Aim
To raise awareness and a better understanding of dementia in our communities, and inspire individuals and organisations to take actions to include and support people with dementia and their families.
Online training for
·Individuals
·Staff members of public and voluntary led services
·Local businesses
·The wider community
Training content
·Facts about dementia
·Signs and Symptoms
·Communicating with a person with dementia
·Difficulties people may experience due to COVID – 19
·Actions we can all take to include and support a person with dementia in our communities
We will discuss the important role service providers, community groups and businesses play in making Ireland’s communities dementia inclusive, and how through our local infrastructure and networks we can reach out to people with dementia.
Time
Overall time commitment 3.5 hours.
This training is delivered by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland using their Moodle online learning platform. The course begins with a 1 hour Introductory Video Meeting during which course participants will be guided and shown how to get the most from the online course. Course materials and coursework can then be accessed at a time that suits the participant. The training ends with a 1 hour group online meeting to discuss the experiences and actions we can take in our communities.
To sign up for the course please contact learninganddevelopment@alzheimer.ie
Background
The current coronavirus outbreak has been particularly difficult for people with dementia, their families and carers. Research conducted by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland shows that 75% of respondents with dementia are concerned about a decline in their mental health. They feel “lonely”, “isolated”, “trapped”, “confined”. 61% of family carers are also concerned for their own mental health. They feel they have “no time off”, “immense stress”, “depression”, “loneliness”, feelings of “abandonment”.
Community is now more important than ever for people with dementia. Many of the usual services and supports are currently closed, people over 70 with dementia have also been staying at home more in recent months to stay safe from COVID – 19, with little opportunity for face-to-face interaction with people outside their home. Remaining socially active is very important for a person with dementia. The local community response and befriending services, as well as services from community groups and national organisations provide important alternative services and ways of reaching out to those who are isolated and in need of support. Having an understanding of dementia and the difficulties people with dementia and their families are experiencing, will support them in this.
On the campaign
The Dementia: Understand Together campaign is led by the HSE in partnership with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and Age Friendly Ireland. Its aim is to create an Ireland that embraces and includes people living with dementia, and which displays solidarity with them and their loved ones. For information on the campaign and how you can get involved, visit www.understandtogether.ie. Alternatively, Freefone the helpline provided by The Alzheimer Society of Ireland on 1800 341 341 (Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm).
