Accredited Level 3 Diploma in Dementia Care

) to build on knowledge, understanding and skills gained at that level. Or simply starting from a point of wanting to enhance professional care skills.

• The course encourages students to develop the critical, analytical and evaluative skills which will enable them to either go on to Higher Education to study a wide range of health & social care courses, including: nursing; social work; counselling; psychology; care management and other similar subjects.

This course consists of Ten Units and is a qualification awarded by Oxford Learning College, in its own right; with the quality assurance of a leading awarding body (CIE/ABC) that hallmarks this professional qualification.

Assessment Objectives (AO)
AO: 1

Students must select and demonstrate clearly relevant knowledge and understanding through the use of evidence, examples and correct language and terminology appropriate to the course of study. In addition, for synoptic assessment, students should demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the connections between different elements of their course of study. This assessment, involves two written assignments: one halfway through the course and following the final unit. Both are assessed and graded by the assigned tutor, according to college procedures.

AO: 2

Students must critically evaluate and justify a point of view through the use of evidence and reasoned argument. In addition, for synoptic assessment, students should relate elements of their course of study to their broader context and to aspects of human experience.

Quality of Written Communication (QWC)

In addition, OLC require students’ to produce written material in English, candidates must: ensure that text is legible and that spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPG) are accurate so that meaning is clear; select and use a form and style of writing appropriate to studying a complex subject matter; organise information clearly and coherently, using specialist vocabulary when appropriate and Harvard referencing of citation and sources. In this Specification, SPG will be assessed in all tutor marked assignments (TMAs)

To ensure that we maintain quality standards; all our students written assignments are subject to our plagiarism policy and procedure.

Key Features

OLC offer the opportunity to study Dementia Care at a professional level 3 validated diploma course. The student will learn and/or review the many aspects of adult social care; be able to apply and use that gained knowledge in most specialist adult care sectors.

This course has several features:

• To develop an understanding of dementia heath & social care theory.
• To treat the subject as a professional discipline, providing the academic knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate for specialist study.
• To teach students an enquiring, reflective and critical approach to the study of adult dementia care and, it’s many and varied physiological/psychological features.
• To encourage students to reflect on their own professional caring practice, the norms, perceptions, values and opinions in the light of their study.

COURSE CONTENT

The whole level three diploma has TEN (10) specific units of study, which are sub-divided into topic areas these are:

Unit 1: Anatomy and Physiology

In this first unit the student will learn the many presenting features of dementia. These include both anatomical and physiological changes; that lead to the diagnosis of the common types’ of the condition.

Unit 2: Understanding Dementia

The unit provides an introductory overview of the common types and features that are signs of dementia. Discussion considers the impact on family, carers and the sufferer. Students will gain a clear understanding of this terminal disease and the many ways care and support are delivered.

Unit 3: Specialist Unit: Understanding Alzheimer’s

The unit provide a comprehensive study of Alzheimer’s; its diagnosis; the three core stages; treatments; care and impact as a terminal illness.

Unit 4: The Role of the Care Worker

This unit helps students understand the role of carer; how working with dementia sufferers is a specialist role; how carers need to carefully plan care; be part of a partnering team and be empathetic towards the needs of the sufferer and also be mindful of the wider needs of the partner/family.

Unit 5: Good Practice

Good practice is a theme that will engage all aspects of a care role; more so in cases of terminal illness. The student will learn the importance of ‘good care’ provision; planning; protection of vulnerable adults (POVA); the legal and regulatory authorities and their roles.

Unit 6: Interpretation and Communication

Good communication skills are a necessity in all care settings; but, in a dementia care where cognitive and physical abilities, become reduced as the disease progresses is a much greater feature. The student will learn some of the communication techniques that should be used/in place in dementia care.

Unit 7: Practical Help

The crucial aspect of any care is the practical help that a carer provides. In dementia care this can range from: recreational reminiscence sessions; personal care; medication care and much more. The unit allows the student to consider and understand some of the fundamental care practices that are used in caring for dementia sufferers.

Unit 8: Managing Challenging Behaviour

The unit explores how as the dementia progresses some suffers exhibit behavioural changes for example: failing mobility; incontinence; hearing/sight issues; aggressive outbursts and many other traits as cognition and physicality fail. Students will learn the importance of recognition; risk assessment; crisis intervention and coping strategies.

Unit 9: Palliative Care

This unit explores the important good ‘end of life’ care. The student will learn about: palliative care; specialist settings; palliative care professionals; preparation of family; dignity in dying and preparative after care.

Unit 10: Medication and Treatment

In this final unit we bring together the learning from the preceding units. In doing so, we consider the various models for treatment. Although the condition of dementia is terminal; sufferers are prescribed medication and other treatments. These are reviewed on a case by case basis – there is not ‘one fits all’ model. The student will learn about existing medication and treatments. The final aspect of the unit will be a review of the learning materials with appropriate conclusions.

ASSESSMENT

The coursework is assessed through continuous assessment with no formal exit examinations.

Assignments

The course has TWO Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA); which are graded: Pass or Fail. 1 at the end of units 5 & 10.

Study Hours (Per Unit)

Approximately: One Hundred and Twenty (120) hours of personal study time, which is supported by the ODL