Strengthening dementia care at home through Gentle Persuasive Approach training

Caring for someone living at home with dementia and other complex care needs requires patience, empathy and understanding.

Compassionate dementia care starts with seeing the person before the diagnosis. It requires caregivers and care professionals to adapt care delivery to the person’s own individuality, including their own behaviours, preferences and mood. That’s why ParaMed care teams in the Ontario Central East district (from Scarborough to Peterborough and north to Haliburton) have embraced Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) training to support front-line team members caring for patients living with dementia.

What is Gentle Persuasive Approach?

GPA is an evidence-based education program developed by Advanced Gerontological Education Inc. (AGE), a national leader in accessible, affordable and evidence-informed dementia care education. Widely used in Canadian health care settings, GPA equips care teams and health care professionals to respond to dementia-related behaviours with empathy, safety, and skill.

The training focuses on understanding the meaning behind behaviours that patients may exhibit, using person-centred and trauma-informed approaches, and applying practical strategies to promote safety, maintain dignity for those living with dementia, and provide compassionate care.

Sharing knowledge to strengthen care

After receiving GPA training, Madison, a Clinical Education Supervisor and a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), chose to become a GPA Certified Coach so she could bring her knowledge back to the team of community care professionals she guides and mentors in the region.

“I saw firsthand how often our staff are supporting patients with cognitive impairments or dementia, and how challenging that care can be without the right tools,” says Madison. “GPA uses evidence-based best practices and provides trainees with practical, respectful strategies to prevent escalation, reduce risk, and support safer interactions for both caregivers and patients.”

Since launching GPA training in September 2025, more than 50 team members in the region have already been trained.

Equipping home care teams through GPA training

Across Ontario, many individuals receiving home and community care are living with cognitive impairment or experience responsive behaviours as part of their care journey. Provincial home care data from Home Care Ontario shows that approximately one in four home care clients demonstrate responsive behaviours, such as verbal or physical expressions or resistance to care.

“This reality highlights the importance of equipping frontline care providers with the right knowledge, skills and support. GPA gives our team the language, confidence and tools to support clients while simultaneously reducing stress and uncertainty for staff, which is critical in home and community care setting,” says Madison.

As part of ongoing training opportunities, team members complete GPA training during paid working hours. This ensures team members can access this important education without barriers.

“I am always looking for ways to improve the care I provide to patients,” says Deborah, a Personal Support Worker (PSW) with ParaMed. “This training gave me practical tools that I can apply when supporting people living with dementia or experiencing responsive behaviours.”

“I have been a PSW for 22 years, and I love my job,” says Monique. “Care is personal, which is why it means so much to me that our team is being educated through this training. Many families caring for a loved one with dementia experience burnout, and being able to come into their homes, provide relief, and care for their loved one is the greatest gift I can give.”

Looking ahead

This investment in training directly supports our mission, vision and values by enabling people to safely live at home for longer. GPA is not just about supporting our care teams, but also about enhancing the patient experience by promoting dignity, empathy and personalized care. Team members are empowered with skills and techniques to keep both themselves and their patients safe and provide care with greater confidence.

“As we continue to expand GPA education across our region, our goal is to build a culture where staff feel confident, supported and empowered to deliver compassionate care even in the most complex situations,” says Madison.

“As an educator, I am incredibly proud to help champion these initiatives and support our teams in delivering safe, compassionate, person-centred care.”

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For more information on Gentle Persuasive Approach Training, visit: About GPA | AGE Inc.