Aged care workers are more than just caretakers, they’re skilled professionals entrusted with a range of responsibilities that demand specialist knowledge, along with immense patience and compassion.
One significant aspect is providing care and support to individuals living with dementia. Anyone who has had relatives with dementia understands the challenges and stress involved in their care.
As part of our comprehensive training approach, our aged care course includes units on dementia care. This prepares you for all scenarios, making you a highly qualified candidate for the job.
Unlike many other conditions you may encounter, dementia isn’t purely physical; but a range of neurodegenerative disorders leading to mental decline.
While the underlying causes vary (with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common), dementia generally involves the gradual shrinkage and deterioration of brain tissue, leading to the loss of brain cells and neural connections.
This, in turn, impacts various essential brain functions. While memory loss is well-known, dementia can also affect:
Dementia not only affects the individual but also has repercussions for their families and caregivers.
Changes in personality, such as increased aggression, loss of impulse control, and decline in social and cognitive abilities, can present challenging situations.
While some symptoms can be managed and the progression slowed or halted in certain cases, dementia cannot be cured. The focus is on managing symptoms and preventing harm to the affected individual or others.
And that requires aged care workers with special training, as well as different techniques.
As part of our aged care course at Queensford College, you’ll learn all about dementia and how it works – more importantly, you’ll also learn about different techniques you can use to care for people with dementia.
Although dementia cannot be reversed, certain symptoms can be reduced or managed with medication.
For instance, in cases of dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease, drugs like memantine and chollergic treatments can enhance the brain’s ability to carry messages and information.
During the early stages of dementia, these medication can aid in stabilising symptoms, regulating brain chemical production. and minimising the impact on memory, decision-making, and other cognitive functions.
Just as your muscles need exercise to stay strong, your brain needs stimulation. Engaging in activities like crosswords, puzzles, or learning a new language can help keep your cognitive functions sharp.
While these activities can’t prevent dementia entirely, they may help reduce symptoms and slow down its progression in some cases.
As part of your aged care course, you’ll explore various activities and their potential effects on dementia symptoms.
Even when memories of events may be lost, in many cases, certain types of memory endure, like muscle memory.
Another powerful memory trigger is music.
Music therapy has proven to be a soothing and impactful method for individuals with dementia, fostering connections and evoking memories or emotions from the past.
However, it’s essential for be familiar with the person’s musical taste and favourite songs – it might be worth consulting with the family to maximise the chances of success.
One of the toughest challenges in caring for someone with dementia is handling their unpredicted behaviour.
Often, individuals with dementia may become agitated or lash out, either due to personality changes or fear stemming from memory loss.
Validation therapy suggests that instead of trying to bring them back to reality, a better way of dealing with people with dementia is to enter their ‘reality’ and play along with them.
The goal is to provide comfort and reduce conflict by validating their feelings and experiences. This approach respects their dignity and fosters cooperation while promoting a sense of calmness.
In the early stages of dementia, individuals often hold onto deeply ingrained, long-term memories. Tapping into these memories through reminiscing can offer comfort and solace.
Aged care workers can enhance this process by creating albums and visual diaries filled with letters, postcards, and photos.
This scrapbook approach serves as a foundation for reminiscent therapy, offering a tangible connection to the past and providing grounding for individuals grappling with their current reality.
In 2024, it’s estimated that over 421,000 Australians live with dementia. Without a medical breakthrough, this number is projected to surpass 812,500 by 2054. Additionally, nearly 29,000 individuals are living with younger onset dementia, with expectations of reaching almost 41,000 by 2054.
To prepare you for this reality, our aged care course features a core unit focused on caring for individuals with dementia.
For those aspiring to elevate their career, the Certificate IV in Ageing Support is the perfect choice.
Building upon the foundational skills, this course delves into advanced topics such as planning and managerial responsibilities. This knowledge equips graduates to develop dementia management plans within aged care facilities.
Our mission is straightforward: to cultivate the next generation of skilled and competent aged care professionals, equipped to navigate the challenges of the industry and contribute to its evolution.
We believe that effective training hinges on:
This philosophy underpins all our courses we offer – and that includes our aged care course.
Our aged care course features a wide range of units carefully selected to shape you into a well-rounded aged care professional, ready for the workforce.
Considering studying aged care at Queensford College, reach out to our campus at 1300 120 457 or email us at info@queensford.edu.au
Courses offered:
CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CRICOS Course Code: 089225C)