Courses

Accredited Level 3 Dementia Care Diploma

Introduction

This Quality Assured, Level 3 Diploma in Dementia Care is aimed at providing those with some adult social care experience and/or introductory qualifications, in a care setting with a theoretical qualification that will help them understand dementia and the related care.

The course will teach the student the many and varied skills that underpin the good practice in adult social care settings and will enhance their professional approach as either a care worker; support worker or, in a supervisory role. This qualification will clearly support knowledge gained from the specialist NVQ in Heath & Social Care or related awards.

Learning Aims

The Learning programme for the student, offers choice and scope in regards to the wider study of dementia; that is a core feature of most adult social care settings. The core aims of the diploma are to:

Specifically offers student a theoretical academic approach to the study of this area of health & social care; through a robust programme of learning that will enhance careers in the wider field of most adult health & social care settings, that the student currently engages within or seeks employment.
The Diploma Dementia Care encourages students to: develop their role and professional knowledge of this growing and demanding area of caring.
Rigorous study of the subject/topics at this specialist level is explores; they include: the core theories and their application currently enshrined in legislation and associated regulations.

Learning Objectives

Students will have an opportunity to study aspects of adult social care theory and practice that is current and informs good practice in the field of dementia care.
To undertake a broader study of the subject of dementia, through the selection of a variety of topics: legislation; care practice; assessment; health & safety; accountability; safeguarding and other important topics.
Some prior knowledge of adult social care is recommended, or experience in working within a care setting. However, the opportunity is provided for candidates who have studied a adult social care subject at IGCSE Level/NVQ II or III (either as a Full or Short Course) to build on knowledge, understanding and skills gained at that level. Or simply starting from a point of wanting to enhance professional care skills.
The course encourages students to develop the critical, analytical and evaluative skills which will enable them to either go on to Higher Education to study a wide range of health & social care courses, including: nursing; social work; counselling; psychology; care management and other similar subjects.

This course consists of Ten Units and is a qualification awarded by Oxford Learning College, in its own right; with the quality assurance of a leading awarding body (CIE Global) that hallmarks this professional qualification.

Assessment Objectives (AO)

AO: 1

Students must select and demonstrate clearly relevant knowledge and understanding through the use of evidence, examples and correct language and terminology appropriate to the course of study. In addition, for synoptic assessment, students should demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the connections between different elements of their course of study. This assessment, involves two written assignments: one halfway through the course and following the final unit. Both are assessed and graded by the assigned tutor, according to college procedures.

AO: 2

Students must critically evaluate and justify a point of view through the use of evidence and reasoned argument. In addition, for synoptic assessment, students should relate elements of their course of study to their broader context and to aspects of human experience.

Quality of Written Communication (QWC)

In addition, OLC require students’ to produce written material in English, candidates must: ensure that text is legible and that spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPG) are accurate so that meaning is clear; select and use a form and style of writing appropriate to studying a complex subject matter; organise information clearly and coherently, using specialist vocabulary when appropriate and Harvard referencing of citation and sources. In this Specification, SPG will be assessed in all tutor marked assignments (TMAs)

To ensure that we maintain quality standards; all our students written assignments are subject to our plagiarism policy and procedure.

Key Features

OLC offer the opportunity to study Dementia Care at a professional level 3 validated diploma course. The student will learn and/or review the many aspects of adult social care; be able to apply and use that gained knowledge in most specialist adult care sectors.

This course has several features:

To develop an understanding of dementia heath & social care theory.
To treat the subject as a professional discipline, providing the academic knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate for specialist study.
To teach students an enquiring, reflective and critical approach to the study of adult dementia care and, it’s many and varied physiological/psychological features.
To encourage students to reflect on their own professional caring practice, the norms, perceptions, values and opinions in the light of their study.

Course Description
Course Reviews

Accredited Level 3 Dementia Care Diploma Entry Requirement

Entry to this Accredited Level 3 Dementia Care Diploma requires that potential students have gained GCSE/IGCSE or equivalent qualifications and have, good English oral, reading and writing skills.

Advice on enrolment and guidance of prior learning (APL) can be obtained through out contact centre. The course is a rolling programme and can be started at any point in the year. Successful students can go on to Higher Education, including remaining as students at OLC to complete courses in our portfolio of higher awards.

All students must be aged 16 or over.

Assessment

The coursework is assessed through continuous assessment with no formal exit examinations.

Study Hours

Approximately: 200 hours of personal study time for the entire course is recommended. All of which is supported by the OLC Course Tutor, who we greatly encourage students to access support from throughout their course.

Quality Assurance

This course has been developed by the College’s professional team of tutors to meet the needs of sector based employers and employees. It is also part of the College’s validated level three Diplomas’, recognised internationally, as verified and moderated Centre for Interactive Education (CIE Global). Further details of our accreditations are provided on our website.

Accredited Level 3 Dementia Care Diploma Course Length

1 Year.

Awarding Body

CIE Global

Accredited Level 3 Dementia Care Diploma Course Content

The whole level three diploma has TEN (10) specific units of study, which are sub-divided into topic areas these are:

Accredited Level 3 Dementia Care Diploma Unit 1: Anatomy and Physiology

In this first unit the student will learn the many presenting features of dementia. These include both anatomical and physiological changes; that lead to the diagnosis of the common types of the condition.

Accredited Level 3 Dementia Care Diploma Unit 2: Understanding Dementia

The unit provides an introductory overview of the common types and features that are signs of dementia. Discussion considers the impact on family, carers and the sufferer. Students will gain a clear understanding of this terminal disease and the many ways care and support are delivered.

Accredited Level 3 Dementia Care Diploma Unit 3: Specialist Unit: Understanding Alzheimer’s

The unit provide a comprehensive study of Alzheimer’s; its diagnosis; the three core stages; treatments; care and impact as a terminal illness.

Accredited Level 3 Dementia Care Diploma Unit 4: The Role of the Care Worker

This unit helps students understand the role of carer; how working with dementia sufferers is a specialist role; how carers need to carefully plan care; be part of a partnering team and be empathetic towards the needs of the sufferer and also be mindful of the wider needs of the partner/family.

Accredited Level 3 Dementia Care Diploma Unit 5: Good Practice

Good practice is a theme that will engage all aspects of a care role; more so in cases of terminal illness. The student will learn the importance of ‘good care’ provision; planning; protection of vulnerable adults (POVA); the legal and regulatory authorities and their roles.

Accredited Level 3 Dementia Care Diploma Unit 6: Interpretation and Communication

Good communication skills are a necessity in all care settings; but, in a dementia care where cognitive and physical abilities, become reduced as the disease progresses is a much greater feature. The student will learn some of the communication techniques that should be used/in place in dementia care.

Accredited Level 3 Dementia Care Diploma Unit 7: Practical Help

The crucial aspect of any care is the practical help that a carer provides. In dementia care this can range from: recreational reminiscence sessions; personal care; medication care and much more. The unit allows the student to consider and understand some of the fundamental care practices that are used in caring for dementia sufferers.

Accredited Level 3 Dementia Care Diploma Unit 8: Managing Challenging Behaviour

The unit explores how as the dementia progresses some suffers exhibit behavioural changes for example: failing mobility; incontinence; hearing/sight issues; aggressive outbursts and many other traits as cognition and physicality fail. Students will learn the importance of recognition; risk assessment; crisis intervention and coping strategies.

Accredited Level 3 Dementia Care Diploma Unit 9: Palliative Care

This unit explores the important good ‘end of life’ care. The student will learn about: palliative care; specialist settings; palliative care professionals; preparation of family; dignity in dying and preparative after care.

Accredited Level 3 Dementia Care Diploma Unit 10: Medication and Treatment

In this final unit we bring together the learning from the preceding units. In doing so, we consider the various models for treatment. Although the condition of dementia is terminal; sufferers are prescribed medication and other treatments. These are reviewed on a case by case basis – there is not ‘one fits all’ model. The student will learn about existing medication and treatments. The final aspect of the unit will be a review of the learning materials with appropriate conclusions.

Progression

This Accredited Level 3 Dementia Care Diploma can be used to gain entry to a Level 4 Diploma or higher.

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