As part of the NPS MedicineWise education program Dementia and changed behaviours: a person-centred approach, a specific activity targeted at the barriers and needs of aged care facilities was developed. The activity included an online tutorial (made up of the video series below) and face-to-face training.

Although the face-to-face training is no longer available, we are pleased to be able to provide access to the accompanying workbook, which covers topics such as:

  • Common presentations that may mimic changed behaviours in dementia.
  • Medicines and their limited role in changed behaviour.
  • How to review medicines for people who exhibit changed behaviours, and the practical ways to deprescribe antipsychotics and benzodiazepines.
  • The multidisciplinary team and how it contributes to safe management of changed behaviours.
  • How to deliver microtraining, and what to look out for.

The workbook can be downloaded here.

Module 1. Introduction and pre-reading reflection

Meet Lynn and hear about the content being presented in the video series.

Module 2. Personhood and person-centred care

Learn about 'personhood' and what it means when working with people living with dementia.

Module 3. Principles and features of person-centred care

Listen to an introduction on the core features of person-centred care.

Module 4. Exploring person-centred communication

Refresh on the basic principles for communicating with people living with dementia.

Module 5. Changed behaviours — the underlying biological reasons

Reflect on the pathophysiological changes that can lead to changed behaviours.

Module 6. Changed behaviours — the person-centred perspective

Understand changed behaviours as a form of communication from a person with dementia.

Module 7. Reducing and responding to aggression

Learn why residents may display aggression and what can help reduce these incidents.

Module 8. Reducing resistance to care and treatment

Consider possible approaches to dealing with forms of resistance.

Module 9. Person-centred planning - meeting the individual's needs

Use information about the person's individual identity and needs to help with care planning.

Module 10. Person-centred service principles and practices

Recap on person-centred care principles and how they support personhood for people living with dementia.