Awareness of Mental Health, Dementia & Learning Disabilities Course

Our Awareness of Mental Health, Dementia and Learning Disabilities Course covers three important areas of care. This is important because most care and support workers will meet people with these needs at some point. Since each condition affects daily life in different ways, it is helpful to understand how to support people with these needs.

According to NHS data from 2014, about one in six adults in England experience a mental health problem in any given year. Dementia is common in older people, but younger adults can also live with it. Learning disabilities are lifelong and may not always be diagnosed. For these reasons, Skills for Care include this standard in the Care Certificate.

Awareness of Mental Health, Dementia and Learning Training

This Awareness of Mental Health, Dementia and Learning Disabilities training is CPD accredited and forms part of our Care Certificate online course. In addition, this training supports Standard 9 of the Care Certificate.

This training is also part of our Adult Care Essentials bundle and is included in the Skills for Care statutory and mandatory training guide.

The course helps you see things from the individual’s point of view. You will learn how to promote wellbeing and how to adapt your care so it is person-centred and respectful.

This Awareness of Mental Health, Dementia and Learning Disabilities Course covers:

• How someone may feel if they have a mental health condition, dementia, or a learning disability
• How these conditions can affect daily life and care needs
• Why the causes and support needs are different for each condition
• How a positive attitude improves care and reduces stigma
• The social model of disability and why it matters in care
• Changes that may be needed in the way care is given
• How to report concerns about unmet needs
• Why early detection makes a difference to wellbeing
• Examples of adjustments to care after a condition is identified
• Legislation and policies that protect rights and promote equality
• How legislation and policies affect people and their families day to day
• What “capacity” means in relation to care
• Why we should assume capacity unless shown otherwise
• What “consent” means and how it applies to different decisions
• When a capacity assessment may be needed and the use of advance statements

By the end of the training, you will be able to:

• Describe the needs and experiences of people with mental health conditions, dementia, or learning disabilities
• Explain how positive attitudes improve care and support
• Understand the social model of disability and how it supports inclusion
• Identify when changes to care and support may be needed
• Understand the importance of involving people in decisions about their care
• Explain why early detection is important
• Apply knowledge of legislation and policies to your role
• Understand what “capacity” and “consent” mean in practice
• Know when and how to report concerns in line with workplace procedures

This Awareness of Mental Health, Dementia and Learning Disabilities Course has been designed specifically for Care and Support Workers working in a social care setting. It may also be useful to a wider audience of people who would like to know more about Mental Health, Dementia and Learning Disabilities.