Living with Dementia: Understanding Behaviour

Content of Course

The topics included in this course will enable the capture and discussion of:

1. The forms of behaviour experienced by people living with dementia and their caregivers.

2. How dementia can alter perception of sense of self for people living with dementia and the way which caregivers’ responses may positively / negatively contribute.

3. Appropriate responses and strategies – a person-centred interpretational approach.

Teaching method(s)

With the application of a person-centred interpretation the course will enable caregivers to: acknowledge that such behaviours are not meaningless, but meaningful to the person/people living with dementia; apply a person-centred approach of interpretation to assist in sustaining a sense of self for the person living with dementia; develop effective skills and to focus on strategies to address needs to be met rather than problems to be managed.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Apply a positive interpretation to behaviours we may find difficult when caring for someone with dementia;

• Identify the triggers and environmental factors for inappropriate/unusual behaviours;

• Select person-centred approaches and strategies that are appropriate in response to behaviours. 

Sources

Core Readings

Accessible and online reference material will be given within the handout material provided by the facilitator.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.