Trauma-Informed Care: Creating Safety and Trust Through a Universal Approach

General Course
2 CE credits
LIVE, Interactive Webinar

Course Description: Supporting a person living with dementia requires more than meeting their physical needs—it involves fostering a sense of safety, trust, and emotional security. The progression of dementia can naturally lead to feelings of confusion, fear, and vulnerability. For some individuals—especially those with a history of trauma—the cognitive changes caused by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias may cause old traumatic memories or emotions to resurface, sometimes without clear context or awareness. By applying a universal trauma-informed approach, care providers can help reduce distress, build trust, and create an environment that promotes comfort and dignity. This in-person workshop provides an overview of what trauma is, how it can manifest in older adults living with dementia, and how the reemergence of traumatic memories may influence behavior and emotional responses. Participants will learn practical strategies such as maintaining presence, respecting personal space, slowing their approach, demonstrating patience, and observing verbal and nonverbal cues to guide interactions and care routines that may otherwise be triggering. Through instructor-led discussions, case vignettes, and Q&A, attendees will explore how trauma-informed care enhances emotional safety and helps prevent re-traumatization for individuals with dementia.

From this workshop you will be able to:

1. Describe trauma-informed care as a universal approach for supporting individuals living with dementia.
2. Explain what trauma is and how traumatic memories may resurface in people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
3. Recognize behaviors and emotional responses that may be linked to past trauma or distressing memories.
4. Apply key trauma-informed principles—such as patience, presence, and respect for personal boundaries—when providing care.