A £350,000 training programme funded by Nottinghamshire County Council has been launched to improve the skills of care home and home care staff working with people with dementia in the county.
The authority recognises that dementia is an increasing challenge as the number of people living with dementia in Nottinghamshire is expected to rise from the current 9,700 figure to 15,000 by 2025.
Training will take place over a two-year period and so far 28 care homes have signed up to a 12-month university recognised programme on dementia care.
The first group has started this month and the second will commence in March.
This programme is unique in that it requires the involvement and commitment of owners and registered managers of participating homes.
Participants will explore the world of dementia and develop an understanding of how dementia can affect a person and their families and how to recognise and respond appropriately to the needs of people with the condition.
Progress through the 12 modules will provide delegates with a focus on improving the lived experience for people living with a dementia.
Care home managers will also receive specific training to encourage ongoing development of their workforce and embed effective dementia working practices in their homes.
Organisations and care homes taking part will make a contribution towards the programme, which will be invested in future training.
County Council staff who monitor the standards of care in local residential and nursing homes are also receiving training to ensure best practice in dementia care and help provide support to other care providers where improvement is required.
Coun Kevin Rostance, chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council’s adult social care and health committee, said: “The council is committed to driving up standards of care in the county and dementia is a particular challenge locally and nationally.
“This training programme will help equip care staff in the county with the skills and knowledge they need to look after people with the condition effectively.
“Care home staff participating the training will gain a greater understanding of what it is like to have dementia which will help them to respond to the needs of those living with dementia in a sensitive and appropriate manner.”
Nottinghamshire care homes or home care organisations wanting to participate in future dementia training programmes should contact Claire Poole at the Council on 0115 977 2923 or by email at istraining@nottscc.gov.uk
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