AUSTRALIA | Dementia has become a strong focus of the Federal Government, which has introduced a new training resource to support dementia carers.
The Australian Government has continued its investment in tackling dementia, unveiling a new training resource to boost care workers’ ability to support people living with dementia.
The Meaningful Engagement module—part of Dementia Training Australia’s Changed Behaviour Toolkit—will equip workers with the skills to have more productive, understanding and fulfilling interactions with people living with dementia.
This ensures older Australians will feel heard, understood and well cared for.
The Toolkit now includes seven modules that cover understanding aggression and agitation, communicating with people with dementia, responding safely to a critical situation, pain and changed behaviour.
The toolkit focuses on best practice approaches, with an emphasis on the person behind the behaviour, as well as specific changed behaviour and psychological symptoms.
It is designed to be easy-to-use in busy care settings, with short, engaging lessons that can be delivered in 15–20 minute sessions.
The lessons include animations, role-play videos, and interactive activities, and can be used in any order.
The free toolkit, provided by Dementia Training Australia on behalf of the Australian Government, is part of the Changed Behaviour Hub.
This comprehensive learning and training portal transforms how healthcare workers support and engage with people living with dementia.
Aged Care Minister Anika Wells said this free training resource, fully funded by the Albanese Government, will give health and aged care workers a chance to better understand how meaningful engagement can help people living with dementia.
“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,” said Minister Wells.
“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 wellbeing of our community."
Isabelle Meyer, Executive Director of Dementia Training Australia said that managing changed 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,” said Meyer.
"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."
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