Living with Dementia: Impact on Individuals, Caregivers, Communities and Societies

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/dementia-care

Introduction

**Course Review and Recommendation: Living with Dementia: Impact on Individuals, Caregivers, Communities, and Societies** As the world grapples with the increasing prevalence of dementia, understanding its complexities has become crucial for healthcare professionals, family caregivers, and anyone interested in enhancing the quality of life for those affected. "Living with Dementia: Impact on Individuals, Caregivers, Communities and Societies," offered on Coursera and led by esteemed experts Dr. Nancy Hodgson and Dr. Laura Gitlin, stands out as an essential resource in this field. **Course Overview** This expertly crafted course provides foundational knowledge about dementia and equips participants with the tools necessary for compassionate caregiving. It is particularly beneficial for health professionals, family caregivers, and individuals who want to deepen their understanding of dementia, its impact, and the care strategies that can improve the lives of both individuals with dementia and their support networks. **Syllabus Breakdown** **Module 1: About Dementia** The course begins with an introduction to dementia, weaving in a socio-ecological framework that contextualizes the human experience of the condition. This foundational module covers the global impact, pathophysiology, and stages of dementia, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of this multifaceted disorder. **Module 2: Impact on the Person** This module dives into the lived experience of individuals affected by dementia. Participants explore common unmet needs and the debilitating effects of core clinical features, including behavioral and psychological symptoms. Strategies to support the quality of life for individuals with dementia are discussed, ensuring that caregivers can provide empathetic and effective support. **Module 3: Caregiving and the Home Environment** Recognizing the challenges faced by family caregivers, this module highlights the psychosocial implications of caregiving and stress management strategies. It emphasizes the importance of adapting the home environment to support both caregiving tasks and the well-being of the individual with dementia. Additionally, there’s a valuable discussion on the role of technology in enhancing dementia care. **Module 4: Community Level** Beyond the family unit, this module expands the focus to the community. It discusses the essential role of interprofessional teams in providing holistic care. The concept of dementia-friendly communities is introduced, along with inspiring examples from around the globe that showcase successful initiatives. **Module 5: Society at Large** The final module addresses the broader societal context of dementia care. Participants explore national plans and policies that affect dementia care provision, learning to identify critical elements that can influence change. The course culminates in an actionable plan, empowering learners to address specific unmet needs in their own communities or workplaces. **Recommendations** “Living with Dementia” is a must-enroll course for anyone interested in the nuanced dynamics of dementia care. The course's interdisciplinary approach not only equips participants with theoretical knowledge but also emphasizes practical applications that can lead to real-world improvements in care and community support. **Who Should Enroll?** - **Healthcare Professionals:** To enhance caregiving skills and better understand the implications of dementia for patients and their families. - **Family Caregivers:** To gain insights into effective support strategies and self-care techniques. - **Community Leaders and Advocates:** To develop understanding and initiatives aimed at creating dementia-friendly environments. **Final Thoughts** With its expert-led curriculum, practical focus, and comprehensive coverage of dementia, this Coursera course stands out as a vital educational tool. By taking "Living with Dementia," you are not only increasing your knowledge but also contributing to a more informed society that supports individuals facing the challenges of dementia. Join the course today and become part of the solution in improving the quality of care and life for those impacted by dementia.

Syllabus

About Dementia

In this module, we introduce learners to dementia. We present a socio-ecological framework for understanding the live experience of dementia and by which this course is organized. We discuss the global impact, pathophysiology, and stages of dementia.

In this module, we focus on the impact of dementia for individuals. You will learn about common unmet needs of persons with dementia as well as the impact of core clinical features such as behavioral and psychological symptoms. Also, you will learn ways to support quality of life of a person with dementia.

In this module, we expand our lens to consider family caregivers’ needs. You will learn the psychosocial impact of caring for a person with dementia and the role of stress. We provide examples of how to reduce stress, use the physical environment to support care tasks and well-being, and examine the potential role of technologies to improve dementia care.

ln this module, we examine the community level. We discuss how the interprofessional team plays a key role in providing comprehensive dementia care. Also, we examine the concept of dementia-friendly communities and provide some examples from around the world.

In this module, we provide an overview of national plans and policies. We identify elements of key plans and review the impact of such plans from a global perspective. You will also have the opportunity to develop an action plan that addresses an unmet need that you identify either in your home, community, or place of work.