Author: Kim Warchol, President and Founder of DCS at CPI
Meet a Dementia Capable Care Superstar
In this blog series “Meet a Dementia Capable Care Superstar”, we will introduce you to individuals and organizations who are going above and beyond, to create a dementia capable workforce and to deliver high quality care and services.
Agape Care Group -An Organization You Should Know
Imagine you have a loved one who has dementia, and they reach the point in their journey at which they require end-of-life care. To lose a loved one is never easy, but to see them suffer may be the worst of all. How can suffering with dementia at the end of life be lessened or even alleviated? Who would you want and need by your side? Enter palliative and hospice care.
Many of us call these healthcare workers who join us during this most challenging time, our "angels". We are profoundly touched by these angels in many ways. An individual dying with dementia (or another disease) will require great medical care, but they, and all who love them, will be vulnerable and in need of much comfort, kindness, guidance, and support. Thank you to all who work in hospice care!
Now I’d like to introduce you to an amazing palliative and hospice care organization, Agape Care Group. Agape provides its services wherever the place of residence is for the people in their care. Agape’s vision is, “ To be recognized as one of the country’s premier care providers known for our superior patient-family experience, delivering the highest quality care, and building a culture of excellence”. To make their vision a reality, they needed to find ways to hire people who have “the right stuff” and empower them with dementia capable knowledge and skills.
Why does Agape find it so important to develop a specialized dementia care staff? As Shirley Edwards shares in her interview below, “ With a significant portion of our patient population living with dementia, we recognize both a responsibility and an opportunity- to do better, and lead with intention, and set a new standard in hospice care.” Shirley said, "Traditional end-of-life approaches often fall short in addressing the specific needs of those with cognitive decline. Partnering with Dementia Care Specialists at CPI and investing in Dementia Capable Care training is a strategic step toward strengthening our approach to dementia care within the hospice setting".
We are so honored to be Agape's chosen dementia training program partner. We have been working together since the summer of 2024 and can testify that this organization is truly committed to being the best for those they serve. Currently, Agape has trained hundreds of staff in Dementia Capable Care in many roles, including RNs, LPNs, NPs, CNAs, Chaplains, Social Workers, Hospice Liaisons (Sales), Vice Presidents, Regional Directors of Clinical Operations, and Regional Directors of Quality. They desire to train all their direct caregivers across 10 states.
Throughout their learning journey, our account manager, Barb Palma has gotten to know them well. Barb shared: "They are a wonderful group of people to work with- all have such a truly loving, caring, sense of being."
Shirley provides many heartfelt insights in her interview below, but this one touched me deeply. “At the end of life, every moment matters. High-quality dementia training equips our team with the skills to create comfort, reduce distress, and support meaningful connection- even when verbal communication is lost".
Agape’s mission is "To serve with love, providing comfort and support through compassionate care and meaningful experiences." Shirley said, “Having Dementia Capable Care Certified Instructors helps us live our mission”. We couldn’t be prouder to be Agape’s partner, helping them to fulfill this wonderful mission. Working together, we are creating a dementia capable society.
Barb and I are totally in agreement- this is one very special organization, led by visionaries and people who truly care. They are a group we greatly admire, and if we ever find ourselves in that situation, we will trust Agape to care for our loved one at the end of their life, and to be there with us, holding our hands, through the transition.
Thank you, Agape, for all you do to make the world a better place for those living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, their loved ones, and caregivers.
An Interview with Shirley Edwards, VP of Corporate Operations Agape Care Group
We had the privilege of interviewing Shirley. She shed some light on the reasons why it mattered for so many of the staff working at Agape Care Group locations/brands to be trained and credentialed in Dementia Capable Care. Let's hear what Shirley had to say.
1. What is your definition of high-quality memory/dementia care?
High-quality memory care means honoring the dignity, individuality, and humanity of every person living with dementia, especially as they approach the end of life. It’s person-centered, grounded in empathy, and tailored to support cognitive and physical needs and emotional and spiritual well-being. In hospice, high-quality dementia care means helping individuals live their final days in comfort, safety, peace, and dignity while guiding families with compassion through one of life's most difficult transitions.
2. Why is it essential to prepare your team with high-quality dementia training?
At the end of life, every moment matters. High-quality dementia training equips our team with the skills to create comfort, reduce distress, and support meaningful connection, even when verbal communication is lost. Our caregivers learn how to meet each person where they are in their dementia journey and how to navigate behaviors with empathy rather than medication. This not only improves the patient's quality of life, but also provides families with reassurance, clarity, and peace of mind during their loved one's final chapter.
3. What was the problem(s) or goal(s) you were looking to address by partnering with us and training yourself and others in Dementia Capable Care?
With a significant portion of our patient population living with dementia, we recognize both a responsibility and an opportunity to do better, lead with intention, and set a new standard in hospice care. Traditional end-of-life approaches often fall short in addressing the specific needs of those with cognitive decline. Partnering with Dementia Care Specialists at CPI and investing in Dementia Capable Care training is a strategic step toward strengthening our approach to dementia care within the hospice setting. Our goal is to equip our team with the skills and understanding to provide care that is not only clinically sound but emotionally attuned, reducing anxiety, promoting calm, and supporting families with confidence and compassion throughout the end-of-life journey.
4. How does having Dementia Capable Care Certified Instructor(s) (and earning DCC-CI and DCCS Credentials and Badges) help you to:
Forward your mission?
Our mission is "To serve with love, providing comfort and support through compassionate care and meaningful experiences." Having Dementia Capable Care Certified Instructors helps us live our mission. This training empowers our team to meet each individual with empathy, patience, and understanding, while creating moments of comfort and connection that reflect the heart of who we are. Our care is not only clinically excellent, but deeply human and loving, true to our mission every step of the way.
Attract/maintain quality staff?
The certification demonstrates our investment in our staff's growth and confidence, especially in the complex area of dementia care. It reinforces our core value of WITH YOU- reminding our team that we stand beside them, support their learning, and value their role in creating meaningful end-of-life experiences. When staff feel empowered and cared for, they stay engaged and passionate about the work we do.
Attract/maintain new business/clients or referrals?
Families and referral partners want to know that their loved ones and patients will be in compassionate, capable hands. Our commitment to a clinical specialty program with Dementia Capable Care shows that we are prepared and leaders in this space. We are a provider who goes beyond the expected, offering care that truly honors the journey of patients with dementia and the loved ones who walk it with them.
5. Can you tell us a bit more about your company’s story, such as describing your journey to investing in Dementia Capable Care-Certified Instructor(s), rolling out your training program to your teams, and the way you utilize it in your practice?
Why was it so important to you?
In hospice, we're not just supporting patients- we're supporting entire families through one of the most emotionally complex experiences of their lives. When dementia is part of that journey, it can bring added layers of confusion, grief, and uncertainty. We invest in Dementia Capable Care training and certification to deepen and enrich our teams' strong clinical foundation. This program offers a philosophy of care that aligns with our values- one grounded in presence, empathy, and meaningful connection, even when words are no longer available. It enhances our ability to bring clarity, comfort, and dignity to the moments that matter most at the end of life.
Any impactful stories or lessons learned along the way?
One of our nurses shared how she used techniques from the training to connect with a nonverbal patient in their final days. By using sensory engagement and calm presence, she helped the patient relax, and the family was able to experience a peaceful, loving goodbye. That moment reminds us why this training is so vital- it helps us create dignity not just in how people live with dementia but also in how they leave this world, surrounded by care and compassion.
Gain the knowledge and skills to optimize function, safety, and quality of life for those you serve and certifications to distinguish yourself or your organization as a leader
Published May 6, 2025
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