Dementia Course For Informal Caregivers

Dementia Course for Informal Caregivers

Discover our 10 week programme for relatives an informal caregivers listed below. This course is intended for family caregivers, relatives and friends of persons with dementia. The term “family caregiver” refers to those persons who care for relatives and their loved ones and are not formally paid for the service they render. Research has established that most care is provided by these family caregivers. One of the objectives of the Malta National Dementia Strategy 2013-2020, is to improve the quality of life of individuals living with dementia, their caregivers and family members. The more you know about dementia and what to expect, the more prepared and less stressed you can be.

This 10-week programme which will commence on the 18th of February will be held at the training centre at St. Vincent De Paul Long Term Care Facility. Subsequent courses will be announced in the future.

Once a week
2 Hours Session
Interactive and practical approach
Work Group of 5-8 caregivers and facilitator

The following is the programme that will be covered during the course:

Week 1 – A brief history on the syndrome Dementia Strategy in Malta
Week 2 / Session 1 – Behavioural symptoms in dementia
Week 2 / Session 2 – Dementia and Sexuality
Week 3 – Pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention Stage appropriate vs Age appropriate approach to care giving
Week 4 – Nutrition in dementia Continence vs Incontinence (techniques to prolong continence)
Week 5 – Proper seating arrangements Practical day scheduling – Workshop
Week 6 – Role of the caregiver at home Role of the caregiver when a person with dementia is admitted
Week 7 – Caregiver’s importance of self-care and preservation. The psychology of letting go.
Week 8 – Late stage Dementia. The importance of support groups.
Week 9 – Legal issues in dementia care. Moral and ethical values in dementia care.
Week 10 – Access information on Dementia care online Dementia intervention team and the Dementia Activity Centre

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

In order to take good care of your family, you must also take care of yourself;
Neglecting your own well-being can be harmful to you and your loved one;
Burnout, depression and health problems, are frequent challenges and requires help;
Maintain a healthy social circle of friends;
Take signs of overeating, lack of sleep and tiredness seriously.

BENEFITS

Updated information on dementia;
An opportunity to experience dementia from the client’s perspective through various workshops and exercises;
A better perspective on what can be done to eﬀectively keep individuals with dementia in the community;
A means for caregivers and relatives to understand what to expect from the diﬀerent stages of dementia;
An opportunity for caregivers to share their experience;
A programme that acknowledges the caregiver’s eﬀort to keep their loved ones at home as long as possible.

HOW TO APPLY

Once you are ready to apply, follow the steps below.

Apply for the course via the online application form and send it via email on [email protected]
By Phone on 22912485 / 2473
Postal mail addressed to the Office of the Superintendent, Triq Florence Nightingale, Luqa

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