Meaningful activity plays a vital role in supporting people living with dementia. Well-planned activities can enhance quality of life, reduce distress, and promote emotional, physical, and psychological wellbeing. For health and social care professionals, understanding how to plan and deliver activities that are engaging, inclusive, and person-centred is essential.
This free dementia activities course provides practical guidance on designing and delivering meaningful activities for people with dementia. You’ll explore how dementia affects individuals, why activities matter, and how to adapt approaches to meet changing needs and abilities.
Why Take This eLearning Course?
People living with dementia benefit most from activities that are meaningful, familiar, and tailored to who they are as individuals. Without the right knowledge and skills, activities can become ineffective or even increase distress.
This free course will help you to:
- Understand dementia: Learn about common types, symptoms, and stages of dementia in a UK context.
- Promote wellbeing: Discover how meaningful activities support emotional, cognitive, and physical health.
- Plan person-centred activities: Tailor activities to individual interests, life history, and abilities.
- Improve communication: Use effective verbal and non-verbal techniques to encourage engagement.
- Support physical health safely: Understand suitable physical activities and key safety considerations.
- Respond to distress: Learn how to recognise and respond to distressed behaviours during activities.
- Apply learning in practice: Focus on realistic, everyday activity planning in care settings.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Describe dementia, its common types, and its impact on individuals in the UK.
- Recognise the importance of meaningful activities for people living with dementia.
- Plan and adapt activities using a person-centred approach.
- Use effective communication strategies to support engagement and participation.
- Identify suitable physical activities and their benefits for cognitive and physical health.
- Support individuals safely during activities.
- Respond appropriately to distressed behaviours using de-escalation techniques.
Dementia Activities Training Course Outline
Module 1: Introduction to Dementia
Learners will develop a clear understanding of dementia and its most common types. This module explores the prevalence of dementia in the UK and its wide-ranging impact on individuals, families, and care services. Learners will also examine the common symptoms and stages of dementia, helping them understand how needs change over time.
Module 2: The Importance of Meaningful Activities
This module focuses on what is meant by meaningful activities and why they are central to good dementia care. Learners will explore how activities support emotional, psychological, and physical wellbeing, as well as identity and sense of purpose. Practical examples of suitable activities for people living with dementia are included.
Module 3: Person-Centred Care in Activity Planning
Learners will explore person-centred care and how it underpins effective activity planning. This module explains how to design activities based on individual life history, interests, abilities, and cultural background. Learners will also examine ways to adapt activities to suit different stages of dementia and varying levels of ability. A knowledge check reinforces learning.
Module 4: Communication Skills for Activity Engagement
This module develops learners’ communication skills when engaging people with dementia in activities. Learners will explore verbal and non-verbal communication techniques, including tone, body language, and reassurance. The module also explains practical ways to encourage participation, build confidence, and support positive engagement.
Module 5: Physical Activity and Engagement
Learners will explore physical activities that are appropriate and beneficial for people with dementia. This module explains the benefits of physical activity for cognitive function, mobility, and overall wellbeing. Learners will also examine important safety considerations to ensure activities are supportive, inclusive, and risk-aware.
Module 6: Responding to Distressed Behaviours
The final module focuses on understanding and responding to distressed behaviours that may arise during activities. Learners will explore common triggers for distress, such as confusion, fatigue, or environmental factors. The module provides guidance on appropriate responses, including reassurance and de-escalation techniques, to help individuals feel safe, valued, and supported.
Target Audience
This course is suitable for:
- Care assistants and support workers working with people living with dementia.
- Activity coordinators in residential or community settings.
- Health and social care professionals supporting older adults.
- Team leaders and managers responsible for quality of care and engagement.
- Learners preparing for roles in dementia care.
No prior specialist training is required. The course is designed to be accessible and practical for both new and experienced staff.
FAQ
What does the course cover?
The course covers dementia awareness, activity planning, communication skills, physical activity, and responding to distress during activities.
Is this course practical?
Yes. The course focuses on real-life examples and strategies you can apply immediately in care settings.
How long will it take to complete?
The course is self-paced and typically takes 1 hour to complete.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. A certificate is provided on successful completion.
Is this course relevant to UK dementia care?
Yes. The content is aligned with UK health and social care practice and dementia care principles.
Is this course CPD accredited?
Courses are not currently CPD accredited, but accreditation is planned.
Meaningful activity can transform the experience of living with dementia. With the right skills and understanding, you can support engagement, reduce distress, and improve quality of life for the people you care for.
Join this course today and build your confidence in delivering meaningful activities for people living with dementia.
Dementia Activities Training Course CPD Accredited and Government Funding
We’re working on getting this Dementia Activities Training Course CPD accredited, and any course that’s approved will be clearly labelled as CPD accredited on the site. Not every health and social care course has to be accredited to help you meet CQC expectations – what matters is that staff are competent, confident and properly trained for their roles under Regulation 18. Our courses are built to support those requirements, and because they’re not government funded there are no eligibility checks or ID needed – you can enrol and start learning straight away.
