Certificate Course in Dementia Care

PRELUDE: Dementia, also known as senility, is a broad category of brain diseases that cause a long term and often gradual decrease in the ability to think and remember that is great enough to affect a person's daily functioning. Globally, dementia affects 36 million people, however there is no cure for it. A few drugs are known to improve the patients situation marginally however there can be many measures that can improve their lives. This course is meant for carers, families and people who work with dementia patients.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: The Certificate Course in Dementia has been designed to meet the needs of individuals who work with people who have dementia in a care environment, including a care home or a person’s own home.

The course gives you an introduction to dementia, explain what activities you can do with people suffering from dementia, help you create a better living environment for them and also teaches the theoretical models of dementia care and self care.

SUITABLE FOR: Dementia carers, family of dementia patients, nursing students, support staff of psychologists and others interested in the study of dementia care.

EXAMINATION: Yes

CERTIFICATE: Certificate of Completion

SOUND: No

PROGRAM APPROX. Length: Six Months

RECOMMENDED STUDY TIME: 2-3 Hours per Week

COURSE COVERAGE:

• Define what is dementia
• Know the difference between ‘normal ageing’ and the ‘early signs’ of dementia
• Understand the types and causes of dementia
• Understand the causes of reversible and irreversible dementia
• Know how dementia progresses through its three stages
• Understand how dementia affects persons life and communication
• Know about the psychological and emotional impact of dementia on people
• Understand how dementia is diagnosed
• Know about meaningful activities suitable for a person living with dementia
• Understand the importance of creative activities for a person with dementia, and help them to achieve purpose and pleasure
• Explain to children about the illness and strange behaviour of the person living with dementia
• Know about the ways of dealing with communication problems of your loved one
• Understand the nutritional needs of your loved one with dementia
• Understand the techniques for coping with memory loss
• Understand the importance of managing finances
• Understand how advanced planning for end of life care is important
• Define the person-centred approach
• Know how the person-centred approach helps the care providers in implementing this approach
• Define the social and medical model of dementia care
• Understand why taking care of yourself is important for you as a caregiver
• Know about the ways to fulfil your physical, emotional and social needs
• Understand the advantages of community services
• Know about the ways to reduce personal stress