Basic knowledge of Dementia .

The major studies include the four enabling support units to build general skills including literacy, numeracy, online technology, communication and basic biology and develop confidence for tertiary study,the units introduces students to both the normal ageing processes in the body and the brain and what goes wrong in dementia, by having a biological focus,thus enabling students to understand the mechanisms of what goes wrong, and how various therapies are applied to intervene in the dementia process.Also the units introduces students to models of care that currently exist in Australia, core principles of supportive care and palliation, and how to effectively communicate with people with dementia.

The students should be currently working in the aged care and dimentia care workforce.Shall reside within a commuting distance of a UTAS campus to attend face-to-face teaching days which may be on the weekends (4-5 days per semester).The student should be a native English speaker, or have an IELTS score.Students who have completed a Certificate III or IV in Aged Care or who hold a completed university degree may be eligible to apply for credit of up to 4 units (the first 4 foundation units).The Associate Degree in Dementia Care is offered for a November intake each year only, and expressions of interest must be accepted by the students ACSA branch by 15 September each year in order to commence study by November (semester 5).

It is not anticipated that the successful completion of any or all of the units required for the Associate Degree will be transferable for direct entry into other degreeprograms offered at UTAS. However, this Associate Degree will enhance the"deepening" of skills for PCW/CCWs and enable 'skills escalation' and articulation for existing workers to higher degrees.

This is the first course of its kind in Australia and for the first time brings together the disciplines of neuroscience and social science, as applied to care for people with dementia. This associate degree will be offered in partnership with ACSA, to ensure that the current aged and dementia care workforce will benefit directly from high quality evidence-based care research that translates into improved care for people with dementia. Course completion of the associate degree will advance the provision of quality care for people with dementia and will have the opportunity to disseminate knowledge that will inform practice. The associate degree offers vocational training allied with evidence-based learning and the possibility to move on to higher degree programs. In an ageing population the workforce is set to expand significantly in the short to medium term future, and graduates will have the opportunity to be involved in the changing scope of dementia care practice from the outset, both in terms of providing quality care and in directing policy of dementia care at a local, state and national level.

2.5 Years (Part-time)