Aspiring Dementia Lead courses prove to be inspirational for participants

The Aspiring Dementia Lead Programmes delivered by Revolutions Training and supported by the West Sussex Care Training Consortium ran in January and May this year. The programmes gave 20 social care workers the opportunity to not only develop their knowledge and skills in dementia care but to achieve the new Level 3 Certificate in Dementia Care.

One of the aims of the programme was to equip participants to lead dementia care in their organisations and through this to improve the quality of care and support being given to people with dementia.

The course consisted of six workshops delivered over an intensive six week period. The workshop programme represented a demanding commitment from both the employer and employee. However, evaluation of the programme outcomes demonstrated just how effective this model was in consolidating learning and motivating individuals.  As a result all participants achieved their Level 3 Certificate in Dementia Care within 12 weeks.

The programme was designed to enable participants to take a holistic view of support and included sessions on person centred approaches to assessment, care planning, nutrition and medication.

Workplace assessment enabled participants to demonstrate their practical competence and how they had transferred and applied their learning into practice. Knowledge and understanding was demonstrated through the completion of tailored workbooks and assignments as well as through verbally answering questions and professional discussions. 1:1 support enabled participants to receive qualitative feedback all of which contributed to a dynamic and motivating experience.

The final workshop included participants sharing good practice and examples of how they were using their learning to influence changes in their workplace to improve dementia care and support. These included developing teaching resources to share at team meetings with other workers; reviewing policies and activities programmes to ensure they were more person centred; developing information sheets for clients, carers and families and running themed activities which involved individuals, families and carers.

Benefits from attending the course

"The qualification is a benefit when advertising the dementia care service."

 "The learning gained from the course will be shared with other staff in order to develop the service for our clients."

 "All new and current staff to be given the leaflet developed during the course, outlining our approach to supporting someone with dementia."

 "Staff have gained a better understanding of the nature of dementia and how to make the most of every opportunity - to see the positives not just the negatives."

Visit Level 3 Certificate in Dementia Care to find out more or contact Revolutions on 01903 263308 or email info@revolutions-training.co.uk