In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Dementia Australia has developed virtual classroom education for aged care workers, to equip staff with strategies and skills to provide quality care for people living with dementia in response to Covid-19.
The courses, accessible from anywhere in Australia, are suitable for everyone involved in providing support for people living with dementia in residential aged care and community care.
Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe says the virtual classrooms are available for everyone working in aged care anywhere across the country, particularly those working in regional areas where travel distances may limit access to quality education programs.
“We know through feedback from managers in the aged care industry that ease of accessibility to virtual classrooms supports them in their work,” Ms McCabe says.
“Roster and shift management can be less challenging as staff do not need to go offsite or travel to and from sessions.
“With the sessions online, staff from multiple sites are able to join the sessions together which stimulates the sharing of knowledge and experience and ultimately working better together as a team.”
The three virtual classrooms, ‘Engaging and connecting with people living with dementia through Covid-19’, ‘Supporting behaviour changes during Covid-19 restrictions’ and ‘Understanding dementia’ address the unique challenges related to dementia and Covid-19.
The online education sessions are interactive and allow active participation. They can be delivered simultaneously to participants in different locations, addressing the challenge of delivering education while maintaining social distancing, isolation or even quarantine.
“A person-centred approach is the focus of all our courses where we encourage staff to get to know the person – to understand their needs, to learn about their dementia, the level of their abilities and to be flexible in their approach,” Ms McCabe says.
A special launch offer is available until 31 October 2020 – $500 per virtual classroom for a group of up to 25 staff that can be delivered anytime from date of booking until 31 December 2020. After the offer closes the cost will be $985 for a group of up to 25.
For bookings and enquiries click here.
