Community care workers are being encouraged to participate in a free online course run by the University of Tasmania on the latest in dementia care and research.
The Understanding Dementia Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) explores the causes and symptoms of dementia and ways to improve the quality of life of people living with the degenerative condition.
The online course was developed by the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre and draws together the expertise of neuroscientists, clinicians and dementia care professionals in the field.
Wicking Centre researcher Dr Maree Farrow said it was essential that the community became better equipped to assist the growing number of people living with dementia.
“In order to offer the best care, it’s essential that caregivers are equipped with the right knowledge to understand dementia, its symptoms and how to manage it at different stages.”
The seven-week online course has already had around 120,000 enrolments from more than 180 countries and aims to reach one million people around the world.
The Understanding Dementia MOOC focuses on the brain changes associated with diseases that cause dementia, how these brain changes manifest in cognitive and behavioural symptoms, and the latest evidence on high quality care.
Understanding Dementia has been designed for a diverse audience including health professionals, community support staff, policymakers, social scientists and family carers.
The course is running now and again in July. Visit the Wicking Centre’s website for more information.
I can recommend this course to anyone with an . interest in dementia-particulalry for family and friends of a person living with dementia. Last year I undertook the MOOC and found it very helpful.
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