The Dementia Awareness Training Course is designed for healthcare professionals, carers, and support workers who care for individuals living with dementia. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of dementia, its various forms, and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. Participants will learn about the different stages of dementia, effective communication strategies, and person-centred approaches to care that respect the dignity and individuality of those affected by the condition. The course aims to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to provide compassionate and informed support to people living with dementia.
 
Course Content:
 
Introduction to Dementia: Overview of dementia, including its definition, causes, and the different types of dementia such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia.
Understanding the Brain: Basic understanding of how dementia affects brain function, including memory, cognition, behaviour, and emotions.
Recognising the Signs and Symptoms: Identifying the early signs of dementia and understanding the progression of the disease through its various stages.
Person-Centred Care: Principles of person-centred care and how to apply these in practice to support individuals with dementia, focusing on their preferences, needs, and rights.
Effective Communication: Techniques for communicating effectively with individuals living with dementia, including verbal and non-verbal communication, active listening, and patience.
Supporting Daily Living: Practical strategies for supporting individuals with dementia in their daily activities, such as eating, dressing, and maintaining personal hygiene.
Managing Behavioural Changes: Understanding and managing the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, including agitation, aggression, confusion, and anxiety.
Promoting Independence and Wellbeing: Approaches to promote independence, wellbeing, and quality of life for individuals with dementia, including activities that engage and stimulate.
Supporting Families and Carers: Guidance on supporting the families and carers of individuals with dementia, including providing emotional support and information on available resources.
Legal and Ethical Considerations: Overview of the legal and ethical issues related to dementia care, including consent, capacity, and safeguarding.
 
Learning Outcomes: By the end of the Dementia Awareness Training Course, participants will be able to:
 
Understand Dementia: Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of dementia, its causes, and the different types, including how the condition affects the brain and behaviour.
Identify Signs and Symptoms: Recognise the early signs and symptoms of dementia and understand the progression of the disease through its various stages.
Apply Person-Centred Care: Implement person-centred care principles, ensuring that care is tailored to the individual needs, preferences, and rights of those living with dementia.
Communicate Effectively: Use effective communication techniques to interact with individuals with dementia, fostering understanding, trust, and reducing distress.
Support Daily Living: Provide practical support for individuals with dementia in their daily activities, promoting independence and maintaining their dignity.
Manage Behavioural Changes: Understand and manage the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, using compassionate and effective strategies.
Promote Wellbeing: Employ approaches that promote the wellbeing and quality of life of individuals with dementia, encouraging engagement in meaningful activities.
Support Families and Carers: Offer support and guidance to the families and carers of individuals with dementia, helping them to cope with the challenges of caregiving.
Understand Legal and Ethical Issues: Demonstrate knowledge of the legal and ethical considerations in dementia care, including issues related to consent, capacity, and safeguarding.
 
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality, compassionate care to individuals living with dementia. They will receive certification recognising their competence in dementia care and their commitment to improving the lives of those affected by this condition.