) designed for direct service staff, administrative staff, and other healthcare workers. The courses focus on the latest advancements in dementia care, patient-centered practices, and effective communication. Assessments are included to check understanding, and the courses encourage teamwork and high-quality dementia care throughout the District. 

DC Health

Features

Free Courses

Free Courses

Accredited Courses

Accredited Courses

Flexible Learning

Flexible Learning

Audience

Choose Courses Designed to Meet Your Unique Needs and Specialties

Direct Service Staff Members

Learn More

This training path is for staff who work closely with patients with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.

The curriculum includes Alzheimer's and related dementias, person-centered care, assessment and care planning, daily activities, dementia-related behaviors, communication, medical management, staffing, therapeutic environments, and transitions of care.

Choose this path if your role includes one of the following positions:

  • Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
  • Nurse Aides
  • Personal Care Assistants
  • Home Health or Personal Care Aides
  • Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
  • Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs)
  • Registered Nurses (RNs)
  • Social Workers
  • Activity Directors and Staff
  • Dietary Staff
  • Physician Assistants (PAs)
  • Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
  • Physical, Speech, and Occupational Therapists

Administrative Staff Members

Learn More

This path is for senior employees, including administrators or managers who supervise direct service staff.

The curriculum includes Alzheimer's and related dementias, person-centered care, assessment and care planning, daily activities, dementia-related behaviors, communication, medical management, staffing, therapeutic environments, and transitions of care.

Other Staff Members

Learn More

This training is for part-time or full-time employees, consultants, or contractors who have regular but non-medical contact with patients with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. This includes housekeeping, front desk staff, other administrative roles, and other individuals who have incidental contact.

The curriculum provides an overview of dementia, principles of person-centered care, and communication strategies.

Courses

Expand your expertise with practical insights and skills designed to make a difference in care and support.

Understanding Dementia: A Comprehensive Overview​

Access Course

Compassionate Dementia Care:​ Building Strong Relationships

Access Course

Empowering Caregivers​: Accessing Essential Resources​

Access Course

Collaborative Dementia Care: A Multidisciplinary Approach​

Access Course

Protecting the Rights of Individuals with Dementia​

Access Course

Building a High-Performing Dementia Care Team​

Access Course

Contact Us

If you have questions about the DC Health Brain Health Initiative, click here to send us an email.

If you need help with technical issues, click here to fill out a support form.