Free dementia training for aged care workers is now more accessible, with the recent release of a new government-funded module.
Dementia Training Australia’s Changed Behaviour Toolkit contains a new module for aged care workers to develop their understanding of meaningful engagement for people with dementia.
The Queensland University of Technology developed this toolkit to help aged care workers understand the possible changes in the behaviour of older people with dementia and how to improve their quality of life.
For example, engaging meaningfully and talking to someone with dementia may include:
The modules were created as ‘in-house education resources about changed behaviour that were brief, bite-sized, training sessions combined with practical approaches for real-life situations and topics that address industry priorities.’
The modules are expected to be delivered in small group settings, incorporating animations, role-play videos and interactive activities within each 15 – 20 minute lesson, with the understanding that finding time in between caring for residents can be challenging.
Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells explained why the Australian Government allocated funding to further the education of aged care workers about dementia care.
“By equipping professionals with essential skills and knowledge, we are enhancing the care provided to people living with dementia so they feel understood and well cared for,” she said.
“With more than 400,000 people living with dementia in Australia — a number expected to double by 2058 — education programs like this are crucial for the health and well-being of our community.”
Executive Director of Dementia Training Australia Isabelle Meyer said the government-funded training modules can help improve understanding of dementia while making the information more accessible to health professionals.
“Managing changes in behaviour for someone living with dementia can be very challenging, especially as changes in behaviour usually occur when there is an unmet need. Our training focuses on identifying those unmet needs and responding positively,” she said.
“The aged care workforce is diverse in learning preferences and time constraints. By offering multiple training formats and approaches, we’re ensuring that essential knowledge about dementia care is accessible to everyone, regardless of their preferred learning style or workplace demands.”
To access the dementia training modules, chat with a supervisor at your workplace. Access to the facilitated resource is granted to employees who are qualified to lead a small group in learning about changed behaviour related to dementia.
However, if scheduling constraints make it challenging for you to engage with the modules, many other resources are available.
A free app called The Dementia-friendly Home, available from the App Store and Google Play, provides real-world examples of the impact of dementia on a person’s general safety.
In this app, users can improve their knowledge of possible hazards in community buildings and households and why safety devices such as motion sensors should be used. This information can benefit aged care workers assisting older Australians in independent living as well as in aged care homes.
Additionally, the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre has created a free seven-week online course in collaboration with the University of Tasmania on a range of topics including the brain, the person and the disease.
The next round commences in February 2025 and enrollments can be made on the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre website.
Yes. Not much but good. Also, needs funding for general education on how to relate to we the demented – eg what not to say that upsets us.