AUSTRALIA | Dementia has been the focus of the Federal Government's new training resource, aimed to support carers who work with dementia patients.
The Australian Government is continuing 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.
“This free training resource, fully funded by the Albanese Government, gives health and aged care workers a chance to better understand how meaningful engagement can help people living with dementia,” said Aged Care Minister Anika Wells.
Wells said that by equipping professionals with essential skills and knowledge, the Government was committed to enhancing the care provided to people living with dementia, so they feel understood and well cared for.
“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.”
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