The Worcestershire Dementia Standard

In 2009 the National Dementia Strategy was launched in recognition of the growing older population and the increase in likelihood that the prevalence of Dementia was likely to also increase. 

‘Living Well With Dementia’ set out an ambition that Dementia would not be treated as an end of life issue but we should embrace the opportunity to support those with every level of Dementia and strive to ensure that their quality of life is preserved as fully as possible.  Worcester County Council recognised the opportunity to work with Care and Nursing Home owners and managers to make a difference to the quality of care provided for residents who have or may develop Dementia and in 2010 they launched the Dementia Standard for Worcestershire, setting out clear expectations for all in terms of day-to-day practice within residential care provision. 

For more detail on Worcester County Councils programme please refer to the attached letter. Letter to Care Homes

The Dementia Standard Training Programme comprises of 3 levels of training;

• Leadership (5 days) – leading change (senior managers)
• Specialist (10 days) – championing and supporting change (middle managers/team leaders)
• Basic Awareness (2 days) – understanding and applying person-centred dementia care (front line care and support staff)

ACT are working hard to make sure that the training and support is offered to all residential service providers within Worcestershire.  This also included focuses support provided by two qualified and experienced staff, Janet Thompson and Will Henderson, who have been undertaking the assessments against the Standard and offering individual support visits to work towards that aim.

The Dementia Standard programme has been developed by The Association for Dementia Studies at Worcester University, led by Professor Dawn Brooker in developing the course content, supported by Age UK in delivering the Awareness level of the training.

Many Dementia Care providers have already embarked on the ambitious journey of making sure that the culture within their homes is truly person-centred and that the Dementia Standard is met and maintained, and in many cases exceeded.

Please contact Helen Wood at ACT on 01905 420715 if you are not already part of this programme and would like to book onto the training.