Level 3 Diploma in Understanding Dementia Care

Dementia is a growing healthcare issue in the UK. Many service users will have dementia and the associated complications associated with it. This can seriously affect the quality of life for the service user and their family and friends. The psychological and physical burden of caring for someone with dementia is huge.

In this course, learners will understand the physiology behind the condition, associated complications and associated treatment and care needs of these service users.

Learning Objectives

In this course, you will

Understand the causes and effects of dementia
• What is dementia?
• Different types of dementia and their causes (Alzheimer’s disease – degenerative changes, vascular dementia – atherosclerosis (links to stroke), Lewy’s body dementia and links to Parkinson’s disease etc.
• Prevalence in population/ potential costs to health and social care sector.
• Signs and symptoms of dementia- reduced reasoning and communication ability, behaviour changes, difficulty in processing information and altered sleep patterns, reduced mobility and signs of anxiety and depression
• Look at symptoms common to all dementias (confusion and forgetfulness, behaviour changes and mood swings, anxiety, loss of control of bowel and bladder, communication issues)
• Discuss particular additional symptoms which may be present in the distinct types of dementia
• Make links between signs and symptoms and brain anatomy/ physiology.
• Effects of dementia.

Examine the investigations associated with the diagnosis of dementia
• Common investigations associated with dementia
• Accuracy of tests.
• Strengths and weaknesses

Understand the treatment and support available for service users with dementia and their families
• Look at the effects of quality of life issues for both service user and carers
• Support available on initial diagnosis, support groups, medical and nursing support, support available for families
• Potential treatment, regimes available, lifestyle issues, medication, diet, exercise and sensory stimulation, aids and assistive technology
• dementia ‘team’, geriatrician, G.P., dementia nurse specialist, occupational therapist, family, charities
• Safeguarding issues with people who have dementia, dignity/ privacy /safety/ ethical issues around autonomy versus safety
• The course of the disease process, milestones
• End of life care
• Bereavement counselling.

Assessment Method

The assessment method of this course is assignment only.

How will you study?

Our learning portal will be available to you study 24/7. You can use your Desktop Computer, Laptop, Mobile or Tablet anytime in a flexible way to study entirely online. After login into your online learning portal, you will study in a structured way – read books/resources online and write your assignments with full study support to complete the whole qualification.

Results and Certificate

Learners will complete only one unit and several topics. At the end of the course, you will achieve credits that can be counted towards a similar level higher credits qualification. You will achieve a Certificate of Achievement to confirm your achievement.

Who is this course for?

This course is for someone who is new to health and social care or wants to study for continuing professional development (CPD) or progress to the higher-level course in the same subject area.

Requirements

No entry requirements; anyone can join.

Career Paths

The programme’s rationale is to provide a career path for learners who wish to develop their care capabilities within the health and social care sector. The primary employment areas are healthcare worker, worker to provide counselling services, social worker, health care assistant, charity, health administrator etc. You will also progress to Level 3 or Level 4 qualification.