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 first module of 4 main topics covered in
The Dementia Practice Improvement (DPI) Series which includes the following titles:
- What is dementia? - 3 parts
- How person-centred is your practice? - 5 parts
- Communicating in a person-centred way - 3 parts
- A problem solving approach to behaviours - 3 parts
We recommend you complete the modules in the order
listed in the table above.
This first module, What is dementia? has been developed to
provide you with an introduction to dementia, explains diagnosis and treatment
options and support considerations for both the person with dementia and those
who support them.
Learn about the definition and prevalence of dementia, be able
to recognise signs and symptoms to aid diagnosis, consider associated risks and
explores ideas for support strategies for both the person with dementia and
those who support them.
Learning Objectives
The complete module is designed to increase your understanding of:
- Dementia and its prevalence in Australia
- Early signs of dementia and its impact on function
- Documentation and reporting observations
- Common types of dementia
- Screening and tests used in diagnosis
- Pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to support
- Effective communication and support strategies
- Identifying and reporting associated risks
- Support services
Business Outcome
Increase staff fundamental knowledge of dementia, building confidence and enhancing support skills for working with people living with dementia.
