This module aims to equip dementia practitioners with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to provide high-quality palliative care to persons living with dementia (PLWD). The module focuses on the unique needs of PLWD and their caregivers, emphasizing the importance of person-centred care, compassion, and dignity.

Course Outline

​​The course aims to equip learners with the knowledge and skills to provide high-quality care and support to persons living with dementia and their caregivers. This comprehensive course consists of two parts:

​Part 1: E-learning

​Learners will learn about key components in dementia palliative care and the importance of early care planning. Learners will also learn about the different types of grief and loss, and the approaches and resources in supporting bereaved caregivers.

​Part 2: Classroom-based learning:

​Learners will acquire knowledge on the common care challenges when caring for persons with advanced dementia. They will also be taught to identify signs and symptoms of a person nearing end-of-life with advanced dementia. With emphasis on the principles of person-centred care, maintaining dignity and quality of life. Learners will also build on their knowledge about non-pharmacological care approaches to address the needs and care challenges of person living with dementia in the advance stage or nearing end of life. Learners will also learn about approaches to facilitate care-planning conversations with persons with dementia and caregivers using conversation-starter materials.

​Throughout the course, case studies and role plays will be provided to enhance learners’ understanding and exposure.

Learning Outcomes

​​Upon completing this module, learners will be able to:

​1. Identify end-of-life care needs: Recognize the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of PLWD at the end-of-life and understand the importance of advance care planning (ACP).

​2. Advocate for the needs of PLWD: Assess, facilitate, support and coordinate palliative care needs of persons living with dementia through advocating for the needs of PLWD early, access to palliative care services, managing symptoms, and promoting quality of life.

​3. Recognize signs & symptoms of pain: Assess and recognise symptoms of pain in PLWD, using a person-centred approach and evidence-based guidelines.

​4. Facilitate long-term care planning and decision-making: Understand how to involve PLWD and their caregivers in care planning and decision-making, and how to respect their preferences and values.

​5. Advocate early ACP: Support PLWD and their caregivers in making informed decisions about their care and facilitate early ACP discussions.

​6. Describe progressive symptoms of advanced dementia: Recognize the physical, cognitive, and behavioural changes that occur in advanced dementia, and understand how these changes impact care planning and decision-making.

​7. Facilitate end-of-life care: Facilitate discussions in implementing individualized care plans and end-of-life care discussions, understanding and supporting end-of-life symptoms and care concerns, ensuring seamless transitions and continuity of care.

​8. Support bereaved individuals: Provide emotional support and guidance to individuals who are bereaved, acknowledging the unique challenges of grieving in the context of dementia.

Assessment

Learners will be assessed via 1-hour virtual oral questioning session on their competencies acquired through the learnings.

Learners will be informed of the oral assessment schedule via email upon course confirmation.

Who Should Attend

​​To be eligible for this training program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

​1. Eligible candidates should have experience caring for individuals with dementia in healthcare or community settings, with preference for those with experience in advanced dementia care.

​2. Good to have at least completed basic level training: “Palliative Approach to Dementia Care”, offered by Dementia Singapore (or equivalent training in dementia care offered under AIC Learning Network).

​3. Professional Qualifications: Possession of a relevant healthcare qualification, such as nursing, social work, occupational therapy, or a related field.

Registration Details:

Please only attend the course if you receive a confirmation email from Ms. Vera.

For any questions about the course, please email Ms. Vera at verawaty@dementia.org.sg and CC academy@dementia.org.sg

Additional information

Certificate of Accomplishment in Dementia Practice

The ​Palliative Care for Persons with Advanced Dementia​ (PallC) is the elective module in the intermediate-level stackable training roadmap. Upon completion of one core module and two elective modules in the roadmap, learners will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement (COA) in Dementia Practice.

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