Dementia Skilled

Dementia is a devastating illness with no cure. Helping an individual to live as full a life as possible, with as much independence and dignity as possible, for as long as possible, is our goal. 

Inspired by the Dementia Skilled Practice Level set by the Scottish government, this in-depth 120 minute course delves into the diverse facets of dementia, providing insights on supporting individuals with dementia, as well as their families and caregivers. By the end, you’ll be equipped to empower individuals affected by dementia, enabling them to lead fuller, more independent lives while preserving their dignity for as long as possible.

Understanding Dementia: Explore the various types of dementia, their causes, and the impact they have on individuals’ lives.

Person-Centered Care: Learn how to provide care that is centered around the individual’s needs, preferences, and strengths, and the preventative and proactive strategies that can reduce the likelihood of an individual becoming distressed.

Communication and Engagement: Develop effective communication strategies, including the use of augmentative and alternative communication methods, to support individuals with memory difficulties or confusion and maintain meaningful relationships.

Benefits of technology: Discover the role of technology in promoting independence, connectedness, and quality of life for individuals with dementia.

Lifestyle choices: Recognise the potential benefits for individuals with dementia of engaging in activities, maintaining physical health and following a healthy lifestyle.

Caregiver Support: Understand the challenges faced by caregivers and learn how to provide support and guidance.

End-of-Life Care: Recognise the changes and signs indicating the end-of-life phase, and explore the complexities of end-of-life care, including legal, ethical, and emotional considerations.

Key outcomes:

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

  • Understand dementia, its progression and the impact it has on individuals and their families
  • Appreciate the impact of dementia on the spiritual, cultural, and intimate aspects of individuals’ lives, and the need to maintain their dignity and autonomy
  • Have an awareness of the potential risks and challenges faced by people with dementia, including social isolation, abuse, neglect, and the need for risk enablement
  • Communicate effectively and meaningfully with individuals with dementia, and appreciate the benefits of life-story work, reminiscence, and therapeutic activities in promoting wellbeing and self-value
  • Provide care that’s tailored to an individual’s needs and preferences
  • Understand the challenges that caregivers face, and how you can provide support and guidance to them
  • Understand the complexities of decision-making, capacity assessment, and the legal and ethical considerations in providing palliative and end-of-life care for individuals with dementia
  • Have an awareness of the local resources, services, and specialists available to provide assessment, advice, and support for memory problems and dementia

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