Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) in Dementia Care
About This Course
Unlock Compassionate Dementia Care with the Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA)
Caring for individuals with dementia requires more than just practical skills—it demands empathy, patience, and a deep understanding of the person behind the condition. Our comprehensive course on the Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) in Dementia Care equips caregivers with the essential knowledge and techniques to provide compassionate, respectful, and effective care.
This course is specifically designed to help caregivers, healthcare professionals, and family members manage responsive behaviours and create a safe, supportive environment for individuals living with dementia. Using proven strategies and real-world applications, you will learn how to de-escalate challenging situations, promote dignity, and enhance the overall well-being of those in your care.
What You Will Learn:
- Module 1: Introduction to Personhood in Dementia Care Learn the importance of recognizing the person’s identity, emotions, and history to provide compassionate, individualized care.
- Module 2: Understanding the Brain and Behavior in Dementia Explore how changes in the brain affect behavior and how caregivers can interpret and respond to these behaviors.
- Module 3: Creating a Supportive Interpersonal Environment Learn how to use non-verbal communication and environmental adjustments to create a supportive and safe environment.
- Module 4: Gentle Persuasive Techniques for Managing Behaviors Discover techniques like validation and redirection to de-escalate responsive behaviors with patience and empathy.
- Module 5: Physical Techniques for Managing Aggression Learn safe physical techniques for managing aggressive behaviors and maintaining the safety of both the individual and caregiver.
- Module 6: Emotional Recovery After an Episode Focus on guiding the individual through emotional recovery after an episode of aggressive or responsive behavior.
- Module 7: Reflecting on Caregiver Responses Learn how caregivers can reflect on their responses and make adjustments to improve future care strategies.
- Module 8: Adjusting the Environment for Better Dementia Care Understand how to make environmental changes that reduce triggers and promote a calm, supportive atmosphere.
- Module 9: Integrating Gentle Persuasive Techniques into Care Plans Discover how to incorporate the techniques learned into a comprehensive care plan tailored to the individual’s needs.
- Module 10: Final Recap and Conclusion Review key principles from the course and explore the next steps toward certification in the Gentle Persuasive Approach.
- Step-by-Step Video Modules: Each module is broken down into easy-to-follow lessons, complete with real-life examples and practical demonstrations of techniques.
- Actionable Techniques: Learn hands-on strategies that you can immediately apply in your caregiving role to reduce stress and promote a calm environment.
- Expert Guidance: Benefit from years of expertise in dementia care, with proven methods that focus on empathy, dignity, and person-cantered communication.
- Self-Paced Learning: Progress through the course at your own pace, with the flexibility to revisit any module whenever you need it.
- Certification of Completion: Receive a certification that recognizes your commitment to mastering compassionate care techniques for dementia patients.
- Professional caregivers and healthcare workers seeking advanced techniques in dementia care.
- Family members and loved ones of individuals with dementia who want to better understand and manage behaviours.
- Anyone looking to enhance their knowledge of person-cantered care for individuals living with dementia.
Learning Objectives
Module 1: Introduction to Personhood
Understand the importance of recognizing personhood in dementia care.
Learn techniques to validate emotions and maintain trust in caregiving interactions.
Discover ways to preserve the unique identity of individuals with dementia, despite the challenges posed by the condition.
Module 2: Brain and Behaviour
Gain insight into how changes in the brain affect behavior in individuals with dementia.
Explore the ABC framework (Affective, Behavioural, Cognitive) and the SPEED model for interpreting behavior.
Learn how to view behavior as a form of communication and how to meet the individual's underlying needs.
Module 3: The Interpersonal Environment
Learn to create a calm, supportive environment using nonverbal communication techniques.
Understand the role of personal space, awareness, and gentle redirection in caregiving.
Master the Stop and Go method for handling responsive behaviors with patience and care.
Module 4: Gentle Persuasive Techniques
Master techniques for de-escalating agitated or aggressive behaviors in a safe and respectful manner.
Learn physical and verbal strategies to redirect and calm individuals without compromising their dignity.
Module 5: Responding to Aggressive Behaviour and Recovery
Understand how to handle physical aggression with empathy, maintaining safety for both the individual and the caregiver.
Learn post-incident recovery strategies to support the emotional well-being of both the caregiver and the individual.
Material Includes
- Comprehensive Video Modules: Detailed lessons and real-life examples demonstrating GPA techniques.
- Interactive Learning Materials: Exercises, case studies, and quizzes to reinforce key concepts and caregiving techniques.
- Practical Caregiving Scenarios: Demonstrations of hands-on strategies for de-escalating behaviors and providing person-centered care.
- Certification of Completion: Receive a recognized certification upon successful completion of the course, proving your expertise in dementia care.
Requirements
- No prior experience required. This course is suitable for beginners and advanced caregivers alike.
- Access to an internet connection to view course videos and materials.
- Basic understanding of English (the course is provided in English).
- Optional: Caregiving tools or aids (e.g., mobility aids) for practice, though not mandatory for course completion.
Target Audience
- Professional Caregivers and Healthcare Workers: Those providing direct care to dementia patients and seeking advanced, compassionate care techniques.
- Family Members and Loved Ones: Individuals caring for family members with dementia who want to manage behaviors effectively while maintaining a loving, supportive environment.
- Aspiring Dementia Caregivers: Anyone interested in pursuing a caregiving role that focuses on the Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) to dementia care.
Curriculum
20 Lessons5h