NS466 | NS568 Person Centred Dementia Care

Course Summary

This is a 10 ECTS credit blended learning module offered at level 8 (degree level) or level 9 (Master’s degree level). It runs over 12 weeks in a blended learning format with scheduled contact hours. Please note 100% attendance is required on the contact days. If applicants cannot commit to all the face to face sessions, then please do not apply.

The module is assessed by completion of a 3,000 word change management assignment. This requires students to make a focused change in their place of work and then report on this change process in their assignment. The assignment makes up 80 % of the student’s mark. 20% of the marks are from a reflective portfolio. All students will present their change project to the rest of the class and this will take place on the last face to face session.

The module takes a person centred approach and covers a number of core themes in dementia care from the assessment of memory problems and early interventions, care in the community and palliative approaches to dementia. The module focuses on skill development in several key therapeutic approaches and assessment strategies.

The module is appropriate to anyone with some recent dementia educational experience (for example the National ONMSD Dementia 2-day Awareness programme Enhancing & Enabling Well-being for the Person with Dementia) or any other relevant module of study. Students will be expected to have good computer skills and be proficient at Microsoft Word and PowerPoint software as well as the use of zoom, email and social media. Students will also be expected to access online learning system (‘Loop’) used by DCU to complete the 75% learning component of the module – some training is provided but basic skills are assumed. The use of Loop will include accessing variety of resources online as well as participation in online forums.

The module is open to all Health and Social Care providers who are enthusiastic about improving their own skills in dementia care and the life of the people they work with. Applications from Health Care Assistants will be considered where there is an exceptional track record or a previous level 8 qualification. Students must be working in regular contact with people with dementia for the whole period of the module.
Students must have support from their manager for completing the module and applicants should obtain approval for leave before applying for the module. Students must be willing to take on the role of dementia champions within their own organisations subsequent to successful completion of the module.

 

Course Learning Outcomes

On successful completions of this module, the student will be able to:

  • Evaluate a number of theoretical approaches to dementia and their implications on practice.
  • Evaluate the role of Irish agencies in the provision of dementia services to individuals/families/carers.
  • Complete a comprehensive assessment of an individual with dementia.
  • Examine the relationship of people with dementia to their family and health and social care professionals.
  • Evaluate psycho-social interventions that promote well-being in people with dementia and their carers across the spectrum of dementia form mild to advanced stages.
  • Analyse the student’s role in promoting a sense of personhood in people with dementia.

 

Course Schedule

The modules will be delivered in DCU on a part -time basis over one semester, commencing in academic year 2022/2023, Semester Two (January 2023).

 

Contact Hours (Tuesdays)

17th January - 1 hour synchronous zoom lecture. (3.00 -4.00 pm)
24th January - 10.00 - 4.30pm classroom
21st February - 10.00 am - 4.30pm classroom
14th March - 10.00 - 4.30pm classroom
4th April - 3 hours synchronous zoom lecture. (10.00 - 1.00 pm)

 

Cost

The cost is €850.

Applicants must have the support of their manager and obtain funding approval (if required) before applying for the module.

 

Deadline for Applications

Friday, 25th November 2022

 

One of the following forms of identification must accompany your application for this module:

  • Current valid passport (from country of citizenship) OR
  • Irish Driving Licence or Learner Permit (new credit card format) OR
  • Birth Certificate with National Age Card issued by An Garda Siochána Photo ID OR
  • Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) card OR
  • National Identity Card for EU / EEA / Swiss citizens OR
  • Irish Public Services Card
  • Form NVB1 Vetting Invitation – applies to programmes where Vetting is required
 
Further Information

Dr Kate Irving
Email: kate.irving@dcu.ie
Phone: 01-7007985