Course Details

Dementia Care Training Course

Introduction

Dementia is a complex and progressive neurological condition that profoundly impacts memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities. As global populations age, the prevalence of dementia is rising, creating an urgent and growing need for compassionate, skilled, and evidence-based care. Providing effective Dementia Care goes far beyond addressing physical needs; it requires a deep understanding of the disease's varied manifestations, effective communication strategies, person-centered approaches, and the ability to manage challenging behaviors with empathy and respect. Uninformed or inadequate care can lead to distress for both the person living with dementia and their caregivers, potentially accelerating cognitive decline and diminishing quality of life. Many caregivers, whether professional or family members, often feel overwhelmed and unprepared to navigate the complexities of dementia, leading to burnout, frustration, and a diminished capacity to provide truly supportive care. The lack of specialized training can result in care practices that are not aligned with the individual's needs, potentially leading to increased agitation, confusion, and a loss of dignity.

Conversely, specialized dementia care training empowers caregivers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to provide high-quality, person-centered care that enhances the well-being of individuals living with dementia, promotes their independence, and supports their remaining abilities. This course is designed to provide a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical strategies to foster a truly supportive and understanding care environment. Mastering dementia care is not just about managing symptoms; it's about connecting with the individual, respecting their journey, and improving their quality of life. Our intensive 5-day "Dementia Care" training course is meticulously designed to equip healthcare professionals, family caregivers, social workers, community support staff, and anyone involved in the care of individuals living with dementia with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to provide compassionate, effective, and person-centered support.

Duration

5 Days

Target Audience

The "Dementia Care" training course is designed for a broad range of individuals who provide care or support to persons living with dementia, either professionally or personally. This includes:

• Healthcare Professionals: Nurses, nursing assistants, geriatric care specialists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, social workers.
• Family Caregivers: Spouses, adult children, and other relatives providing care at home.
• Home Care Aides and Personal Support Workers: Providing in-home assistance.
• Care Home Staff: Including all levels of care providers in residential and nursing facilities.
• Community Support Workers: Involved in day programs, senior centers, or outreach services.
• Volunteers: Working with individuals with dementia.
• Anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of dementia and how to provide effective support.
• Students in healthcare, social work, or gerontology programs.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the "Dementia Care" training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the different types of dementia, their causes, and progression.
• Recognize the early signs and symptoms of dementia and how it impacts individuals.
• Apply person-centered care principles to enhance the well-being and dignity of persons with dementia.
• Develop effective communication strategies adapted for individuals at various stages of dementia.
• Identify and manage challenging behaviors with empathy and non-pharmacological interventions.
• Create a supportive and stimulating environment that promotes safety and engagement.
• Understand the importance of self-care for caregivers and identify resources for support.
• Develop individualized care plans that respect the unique history, preferences, and abilities of the person living with dementia.

 Course Modules

Module 1: Understanding Dementia: Types, Causes, and Progression

• Defining dementia and differentiating it from normal aging.
• Exploring common types of dementia: Alzheimer's disease, Vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, Frontotemporal dementia.
• Understanding the neuropathology and causes of various dementias.
• Stages of dementia: Early, middle, and late-stage characteristics and impacts.
• Impact of dementia on cognitive functions: Memory, language, judgment, problem-solving.

Module 2: Person-Centered Care Principles

• Philosophy of person-centered care: Focusing on the individual, not just the disease.
• Recognizing and respecting the person's unique life history, values, and preferences.
• Promoting dignity, independence, and self-worth.
• Empowerment: Supporting choices and engaging individuals in decision-making.
• Understanding the importance of empathy, respect, and unconditional positive regard.

Module 3: Effective Communication Strategies

• Challenges in communication for persons living with dementia.
• Verbal communication techniques: Simple language, clear instructions, patience.
• Non-verbal communication: Body language, touch, tone of voice, facial expressions.
• Active listening and validating feelings.
• Adapting communication for different stages of dementia.

Module 4: Managing Challenging Behaviors with Empathy

• Understanding behaviors as a form of communication: Identifying triggers and unmet needs.
• Common challenging behaviors: Agitation, aggression, wandering, repetitive actions, sundowning.
• Non-pharmacological approaches to behavior management: Diversion, reassurance, environmental modifications.
• The "DOs and DON'Ts" of responding to challenging behaviors.
• Developing individualized strategies for specific behaviors.

Module 5: Creating a Supportive Environment

• Environmental design principles for persons with dementia: Safety, familiarity, simplicity.
• Reducing confusion and disorientation: Clear signage, consistent routines.
• Promoting engagement and stimulation: Activities, hobbies, social interaction.
• Managing sensory input: Light, noise, temperature.
• Ensuring safety: Fall prevention, wandering management, home modifications.

Module 6: Activities and Engagement for Well-being

• Importance of meaningful engagement and purposeful activities.
• Tailoring activities to individual abilities, interests, and past experiences.
• Cognitive stimulation activities: Puzzles, games, memory exercises.
• Physical activities: Gentle exercise, walking, stretching.
• Creative and sensory activities: Music, art, aromatherapy.

Module 7: Nutrition, Personal Care, and Daily Routines

• Addressing nutritional challenges: Appetite changes, difficulty swallowing, mealtime environment.
• Strategies for assisting with personal care: Bathing, dressing, grooming with dignity.
• Managing sleep disturbances and promoting healthy sleep patterns.
• Toileting assistance and continence management.
• Establishing consistent and comforting daily routines.

Module 8: Caregiver Well-being and Resources

• Recognizing caregiver stress, burnout, and emotional challenges.
• Strategies for self-care: Stress management, healthy coping mechanisms.
• Navigating legal and financial considerations (e.g., power of attorney, advance directives).
• Identifying and accessing support services: Support groups, respite care, community resources.
• Advocacy for persons with dementia and their caregivers.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com