Introduction to the Course

2. Weekly topic guide

The running order for the course is as follows:

Week 1: Welcome and Induction: you will get the chance to meet your fellow participants and the course tutor for the first time via the Discussion Forums and the Live Video Meeting. You will also find out a little more about the course topics and timetable of topics.
Week 2: Dementia and Looking After Yourself: we will look at Dementia, what it is and how it manifests itself.  We will also then examine the importance of you the carer looking after yourself.
Week 3: Changing Relationships and Accessing Information: we will look at how dementia can lead to changes in relations within the family. The second part of the week will examine and outline the range of supports available to people like yourselves who are caring for a person with dementia. 
Week 4: Communication and Staying Active: we will look at why and how communication is at the heart of good dementia care, and we will examine the importance of encouraging the person with dementia that you care for to stay healthy and active.
Week 5: Responsive Behaviours and Safety at Home: we will examine how dementia can alter patterns of behaviour in the person with dementia. We will look at the reasons for that, and also set out how you the carer can try to respond to these behaviours that challenge. We will look at tips and resources to ensure you provide one-to-one care in a safe, hazard-free environment.
Week 6: Personal Care and Nutrition and Eating Well: we will look at the provision of personal care, including washing, dressing, toileting and dental care. We will also examine the importance of food, drink and nutrition. 
Week 7: Course Review and Next Steps: We will be summarising the course, and you will get a chance to plan any next steps you feel you need to take as you continue your caring journey.