Program Overview
The Diploma of Dementia Care from the University of Tasmania equips individuals with specialized knowledge and skills to enhance the care and support of people living with dementia. Delivered fully online, the program covers contemporary models of dementia care, the nervous system's role in dementia, evidence-based approaches, and collaborative person-centered strategies. Graduates are prepared for careers in aged care and health sectors, working with individuals with dementia and their families.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Diploma of Dementia Care is offered by the University of Tasmania, Australia, and is delivered by the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre. The program provides specialized knowledge and skills to individuals working or interacting with people living with dementia. It aims to enhance the quality of care and support provided to individuals with dementia and their families.
Objectives:
- Understand contemporary models of dementia care
- Describe the structure, function, and dysfunction of the nervous system in major dementia-causing diseases
- Identify evidence-based approaches to optimize the health and social care of people living with dementia
- Develop collaborative, person-centered approaches to issues involving diverse groups of people living with dementia, their families, carers, health and social care teams, and the broader community
Outline:
Core Units:
- Neurospeak Online: Explores the nervous system, its organization, and changes in the presence of dementia.
- Introduction to Ageing, the Brain and Dementia: Examines physical and cognitive changes during aging and age-related pathological changes leading to dementia.
- Principles of Supportive Care for People With Dementia: Provides an overview of the journey through dementia from the perspectives of people with dementia and their caregivers.
- Health Services for an Ageing Population: Investigates demographic trends, social and cultural determinants of health, and the needs of older people in society.
- Introduction to Therapeutic Approaches for Dementia: Introduces risk factors for dementia and contemporary dementia therapies.
- Effective Communication for Dementia Care: Emphasizes effective and positive communication with people with cognitive impairment and their support systems.
Core Choice Unit (Choose one):
- Foundations of University Study in Dementia Care: Develops academic study skills and self-motivation for tertiary study.
- The Global Challenge of Understanding Dementia: Explores the global prevalence of dementia and innovative solutions to improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers.
Assessment:
The program utilizes authentic, varied assessments that do not include exams, face-to-face, or workplace assessment components. Instead, learning and assessment are supported by real-life case study examples.
Teaching:
The program is delivered fully online with flexible study options. Learning is supported by dedicated Student Advisors who provide guidance throughout the course. The program is taught by multidisciplinary lecturers who are active in dementia research, ensuring that students have access to the latest data and evidence-based practices.
Careers:
Graduates of the Diploma of Dementia Care are prepared for a range of career paths in the aged care and health sectors. They can work as dementia care workers, health professionals, or in other roles where they interact with people living with dementia. The program also provides a pathway to further studies, such as the Bachelor of Dementia Care at the University of Tasmania.