Training - Development - Qualifications

The report by the Health Service Ombudsman (February 2011) shows how the NHS is failing to provide basic care, dignity and respect to older people. The ombudsman, who deals with serious complaints against the NHS, said the patients - all aged over 65 - suffered unnecessary pain, neglect and distress.

The ten  case studies cited make depressing reading – many involve our most vulnerable older people who because of their dementia have been unable to speak up for themselves.

Nine of the ten individuals died during or soon after their treatment and there is no doubt whatever that all ten personal stories are “harrowing”.

In some cases, the NHS failed to ensure the patients had adequate food, drink and basic sanitary care. In others, poor pain control, inadequate discharge arrangements and poor communication caused enormous distress and suffering.

One of the key messages in the National Dementia Strategy (2010) is the need for better education and training for professionals.

The success of the Strategy will depend on service providers working together to make sure they provide properly co-ordinated services to people with dementia and their carers.

We also need to make sure people get good-quality services wherever they live.

All health and social care staff who work with people with dementia will:

• have the right skills to give the best care
• get the right training
• get support to keep learning more about dementia.

QKL is offering a course that will enable you to start putting these requirements in place.

What is the qualification about?

The Level 3 Award in Awareness of Dementia is a City and Guilds qualification that will help to improve health and care services supporting individuals diagnosed with dementia.

Who is this qualification for?

The qualification in ‘Awareness of Dementia’ is aimed at staff working across all service user groups and ages, working in statutory (including NHS), private and voluntary agencies. This also includes healthcare/care assistants, senior home carers, support/key workers, family support workers and team leaders/first line supervisors.

What does the course cover?

The Level 3 Award in Awareness of Dementia covers:

• basic knowledge of dementia care
• person centred planning and understanding equality
• advanced knowledge of dementia care
• communication
• administration of medication

Delivery

Learners are generally expected to be operating in a setting with people diagnosed with dementia. The Level 3 award can be delivered off site and all evidence is assignment based.

QKL will run a series of four one day workshops to deliver the training that learners will need to set a firm foundation of knowledge for the completion of the assignments. This is an intensive course packed with ‘up to date’ information, accessible teaching methods and clear direction to help staff complete the work to a tight timescale.

Selection and Recruitment of Learners.

We can offer:

• Briefing sessions for managers and potential learners on how this qualification can help to raise awareness about Dementia.
• Written information on requirements and how learners can progress through their qualification and ways in which managers can support the process.

Staff who have completed this programme report that they have learnt new strategies to provide high quality care to those with Dementia.

For hospitals and care homes this is the first step to addressing the requirements of the National Dementia Strategy and making sure that none of the case studies that made such depressing reading happen again.

QKL will provide an on site course tailored to your individual requirements. The cost at £350 per learner is good value for money and gives each participant a nationally recognised Dementia Qualification.

Course run throughout the year – please contact us to book your place
Telephone - 0208 520 4300