Dementia Care & Understanding: A Family Pathway – Phase 1
Phase 1 focuses on recognising when changes go beyond normal ageing and understanding the early signs that may indicate dementia. This phase is designed to help families move from uncertainty and doubt to informed awareness and early action.
The content addresses the differences between typical age-related changes and patterns that may signal cognitive decline, including changes in memory, behaviour, communication, functioning, and daily living. Families are supported to understand what to notice, what to document, and why timing matters.
A central focus of Phase 1 is early detection and early response. Learners are taught why waiting for crisis or confirmation can reduce future options, and how early recognition supports safety, autonomy, planning, and informed decision-making.
This phase also introduces the importance of observation, pattern recognition, and documentation, equipping families with the knowledge needed to prepare for conversations with health professionals and to take proactive steps before situations escalate.
Phase 1 establishes the practical and conceptual foundation for all later phases of the Family Pathway.
What this course provides
- Clear differentiation between normal ageing and early dementia-related changes
- Understanding of common early cognitive, behavioural, and functional warning signs
- Insight into why early recognition and action are critical
- Education on observing, documenting, and identifying patterns over time
- Preparation for informed next steps and professional conversations
What this course is not
This programme is not therapy, counselling, or coaching.
It does not provide medical, legal, or financial advice. Where these topics are discussed, they are addressed at an informational level only, and participants are encouraged to seek appropriate professional advice relevant to their circumstances.
Completion of Phase 1 alone does not confer certification. A Launex Certificate of Completion is issued only upon successful completion of all required pathway assessments across the full Family Pathway.
Who this course is for
- Family members noticing changes and seeking clarity
- Those unsure whether changes are normal ageing or something more
- Families who want to act early rather than wait for crisis or diagnosis
