Holistic Dementia Certificate

Programme Information 

This is a Department of Health commissioned course for registered nurses.

To help equip registered nurses with the appropriate information and skills that they need to care and support people living with dementia, we're hosting our popular ‘Holistic Dementia Certificate’ – a 10-week distance learning programme.

The programme aims to promote effective person centred care for patients with a dementia, and support those who matter to them from diagnosis to bereavement. The course is suitable for registered nurses working in hospitals, primary care facilities and in the community caring for patients who have dementia.

The course commences with an introductory evening session, which can be attended via broadband link. It is estimated the course will require 10 hours of work per week. Participants will have access to the course handbook, online learning resources and an online support forum. There is a workshop on 'Writing a Portfolio Case Study';  join via a broadband link.

Programme Dates

To be confirmed.

Entry Requirements

In order to undertake the course, applicants must be a Department of Health registered nurse working in a suitable practice setting, for example, in an acute hospital,  or community setting and should have direct contact with patients.

• Possession of a relevant professional healthcare qualification.
• Working in a suitable practice setting, caring for patients requiring dementia care.
• Recommended approximately 60 hours of home study during the ten weeks.
• Attendance at Remote Assessment Day  (last day of course).
• Access to email and Zoom

Course Content

The course handbook is divided into sections, each covering the principles and practice for delivering optimal palliative and end-of-life care to patients with dementia. The key elements of dementia care explored throughout the course are:

• The diagnosis, treatment and key characteristics of the different types of dementia
• The provision of holistic dementia care and the role of palliative care
• Communication with a patient with cognitive impairment
• Effective assessment in dementia care
• Understanding Behaviours in Dementia
• Management of holistic symptom needs
• Caring for the Carers
• End of Life Care
• The ethical and legal implications of a diagnosis of dementia 
• Loss and Grief in Dementia

Assessment

Assessments include writing a portfolio case study demonstrating personal and professional reflection about the management of a patient with a dementia, and their palliative needs. There is also an online examination comprising of a multiple choice exam and short note questions in response to a video scenario. This will be completed using a broadband link.