Course Title: Dementia Care Practice
Course Code: LAS1102
Credits: 6ECTS
Level of qualification: Award at Level 5
Accreditation Body: University of Malta
Commencement: Twice a year
Mode of Attendance: Full-time
Mode of Delivery: Lectures in class and therapeutic activities in Dementia wards
Programme Duration: 94 hours
Target Audience: Staff at SVP especially those with special interest in working in a Dementia Unit
Language: English/Maltese
Venue: The Training Centre, SVP

Aim & Overview of course

The aim of this study unit is to further develop knowledge on dementia care and improve the well-being and quality care among persons with dementia.

Who can apply?

• First preference is given to all staff already working in a Dementia Unit
• All healthcare professionals and supporting staff at SVP
• Ward clerks

How to apply?

Applicants are required to submit their application form in Maltese/English at the Training Centre Main Office or by mail on training-centre.svp@gov.mt

Contact the Training Centre on 22912473/22912485 for further queries or by sending mail on  training-centre.svp@gov.mt

Fees

Sponsored by SVP for all SVP employees

Learning Outcomes

This unit equips candidates with insight on the various dementia care practices, enabling understanding of innovative concepts in improving quality of life among persons with dementia and their families. Upon completion of this unit candidates will be able to:

• Provide insight on the current epidemiology of dementia in Malta
• Examine the various communication strategies in dementia
• Manage behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia
• Identify the psychological and emotional impact of dementia
• Demonstrate non-pharmacological interventions among persons with dementia
• Able to implement therapeutic activities among persons with dementia
• Recognize palliative approach measures in end-stage dementia care

Career and Further Education Opportunities

• Acquire insight on the basic of dementia care and have the opportunity to experience clinical practice among persons with dementia.
• Further your studies in Dementia and get the latest evidence-based knowledge
• Further CPD programmes to your personal portfolio

Structure of Programme

Candidates will cover the topics below:

• Epidemiology and impact of dementia
• Behavioural and psychological symptoms in dementia
• The psychological effects of dementia on family members and their carers
• Palliative care in dementia
• Legal issues in dementia
• Communication skills in dementia
• Community Services in dementia
• Person-Centred Care Approach in dementia
• Therapeutic activities among persons with dementia

Hours of Total Learning

Assessment

Candidates are allowed to sit for the written and clinical examinations if 80% of attendance is attained in both theory and practice. In total, candidates are allowed to dismiss 2 days (4 hours) from the theory and 12 hours sick from the clinical placement.

The final weigh mark is based on the following:

Applicants should pass from all components. Failed assessment/s in either the Written or Practical component or both, can be repeated only once. If failed asssessment/s persist/s applicants will be dismissed and would need repetition of the whole study unit.