Dementia Care Short Course
The major aspects of the disease, Dementia, including the biological causes of the disease, the signs and symptoms, disease progression, relative mediation, palliative care and recognised therapies, including pharmaceutical drug therapy in primary and secondary care will be explored.
There is a specialist unit, Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease which will provide students with an opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of the most common form of Dementia.
There will also be a study of a wide range of factors which influence service provision and legislation, including diagnosis and treatment, social inclusion, discrimination and care standards. The services and agencies discussed will be UK-based.
This course is thoughtfully structured into ten manageable units, each exploring key aspects of the field.
Dementia Care Short Course Diploma Entry Requirements:
All students must be 16 years of age and above to enter into our Dementia Care Short Course Diploma (Level 3).
Short Course Diploma courses require a minimum prior learning to GCSE standard in order that students can manage their studies and the assumed knowledge within course content.
Study Hours
200 hours in total. Or 20 hours per week over 10 weeks.
Assessment
Written assessment at the end of each unit of study.
Enrolment
Please note that you can enrol on this course at any time.
Progression
This Dementia Care Short Course Diploma can be used to gain entry to a Level 4 Diploma or higher.
Unit 1: Anatomy and Physiology
Uncover the biological causes of dementia in this unit, delving into the anatomy of the brain, central nervous system (CNS), and peripheral nervous system (PNS). Gain insights into disease progression, symptoms, and the impact on communication. Explore common types like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease to enhance your understanding of dementia.
Unit 2: Understanding Dementia
Explore the diverse forms of dementia, its history, signs, and symptoms, including the 3 stages and early onset. Delve into ethical considerations, family inclusion, and support. Understand the impact on coordination, emotions, personality, and memory. Discuss the future of dementia care, emphasising patient-centric care plans.
Unit 3: Specialist unit: Understanding Alzheimer’s
Explore the misconception around Alzheimer’s as a natural part of ageing and understand its rise linked to increased life expectancy, healthcare, and awareness. Delve into the impact of genetics, environmental factors, alcohol, and smoking. Gain a detailed understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, its symptoms, and caregiving approaches. Discover available medications and non-medicinal interventions to alleviate symptoms and manage certain forms of dementia.
Unit 4: The role of a care worker
Explore the diverse network of services for dementia patients, from doctors to family caregivers. Uncover the challenges of informal care during the early stages, addressing financial, asset, and support concerns. Delve into the responsibilities of care providers, including primary and secondary care roles, person specifications, training, and understanding of dementia. Examine professionalism, codes of practice, care planning, and principles guiding dementia care.
Unit 5: Good Practice
Although good practice should be standard, instances of care failures and the difficulty in recognising patient abuse have occurred. Real case studies are incorporated to facilitate training in discerning between good and poor practices. Preserving independence and quality of life, particularly in care home settings, is emphasised. The module covers the person-centred care approach and the formulation of effective care plans. Current protocols and guidelines aimed at preventing malpractice and abuse are examined, alongside a discussion of pertinent legislation and the role of voluntary organisations in advocating good practice.
Unit 6: Interpretation and Communication
As dementia progresses and cognitive and physical functioning decline, effective communication becomes crucial. New forms of communication must be explored, requiring patience and understanding of the evolving ‘languages.’ Challenges such as frustration, personality changes, aggression, and mental health problems like depression may arise. Techniques for verbal and alternative communication, such as picture books, will be practiced through real scenarios. The module addresses withdrawal and non-communication by teaching new skills, including repetition, interpretation of body language, and focusing on visual cues, particularly for individuals with conditions like Dysphasia (loss of speech).
Unit 7: Practical Help
Memory loss can lead to an inability to perform self-care tasks. Dementia patients often require physical assistance with activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. Care needs extend to personal hygiene, grooming, toilet assistance, nutritional support, exercise, and addressing sleep disturbances. The module emphasises maintaining dignity, empowering patients, and respecting individual rights. Activities prompt learners to reflect on potential challenges, such as inadequate equipment, staffing shortages in residential settings, and reductionist approaches in secondary care.
Unit 8: Managing challenging behaviour
The issue of abuse in people with Dementia, as well as challenges faced by caregivers, is addressed. The module delves into managing challenging behaviours such as aggression, wandering, accusations, repetition, shouting, and depression commonly observed in Dementia patients. Effective techniques, including distraction, reassurance, repetition, and knowing when to disengage, are explored. Risk assessment and management for both patients and caregivers involve ongoing care planning and reassessment. The importance of providing support, and care, and preventing abuse for both parties is emphasised.
Unit 9: Palliative care
Dignity in death is vital, especially for those with progressive conditions like Dementia. As functionality declines, susceptibility to serious illnesses increases. Addressing care for patients and considering the impact on spouses, family, and friends is crucial. Anticipatory grief is briefly explored through case studies. The module provides basic knowledge of palliative care for Dementia sufferers, covering death at home and Hospice care. Guidelines and protocols for managing death in a care context, ensuring dignity in palliative care, and addressing the grieving process and its impact on the family are discussed.
Unit 10: Medication & Treatment
Dementia results from the death of brain and nerve cells. While medication and therapies can initially manage it, individual responses vary, requiring a personalised approach. This unit delves into the pharmacology of dementia treatment, addressing non-compliance issues. It explores potential medical procedures, common complications, costs, and future treatments. The unit concludes with a brief summary of the Dementia Care course.
Requirements
- All students must be 16 years of age and above to enter into our Dementia Care Short Course Diploma (Level 3). Short Course Diploma courses require a minimum prior learning to GCSE standard in order that students can manage their studies and the assumed knowledge within course content.