Understanding the Principles of Dementia Care

Successful completion of the qualification will allow you to develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of dementia and its effects. It will also support progression into relevant employment within the health and social care sector. The objectives of this qualification are to enable you to understand:

• types of dementia and the importance of early diagnosis
• person-centred approaches in dementia care
• the role of communication, interaction and inclusion in dementia care and support
• the use of medication to support individuals with dementia.

This qualification aims to provide learners with a number of progression options, including higher level studies at university or FE colleges. The skills required to progress to higher academic studies are different from those required at Levels 1 and 2. Level 3 qualifications enable the development of these skills.

Although there is no single definition of higher-level learning skills, they include: • checking and testing information • supporting your points with evidence • self-directed study • self-motivation • thinking for yourself • analysing and synthesising information/materials • critical thinking and problem solving • working collaboratively • reflecting upon learning and identifying improvements.

Level 3 criteria can require learners to analyse, draw conclusions, interpret or justify, which are all examples of higher-level skills. This means that evidence provided for the portfolio will also demonstrate the development and use of higher level learning skills.

You could progress on to:

• Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Healthcare Support
• Level 3 Certificate in Working in the Health Sector
• Level 4 qualifications in Health and Social Care

Engaging and/or building confidence