Dementia is a progressive condition and over time, many people with the diagnosis experience physical frailty. This is particularly true for older people.
Frailty may increase the future risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and all-cause dementia in cognitively unimpaired populations, as well as accelerate cognitive decline of these individuals.
Frailty is strongly associated with dementia risk and affects the risk attributable to genetic factors. Frailty should be considered an important modifiable risk factor for dementia and a target for dementia prevention strategies, even among people at high genetic risk
It is important to understand, recognise and manage frailty so that the person with dementia and their family can access the right care and support and have a better quality of life.
Relevant Legislation
Mental Capacity Act
Health and Social Care Act
Equality Act 2010
Human Rights Act 1998
Resources
https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/dementia-awareness/core-skills
Pre and Post Knowledge Assessment
HCPA have developed word documents which can be used as a guide for pre and post knowledge assessments of the different levels outlines in this framework. The questions in this document can be copied into other formats such as Microsoft Forms or Excel and are a guide to the type of information you need your staff to know.
The document below contains the pre- and post-knowledge assessments.
Dementia Pre & Post Assessment (41kB docx)
Learning Objectives
Standard for Education Skills, Knowledge and Values: Learning Outcomes
Overseen by Hertfordshire and West Essex Dementia Strategy
- You display an understanding of the different types of dementia and how presentations vary, its prevalence, recognising signs of dementia and being aware that some signs may be associated with other conditions or circumstances
- You understand the importance of early diagnosis for dementia, not excluding later stage diagnosis and preparing for the future
- You understand that dementia is a progressive disease and the importance of evolving support and planning, with a focus on non-pharmacological interventions where possible
- You understand what mental capacity means and the implications of people living with dementia
- You understand why individuals with dementia may exhibit signs of distress and anxiety and how these behaviours may indicate unmet needs, pain or an individual trying to communicate, how to identify and recognise triggers and how to de-escalate
- You know what actions individuals can take to reduce the risk of further decline in themselves or a person they are caring for and supporting with dementia, or to delay the onset
- You understand how to communicate effectively and compassionately with individuals who are living with dementia and their families including how to capture information about the person to shape their support
- You are aware of the central role that a person’s life history, home, community and social activities play in enabling a person with dementia to live well and recognising that an individual’s wants can change over time and care must be flexible to meet those changes
- You recognise potential differences, strengths and challenges for people with dementia, and understand the importance of seeing every person as unique including considerations for the culture, spirituality, background, sexual orientations and relationships to reduce any inequalities
- You understand what reasonable adjustments are and how to implement them for an individual living with dementia, including consideration for any sensory or environmental needs, and co-existing physical health concerns
Standard for Education Skills, Knowledge and Values
These standards have been designed through collaboration and co-production via the Hertfordshire Dementia Strategy Delivery Programme workstreams, to ensure input from a broad selection of the health and social care workforce, VCFSE organisations, and people with lived experience.
These standards aim to create consistent knowledge, skills and values for all Hertfordshire health and social care organisations, and community-based services and businesses where people with dementia and their families and carers may work, shop, eat, or socialise.
These standards recognise that there is a broad selection of care and support provided for individuals living with dementia including the amount of time spent with an individual and their levels and range of needs. They are designed for any person who is supporting an individual living with dementia, their families or carers, regardless of their job role or seniority.
The standards have been set out as a series of learning outcomes. These outcomes can then be used as a guide for organisations when developing or participating in education programmes for staff, individuals living with dementia, and their families and carers. Organisations would need to ensure that their education and guidance includes details of local pathways and support relevant to the organisation. When evaluating course material, it might be helpful to use the learning outcomes as a guide to ensure that participants are meeting the standards objectives.
Education should not be used just as a ‘classroom’ exercise: it is important to ensure knowledge, skills and values are embedded into all care and support activity and daily interactions with people who are affected by dementia, including their families and carers. This could be achieved, for example, through observation, case review, service reflection, supervision, and feedback from colleagues and the public.
These outcomes are intended to be used to evaluate existing and new training and education materials and resources, including courses and web-based learning, to enable continuous improvement and development across the County.
It is integral to these standards, that all care and support is delivered with the person at the centre, including their life story and future needs. Therefore, these outcomes have individual person- centred care embedded throughout. Dementia comes in many forms, and is unique to an individual, and therefore their care and support requirements will also need to be tailored to their own needs, requirements and wishes. It is expected that all training, education and communications resources for individuals, families, carers and professionals are consistent and steer away from negative language and labels.
Education Resources and Case Studies
City University of London run a Dementia and Frailty course suitable for any health or social care professional with previous level 6 study. You can find more information about cost and how to enrol here.
Alzheimer’s Society Teaching resources
Supporting Case Studies – Coming Soon