Aged and health care workers can now access a fully-funded dementia training program, delivered by expert facilitators from Alzheimer’s Australia.
The Commonwealth funded Dementia Training Australia (DTA) consortium, of which Alzheimer’s Australia is a member, is offering Dementia Essentials which will be delivered by Alzheimer’s Australia nationally. The consortium is led by the University of Wollongong, and brings together the expertise of Australia’s leading dementia educators.
Dementia Essentials is a competency based, nationally accredited course. Uniquely tailored for people working with or supporting people with dementia in aged care, health care and community service settings, this training gives participants the knowledge, tools, capacity and confidence to provide the best possible care for people living with dementia.
Alzheimer’s Australia Acting CEO Maree McCabe said this national, collaborative approach is essential for meeting the needs of the growing number of people living with dementia across the country.
“There are currently over 350,000 Australians living with dementia. That number is expected to reach 900,000 by 2050. This rapid increase in prevalence will result in an ever growing demand across the nation for quality dementia-related services,” Ms McCabe said.
“Dementia Essentials participants will benefit from the most up-to-date, evidence-based dementia training, delivered in a coordinated, nationally consistent way. The knowledge and skills acquired will be translated into best practice on the ground, improving care and quality of life outcomes for people living with dementia, their families and carers,” she said.
The three-day course provides attendees with extensive knowledge of dementia, as well as focusing on person-centred practice, communication strategies, developing appropriate activities, and responding to unmet need.
The course can be delivered at any workplace in a format that meets the needs of each individual organisation and its staff. There will also be a number of courses hosted by Alzheimer’s Australia state and territory offices across the country.
Dementia Essentials is the unit of competency CHCAGE005 Provide Support to People Living with Dementia. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment (RTO Code 2512). This completed competency can be credited towards further study in aged care. For further information, visit www.fightdementia.org.au/education/dementia-training-australia
