Carers given specialist dementia care training

A TEAM of carers in North Wales are undertaking specialist training this year (2013) to enable them to look after the growing number of people with dementia in their care.

All social care workers at Abacare Care Agency are being given comprehensive dementia awareness training to better understand the symptoms of the condition and learn how to best support sufferers.

Rebecca Roberts, a trainer in dementia care who works for Abacare, which is based in Colwyn Bay, said: “According to the Alzheimer’s Society there are currently 800,000 dementia sufferers in the UK and the charity estimates that by 2021 there will be one million people with the condition.  

“It is therefore imperative that carers looking after those with dementia understand how to properly care for them and understand their needs.

“We ensure that all of our social care workers are given training on managing the challenging behaviours associated with dementia including accusations, aggression, delusions, repetitive behaviour, suspicion and shouting.

“We are passionate about empowering our carers with the best possible skills and knowledge. Our training starts at the very beginning of a carer’s career and is then continued through the Social Care Institute for Excellence training, which includes a specialist dementia care training programme.”

Abacare’s large team of trained, specialist, care workers provide positive based outcomes and person centred care to people throughout the UK.

Rebecca added: “A person with dementia wants to remain as independent as possible without having to move into a strange environment and therefore losing their home and beloved pets.
 
“Experts advise that people with the condition should try to keep their autonomy and continue their daily routine and we advise this too. To help with this issue we employ and train carers especially with dementia in mind. They provide 24 hour support and encourage independence, as well as offer kindness and understanding.

“It is important that individuals have the option to live independently while receiving support and do not feel they have to move into residential care.”

Abacare offers one-to-one bespoke support for people living with dementia so they do not need to leave their familiar surroundings or pets.

Rebecca continued: “We have a committed team that is able to provide specialist live-in care for people with dementia, as well as those with physical disabilities and neurological needs.

“Our personal carers live in the individual’s home and support them with their everyday medical and personal needs. We are able to provide a carer whose personality matches up with the person they are caring for, giving them someone they can trust and get on with on a daily basis.”

Abacare operates a professional Care Management Team that is committed to providing high quality care to individuals in their own homes.

The care agency was recently awarded an Investors in People accolade for its staff training and development. It is also a member of the Social Care Institute for Excellence, the United Kingdom Homecare Association, The National Homecare Council and The Information Commissioners Office (Data Protection), as well as being a partner with Dementia UK.