Understanding Dementia and Supporting Behaviour That Challenges

Overview

Provide an overview of dementia, its impact on the brain, personality, wellbeing, and daily functioning, while exploring how to support behaviours that challenge.

Who is Understanding Dementia and Supporting Behaviour That Challenges aimed at?

Adult Social Care Workers, Adult Social Care Staff and NHS Staff

Course Length

1 day

Learning Outcomes

• Definition and types of dementia
• How dementia affects cognition, memory, and behaviour
• Impact on emotional wellbeing and social interactions
• Understanding behaviour that challenges: causes, triggers, and approaches to support

Activities:

• Interactive discussion on common misconceptions about dementia and behaviour that challenges
• Brain anatomy and function exercise 
• Case study review: real-world scenarios demonstrating personality and functional changes, including behaviours that challenge
• Group brainstorming: identifying supportive strategies for managing behaviours that challenge while preserving dignity and respect

Reflection: 
Small-group sharing on personal experiences or concerns about dementia care and responding to behaviours that challenge.

Discussion on the importance of empathy and person-centred approaches in dementia care.

This revision ensures a holistic approach to dementia care, acknowledging that behaviours that challenge are often a form of communication rather than deliberate disruption. 

Sundowning – Causes and Management
Objective: Understand the phenomenon of sundowning, proposed theories, symptoms, and practical strategies for management.

• Explanation of sundowning and its triggers
• Biological, psychological, and environmental theories
• Practical strategies to minimize agitation and distress

Activities: 

• Creating personalized care plans for sundowning management
• Review of real-life case studies

Reflection: Group discussion on challenges faced in evening care and brainstorming potential solutions.

Managing Sexually Uninhibited Behaviour
Objective: Explore the causes of sexually uninhibited behaviour in dementia and effective approaches to manage it with sensitivity

• Understanding why uninhibited behaviours occur
• The impact on carers, families, and other residents in care settings
• Effective communication and intervention strategies

Activities: 

• Scenario-based problem-solving (how to respond professionally and compassionately)
• Discussion on ethical considerations and maintaining dignity
• Verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques

Reflection: Small-group sharing on concerns and best practices for handling challenging behaviour.

Review and Personal Action Plans
Objective: Reflect on learning outcomes and develop individual strategies for implementing best practices.

• Summary of key takeaways from each session
• Identifying challenges and creating solutions

Activities:

• Personal action plan creation (specific, measurable goals)
• Group discussion: how to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios
• Q&A and resource sharing for continued learning

Reflection: Participants share one key insight from the day and their plan for implementing the learning.