4-12 Weeks
The Dementia Award is part of a nationally recognised career pathway and can be used towards a Certificate in Dementia or a Diploma in Dementia. It provides foundation training in core skills required to work progressively with individuals who have dementia. This qualification will automatically progress to a Diploma in Health and Social Care (dementia pathway) or an Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care (dementia pathway) where appropriate and therefore provides excellent opportunities for career progression. Individuals will also have the opportunity to progress to other pathways in the health and social care field.
Who is this course suitable for?
This course is suitable for anyone with an interest in dementia. As an award it is knowledge based and does not require direct observation in the work place. This means that it is suitable for people in a range of roles including people working at GP practices, individuals working at advice centres as well as hands on direct roles such as home care staff, or staff working in hospitals or residential settings.
Why should I choose the level 3, and not the level 2 Award?
The level 2 and 3 award are very similar in content but the level three covers more dept and includes a specific unit on the administration of medication with people who have dementia. The level 3 award also assumes that the candidate is able to define what person centred care is, as this unit is lacking from the level three award as a standalone unit, although is embedded within the qualification. For example part of the administration of medication unit focuses on how medication can be administered in a person centred way.
In addition the award is fast becoming the gold standard, recognised nationally and supported by Care Quality Commission. This qualification is essential for organisations wishing to achieve a dementia accreditation or to update skills to reflect current practices.
Key Skills Demonstrated Immediately Following Training
Faster identification of associated conditions causing symptom challenges – such as depression, problems with the environment or delirium – leading to prompt treatment and enhanced quality of life
Better use of memory prompts – recognise the dynamic nature of memory and its relationship with self identify, self esteem and communication – leading to enhanced communication and well being
Improved symptoms recordings – leading to early identification of dementia and timely treatment
Better use of care plans / support plans – better use of life stories to enhance relationship building and drive person centred approaches leading to better outcomes for the individual and consistent practice within the organisation
Better pain management – better recognition and timely treatment of pain – leading to better quality of life
Better dialogue with health professionals – able to understand the range of treatment available – ability to challenge inappropriate use of medication.
More targeted intervention – by understanding how to apply social model of care – by increasing the quality of the intervention with the person with dementia, by using limited time to good effect – a more targeted intervention which build self esteem and improves longevity
Better connection with the individuals with dementia – by using a range of communication techniques to really connect with people- by understanding how to observe behaviours – leading to less challenging behaviour
Delivery Model
This award can be delivered flexibly to suit your working practices. These include face to face delivery, workbooks, assessor meetings and E portfolio. Each candidate will have a dedicated assessor to support them through the qualification. The following open taught sessions are available to support this qualification.
Dementia Awareness – This includes the types of dementia, how symptoms present, stigma and associated consequences, differential diagnosis and the importance of early diagnosis.
Administration of Medication in Dementia Care – This includes the range of medication available to manage symptoms including anti-dementia drugs, the known side effects and how to identify and manage pain better.
Communication Skills – This includes how communication impacts on the person with dementia and considers the range of other barriers. It also includes common communication strategies used in the care of people with dementia such as ‘reality orientation and validation’.
Equality and Diversity – This includes how to understand the uniqueness of the individual and provides specific frameworks for understanding this. The course also covers the needs of different groups or people with dementia, younger people, older people and individuals who have a learning disability.
What does the qualification include?
The award consists of the following units:
DEM 301 – Understand the process and experience of dementia
DEM 305 – Understand the administration of medication to individuals with dementia using a person centred approach
DEM 308 – Understand the role of communication and interactions with individuals who have dementia
DEM 310 – Understand the diversity of individuals with dementia and the importance of inclusion
Follow Us
Share Us
