Pharmacy Daily | Push for Cert IV in Dementia Practice

DEMENTIA Australia National Patron Ita Buttrose (pictured) is championing a campaign to inspire healthcare professionals to pursue new educational opportunities to further enhance their dementia knowledge and leadership skills to improve the lives of people living with dementia.

In a video message released today, Buttrose said after caring for her father who had vascular dementia, she knew first-hand how important it was to have skilled care workers and leaders who understand dementia and the need for person-centred care.

The campaign is spearheaded by the first ever fully funded, national 10993NAT Certificate IV in Dementia Practice, a 12-month govt-funded course developed by Dementia Australia's Centre for Dementia Learning.

"This qualification is an excellent opportunity to explore further study in dementia care," she said.

Maree McCabe, CEO, Dementia Australia said the qualification is designed to enhance the dementia practice, knowledge and skills of existing workers, and strengthen the capacity of graduates to be future dementia practice leaders.

"Strong leadership was recognised as a critical element of sustained practice improvements by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and in response, also by the Federal Govt," added McCabe.

Dementia Australia also announced that the University of Tasmania will credit eligible graduates for one unit, the CAD117 Effective Communication for Dementia Care, within the Diploma of Dementia Care.

McCabe said, "the creation of an integrated pathway for students into higher education and dementia leadership is something we have been working towards for many years, and I am delighted that we can formalise this process.

"With 65% of all those in residential aged care having a moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment and 70% of the almost half a million Australians with dementia living in the community accessing in-home care, staff at all levels must be appropriately trained in dementia care.

"Dementia education leads to fewer high-risk incidents, lower rates of inappropriate use of medication and more positive staff attitudes and morale, which ultimately results in better service delivery and quality of life for people living with dementia."

The program for nationally recognised qualification includes 14 units of competency.

Participants will develop skills in essential areas such as ethical principles, effective communication and leadership. JG