Welcome to Accepting the Challenge

Our Training Videos

This training is offered by Dementia Alliance of North Carolina and Positive Approach to Care. Led by renowned experts Melanie Bunn, RN, MS, GNP, and Teepa Snow, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, it will equip you with valuable knowledge and support to enhance caregiving and foster better relationships with those living with dementia. The videos below provide essential insights and skills to navigate the complexities of care. By scrolling or clicking the titles in the menu below, you can navigate through each of the videos.

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This content is intended for personal educational use only and may not be used for professional training. Accepting the Challenge is copyrighted and may not be copied, sold, or commercially exploited, and shall be used solely by the requesting individual. Any redistribution or duplication, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.
If you are interested in a license to use for professional training, please visit this page: Accepting the Challenge (Online Course) - Positive Approach to Care - Shop. or contact lisab@teepasnow.com

MODULE 1 What is Dementia?

Gain essential skills and insights into dementia care, exploring brain changes, various forms of dementia, and practical techniques to improve interactions and outcomes.

MODULE 2 Common Dementias

Explore the complexities of brain change by learning about the symptoms and characteristics of the four most common types of dementia: Alzheimer disease, Lewy body, frontotemporal, and vascular dementia.

MODULE 3 Brain Change: Memory

See how dementia causes significant impact on memory and cognition through powerful brain imagery, and deepen your understanding of the symptoms and challenges faced by individuals living with dementia.

MODULE 4 Brain Change: Language

Discover the progressive language challenges faced by individuals with Alzheimers and other forms of dementia, and learn effective communication strategies beyond words, focusing on non-verbal cues and preserving meaningful interactions.

MODULE 5 Brain Change: Impulse Control

Learn how dementia impacts impulse control and emotional regulation, and gain practical strategies to navigate mood changes and distress while providing compassionate care that respects autonomy and dignity.

MODULE 6 Positive Physical Approach™: Techniques

Learn essential techniques to improve interactions with individuals living with dementia, focusing on effective communication and physical approach strategies that reduce anxiety and foster cooperation and mutual respect.

MODULE 7 Positive Physical Approach™: In Real Life

Observe interactions with memory care residents when the Positive Physical Approach™ is applied to enhance communication, reduce resistance, and foster compassionate, cooperative care in everyday interactions.

MODULE 8 Verbal Interaction Skills

Learn essential verbal interaction skills to enhance communication with individuals living with dementia, discovering how to adjust tone, pitch, and speed for clarity, initiate conversations effectively, and manage distress with empathy and respect.

MODULE 9 Verbal Interaction Skills: In Real Life

See real-life applications of verbal interaction techniques to guide activities and maintain meaningful conversations with individuals living with dementia, using tone, pace, and approach to foster positive engagement and connection.

MODULE 10 Help With Distress

Learn effective communication techniques to support individuals experiencing distress, using the Positive Physical Approach™ and empathy to address unmet emotional needs and reduce anxiety.

MODULE 11 Building Skills

Explore how to combine visual, verbal, and tactile cues to offer the right level of support for individuals living with dementia.

MODULE 12 GEMS® States

Learn about the GEMS® Brain Change Model and how understanding six distinct levels of cognitive function, which influence how individuals perceive and interact with their environment, can help you tailor your support and care strategies effectively.

MODULE 13 GEMS® States in Action: Personal Care

See real-life examples of individuals engaged in personal care activities, and learn how to identify and respond to different GEMS® states, providing the appropriate support to match a person's unique abilities and needs.

MODULE 14 GEMS® States in Action: Mealtimes



Gain essential skills and insights into dementia care, exploring brain changes, various forms of dementia, and practical techniques to improve interactions and outcomes.

MODULE 15 Meaningful Days

Learn how to create fulfilling daily experiences for individuals living with dementia by adapting activities to their evolving abilities, interests, and past roles, providing a sense of purpose and joy through personalized engagement.

MODULE 16 Challenging Situations

Explore challenging situations in dementia care where behaviors often signal unmet needs, and discover problem-solving strategies that consider an individual’s history, health, environment, and care partner’s approach for compassionate, effective solutions.