Ita Buttrose AC OBE encourages aged care staff to take our free online courses

Free online courses announced by the Centre for Dementia Learning to assist frontline aged care staff in delivering care to people with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic have been given the seal of approval by Ita Buttrose AC OBE.

Ms Buttrose filmed two videos to help promote the courses online, one to encourage aged care professionals to undertake the training and a second to thank those who sign up.

“Aged care workers are being asked to find new ways to meet the needs of those in care and ensure that dignity and choice are still upheld,” Ms Buttrose said.

“I know you’re doing incredible work. Work that makes a difference to the quality of a person’s life. And now to support you, Dementia Australia is offering free training for aged care workers.

“I hope this helps you to continue to provide quality care, even during this difficult time.”

Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said with recent changes and restrictions, aged care workers are more than ever, uniquely positioned to be observing new or changed behaviours in their clients and residents.

“Changes in routine can create uncertainty for people living with dementia which can sometimes leave them feeling distressed, confused and isolated,” Ms McCabe said.

“The courses will increase the participants’ understanding of dementia and provide frameworks to help with problem solving.

“We know that where aged care staff know about the person in their care, understand their stage and form of dementia and are flexible in their approach, the better the outcomes for all.”

As participants work through the free online courses they will develop their own Dementia Practice Improvement Plan to practically apply what they have learned into their work.

Courses take just two hours to complete and can be done at the participant’s own pace, allowing a pause at any point.

“With the courses freely available online until 30 June, staff all over Australia, in cities, remote and regional areas, can access these modules,” Ms McCabe said.

“We know that more than 50 per cent of all people living in residential aged care have a diagnosis of dementia and there are estimates that it could be much higher than this in some aged care homes.

“People living with dementia are some of the most vulnerable people in our community right now, and increasing the focus on engagement and communication at this time of restricted physical contact is vital to ensure better care outcomes.

“The Centre for Dementia Learning is a trusted, reliable provider of education and is committed to supporting staff in aged care and the aged care industry.

“With increased demand for remote support during this pandemic, we want to support aged care workers and help them gain skills to respond to changed behaviours.

“Now is a great opportunity for those in the aged care industry to explore and implement new strategies.”

The courses are the first two modules of a suite of online courses offered by the Centre for Dementia Learning. They are offered free to anyone within the aged care sector who signs up to the Dementia Australia mailing list before 30 June 2020.