How our Care Professionals care for clients with dementia after completing the training.
We provide bespoke training for all our Care Professionals, combining class-based sessions with online learning. Caroline leads the class-based sessions and ensures that all our Care Professionals are up to date with their online training. This month, as we celebrate World Alzheimer’s Month, we want to highlight the importance of equipping our Care Professionals with the necessary training, advice, skills, and confidence to support clients living with various types of dementia.
Our training includes slides and videos featuring real-life scenarios and deeply moving accounts that inspire conversation. These resources encourage Care Professionals to think critically about how to handle different challenges they may encounter during client visits.
Dementia training is mandatory, and we urge all Care Professionals to participate, as many of our clients will experience dementia symptoms. It is crucial that our Care Professionals are well-prepared to provide the best possible care.
We recently spoke with one of our Care Professionals, Zee, after she had completed her dementia training, and we thank her for taking the time to share her insights with us.
Was there anything during the training that surprised you?
The most surprising thing I learned was that there are 120 different types of dementia, but only 4 main ones that medical professionals typically refer to.
What was it like meeting your first dementia client?
I realised that, despite their diagnosis, they are still capable individuals, which is why a person-centred approach is so beneficial for them.
Have you learned how to assist people when they show dementia symptoms?
Yes, having empathy, patience, offering positive reassurance, staying calm, and being caring all help immensely.
Can you now see the benefits of staying at home for people with dementia?
Yes, staying at home is very beneficial. Familiar surroundings bring comfort to the clients.
What will you take away from your dementia training?The most memorable part of the dementia modules was the analogy used to describe a person with dementia as having two bookshelves. The “recent memories” shelf was described as filled with blank books, and we, as care professionals, can add to that pile, helping them to remember recent events and find comfort, despite their short-term memory issues and other symptoms.
The online modules were easy to navigate and covered the topics in great depth. The in-person sessions were informal and easy to understand; the trainer was very knowledgeable, which made learning much easier. Group discussions were more engaging than simply working in pairs.
The things I have learned from the training will have a positive impact on the care we provide to our clients. I would highly recommend all care professionals complete this training as soon as possible with Caroline.
This training has improved my understanding of dementia.
If you believe Home Instead Guildford and Woking can assist a loved one living with dementia, please click on the link to learn more about our specialist dementia care. If you are concerned that a loved one may be showing signs of dementia but is yet to be diagnosed, we have a form that can be completed and presented to your doctor or GP to help expedite a diagnosis. Contact us, and we’ll be happy to send it to you.
Get in touch with us today for a chat about how we can support you and your family with dementia care or any other care concerns. Call us on 01483 488222 and let us help you find a solution to your growing needs.