Dementia Horizons Academy: Engaging Care Education and Support Group Program with Certificate of Completion
- Team Writer
- Aug 28
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 11
Ready to take the Online Course? Click Here.
The Dementia Horizons Academy™ (DHA), led by its Director, Jeannine Forrest, PhD, is a mission-driven educational support group program from the Dementia Society of America designed to empower care partners, friends, community members, and professionals with the practical skills needed to address the most common challenges of Dementia.
Ready to take the Online Course? Click Here.
Unlike many programs that focus solely on Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia Horizons Academy takes a comprehensive and supportive approach to Dementia, covering a broad spectrum of Dementia-related conditions—including Alzheimer's and its subtypes, Lewy Body Dementia, Frontotemporal Degeneration, Vascular Dementia, and many more. The goal is to move beyond awareness into actionable learning, helping participants develop practical strategies for connection, communication, and care in real-world settings.
At its core, the Academy consists of 16 interactive workshops, which can be delivered either online or in person. These sessions are highly customizable: they can be taken individually or as a whole series. They can be organized as two eight-week programs or adapted to the needs of specific groups. Workshops are intentionally kept small, with a maximum of 16 participants in person or eight participants virtually, to encourage discussion, peer support, and engagement.
Each workshop follows a structured format designed for adult learners. Sessions begin with a warm welcome and icebreaker to foster connection, followed by the reading of a positive credo that sets the tone. A short, topic-focused video provides context, after which participants engage in workbook-based activities, group discussions, and role-play exercises. Every session concludes with an action plan, ensuring that participants leave with practical steps they can apply immediately. To reinforce key lessons, fun quizzes are included, and in-person workshops close with social time and even a healthy snack—highlighting the importance of both learning and self-care.
Ready to take the Online Course? Click Here.
Participants who complete all 16 workshops can elect to earn a certificate of completion through the program’s online learning management system, providing both personal validation and a way to demonstrate commitment to Dementia education.
The supportive workshops can be hosted in a variety of venues, including libraries, community centers, senior centers, houses of worship, civic organizations, and long-term care facilities, making them accessible to a broad audience. While virtual delivery allows for flexibility and a wider reach, in-person sessions offer unique benefits, including role-playing, deeper socialization, and the opportunity for caregivers to dedicate meaningful “me time” to their own growth.
To expand access, DHA also trains empathetic facilitators through the “Train the Trainer” program, offered in various formats, depending on facilitator experience.
Ultimately, Dementia Horizons Academy stands out as a practical, flexible, supportive, and inclusive educational program that equips caregivers with tools, knowledge, and confidence to better support individuals living with Dementia—while also fostering community, self-care, and HOPE!
Ready to take the Online Course? Click Here.
Contact the Dementia Society for more information here: www.dementiasociety.org/contact