Real stories

Making a difference through our expert dementia training courses

Alzheimer’s Society offers three strands of expert dementia training. Our Learning Hub is for anyone who wants to improve their knowledge of dementia, with interactive online courses. We also offer Live Training – virtually or in person – to organisations across all sectors, from banking to health and social care. Our Licensed Training equips people to deliver their own high quality training within their organisation. 

‘Our training is for absolutely anyone,’ says Amy Bruchez, our Product Development Officer (Training), who helps to create the content of the courses. 

‘It’s about finding the most important, engaging and relevant parts of research, and presenting it in a digestible way.’ 

Of course, we make sure that people’s real-world experiences inform not only the content of our courses but also how they are taught. 

‘At the moment, I’m researching sight loss and accessibility with support from a lady who is registered blind. She brings her unique perspective to it,’ says Amy.

The training makes use of activities, quizzes and videos, all designed to educate and inform. This will soon include films from eHealth Digital Media, whose Creative Director included her parents, both of whom have dementia, in videos along with health and care professionals. 

Each live course has its own objectives, agreed with clients and built into the structure of the day. Learners are also encouraged to commit to an action at the end of their course. 

‘We want to help people create a positive, tangible difference in any way they can for people with dementia,’ says Amy.

Understand and engage 

Andy Baker, Managing Director and Head Trainer at Able Training, is one of the trainers delivering the Society’s courses. 

‘The aim is to improve the quality of support that can be offered, which will improve people with dementia’s quality of life,’ he says. 

This means supporting learners to understand and engage with a particular topic. 

‘Whether they are learning about dementia as a condition or we are teaching techniques for improved communication, engagement, or responding to distressed behaviour, knowledge is key,’ says Andy. 

‘Getting people to reflect on their own practice, to either validate their abilities or raise awareness of areas for improvement, can only ever be positive.

‘For many people, education is often reminiscent of school, and for some that may not have been a positive experience. But adult training is so different, if done correctly.’

Crucial learning 

Alzheimer’s Society has delivered a bespoke package of online and in-person learning for senior teams at Home Instead, the homecare provider. 

‘This learning is absolutely crucial for us to ensure we are able to deliver the very highest quality care and support to our clients living with dementia,’ says Tim Howell, Home Instead’s Learning and Development Partner. 

Dinah Ball and Neil Hobbs are trainers at Home Instead who recently attended a Champions in Dementia Care course, developed in partnership with the Society. 

‘The course was jam-packed with information, practical tips and great advice,’ says Dinah. ‘I learned so much and will certainly be incorporating these gems into my own training in future.’ 

Neil adds, ‘The training was well presented and the content was spot on. We had some really insightful discussions in breakout groups, talking with colleagues about situations we may have faced.’

Society training doesn’t have to be bespoke, and our other courses are equally popular. Someone from Age UK Lancashire, who attended the Responding to distressed behaviours course, said, ‘It was one of the best dementia courses I have been on. 

‘Our trainer was so knowledgeable and able to use their own experiences that the group could relate to in their roles. 

‘The training has really helped me to look at ways in which we can better connect with our customers, and how best to respond to distressed behaviours.’

Very helpful 

Away from the professional world, people affected by dementia have also been benefiting from our online Learning Hub. 

‘The information was broken down into reader-friendly sections,’ said a carer who completed our course called Understanding the early stages of dementia.

‘The scenarios and personal experiences were very helpful, as was learning the science behind the diagnosis and how we as carers can help.’

Another learner gave positive feedback about Engaging people with dementia. 

‘The course was very clear and makes you think a lot about how important environment is,’ they said. 

‘I especially enjoyed the video clip on how it impacts a person living with dementia and how they can maintain their independence.’

Reach people 

We are developing new courses and updating current ones, making sure they can meet the needs of people who are affected by dementia from all backgrounds and communities. 

‘A lot of people don’t know that Alzheimer’s Society offers external training,’ says Amy. 

‘We want to expand our reach, respond to people’s needs, and get the message out there.’