Description

“Mixing humour and harsh reality is a very human behaviour, it’s the way people stay sane in their daily lives.” Jorge Garcia

Dementia is defined as a “clinical syndrome” that can result from many diseases, including Alzheimer’s. It is generally defined as impairment in at least two domains of cognitive function. The majority of people suffering from dementia undergo behavioral changes during the course of the disease. They may become anxious or repeat the same question or activity over and over. The unpredictability of these changes can be stressful for caregivers. As the disease progresses, the person’s behavior may seem immature, precipitate or inappropriate.

Learning about behavioral changes and understanding their causes can certainly help caregivers to effectively deal with the way how persons with dementia respond to a particular situation or stimulus.

This course is designed for Personal Support Workers and Caregivers that provide care for persons with dementia. The practical approach of the training and role-playing exercises included in the lessons, provide caregivers with the tools and knowledge needed to respond effectively to changes in communication and responsive behaviours of the patients. On completion of the course, participants will understand possible causes of responsive behaviours and will be able to improve their interactions with clients, as well as, advance their work skills in caring for people with dementia. Furthermore, students will be exposed to strategies to problem-solve responsive behaviours and will learn communication methods to properly address responsive behaviours.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, participants will have a sound understanding about:

• Definition of dementia – Different types of dementia
• The course of dementia – How dementia progresses and the areas of the brain that are affected
• The impact of dementia in the communication process
• Observation skills necessary to better understand persons living with dementia
• Common reasons why responsive behavours may occur and best strategies to address these behaviour
• Methods for effective communication with persons living with dementia and alternative ways to offer assistance and support that improves quality of life
• The need to simplify the way we communicate with persons with dementia
• The importance of speaking slowly, calmly and quietly to allow a person with dementia time to process what you are saying
• Non-verbal communication and recognition of non-verbal signs
• How to implement suitable interventions to assist people suffering dementia

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, participants should be able to:

• Detect signs of dementia and recognize the progression of the condition in the persons being assisted
• Develop skills to anticipate, acknowledge and successfully address responsive behaviours
• Improve the communication methods to successfully interact with persons suffering dementia
• Recognize the importance of speaking slowly, calmly and quietly to allow a person with dementia sufficient time to process a message
• Use non-verbal communication effectively
• Recognize non-verbal signs of emotion (facial expression, body language, tone of voice) to help a person with dementia interpreting what is being said
• Cope with patient’s mood changes and responsive behaviours
• Develop individualized action plans for efficient management of responsive behaviours
• Keep a patient’s routine and environment consistent and simple
• Prevent or defuse aggression; and, use the 5 “R” strategy to handle catastrophic reactions

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Anyone who works or wants to work providing care for people with dementia and individuals who want to learn more about responsive behaviours, including:

Personal Support Workers (PSW)
Caregivers
Family Caregivers
Health Care Professionals
Health Care Team Leaders
Health Care Team Supervisors
Home Health Care Workers
Home Support Workers
Live-In Caregivers
Palliative Care Staff Members
Personal Care Providers
Visiting Homemakers