Dementia Care Awareness Training – CPD Certified (Updated 2026)

🧠 Know the person beyond the diagnosis

Dementia can affect memory, communication and everyday experiences, but people do not all experience it in the same way. This course introduces common types and symptoms while keeping the person’s identity, routines and preferences central.

Learners explore communication, wellbeing, independence, distressed behaviour, safeguarding and collaboration. The aim is to support thoughtful day-to-day care, not to diagnose dementia or assume that every new change is part of its progression.

Programme highlights

✓ An introduction to dementia types, symptoms and individual experiences.
✓ Communication that supports understanding, dignity and participation.
✓ Consider unmet needs when a person is distressed.
✓ Connect everyday support with safeguarding and professional advice.

What you need

Use a suitable internet-connected device. Follow the person’s current plan and your employer’s procedures, and only carry out tasks for which you have the necessary training, competence and authorisation.

Learning time

Allow approximately 3 hours for the learning, self-study and final assessment. This is an estimate; work through the online course at your own pace.

Module 1: Understanding Dementia: Beyond Memory Loss

Learn what dementia is, how it differs from normal ageing, and recognise the early signs, common types, and importance of early diagnosis.

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

✓ Explain what dementia is.
✓ Identify common types of dementia.

Module 2: How Dementia Affects the Brain and Memory

Explore how dementia changes the brain, affects different types of memory, and influences thinking, behaviour, and everyday life.

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

✓ Recognise symptoms and progression.
✓ Describe how changes in memory and thinking may affect everyday tasks and experiences.

Module 3: Person-Centred Dementia Care: Putting the Individual First

Discover how to provide compassionate, person-centred care that respects individuality, promotes dignity, and supports independence.

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

✓ Deliver person-centred dementia care.
✓ Use individual history, preferences and strengths to guide respectful support.

Module 4: Effective Communication in Dementia Care

Develop practical communication techniques to build trust, reduce anxiety, and support people living with dementia at every stage.

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

✓ Communicate effectively at different stages of dementia.
✓ Adapt the pace, clarity and method of communication to the person’s needs.

Module 5: Understanding and Responding to Behaviour in Dementia Care

Learn why behaviours are often a form of communication and how to respond using person-centred strategies that reduce distress and improve wellbeing.

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

✓ Respond positively to distressed behaviours.
✓ Consider communication, unmet needs and the environment when responding to distress.

Module 6: Supporting Physical Health and Wellbeing in Dementia Care

Understand how nutrition, hydration, pain management, mobility, and physical health influence dementia care and overall quality of life.

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

✓ Recognise how nutrition, hydration, mobility and comfort contribute to wellbeing.
✓ Report relevant new physical changes and seek appropriate professional advice.

Module 7: Safeguarding, Mental Capacity and Legal Responsibilities in Dementia Care

Gain an understanding of safeguarding principles, mental capacity, legal responsibilities, and how to protect the rights and safety of people living with dementia.

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

✓ Apply safeguarding procedures.
✓ Understand legal and ethical responsibilities.

Module 8: Promoting Independence and Enhancing Quality of Life

Discover practical ways to encourage independence, meaningful activities, assistive technology, and dementia-friendly environments that improve daily living.

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

✓ Promote wellbeing and independence.
✓ Consider meaningful activities and environmental adjustments that support participation.

Module 9: Collaborative Working and Family Support in Dementia Care

Learn how multidisciplinary teams, family carers, and community services work together to deliver coordinated, person-centred dementia support.

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

✓ Work collaboratively with families and healthcare professionals.
✓ Recognise the value of coordinated information sharing within appropriate consent and confidentiality arrangements.

Module 10: Professional Development and Excellence in Dementia Care

Explore reflective practice, quality improvement, assistive technology, and continuous professional development to deliver outstanding dementia care.

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

✓ Use reflection and feedback to identify improvements in dementia support.
✓ Understand how supervision and ongoing learning help staff remain within current practice standards.