Unit 6: Supporting Dementia Care

Unit 6: Supporting Dementia Care

The term ‘dementia’ describes the different brain disorders that trigger a loss or deterioration of brain function. These changes are often small to start with, but often they become so severe they affect daily life. A person with dementia may also experience changes in their mood or behaviour. These conditions are all usually progressive and eventually severe. The World Health Organisation (WHO) suggest the number of people living with dementia worldwide is estimated at 35.6 million. This number is anticipated to double by 2030 and more than triple by 2050. The WHO and Alzheimer`s Disease International highlight dementia as a global public health priority. Their joint report on dementia makes it clear that dementia presents a significant challenge to society in terms of the provision of appropriate care services and support. To address this, it is vital to ensure that the health and social care workforce of tomorrow is knowledgeable, competent and able to provide the specialist care and support needed for individuals experiencing dementia, their families and loved ones. This unit introduces students to the specialist area of dementia care and the demands which can be faced when managing a person-centred service. The aim of this unit is to explore theories relating to the causes, signs and symptoms, therapies and treatments associated with dementia. The unit will enable students to identify strategies that will facilitate a person-centred ethos in the delivery of effective care services that address the needs of people living with dementia. The unit will also enable students to be aware of the challenges faced when delivering services which are ensure the rights and choices of people with dementia are upheld. On completion of this unit, students will have developed the knowledge and skills to be involved in the delivery of services which meet the wide and varied needs of individuals with dementia.

Learning Outcomes By the end of this unit students will be able to:

1 Describe the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of dementia

2 Explain factors that can impact on interactions and communication with individuals with dementia

3 Contribute to the provision of dementia care services which are underpinned by a person-centred approach

4 Reflect on the challenges involved in implementing services which maximise the rights and choices of individuals with dementia.