MBDC Program
FAQ
Registration open: Mindfulness-Based Dementia Care program. Learn more or sign up now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take this class if I am a professional caregiver?
This depends on the location and class offering. Right now, online MBDC classes are reserved for friends and family members caring for someone with mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia only.
We recognize the unique and significant experience of professional caregivers. Though there are shared learnings and day-to-day struggles, the roles are vastly different and deserve attention and affirmation as distinct skill sets with their own valid challenges. At this time, and due to demand and group cohesion, priority for participation is given to informal/family members.
We regularly give presentations and create special webinars and retreats for professionals. Please contact us to share your interests, as needs are considered for future programming. If you are a professional caring for someone with dementia, thank you for all you do! Please check out our resources and stay connected with Presence Care.
What is the format of the class?
Learn about the format at Program Format.
My partner/parent is in long-term care and not at home. Can I still take MBDC?
Yes. All family care partners are welcome who are actively engaged in supporting someone with MCI or dementia. This also includes long-distance care partners. It is common for MBDC groups to have a mix of spouses and adult children who live with their partner or oversee their care from a distance.
My partner is considered “early stage” or has been told they have mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Can I still participate?
Yes. The make-up of each group varies, and this will be a consideration for your group assignment in addition to your time/day preferences. You may also be contacted by the facilitator in advance as a check-in to understand more about your interest and needs. In the 10 years we’ve been offering mindfulness programming to care partners, we have learned the benefits of group participation in the different seasons of care. It is incredibly helpful to learn from others’ experiences and to practice with many different people from all walks of life and level of caregiving. Your comfort in the group is essential for learning, so care will be taken to be sure the timing is right for you.
Is there a cost to MBDC?
Offering MBDC is not free; however, we are committed to sharing MBDC in equitable and accessible ways. One way has been to encourage and accept donations and in some regions, suggested or required fees on a sliding scale are the norm. The presence of grants and available donations helps offset caregiver costs, and allows us to pay our skilled clinicians for facilitating. On average, mindfulness-based programs cost between $400–$700 per person for 9 classes. We largely operate from a generosity model and regularly seek additional funding to supplement fees for MBDC alongside our other offerings and the maintenance of the organization and website. All officers and board members of the Presence Care Project are volunteers. If you are able and interested in supporting this work, all amounts of generosity are appreciated. Thank you for helping us sustain and grow our reach and impact!
What are the credentials of MBDC teachers?
Each teacher has an ongoing meditation practice and is committed to continuing their growth as a mindfulness practitioner.
We are licensed clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, medical doctors, and experts in dementia care in the US and abroad.
There is a rigorous and experiential training program for all qualified MBDC teachers, which includes many months of individual and group preparation for facilitation and implementing an MBDC program. Each teacher is also mentored through their first teaching sessions and becomes part of the teaching consortium. Most teachers are part of larger organizations, such as health systems, universities and associations, though MBDC training credentials are linked to the professional.
If you are interested in becoming an MBDC teacher or wish to learn more as a way of implementing the Presence Care Approach in your own work, please visit MBDC Teacher Training Pathway.