Program Overview

Overview

Explore and develop person-centred approaches in care when supporting people with dementia, which respects individuality and personal choice. Understand neuropathology in dementia, how it affects a person’s mental, physical and emotional capacity. And learn about the broader ethical and legal issues relating to dementia.

Full Description

If you have a specialist professional interest in caring for older people with dementia, or if you already work in this area, our course will enhance your understanding and skills. You’ll learn a range of care strategies to use in your practice, whether you’re a nurse, social worker, occupational therapist, care assistant or other professional.

Government policy places the needs of people with dementia at the forefront of contemporary care priorities. Therefore, on this course you'll learn person-centred approaches which are underpinned by respect for individuality, personal choice and family support.

You’ll learn how changes in the brain can affect a person with dementia, and how this impacts on the way that person may think, feel and behave. You’ll consider how dementia is assessed and diagnosed.

You’ll explore the broader ethical and legal issues relating to dementia and those who care for them. You’ll consider contemporary research and policy issues, and how they inform best practice and service provision. You’ll develop your understanding of needs-led assessment within person-centred working, and how health and social care professionals work in partnership with the person, their carers, and each other.

Course Content

• Overview of dementia
• Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions
• End-of-life care
• Person-centred care
• Perspectives of the person with dementia and their carers
• Mental capacity: legal and ethical issues
• Collaborative practice
• Communicating with people who have dementia
• Behaviour that challenges
• Dementia strategies and policies
• Care-setting, planning and audits

Assessment

For assessment, you'll submit a 6,000-word written assignment in the form of a case study of a person from your practice area who has been diagnosed with dementia.

Who Should Attend?

To join this course you'll be a nurse, social worker, occupational therapist, care assistant, or other health or social care professional. You'll be working in, or plan to work in, an area of practice which involves contact with people who have a diagnosis of dementia.

Dates

• 26 March 2025 (Induction)
• 14, 21, 28 May
• 4, 11, 18, 25 June
• 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 July

Where You'll Study

Your Faculty

The Faculty of Health, Medicine and Social Care at ARU is primed to meet the demand for healthcare professionals, doctors, scientists and social workers in the East of England.

We've been training undergraduates for professional roles for over 25 years, with a reputation for quality, dedication and ambition balanced with student satisfaction.

We know that our students want the very best experiential learning, and we've invested heavily in purpose-built simulated wards, science labs and skills spaces, to support your learning every step of the way.

Where Can I Study?

• Chelmsford

Our striking, modern campus sits by the riverside in Chelmsford's University and Innovation Quarter.

Fees & Funding

Course Fees

• 30 Credits (Level 6) for courses starting in 2024/25: £2,312.50
• 30 credits (Level 6) for courses starting in 2025/26: £2,312.50

Funding for CPD

Please ask your manager or Education Lead about available funding before you apply.

Entry Requirements

To join this course you'll be a nurse, social worker, occupational therapist, care assistant, or other health or social care professional. You'll be working in, or plan to work in, an area of practice which involves contact with people who have a diagnosis of dementia.