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12

Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Care

This advanced module provides specialised training for caregivers who will work with clients experiencing dementia or significant cognitive impairment. It builds on the communication skills from Module 10.

4-5 hours ADVANCED - Specialisation Advanced Not Started

Learning Objectives

1
Describe the difference between normal age-related memory changes and dementia symptoms
2
Explain the general progression of dementia (early, middle, late stages)
3
Adapt all core caregiving techniques for a person who cannot follow verbal instructions
4
Use the positive physical approach when providing physical care
5
Respond to common dementia behaviours with evidence-based strategies
6
Use environmental cues and routine consistency to reduce confusion
7
Support family members dealing with the emotional impact of dementia
8
Know when dementia care needs exceed caregiver capability

Educational content only. This training material is for informational purposes. Always follow your employer's specific protocols and consult qualified medical professionals for clinical guidance.

Module 12 Learning Material

Understanding Dementia

Dementia is not a normal part of ageing. It is a group of conditions that cause progressive decline in memory, thinking, and the ability to perform daily activities. The most common type is Alzheimer's disease.

Normal Ageing vs. Dementia

  • Normal: Occasionally forgetting where you put your keys. Dementia: Not knowing what keys are for.
  • Normal: Sometimes forgetting a name. Dementia: Not recognising close family members.
  • Normal: Needing a moment to find the right word. Dementia: Losing the ability to form sentences.

Stages of Dementia

  • Early stage: Forgetting recent events, difficulty with complex tasks, personality changes. The person can still manage most daily activities with some support.
  • Middle stage: Needing help with daily tasks, becoming confused about time and place, wandering, personality and behaviour changes become more pronounced.
  • Late stage: Requiring full-time care, losing the ability to communicate verbally, not recognising familiar people, difficulty with all physical functions.

The Positive Physical Approach

When providing physical care to someone with dementia:

  1. Approach from the front where they can see you
  2. Offer your hand for a handshake (a familiar, non-threatening gesture)
  3. Maintain a calm, friendly facial expression
  4. Speak in a low, gentle tone
  5. Move slowly and predictably
  6. If the person resists, stop. Try again later. Never force.

Responding to Common Behaviours

  • Wandering: Ensure the environment is safe. Do not lock them in, but make exits secure. Provide a safe walking path if possible.
  • Sundowning (increased confusion in the evening): Establish a calming evening routine. Increase lighting. Reduce noise and activity.
  • Repetition: Respond calmly each time. The question is real to them each time they ask it.
  • Agitation: Stay calm yourself. Speak softly. Try to identify the trigger (pain? fear? overstimulation?). Remove the trigger if possible.
  • Refusal of care: Do not force. Take a break and try again later. Try a different approach or different caregiver if available.

Adapting Care Techniques

All the skills from earlier modules need adaptation for dementia:

  • Use short, simple sentences with one instruction at a time
  • Demonstrate what you want them to do rather than explaining
  • Use the same routine at the same time every day
  • Label rooms and objects if helpful
  • Reduce choices to two options maximum
  • Accept that some days will be better than others

Supporting the Family

Dementia is devastating for families. The person they love is changing before their eyes. You can help by:

  • Explaining that behaviour changes are caused by the disease, not by choice
  • Encouraging family to focus on moments of connection, not on what is lost
  • Suggesting they contact local support groups if available
  • Being patient with family members who are grieving

Knowing Your Limits

Escalate to the medical contact when:

  • The person is a danger to themselves or others
  • Behaviour changes suddenly (may indicate infection, pain, or medication issue)
  • The person's needs exceed your training or ability
  • You are experiencing physical aggression that you cannot safely manage
Previous Module

Infection Control and Caregiver Self-Care