COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the course on Supporting Individuals with Alzheimer's Disease. This course is designed to equip support workers, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and family members with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective care and support to individuals living with Alzheimer's disease. By understanding the complexities of this condition and its management, you will be better prepared to enhance the quality of life for those affected.
We begin with an introduction to Alzheimer's disease, where we define the condition and outline its stages. This section includes epidemiology and prevalence data specific to Australia, providing context for its impact. You will also learn about the causes and risk factors associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Recognising symptoms and early detection are crucial for effective management. This section covers the common symptoms of Alzheimer's, how to differentiate it from other dementias, and the importance of early diagnosis for better care planning.
Diagnostic procedures and assessments are essential for confirming an Alzheimer's diagnosis. You will learn about cognitive and neurological tests, the role of imaging techniques, and the importance of ongoing monitoring and reassessment to track disease progression.
A person-centred care approach is vital for providing compassionate and effective support. This section explores the principles of person-centred care, how to customise care plans, and the importance of involving family and caregivers in the care process.
Medication and treatment options are key components of Alzheimer's management. This section covers approved medications, managing medication side effects, and exploring alternative treatments to enhance patient care.
Managing behavioural and psychological symptoms is crucial for the well-being of individuals with Alzheimer's. You will learn techniques for managing agitation and aggression, addressing depression and anxiety, and reducing confusion to improve quality of life.
Effective communication strategies are essential for interacting with individuals with Alzheimer's. This section covers effective communication techniques, understanding non-verbal cues, and adapting communication as the disease progresses.
Assisting with daily living and personal care activities is a fundamental aspect of Alzheimer's care. You will explore how to assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), promote independence and dignity, and use assistive devices and technology to support daily tasks.
Environmental modifications can significantly impact the comfort and safety of individuals with Alzheimer's. This section covers creating a safe living environment, reducing environmental stressors, and designing Alzheimer's-friendly spaces to enhance well-being.
Nutrition and hydration are critical for maintaining health in individuals with Alzheimer's. You will learn about their specific nutritional needs, how to address feeding challenges, and ensuring proper hydration to support overall health.
Physical activity and exercise provide numerous benefits for individuals with Alzheimer's. This section covers the benefits of physical activity, developing safe exercise routines, and encouraging participation in activities to promote physical health.
Providing emotional and social support is essential for the holistic care of individuals with Alzheimer's. This section covers supporting emotional well-being, facilitating social interaction, and engaging in meaningful activities to enhance quality of life.
End-of-life care and planning are sensitive but important aspects of Alzheimer's care. You will learn about advanced care planning, palliative care principles, and how to support families during end-of-life to ensure compassionate and comprehensive care.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge and strategies needed to provide effective support to individuals with Alzheimer's disease, ensuring their safety, dignity, and quality of life throughout the disease progression.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Alzheimer's Disease
- Understanding Alzheimer's: Definition and Stages
- Epidemiology and Prevalence in Australia
- Causes and Risk Factors
2. Recognising Symptoms and Early Detection
- Common Symptoms of Alzheimer's
- Differentiating Alzheimer's from Other Dementias
- Importance of Early Diagnosis
3. Diagnostic Procedures and Assessments
- Cognitive and Neurological Tests
- Role of Imaging Techniques
- Ongoing Monitoring and Reassessment
4. Person-Centred Care Approach
- Principles of Person-Centred Care
- Customising Care Plans
- Involving Family and Caregivers
5. Medication and Treatment Options
- Approved Medications for Alzheimer's
- Managing Medication Side Effects
- Exploring Alternative Treatments
6. Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms
- Managing Agitation and Aggression
- Addressing Depression and Anxiety
- Techniques for Reducing Confusion
7. Communication Strategies
- Effective Communication Techniques
- Understanding Non-Verbal Cues
- Adapting Communication to Disease Progression
8. Daily Living and Personal Care
- Assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
- Promoting Independence and Dignity
- Use of Assistive Devices and Technology
9. Environmental Modifications
- Creating a Safe Living Environment
- Reducing Environmental Stressors
- Designing Alzheimer's-Friendly Spaces
10. Nutrition and Hydration
- Nutritional Needs of Alzheimer's Patients
- Addressing Feeding Challenges
- Ensuring Proper Hydration
11. Physical Activity and Exercise
- Benefits of Physical Activity
- Developing Safe Exercise Routines
- Encouraging Participation in Activities
12. Emotional and Social Support
- Supporting Emotional Wellbeing
- Facilitating Social Interaction
- Engaging in Meaningful Activities
13. End-of-Life Care and Planning
- Advanced Care Planning
- Palliative Care Principles
- Supporting Families During End-of-Life
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.