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Health & social care

Principles of Dementia Care: Level 2 Certificate

For learners looking to develop their knowledge and understanding of the principles of caring for those with dementia.

Course summary

Qualification
NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Dementia Care
Level
Level 2
Awarding body
NCFE (CACHE)
Qualification number (QAN)
600/6355/5
Guided learning
123 hours
Total time
150 hours, including study and assessment
Cost
Free if you are eligible
Funding

Who it's for and what you'll learn

This Principles of Dementia Care NCFE CACHE Level 2 qualification aims to assist learners to develop their knowledge and understanding of the principles of caring for those with dementia. It covers areas such as person-centred care, the influence of positive communication methods, issues relating to the use of medication for those with dementia and the importance of providing appropriate activities.

The qualification doesn’t infer competence in the work role but can be used to support the underpinning knowledge and understanding needed for those working in, or towards, a dementia care role.

This course is especially useful for job roles such as Senior Care Worker, Care Worker & Care Home Managers.

What the course covers

To be awarded the Principles of Dementia Care level 2 qualification, learners are required to successfully achieve 7 mandatory units:

Unit 1 - Dementia awareness

The aim of this unit is to enable learners to gain knowledge of what dementia is, the different forms of dementia and how others can have an impact on the individual with dementia.

The learner will:

  • Understand what dementia is
  • Understand key features of the theoretical models of dementia
  • Know the most common types of dementia and their causes
  • Understand factors relating to an individual’s experience of dementia

_Unit 2 -_The person-centred approach to the care and support of individuals with dementia

This unit provides the knowledge and understanding required to enable the individual with dementia to experience well-being. Learners will be able to develop their knowledge of the person-centred approach to dementia care and support.

The learner will:

  • Understand approaches that enable individuals with dementia to experience wellbeing
  • Understand the role of carers in the care and support of individuals with dementia
  • Understand the roles of others in the support of individuals with dementia

_Unit 3 -_Understand the factors that can influence communication and interaction with individuals who have dementia

This unit provides the underpinning knowledge required to develop an awareness of the different communication needs and abilities of individuals with dementia in order to enhance positive interaction. This unit does not assess competence.

The learner will:

  • Understand the factors that can influence communication and interaction with individuals who have dementia
  • Understand how a person-centred approach may be used to encourage positive communication with individuals with dementia
  • Understand the factors which can affect interactions with individuals with dementia

_Unit 4 -_Understand equality, diversity and inclusion in dementia care

This unit introduces the concepts of equality, diversity and inclusion that are fundamental to person-centred care practice.

The learner will:

  • Understand and appreciate the importance of diversity of individuals with dementia
  • Understand the importance of person-centred approaches in the care and support of individuals with dementia
  • Understand ways of working with a range of individuals who have dementia to ensure diverse needs are met

_Unit 5 -_Understand the administration of medication to individuals with dementia using a person-centred approach

This unit is about knowledge and understanding of individuals who may have specific needs for receiving medication because of their experience of dementia. Learners will develop their knowledge of these medication requirements. This unit does not confirm competence.

The learner will:

  • Understand the common medications available to, and appropriate for, individuals with dementia
  • Understand how to provide person-centred care to individuals with dementia through the appropriate and effective use of medication

_Unit 6 -_Understand behaviour in the context of dementia

In this unit, learners will explore the different forms of behaviour and the factors that affect behaviour in someone with dementia. The learner will also learn how to respond to behaviour some people may find ‘challenging’ in an appropriate and supportive manner.

The learner will:

  • Understand that behaviour is often used as a means of communication
  • Understand how to respond to behaviours associated with dementia
  • Understand why some people with dementia will need additional emotional support

_Unit 7 -_Understand the benefits of engaging in activities in social care

This unit will help learners to understand the benefits of engaging in activities to enhance physical, mental and social well-being in a diverse range of settings.

The learner will:

  • Understand the impact of activity on physical and mental well-being
  • Understand the social benefits of activities
  • Understand how activity can be the basis for a model of care and support

How these courses usually work

Every provider does things a little differently, so check the details with them before you apply.

Where and how you study

Most of these courses are studied online, from home. You'll usually need internet access and a laptop or desktop computer. A phone or tablet may not be enough. Some providers can send paper workbooks if you ask.

How long it takes

  • This qualification is designed to take about 150 hours in total, including study and assessment.
  • Many learners finish in around 6 weeks by studying 4 to 5 hours a week. You can go faster if you have more time.
  • Providers usually set a deadline, often 10 to 12 weeks after you start.

Support

Providers usually give you a tutor who marks your work and answers your questions by email, phone or message.

Assessment

There are usually no exams. Instead, you answer assessment questions as you work through the course and send them to your tutor to mark. If an answer needs more work, you can usually change it and send it again.

Your certificate

When you pass, your certificate comes from the awarding body, NCFE. It often takes 8 to 12 weeks to arrive after your final assessment.

Things to check before you start

  • Many providers only let you study one funded course at a time.
  • If you leave the course early, or don't finish by the deadline, some providers charge an admin or withdrawal fee, often around £125. Ask about this before you sign up.

Can I do this course for free?

ASF local flexibility: 19+, England resident, unemployed or earning under £26,800 (devolved areas vary; many restrict online L2).

Some areas of England (devolved areas such as Greater London and Greater Manchester) set their own rules, so a provider may not be able to fund you if you live there. Withdrawal or admin fees can also apply.

Check if you're eligible for this course using the "Am I eligible?" form below. It also shows which providers offer it. The provider makes the final decision.

You can also read who can get a free course.

Where can I study this?

We've found 5 providers offering this course for free to eligible learners.

Answer a few quick questions to check whether you’re likely to get this course for free. We’ll then show you which providers offer it.

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