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Carers
of people with dementia who display challenging/reactive
behaviours often have few options available to them
in terms of access to respite care. The person with
dementia with challenging behaviour may pose difficulties
for respite workers and facilities, for which some
are ill equipped to cope. Similarly, carers and respite
workers often feel isolated and unable to manage people
with dementia and the variety of behaviours they may
exhibit.
The
important role of supporting caring relationships,
especially those that are at risk, has become increasingly
acknowledged. Both Alzheimer's Association of Queensland
and Queensland Council of Carers see improving access
to and use of respite by these carers as vitally important.
Funding
was received from the Commonwealth Department of Health
and Aged Care in May 2001 to provide training for
the management of challenging behaviours. This project
is the Carer Education and Workplace Training Program
(CEWT). The objective of the program is to improve
access to and use of respite by carers of people with
dementia with challenging behaviour by enabling the
carer and service provider to better understand their
own needs and those for whom they care.
This
program supports the following:
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people
who have dementia are individuals who have rights
and will be supported with dignity and respect;
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support
for people living with dementia needs to be
provided in a collaborative way;
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quality
of life for the person with dementia and family
carers should be upheld;
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respect
for diversity is actively supported;
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person-centred
care is the dominant care model.
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Carer
Education
Education
is provided to family carers in the form of 6 modules presented
by trained staff of the Alzheimer's Association of Queensland
in conjunction with Queensland Council of Carers. These courses
are delivered in a variety of ways dependant upon the needs
such as evening sessions, afternoon sessions, morning sessions
and weekend sessions. Family carers wishing to gain the competency
afforded to the Workforce Training (CHCAC15A) are able to
do so.
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Session
1
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The
nature of dementia
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Session
2
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The
impact of dementia
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Session
3
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Effective
communication
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Session
4
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Activities
for living and pleasure
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Session
5
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Understanding
challenging behaviour
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Session
6
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Developing
effective responses to challenging behaviour
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Workforce
Training
Training
for professional carers is provided in the form of 8 modules
presented by trained staff of the Alzheimer's Association
of Queensland. This course (CHCAC15A) forms part of the Aged
Care Certificate III course and is competency based. This
competency is nationally recognised.
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Session
1
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The
nature of dementia
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Session
2
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The
impact of dementia
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Session
3
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Person
centred care
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Session
4
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Effective
communication
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Session
5
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Activities
for living and pleasure
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Session
6
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Understanding
challenging behaviour
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Session
7
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Developing
Effective responses to challenging behaviour
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Session
8
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Worker
issues - Application in the workplace
& Support services.
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For
further information on any of the above education and support
groups, please contact the Alzheimer's Association of Queensland
Inc,
Level 1, 34 High Street, Southport 4215
Mail: PO Box 2526 BC Southport 4215
Phone (07) 5503 0388; Fax (07) 55 03 0866
Education Information Line Freecall 1800 1800 23,
email: association@alzheimersonline.org
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