What is Carer training?
The Carer Training Programme is a training and information support specifically for family carers of people with dementia. It is based on research suggesting that information and skills training can be as helpful in reducing carer stress as counselling and support groups.
The training is designed in complete consultation with the carers who will be attending, ensuring that the information provided is appropriate to their needs, whilst also acting as a good source of peer support.
A typical course may include:
- What is dementia? Looking at the various conditions which cause the symptoms of dementia, prevalence, risk factors, new medications
- Promoting communication. Why communication is difficult; is communication possible with everyone?
- Alternative forms of communication
- When behaviour challenges us. What causes behaviour that challenges us? Recognising and understanding behaviour as a form of communication. Responding to behaviour that challenges
- Legal issues and dementia. Financial and welfare issues, powers of attorney, wills, trusts, legal issues surrounding payment for long-stay care
- Promoting continence. What is incontinence? environmental 'blocks' to incontinence; practical management issues; continence products available - what they are and how to use them.
Other topics which have proved popular and are often included in courses are:
- Welfare rights
- Local services available for carers and their relatives
- Medication and dementia
- Activities in the home
- Life History work
- Looking towards long-stay care
- Remaining involved after long-stay care
- Stress management for carers
- Assertiveness for carers
- First Aid.
Many more topics have been included in courses. These are just a sample.