Age UK Launches New Training Course To Inspire Greater Understanding In Dementia Care

There are currently over 800,000 people aged 65 and over living with dementia in the UK[1] and this figure is predicted to double by 2050[2]. These growing numbers bring with them new challenges, particularly when it comes to care.

That’s why the training arm of the Charity Age UK has extended its range of exclusive courses with a new dementia focused training programme called Remember Me. The brand new training course places participants in the shoes of a person living with dementia, providing valuable insight into the challenges faced and giving users first-hand experience to help them understand what it feels like to live with the condition.

Dementia currently costs the economy an estimated £23 billion a year[3] and Remember Me has been designed to encourage better understanding amongst social and health care practitioners who support older people living with dementia.

Nyree Guider, National Manager at Age UK Training said: “With the number of people living with dementia predicted to rise[4], we recognise the need for better support to improve the quality of life for both older people living with dementia and those caring for them. We’re proud to launch Remember Me, offering a deeper understanding of what it is like for people living with dementia, aiming to highlight specific needs and requirements. Our trainers are experts in their field with the experience and teaching skills to engage practitioners and inspire new ways of thinking.”

Using real case studies and practical learning methods, including role play, interactive workshops and art sessions, Remember Me represents the importance of understanding every individual living with dementia for who they are and respecting their individuality. Delivered by Age UK’s expert trainers, who draw upon years of frontline experience, the programme is taught via five Foundation modules, covering topics such as effective communication, emotional well-being and daily living assistance, offering a better understanding of the situations that might arise when caring for someone with dementia and highlighting how professionals can best possible support older people..

Training can also be tailored to include Age UK’s Sense of Ageing programme, a unique module designed to help care workers understand the way physical ageing impacts on everyday life. Developed with gerontologists, the course uses an interactive workshop that provides participants with the chance to experience the physical effects of ageing and sensory impairment. Simulated by using special equipment, users get a first-hand experience of what it’s like when vision, hearing, touch, dexterity and communication skills decline.

Remember Me modules can be spread over time to suit business needs and can also be personalised to suit the needs of different care professionals and levels. Age UK Training can deliver sessions at one of 13 specialised training centres based across the UK or alternatively, participants can undertake training at a venue of their choice. To find out more call 0808 168 1225 or email trainingteam@ageuk.org.uk.

[1] Dementia 2013 summary on the Alzheimer’s Society website

2 Dementia 2013 summary on the Alzheimer’s Society website

3 Dementia 2013 summary on the Alzheimer’s Society website

4 Dementia 2014, Alzheimer’s Society  – There are currently over 850,000 living with dementia, however there will be over a million older people with dementia in ten years’ time