Introduction to the Course
1. Introduction
This course will provide you with information and guidance to help you better care for the person you love who has dementia.
Home Based Care - Home Based Education is a six week long course (not including this Induction and Orientation Week) with a range of materials that you will see, read and hear. There will be around 15 people in your class group, and you will be interacting with them and your course tutor in a variety of ways. You will get plenty of opportunities to share your experience with your fellow family carers.
We will cover a number of topics during the course, as follows:
Next week during Week 1 we will examine Dementia and the fact that it leads to changes in relationships within and between family members - we will acknowledge this and look at what dementia is and why it has such an impact.
In Week 2 we will look at communication and behavioural changes in your loved one. We will examine how dementia can alter patterns of behaviour and we will show why and how communication is at the heart of good dementia care.
Week 3 promtes aspects of leading a healthy lifestyle. We will outline the importance of ensuring your loved one eats well and stays physically and mentally active for as long as possible especially as their dementia develops.
During Week 4 we will focus on putting the cared-for person at the centre of the caring relationship. We will look at tips and resources around providing one-to-one care in a safe, hazard-free environment.
Week 5 concentrates on you the carer. We want you to look after yourself and during this week we will outline the importance of the carer staying healthy too. We will explain some strategies so that you can better look after yourself. In addition, we will point out a range of resources and supports available to family carers.
Week 6 finishes with the Course Review and Next Steps. We will be summarising the course, and you will get a chance to plan any next steps you feel you need to take as you continue your caring journey.
