Occupational Therapy Practice in Dementia Care Module 1 & 2 (DSiDC)

Designed specifically for occupational therapists (OTs) of all levels, from entry level to those with significant experience. This programme is specifically for occupational therapists who are working with people who have a diagnosis of dementia. However, the information within the modules may also be useful for those working with people with a mild cognitive impairment or those who have an intellectual disability. Occupational therapists have a unique role in working with people with dementia and this course aims to support OTs to ensure the provision of a high quality service for the people they work with.

Learning outcomes: Module 1

Upon completion learners will be able to:
Recognise the challenges or issues that occur most frequently when working with a person with dementia
Identify and recognise the benefits of working with the latest and best evidence and use clinical judgement in every situation
Promote a person’s occupational performance to live a meaningful and satisfying life
Advocate for a person living with dementia
Identify appropriate assessments and interventions for a range of presentations
Demonstrate a working knowledge of how to apply assessments and interventions in a variety of settings
Promote education and support for people living with dementia, their families and caregivers

Module 2: Interventions

Upon completion learners will be able to:

Recognise how the role of the OT may change as dementia evolves
Implement techniques that will improve a person with dementia’s ability to communicate effectively
Demonstrate knowledge of key coping strategies for people with dementia and how to adopt these over time as necessary
Identify supports that will assist a person with dementia with their activities of daily living
Facilitate a person with dementia with functional transfers
Conduct seating assessments to improve the quality of life and reduce the risk of injury
Implement evidence-based intervention approaches such as cognitive stimulation therapy
Support carers or family carers to look after themselves to reduce the risk of carer burnout or fatigue
Support a person with dementia to communicate effectively using different communication techniques

Module 1: 50

Module 2: 60

e-learning

Dementia Services Information and Development Centre (DSIDC).