Dementia care is an increasingly important field, as the global population ages and the prevalence of dementia-related conditions continues to rise. Those working in healthcare, social care, and related fields must be equipped with the appropriate skills and knowledge to provide effective care for individuals living with dementia. The OSHAA 30-Hours Diploma in Dementia Care offers a comprehensive and specialised training program designed to provide professionals with the tools to support those affected by dementia in the most compassionate and effective manner.
With over 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK alone, the need for specialised care continues to grow. Dementia not only affects individuals, but it also has a profound impact on families, carers, and healthcare systems. Understanding how to offer appropriate support, manage symptoms, and provide a caring and supportive environment is essential for improving the lives of those affected by dementia.
The OSHAA 30-Hours Diploma in Dementia Care covers key topics essential for understanding dementia and improving the care provided to those living with the condition. The course provides participants with the knowledge, strategies, and best practices needed to effectively support individuals with dementia, including how to communicate with them, manage symptoms, and create an environment that enhances their well-being.
The OSHAA 30-Hours Diploma in Dementia Care offers a specialized approach to understanding and managing dementia. With the growing demand for skilled dementia care professionals, this course provides the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with dementia.
OSHAA 30-Hours Diploma in Dementia Care
Study Units
Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Dementia and Its Types (2 hours)
- Understand the basic concept of dementia and its impact on individuals.
- Identify the various types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia.
- Recognise the key differences between the types of dementia and their unique symptoms.
- Gain an overview of how dementia affects the brain and cognitive functions.
Understanding the Symptoms and Stages of Dementia (4 hours)
- Learn to recognise early signs and symptoms of dementia.
- Understand how dementia progresses through various stages and its impact on cognition and behaviour.
- Identify the specific symptoms that occur at each stage of dementia.
- Gain insight into how the progression of dementia affects daily life and individual functioning.
Person-Centred Care Approaches (4 hours)
- Understand the principles of person-centred care in dementia.
- Learn how to develop care plans that respect the individual’s preferences, values, and needs.
- Gain the ability to create an environment that fosters dignity, independence, and respect for those with dementia.
- Understand the importance of holistic care approaches that consider physical, emotional, and social needs.
Communication Techniques for Dementia Care (4 hours)
- Learn effective verbal and non-verbal communication techniques for individuals with dementia.
- Understand how to adapt communication strategies to support individuals at different stages of dementia.
- Develop the skills to manage difficult communication situations and reduce confusion.
- Gain insight into the role of empathy and patience in improving communication with those affected by dementia.
Managing Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (4 hours)
- Identify common behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) such as aggression, anxiety, and depression.
- Learn strategies for managing these symptoms in a compassionate and non-intrusive way.
- Understand how to create personalised care plans that address these behavioural and psychological challenges.
- Gain the skills to use de-escalation techniques and prevent unnecessary distress for individuals with dementia.
Daily Care and Support for Individuals with Dementia (4 hours)
- Learn how to assist with daily activities, such as eating, dressing, and mobility, for individuals with dementia.
- Develop an understanding of how to maintain and promote independence where possible.
- Gain knowledge of best practices for supporting individuals with dementia during personal care routines.
- Understand the importance of routine and structure in enhancing the wellbeing of individuals with dementia.
Creating a Safe and Stimulating Environment (5 hours)
- Learn how to assess and modify environments to ensure safety for individuals with dementia.
- Understand how to minimise risks and reduce confusion in the living space.
- Gain insight into creating a stimulating environment that promotes cognitive function and engagement.
- Learn how to incorporate sensory stimulation, visual cues, and memory aids into the care setting to enhance wellbeing.
Legal and Ethical Considerations in Dementia Care (3 hours)
- Understand the key legal and ethical issues related to dementia care, including issues of consent, capacity, and autonomy.
- Learn about the rights of individuals with dementia and how to ensure these rights are respected in care settings.
- Gain knowledge of the role of advanced care planning, including power of attorney and end-of-life care.
- Understand the ethical dilemmas that can arise in dementia care and how to navigate them professionally.
- Comprehensive Understanding: Gain a thorough understanding of dementia, its types, symptoms, and progression, allowing you to provide more effective care and support to individuals living with dementia.
- Person-Centred Care Skills: Learn the principles of person-centred care, which ensures that individuals with dementia are treated with respect, dignity, and in a manner that reflects their unique needs and preferences.
- Enhanced Communication Techniques: Acquire effective communication strategies tailored to the specific needs of individuals with dementia, improving interactions and reducing potential frustration for both caregivers and patients.
- Behavioural Management Expertise: Learn how to manage the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), including techniques to handle aggression, anxiety, and depression, enhancing patient care and reducing caregiver stress.
- Practical Daily Care Techniques: Develop skills in providing daily support with personal care tasks, such as eating, dressing, and mobility, while encouraging as much independence as possible for the individual with dementia.
- Safe and Stimulating Environments: Learn how to create safe and stimulating environments that promote cognitive function, reduce confusion, and improve the quality of life for individuals with dementia.
- Legal and Ethical Knowledge: Understand the legal and ethical considerations surrounding dementia care, ensuring that you act within the law and uphold the rights and autonomy of individuals with dementia.
- Career Advancement: Equip yourself with specialised knowledge and practical skills in dementia care, opening up opportunities for career advancement in healthcare, social care, and residential care settings.
- Improved Caregiving Confidence: Gain the confidence to effectively provide care and support to individuals with dementia, improving both your professional abilities and the quality of care you provide.
- Increased Employability: The diploma is recognised by employers as a mark of expertise in dementia care, increasing your employability and making you a valuable asset in various healthcare and social care roles.
The OSHAA 30-Hours Diploma in Dementia Care is designed for individuals who are working with or are interested in providing care and support for individuals living with dementia. This course is ideal for:
- Healthcare professionals such as nurses, care assistants, and therapists, who want to specialise in dementia care and enhance their skills in managing and supporting individuals with dementia.
- Carers and support workers in residential care homes, nursing homes, hospitals, and community settings, who provide direct care to individuals with dementia.
- Social workers who want to improve their knowledge of dementia care practices and learn how to support individuals and families affected by dementia.
- Occupational therapists who work with individuals with dementia and wish to deepen their understanding of care strategies and approaches.
- Family caregivers who provide care for a loved one with dementia and want to gain a better understanding of the condition and how to provide effective, compassionate care.
- Aspiring dementia care professionals looking to start a career in dementia care and gain the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for success.
- Managers and supervisors in care facilities who want to ensure their staff are trained to provide the highest quality dementia care.
- Healthcare educators who want to update their knowledge and improve their teaching strategies in the field of dementia care.
Whether you are currently working in a healthcare or social care role or are looking to enter the field, this course provides the knowledge and skills to enhance your expertise and improve the quality of care for individuals living with dementia.
