Dementia Care, Aging Services & Grief Education
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Advance your knowledge with research-informed learning from UW–La Crosse — designed for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and leaders in aging services.
Learning that supports people across the lifespan
As communities age, the need for knowledgeable caregivers, healthcare professionals, and leaders in aging services continues to grow. University of Wisconsin-La Crosse offers educational programs and resources that help individuals better understand dementia, lead long-term care organizations, and support people experiencing grief and loss.
Whether you are advancing your career or supporting a loved one, these programs provide evidence-based knowledge and practical skills you can apply immediately.
Attend in-person or online!
Reimagining the Caregiver Experience
Alzheimer's & Dementia: Reducing Caregiver Stress & Burnout
Caring for someone living with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia can be one of life's most meaningful experiences—but it can also be physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding. The daily responsibilities of caregiving, combined with the emotional challenges of watching a loved one's condition change over time, can leave caregivers feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and at risk for burnout.
Learn how to recognize the signs of caregiver burnout and discover practical strategies to care for yourself while continuing to provide compassionate, person-centered care. You will explore:
RSVP for this free public talk! about Reimagining the Caregiver Experience
100% ONLINE
Dementia Support Specialist
Earn a Dementia Support Specialist digital badge when you complete three flexible, self-paced online courses designed to deepen your understanding of dementia and strengthen the tools you need to support individuals and families.
You will gain practical skills to support individuals living with dementia and their families while exploring person-centered, non-pharmacological approaches to care. The course also offers strategies to reduce stigma, manage caregiver stress, and navigate grief. Flexible learning options—including video lectures, readings, and reflection prompts—allow you to engage with the material at your own pace.
View Dementia Support Specialist Courses about Dementia Support Specialist
100% ONLINE
Nursing Home Administration Graduate Certificate
Prepare for leadership roles in long-term care with UW–La Crosse’s 100% online Nursing Home Administration Graduate Certificate.
This program equips professionals with the knowledge and leadership skills needed to manage long-term care organizations and improve quality of life for residents. Program highlights include:
Earn CEUS or CECHs for CHES & MCHES
Rural Health Promotion Symposium
The Rural Health Promotion Symposium will explore the complex factors shaping health and healthcare in rural communities. Participants will examine social connection, loneliness, and isolation, and how rural environments can both support and challenge overall well-being and long-term health outcomes.
Sessions will highlight the strengths and challenges of rural healthcare systems, including workforce development, hospital access, chronic disease prevention, and the impact of state and federal policy on rural communities. Attendees will also learn how Wisconsin AHEC’s statewide partnerships and educational pathways expand hands-on learning opportunities and strengthen the rural health workforce across Wisconsin’s rural and tribal communities.
CEUS and CECHS are available!
Wisconsin Health Education Network Annual Meeting
As Wisconsin and communities across the nation navigate increasing uncertainty and polarization around health-related topics, narrative work reminds us to draw on one of our greatest strengths: our relationships with one another.
By identifying shared values and common ground, narrative work helps build connections that move conversations—and communities—forward, even when opinions differ.
Learn how narrative shapes public opinion, health, and policy and how to use it to inspire action!
IN-PERSON
International Death, Grief & Bereavement Conference
This internationally recognized conference brings together researchers, clinicians, educators, and practitioners who support individuals and families experiencing loss. Participants will explore current research, best practices, and emerging perspectives in grief and bereavement support.
Forge lasting connections with international peers and leading experts as you discover innovative approaches to healing and gain tools to strengthen your practice and purpose.
Looking for options for current UWL students?
A young woman and an older man share a table, with a cup stacking game in front of them, appearing to enjoy a friendly discussion.
Majors, minors, and course opportunities
Many UWL undergraduate and graduate programs align with an interest in dementia care, aging services, and grief education. Visit the Pre-Health Student Resource Center, learn about the Gerontology Certificate, or check out our healthcare-related graduate program options for more information.
Recreational Therapy and Occupational Therapy students provide wellness activities for the UWL Neurocognitive Support group, under the guidance of professors Tara Delong and Laura Schaffer – with facility dog Rossi as a special guest. Professor Jenn Taylor created the Walk With an Eagle Program as part of another Recreational Therapy class. Students in Clinical Exercise Physiology work with older community members as part of the Adult Fitness program.
Get involved outside of the classroom
The UWL Dementia Awareness in Healthcare Student Organization is a way to connect with students who have similar interests.
There are opportunities for volunteering with organizations like the Aging and Disability Resource Center of La Crosse County, listed in UGetConnected. The UWL Center for Grief and Death Education is another source of information about local opportunities – or reach out to center director, Dr. Erica Srinivasan.
UWL students are involved with the Hillview Life Center, a first-of-its-kind intergenerational center in the region that includes a children's daycare alongside programs for individuals with mild cognitive impairment and early-stage dementia. For more information, contact Dr. Jenn Taylor.