How our dementia care training prepares our Care Professionals
Home Instead Chesterfield provides expert dementia care at home, backed by award-winning training and a City & Guilds accredited programme.
As we observe World Alzheimer’s Month this September, it’s an appropriate time to reflect on the challenges faced by all those living with dementia and the support available to their families. Dementia is often misunderstood, so let’s start with a clear definition.
What is dementia?
According to NHS England*, dementia is not only about memory loss. It can also affect the way a person speaks, thinks, feels, and behaves. It’s essential to understand that dementia is not a natural part of ageing. It’s a syndrome, meaning a group of related symptoms, associated with an ongoing decline in brain function.
There are many different causes of dementia, and several types. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, followed by vascular dementia. These two together make up the majority of cases. In Derbyshire, Alzheimer’s accounts for 34% of all dementia diagnoses*.
With the complexity of the condition, having specialised and personalised care can make a valuable and positive difference, and at Home Instead Chesterfield, we take pride in offering expert dementia care through our experience and unique training programme.
A unique approach to dementia care
At Home Instead Chesterfield our trainers deliver the “Home Instead Dementia Foundation Course” to ensure that our Care Professionals are fully equipped to meet the specific needs of clients living with dementia.
Developed in collaboration with Home Instead UK and the Advanced Dementia Support Team from the End-of-Life Partnership, this City & Guilds accredited course provides practical skills that go beyond basic understanding.
Recognised with a Princess Royal Training Award, the programme empowers our Care Professionals to deliver compassionate, person-centred support, ensuring clients can live safely and comfortably at home.
Local impact: a client’s story in Chesterfield
The results of our dementia care training are reflected in the experiences of our clients and their families, we are extremely proud of our CQC outstanding rating and that we rate 10/10 and in the top 20 home care providers from the East Midlands at homecare.co.uk review site (rating as of Sept 2024).
One client’s family shared their experience with Home Instead Chesterfield: “I chose Home Instead (Chesterfield) on a personal recommendation two years ago. I recognised my need for respite and wanted to accustom us to having carers in our home because I knew that the need for more care would become essential. My loved one is now in the later stages of dementia, needing a specialised level of personal care.
As the dementia has progressed, the managers of the service and the Care Professionals have supported us throughout, listening and responding to our needs, updating care plans, and offering much-needed guidance and empathy.”
This review highlights how our team works closely with families to provide the right level of care, constantly adapting to the changing needs of clients. The family further shared:
“It takes a team to care for someone with dementia, and Home Instead, in collaboration with community-based medical professionals, are an integral part of our team. Knowing that I can rely on their professionalism and dependable support gives me confidence in my ability to manage the complex needs of my loved one.”
We see every day how our specialised dementia training helps our Care Professionals make a meaningful difference in the lives of local people living with dementia and their families, allowing them to provide care and companionship with understanding and empathy.
The importance of award-winning dementia care training
At Home Instead Chesterfield, we are proud of the high standard of care at home we provide. Our minimum one-hour visits give Care Professionals the time to build meaningful connections with clients and deliver personalised care and our live in care brings a Care Professional to live with you in your own home. Supported by our award-winning Dementia Foundation Course, our Care Professionals are equipped with the knowledge and skills to offer the best possible care.
Join us in making a difference
During World Alzheimer’s Month and beyond, we encourage everyone to reflect on the importance of supporting those living with dementia and raising awareness.
If you or a loved one is seeking specialised dementia care, or if you’re interested in joining our team of dedicated Care Professionals, contact us at Home Instead Chesterfield today. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those living with dementia.
*Sources:
1 – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/about-dementia/what-is-dementia
2- https://www.dementiaderbyshire.org.uk/