First Responders

How we can help

Dementia Together, has been at the forefront of dementia education and support in Northern Colorado and beyond. Our SPECAL® Practitioners have trained numerous professionals and community members, fostering a more dementia-friendly environment.

Seeking to help identify, improve, and provide satisfactory outcomes, Dementia Together presents easy to implement strategies. The training and tips will help our first responders in their readiness, response, and recovery for those living with dementia; helping to change the narrative from tragedy and crisis to contentment and hope for all parties involved.

2026
First Responder Education Sponsor:

Get started

Name
Checkboxes
By signing up for text messages, you agree to receive informational messages (appointment reminders, account notifications, etc.) from Dementia Together at the number provided. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. If you require assistance, reply HELP, or you can call 970-305-5271 or email us at help@dementiatogether.org to reach our office. You can opt-out at any time by replying STOP. View our SMS Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions here: https://dementiatogether.org/privacy-policy/

What you can gain

Transform challenging calls into positive outcomes with actionable techniques tailored for first responders.

  • Enhanced Situational Awareness:
    Gain a deeper understanding of what it means to live well with dementia and how cognitive changes impact memory, behavior, and safety. Learn to quickly assess situations and support each person’s unique needs during emergency or crisis calls.
  • Actionable Communication Tools:
    Master simple, effective strategies to connect and de-escalate. These tools help you communicate clearly, reduce confusion, and foster cooperation in high-stress environments.
  • The SPECAL® Photograph Album Analogy:
    See dementia through a new operational lens. The SPECAL® Method uses a powerful analogy to explain how memory works and the single critical change that occurs with dementia—transforming how you interpret behavior in the field.
  • Compassionate Crisis Response:
    Shift from viewing “difficult behaviors” as obstacles to recognizing them as expressions of unmet needs or fear. Learn specific techniques for calming situations, ensuring safety, and bringing reassurance during calls. Understand that individuals with dementia aren’t being difficult—they’re experiencing difficulty—and discover how your response can change the outcome.
  • Building Community Trust:
    Develop skills that foster positive interactions and lasting trust between first responders, individuals with dementia, and their care partners. Strengthen your ability to provide not just emergency response, but compassionate service that supports the whole community.
  • Resilience and Self-Care:
    Acquire practical strategies to manage stress, prevent burnout, and maintain emotional resilience. Discover how applying SPECAL principles can make your work less stressful and more rewarding.

Why choose us?

  • Our dementia-friendly trainings have already been presented to Fort Collins Police and the North Central Post Region
  • Dementia Together is leading the way in SPECAL® education in North America.
  • We offer simple, counter-intuitive strategies that can be used in multiple situations.
LEARN MORE ABOUT US

Become Dementia-Friendly

Help us create a community where no one has to walk the dementia journey alone.

LEARN MORE