Education And Professional Development

The programme

The Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy and Practice (ASCPP) Carers’ Academy programme has been specifically designed to support the needs of family members caring for a relative living with dementia. It aims to:

Enhance understanding of the effects of dementia.
Support the development of practical care skills.
Provide opportunities for peer to peer support and learning.

Any family member who is caring for a relative living with a mild, moderate or advanced dementia condition is welcome to attend.

Programme delivery

The programme is delivered by an integrated team of healthcare, academic and Alzheimer Scotland staff. All have expert skills and knowledge in dementia care and a special interest in enhancing the care experience.

This will ensure tailored education, support and advice for all stages of the dementia journey. Programme content and delivery has been informed by the knowledge and expertise of family carers of people living with dementia.

What the programme offers

The ASCPP Carers’ Academy offers family carers the opportunity to attend a 1-day bespoke dementia programme, "Essentials of Dementia Care" and a follow up 1-day programme, "Fundamentals of Care".

Follow-up access to on-line advice and information resources and peer support is provided. Learning by experience activities are used to support the development of caring skills such as:

Oral health care
Support with eating and drinking
Assisting movement and mobility
Personal care

Family carers are also supported to engage in an active learning experience about ageing and dementia, which can increase understanding sensory and physical changes. An important function of the ASCPP Carers’ Academy is also to provide a best practice approach to carer emotional support.

Time, a safe space and the opportunity to speak with staff and peers who understand both the rewards and challenges of caring is provided.

Programme benefits

Feedback from family carers who have attended the ASCPP Carers’ Academy indicates that not only do they find the programme enjoyable, but that it has positively influenced their knowledge and care skills and is helpful in supporting advanced planning and reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.