Enhanced dementia practice resource for social workers and other professionals

A close-up of gentleman in his garden, looking at the camera.

Dementia takes many forms and affects people in many different ways. It is this difference and diversity that must be understood by social workers and other professionals working with people as they assess each individual's experience and plan for their future together.

People with dementia, their families and carers have rich lives to share with professionals. Quality of life and the personal outcomes wanted by individuals and those closest to them must continue to drive our practice in order that their journey through dementia is supported by competent and confident practitioners at all stages.

This section will help you to develop your knowledge about dementia, to identify how dementia may present and to understand how dementia is experienced by individuals and those who love and support them.

Learning outcomes

When you have worked through this section of the resource you will be able to:

recognise and support individuals, families and carers through the complex issues and feelings surrounding a diagnosis of dementia
understand the range of physical conditions that can be associated with the different types of dementia, e.g. visual difficulties, vascular conditions
identify and understand the impact and implications of different forms of dementia on individuals with diverse abilities, backgrounds and needs
appraise and become familiar with a range of tools and resources to support assessment of skills, memory, orientation and cognition
recognise a range of pharmacological and non pharmacological treatments and supports which may enhance quality of life for a person with dementia.

Enhanced dementia practice for social workers

Understanding dementia

Learning outcomes

We'd like to hear from you about how you used this resource.