About the course

This one-day course will examine issues surrounding dementia particularly in relation to supported housing settings. It will look at the medical model of Psychiatric Illness with a concentration on those disorders affecting those of more advanced years, with special emphasis on identifying the early signs of dementia. It is assumed that participants will have regular contact with individuals experiencing dementia and a willingness to better understand how this affects housing support. It is aimed at workers in all types of supported housing (hostels, single tenancies, floating support etc ) but will be of particular interest to those working in sheltered housing. It will be pitched at a basic level and does not assume any prior knowledge, but aims to improve worker's confidence in dealing with mental health problems. Participants will be encouraged to bring in relevant experiences from their own lives and also from the support environment within which they work. There will be opportunities to ask questions about work with particular individuals. This course is intended to provide an overview of the mental health needs of tenants and how best to meet them.

Course content

• The medical Model of Psychiatric Illness
• Symptoms of  Alzheimer's and Dementia
• Communicating with someone with symptoms of dementia
• Identifying the early signs
• Assessing Risk
• Treatments for Alzheimer's and Dementia
• Basic techniques for working with individuals experiencing the symptoms
• Evaluation

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course participants will be able to:

• Understand the symptoms of Alzheimer's and Dementia    
• Understand the medical classification of mental illness
• Recognise the signs of Alzheimer's and Dementia
• Be aware of the treatments available
• Recognise some basic techniques for communicating with some one with the symptoms
• Understand how to assess risk

Guy Smith has fifteen years experience in the field of social care. He has worked with a variety of client groups including the under-fives, young people and their families, the elderly and those in mental distress, both in the statutory and voluntary sectors. Within supported housing he has worked on Floating Support Schemes, in Hostels and in projects with hostels, group homes and single tenancies.  Originally a Community Worker he is a qualified Social Worker and counsellor.