Dementia Awareness Training Course

Dementia can impact anyone, whether you’re caring for someone directly or striving to create supportive environments for people who use services. It affects individuals, their families, and communities in profound ways. This course is designed to help you understand dementia, recognise its signs, and offer thoughtful, person-centred care.

Whether you’re expanding your professional knowledge or seeking valuable insights to apply in your work, this course equips you with practical strategies for supporting individuals with dementia. From creating dementia-friendly spaces to recognising emotional needs, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed to provide meaningful support and improve quality of life.

This free dementia awareness course is fully based on UK frameworks and practices, ensuring you’re learning information that is relevant to your role. Join us to grow your understanding of dementia and learn how to make a positive impact in the lives of people who use services.

Why Take This Course?

Dementia is a growing challenge in the UK, affecting an estimated 944,000 people. It’s not just about numbers—dementia reaches into the lives of individuals, families, and entire communities. Whether you’re working in social care, health, or a role that involves creating safe and inclusive environments, understanding dementia is essential in your work.

Here’s why this course is designed for you:

• Gain confidence in your role: Whether you’re delivering hands-on care or supporting individuals indirectly, this course gives you the tools to approach dementia with knowledge and empathy. You’ll learn how to identify the signs, offer thoughtful interventions, and communicate effectively with people who use services.
• Support better outcomes: Dementia affects physical and emotional health, relationships, and daily routines. Being informed and proactive helps you support individuals and their families to navigate these challenges while prioritising dignity and choice.
• Develop practical skills: This isn’t just about theory. You’ll gain hands-on tips for person-centred care, including managing medications, providing emotional support, and adapting environments to be dementia-friendly.
• Stay current with UK practices: The course content aligns with UK-specific laws, standards, and regulations, ensuring you’re learning information directly applicable to your role.

By taking this course, you can help improve the lives of people who use services while growing your professional confidence and expertise.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this free training course, you’ll be able to:

• Understand what dementia is and the different types, including Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, and others.
• Recognise the societal impact of dementia, particularly in the UK, and its prevalence among individuals and families.
• Identify early signs of dementia and understand the role of early diagnosis and intervention.
• Distinguish dementia from other conditions with similar symptoms, like depression or delirium.
• Explore risk factors and practical strategies to reduce them, including healthy lifestyle choices.
• Understand how dementia affects individuals, families, and communities, both physically and emotionally.
• Learn strategies for creating dementia-friendly environments that support independence and wellbeing.
• Master effective communication methods—both verbal and non-verbal—with individuals who may struggle with memory or understanding.
• Manage distressed behaviours with compassion, recognising and responding to emotional needs.
• Develop personalised care plans that respect the autonomy and choices of people who use services.
• Find ways to involve individuals in meaningful activities to improve their daily lives.

This course provides actionable knowledge and resources, making it easier for you to support someone living with dementia and work in dementia-aware environments.

Dementia Course Content

Here’s what’s covered in this course:

Understanding Dementia

Explore what dementia is, its types, prevalence in the UK, and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in improving the lives of people who use services.

Recognising Dementia

Learn how to spot common signs and symptoms, differentiate dementia from similar conditions like depression, and identify risk factors. We’ll also provide tips to help reduce these risks.

Impact on Individuals and Families

Gain insights into how dementia affects physical, mental, and emotional health. Understand family challenges and uncover strategies for offering thoughtful, supportive care.

Creating Dementia-Friendly Environments

Practical solutions are key to enabling independence. You’ll learn how to make spaces supportive and accessible, adapt environments, and understand the role organisations play.

Communication and Emotional Support

Discover communication methods, including non-verbal strategies, to connect effectively with people living with dementia. Learn how compassion and patience can make a meaningful difference when handling distressed behaviours.

Practical Skills for Care

Build person-centred care plans, develop caregiving routines, and find ways to offer meaningful activities. You’ll also explore how to ensure autonomy and respect in caregiving.

Target Audience

If you work in social care or any support-related role, this course is for you. It’s ideal for:

• Support workers, carers, and healthcare assistants who provide hands-on assistance to individuals living with dementia.
• Family members or friends who want to understand dementia and provide the best possible support.
• Community workers or volunteers who aim to design inclusive and dementia-aware spaces.
• Team leaders or managers keen on creating environments supportive of individuals affected by dementia.

Whether you’re new to social care or a seasoned professional, this course offers practical tactics and knowledge that you can use straight away.

FAQ

How long does the course take to complete?
The course is designed to be flexible. You can study at your own pace, with approximately 1 to 2 hours of learning material.

Do I need previous knowledge of dementia?
No. This course is beginner-friendly and starts with basic concepts. Whether you’re starting fresh or looking for a refresher, it’s easy to follow and practical.

Is this course specific to the UK?
Yes, all the examples, regulations, and approaches relate to England, ensuring the content applies to your role directly.

Will I receive a certificate?
Yes, you’ll receive a certificate upon completion to showcase your understanding and commitment to dementia awareness.

How do I apply what I learn?
The course is packed with practical tips and examples so you can use what you’ve learned immediately—whether you’re managing care plans, adapting spaces, or communicating with individuals living with dementia.

Can I access support during the course?
Yes, support is available throughout your learning. If you’ve got questions, the team is here to help.

This free dementia awareness training course is your opportunity to make a meaningful difference for people who use services and for their families. Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to offer care that prioritises dignity, independence, and unity.

Start learning today and take a proactive step towards creating a dementia-aware future!