Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Free dementia training during COVID-19 pandemic
A new website, developed by health experts at the university’s Centre for Dementia Research, includes self-study training on a range of topics designed to help people understand dementia and obtain key skills to support those with the condition.
Professor Claire Surr, Director of the Centre for Dementia Research said: “Health and social care services, as well as families caring for someone with dementia are under significant pressure.
“Many services have staff who are either new or have not worked regularly with people with dementia before. Meanwhile families are unable to access many of the community support groups and services they could previously.
“Care workers and families carers need knowledge and skills around how to support the often complex needs of people with dementia.
“The resources on our website provide some of the key basics and take around 15-20 minutes per topic to complete.
“They have been either developed or quality checked by the Centre for Dementia Research, so those accessing the resources can be confident the content is accurate and up-to-date.”
The research team intends to develop the website, adding new resources and responding to feedback from those using the resources.
Professor Surr added: “We aim to develop new training in topics where we are informed there is a need by those accessing it.
“We are really pleased with the initial interest we have had and to date the site has been accessed by users from the UK, Europe, Canada, the USA, Taiwan and Australia.”
The resources may also be useful for a range of other people who might be coming into greater contact with people with dementia, including those working in homecare, keyworker roles and community volunteers.
Dr Sarah Smith, Reader at the Centre for Dementia Research said: “Our resources provide an accessible way for individuals and organisations to train anyone who might come into contact with people with dementia, in some of the basic skills they may need.
“These include understanding what dementia is, how it affects people and tips and hints on how to support those with the condition.”