Dementia Training for First Responders in Australia
Tracks
Norfolk Hall | In-Person Only
| Tuesday, July 23, 2024 |
| 11:40 AM - 12:00 PM |
Overview
Ellie Newman & Margaret McAndrew, Dementia Training Australia
Details
Key Presentation Learnings:
1. To understand why dementia training is important for first responders
2. To understand how each first responder can support someone living with dementia
3. To know how to access the dementia training for first responders
Speaker
Associate Professor Margaret Macandrew
Director
Dementia Training Australia
Dementia Training for First Responders in Australia
Abstract
There is growing recognition worldwide that First Responders require specific training in dementia, in addition to their traditional training content and methods. With the growing number of people living with, and affected by dementia, it is vital first responders are prepared with strategies to help communicate, engage with, and support someone living with dementia, their family members, and carers. This is especially so during a time of crisis so First Responders can safely respond to and de-escalate situations that may be more challenging than usual, to improve outcomes for all involved. Increased knowledge and understanding of dementia could then lead to the development of positive initiatives, programs and system changes achieved in collaboration with community partners and agencies to support people living with dementia, their families, and carers.
In the absence of any dedicated dementia training for First Responders in Australia, Dementia Training Australia (DTA) has produced the first foundation training program specifically for First Responders. Developed in collaboration with First Responders, the online training package offers 24/7 online access and includes interactive activities as well as videos from First Responders. This short course can be completed in 60minutes and after completing the modules, First Responders should have a practical understanding of the impact of dementia and how practice should be changed to accommodate common signs and symptoms of dementia.
This presentation will offer insights into the course development, how the training can be delivered within the organisations through a train the trainer process supported by DTA and outcomes to date.
In the absence of any dedicated dementia training for First Responders in Australia, Dementia Training Australia (DTA) has produced the first foundation training program specifically for First Responders. Developed in collaboration with First Responders, the online training package offers 24/7 online access and includes interactive activities as well as videos from First Responders. This short course can be completed in 60minutes and after completing the modules, First Responders should have a practical understanding of the impact of dementia and how practice should be changed to accommodate common signs and symptoms of dementia.
This presentation will offer insights into the course development, how the training can be delivered within the organisations through a train the trainer process supported by DTA and outcomes to date.
Biography
Associate Professor Margaret MacAndrew is a registered nurse with nearly 30 years clinical experience. Her most recent clinical practice was in residential aged care where she was responsible for the coordinated care of the frail aged and people with dementia. After completing her PhD in
2014, she took an academic position at Queensland University of Technology, School of Nursing, where she coordinates the first-year undergraduate nursing unit focussing on clinical practice in aged and dementia care. Her program of research focuses on improving quality of life and safety for people with dementia through the implementation of non pharmacological interventions and accurate assessment to inform care planning.
Mrs Ellie Newman
Director
Dementia Training Australia
Dementia Training for First Responders in Australia
Abstract
There is growing recognition worldwide that First Responders require specific training in dementia, in addition to their traditional training content and methods. With the growing number of people living with, and affected by dementia, it is vital first responders are prepared with strategies to help communicate, engage with, and support someone living with dementia, their family members, and carers. This is especially so during a time of crisis so First Responders can safely respond to and de-escalate situations that may be more challenging than usual, to improve outcomes for all involved. Increased knowledge and understanding of dementia could then lead to the development of positive initiatives, programs and system changes achieved in collaboration with community partners and agencies to support people living with dementia, their families, and carers.
In the absence of any dedicated dementia training for First Responders in Australia, Dementia Training Australia (DTA) has produced the first foundation training program specifically for First Responders. Developed in collaboration with First Responders, the online training package offers 24/7 online access and includes interactive activities as well as videos from First Responders. This short course can be completed in 60minutes and after completing the modules, First Responders should have a practical understanding of the impact of dementia and how practice should be changed to accommodate common signs and symptoms of dementia.
This presentation will offer insights into the course development, how the training can be delivered within the organisations through a train the trainer process supported by DTA and outcomes to date.
In the absence of any dedicated dementia training for First Responders in Australia, Dementia Training Australia (DTA) has produced the first foundation training program specifically for First Responders. Developed in collaboration with First Responders, the online training package offers 24/7 online access and includes interactive activities as well as videos from First Responders. This short course can be completed in 60minutes and after completing the modules, First Responders should have a practical understanding of the impact of dementia and how practice should be changed to accommodate common signs and symptoms of dementia.
This presentation will offer insights into the course development, how the training can be delivered within the organisations through a train the trainer process supported by DTA and outcomes to date.
Biography
Ellie is the State Director for Dementia Training Australia (DTA) for WA/SA and a senior clinician working for one of the health services in WA. With a passion for building resilient teams and delivering what matters most, Ellie has spent the past 25 years working with teams to deliver a better way to care for people living with dementia and delirium, both in the UK and Australia.
