Sample Education Page

Registered users have access to educational modules and resources. Use the registration link to create a username and password to gain access to these additional resources.

 

Introduction

This information was produced with funding assistance from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the department.

 

TIME for dementia education program structure

The education program takes a multi-faceted approach to delivery and comprises:

The Core Module
The core module covers the information and knowledge essential to all health professionals caring for people with dementia. It is designed to be a encourage interdisciplinary practice and to be the foundation for the discipline specific module.

• Distinguish between the aetiology of common types of dementia: AD; Vascular; Lewy body;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the diagnostic process, including differential diagnoses.
• Demonstrate an understanding of treatment and intervention options.
• Discuss the social and lifestyle issues which may arise for the person with dementia, their family/carers.
• Describe the impact of a diagnosis of dementia on the person and their family/carers.
• Be able to assess the needs of the person with dementia, their family/carers and develop a person-centred plan of care.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the resources available to assist the person with dementia and their family/carers.
• Be able to debate the key issues and controversies related to dementia and the care of the person with dementia

Discipline specific module
The discipline specific module takes a case study approach and provides detailed information on the topics covered in the core module.

Both modules are available as either written or internet based material.  On-line presentations include lecture style presentations by experts in the area of caring for people with dementia.

Workshops
Workshops with mentors and members of the TIME management team will provide the opportunity to engage in more critical enquiry relevant to your discipline. Workshops will be held in both Tasmania and Victoria.

Mentorship program
Participants undertaking the TIME for dementia education program from Victoria and Tasmania also have access to advice, support and guidance from mentors drawn from a range of experts in the care of people with dementia.

On-line discussion forums
The final component of the education program is access to internet based forums in which participants are able to ask questions of the TIME for dementia team and discuss issues arising from their work in caring for people with dementia.

Making best use of this package

Continuing your education
Ongoing professional education is vital to update your skills and maintain the high quality of care you provide for people with dementia. These modules offer a succinct education package which can be completed at your own pace.

If you have not studied for some time, you may find this section useful to refresh your study skills. Remember, you can ask for help when you need it either through the mentorship program, online forums or through the contact details at the end of this section.

This core module is designed to be used either as a stand alone education module or as a resource manual depending on the needs of the individual health professional.

Stand alone education module
The education modules are designed to provide health professionals with the knowledge to provide care to people with dementia. Online content for this course may be accessed by registering with this web site TIME for dementia.

The core module consists of ten education sessions designed to be completed in sequence. At the end of each session participants will be asked a series of multiple choice questions based on the information contained in that session. Progress to the following sessions can only be made once these questions are answered correctly. Participants successfully completing all sessions will have the opportunity to request a certificate stating that they have undertaken the course. Participants will also be able to seek credit if enrolled in a course that includes a component related to dementia.

Resource Manual
The education modules are designed to be able to be used as a resource manual for health professionals registered with TIME for dementia. Easy navigation through the website allows quick access to information on specific topics. 

 

Additional writing support provided by:

Megan O’Donnell 

Kathleen Swift 

Dianne Winters 

Session title	Content
Session 1 - Overview of dementia	Dementia in Australia The brain, cognition and normal age related change Defining dementia Types of dementia  Impact of dementia Current controversies and issues Summary References
Session 2 - Risk factors and risk reduction	Risk factors – known and implicated Reducing the impact of identified risks Considerations in offering information about risk Current controversies and issues Summary References
Session 3 - Diagnosing Dementia	Diagnostic criteria Differential diagnoses of dementia Mild cognitive impairment Delirium Depression Other differential diagnoses Differential diagnoses of sub-types of dementia Early diagnosis Diagnostic tools, steps and tests Overview of tools and tests Culturally and linguistically diverse groups Informing the person and their family Referral and follow up References
Session 4 -Treatment and intervention options	Assessment Options for treatment Pharmacological management of dementia Other intervention options Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) Clinical issues Falls Pain Nutrition Continence Personal care Palliation Current controversies and issues Summary
Session 5 - Social and lifestyle considerations	Legal considerations Driving Safety and risk Restraint Sexuality Spirituality Grief and Loss Early life trauma Transition to community services Transition to residential care Current issues and controversies References
Session 6 -Philosophy of care	The experience of dementia Person-centred care Values The uniqueness of ‘self’ Self esteem Person-centred care and goal orientated, strength base care planning Current controversies and issues Experiencing person-centred care Evidence based practice The evidence base Summary Resources References
Session 7 - Therapeutic communication and relationships	General communication strategies Effective communication and dementia Communication traps Therapeutic communication Environmental issues Diagnosis and responses Assessment of information flow between clients and health professionals Assessment of needs and support Development of an education plan for the clients Medication and treatment options Guardianship and legal issues Community referral and support options Transition to residential care End of life decision making Current controversies Resources References
Session 8 - Creating dementia friendly environments	Defining an environment Defining a dementia friendly environment How the experience of dementia relates to design Principles of design Design and dementia Applying principles of good design Current controversies and issues Case study Summary Resources References
Session 9 - Younger onset dementia	The complex process of diagnosis Coming to terms with the diagnosis Practical issues Progression and change The role of counselling Downs syndrome and dementia Current controversies and issues Resources References
Session 10 - Carer Health	Role of the carer Impact of caring Assisting carers Assessing carer social and physical burden Role of respite care Resources for carers Professional carers Resources for health professionals
Summary of Resources	Summary of resources for health professionals as provided in the module.