Homewatch CareGivers of Boulder Now Offering Advanced Dementia Training Program for Caregivers
At Homewatch CareGivers of Boulder, we believe exceptional dementia care begins with understanding the individual beyond their diagnosis.
That’s why we’re proud to offer caregivers the opportunity to participate in a new Certified Dementia Care Specialist Training program. This advanced training is designed to deepen caregivers’ understanding of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia while strengthening the practical, day-to-day skills that support the compassionate dementia home care services we provide.
Led by Employee Coordinator Shauna Justice, the program was created to help home caregivers build trust and meaningful relationships with clients, reduce confusion and resistance to home care, and establish calmer, more supportive daily routines.
“This Certified Dementia Care Specialist Training program teaches caregivers to meet clients where they are, both cognitively and emotionally, so they can establish trust and a sense of ease before beginning physical care,” Shauna said.
What Makes This Training Different
Developed for the national Homewatch CareGivers network by leading dementia care specialists, this certification goes beyond a foundational overview. It builds on our agency’s required full-day orientation and 12 hours of annual education. The program includes six hours of online coursework, six hours of guided workbook practice, and three hours of small-group, in-person discussion, followed by a final presentation where caregivers apply what they’ve learned.
While the training reinforces essential, real-world caregiving skills, it also emphasizes key elements of person-centered home care, including:
- Techniques that support overall well-being for individuals living with dementia
- Viewing challenging behaviors as a form of communication
- De-escalation approaches such as slowing down and redirection
- Identifying sensory and cognitive changes that may impact safety
- Addressing the emotional and social realities of living with dementia
Caregivers are eligible to participate after at least one year with our organization, demonstrated strong performance, and completion of all required foundational training. Moving forward, our goal is to train three to five home caregivers per quarter, reaching approximately 20% of our census by year’s end. To date, six team members, including Shauna, have completed the certification.
Because dementia care is often complex and nuanced, outcomes frequently depend on how a caregiver responds to confusion, fear, or resistance in the moment. This training focuses on meeting clients where they are cognitively while teaching evidence-based techniques that reduce distress and strengthen trust.
“This program gives our caregivers additional tools and a more thoughtful, human-centered approach that brings even more compassion into care,” Shauna said. “It also helps our team better support clients with more complex dementia care needs.”
A Training Approach Grounded in Experience
Shauna, who also leads caregiver orientations and oversees ongoing education, approaches instruction with an emphasis on confidence-building and critical thinking.
“I approach teaching with an open mind. It’s important to remember that not everyone is going to understand everything right away and that people learn differently,” Shauna said. “In orientation especially, I focus on guiding people and helping them understand how to make good decisions as they learn.”
Her teaching style is shaped by both professional expertise and personal experience with dementia caregiving. Prior to working in home care, she studied nursing and worked in medical administration at Denver Health. She has also cared for family members with dementia, where she saw firsthand how small adjustments—like establishing routines or redirecting conversations—can ease anxiety and reduce challenging behaviors.
“My grandma was always on the go and would wander, so our adaptive technique was to take a walk with her every morning,” Shauna said. “My grandpa-in-law was always planning a trip to Germany, so we met him where he was and talked with him about his plans, instead of correcting him.”
These experiences continue to inform how Shauna prepares caregivers today, helping ensure they feel equipped to navigate complex situations with confidence and compassion.
A Compassionate, Evidence-Based Approach to Dementia Care
Our commitment to caregiver development remains a central priority. Homewatch CareGivers of Boulder was recently recognized with the Activated Insights Leader in Training Award for 2026, placing us among the top providers nationwide and reflecting our ongoing investment in training and quality home care. For families, this translates to more confident caregivers and more personalized support for their loved ones.
If you’re exploring dementia care for a loved one with more advanced needs, our team is here to help. To learn how our advanced caregiver training enhances the services we provide, call Homewatch CareGivers of Boulder at (303) 444-1133 or contact us online. We’re ready to support your family every step of the way.