Communicating in a person-centred way

Dementia Australia - Our organisation 

Dementia Australia represents the 447,115 Australians living with dementia and the almost 1.5 million Australians involved in their care.

We advocate for the needs of people living with all types of dementia, and for their families and carers, and provide support services, education and information.  We advocate on the basis of evidence-based policy and provide research grants to emerging researchers through the Dementia Australia Research Foundation.

Dementia Australia is a member of Alzheimer's Disease International, the umbrella organisation of Dementia and Alzheimer's Associations around the world.

Dementia Australia’s Centre for Dementia Learning builds on 30 years of experience as a leading provider of dementia education. Informed by current research and contemporary practice, our comprehensive suite of education programs incorporate both accredited and non-accredited courses delivered face-to-face across Australia, as well as online.

Course Overview 

This is the third module of 4 main topics covered in
The Dementia Practice Improvement (DPI) Series which includes the following titles:

1. What is dementia? - 3 parts
2. How person-centred is your practice? - 5 parts
3. Communicating in a person-centred way - 3 parts
4. A problem solving approach to behaviours - 3 parts

We recommend you complete the modules in the order
listed in the table above.

Within this third module we explore communication for people living with dementia and the influence of the people within the support relationship to support and enhance communication. 

Learn about the importance of effective communication and the
impact of deteriorating communication. It explores recognition of potential barriers as well as useful person-centred support strategies to overcome the barriers. 

Learning Objectives 

This module is designed to increase your understanding of: 

• the importance of communication within the support relationship 

• the barriers to positive communication 

• the impact of dementia on the person’s ability to communicate 

• supporting person-centred communication through support relationships 

• individualised strategies for communication 

Business Outcome

Increase staff knowledge, confidence and skills in connecting with people living with dementia to improve the quality of life for those to whom they provide support.