Hosted by Center for Career Development
Project ECHO: Fostering Connection as Dementia Progresses Using the Positive Approach to Care®
- Wednesday, November 18, 2026
- 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Virtual event
This is a virtual event. If you have questions about how to connect to the event, please contact the event host.
Objective
Human beings are hardwired for connection. Those of us living with dementia experience changes in brain function that can make connection with others more challenging. Learning how to recognize and respond to these changes can help build connection and trust in our relationships. In this course you will learn how to recognize the changes that happen in the brain as dementia progresses and how to respond in ways that foster connection, communication, comfort and joy.
Target Professionals
Topics Covered
The GEMS States model and dementia’s progression:
- Typical aging brain (sapphire) 11/18/26
- Early (diamond)
- Early-mid (emerald)
- Mid (amber) 9/16/26
- Mid-late (ruby) 10/21/26
- Late (pearl) 12/16/26
Schedule: Every third Wednesday of the month starting July 15th through December 16th from 2-3pm EST.
Who Should Attend:
- Nursing students
- Skilled nursing facility direct care workers
- Uncompensated caregivers who support individuals living with brain change
- Health professionals who provide care to individuals living with brain change
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this learning activity, participants will be able to:
- Name the 6 gems of the GEMS® States of Brain Change.
- Relate at least 2 of the GEMS® to terms that are more commonly used for describing dementia’s progression.
- Describe one thing they can practice to adjust their approach using knowledge of the GEMS® States of Brain Change.
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), provided financial support for this program. The award provided 100% of total costs and totals $3,024,975 to date. The contents are those of the author(s). They may not reflect the policies of the Department of Health and Human Services or the U.S. government.
Contact Information
Megan Colgan - megan.m.colgan@hitchcock.org
Certification Issuance Criteria
At the end of the course, you will be able to take an online quiz and receive a Teepa Snow Inspired Certification at no cost to you!
Accreditation Information
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number U1QHP53034, Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program, for $1,001,457. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by, HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.
Contact Email
megan.m.colgan@hitchcock.org