The Dementia Sessions
Unlock the Behavioural Secrets to Managing Washing & Bathing Issues Caused By Dementia
Generic caregiving advice can lack the specific focus needed for dementia-related distress. This session explains how carers can improve quality of life for themselves and for the person they support.
What's Included In The Course?
What you'll get:
- Expert Guidance Learn from experienced professionals who understand the unique challenges of dementia.
- Practical Techniques Gain hands-on skills that can be applied to improve your caregiving.
- Compassionate Care Discover how to provide care that respects the dignity and comfort of the person you care for.
Format: On-demand online video tutorial, designed for carers to work through at their own pace.
What you'll learn
- How dementia can affect washing & bathing
- What the typical challenges and obstacles are
- Effective strategies for managing washing & bathing
- Recognising & mitigating factors that lead to distress
- Promoting dignity, autonomy and comfort
Understanding the behaviour in context
Why washing and bathing may become distressing
There can be many factors that affect a decline in personal hygiene when someone is living with dementia. Difficulties during personal care can be distressing for both the person and their caregivers, and the reason will be individual to the person rather than a feature of the routine alone.
Behaviour and environment
PACT's behavioural work looks for patterns in what happens before, during and after personal care. The temperature of the bathroom, distracting objects, how a request is phrased and the prompts available can all influence what happens next.
Choice, control and vulnerability
Bathing can leave someone feeling vulnerable. Direct instructions or unwanted help may conflict with their independence, identity or need to feel in control. Offering meaningful choices and waiting for help to be requested can change the experience.
Individualised practical approaches
Useful approaches may include making the room warmer, reducing distractions, using subtle cues, changing communication and preserving as much independence as possible. Strategies should reflect the person's history, preferences and individual context.
All of our courses in The Dementia Sessions are designed to teach:
- An enhanced understanding of dementia — the different symptoms and stages
- Insight as to why people might act in certain ways
- Strategies for how to react in the moment
- Practical examples
- Proactive strategies to reduce distress in the future
From communication tips to behaviour management techniques, carers learn ways to improve the quality of life of those they care for.
Course Testimonials
“Thank you for your clear, concise messaging. I am so pleased to see more training that is accessible, and focuses on respect and dignity. I really hope it reaches a very wide broad audience, so that the levels of compassionate care in the sector are raised, locally and globally”
Washing & Bathing learner feedback
Imagine a world where caregiving for people living with dementia is less distressing and more dignified.
Join us in “The Dementia Sessions” series to learn simple & effective behavioural techniques that can help provide person-centred individualised care.
Practical Strategies
Practical, implementable strategies to manage distressed behaviours during personal care.
Compassionate Support
Support that respects the person and can significantly improve quality of life for those you care for.
Enhanced Interactions
Everyday interactions that promote dignity and respect during the care routines of people living with dementia.
Presented by Behaviour Analyst Dr. Emma Williams
Behavioural guidance for all carers
The Dementia Sessions are designed to teach all carers about important behavioural guidance, provide advice on why different behaviours might happen and explain how to support positive outcomes. Dr. Emma shares techniques that can help reduce distressed behaviours and enhance person-centred care, leading to improved quality of life for both the caregiver and the person living with dementia.
Meet the Clinical TeamUseful information
Who is this course designed for?
This course is designed for caregivers, both professional staff and family members, who are looking after someone living with dementia. It is also beneficial for anyone interested in understanding dementia-related behaviours.
What will I learn from this course?
You will learn how to manage distressed behaviours through a behaviour analytic perspective. The course equips you with practical strategies to enhance the washing and bathing experience, aiming to reduce distressed behaviour and promote dignity in care routines.
How can I find out about this session?
Explore The Dementia Sessions, see the three-session bundle, or contact PACT for current availability and pricing.