Alzheimer’s Society and RSPH have joined forces to create a new qualification to help people understand more about dementia.

The Level 2 Award in Understanding Dementia is currently being developed to raise standards in dementia care and will centre on a ‘person focused approach’, putting compassionate care at the heart of the training. The course is designed for people for whom a better understanding of dementia is going to make a real difference to the care they can offer.

The qualification is also open to anybody who has an interest in broadening their knowledge about dementia including the many people who have signed up to the widely publicised Alzheimer’s Society initiative, Dementia Friends.

Kathryn Smith, Director of Operations, of Alzheimer’s Society, said: ‘Good quality care should centre around meeting the complex needs of people with dementia ensuring individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We know that most care professionals want to provide the best care possible, but sometimes lack the knowledge or tools to understand dementia and care for someone with the condition. Eighty per cent of people in care homes have dementia or memory problems, so there is a real need to develop a standard benchmark of ability expected for people working directly in dementia care. The new Understanding Dementia qualification delivers that benchmark and will contribute to improving standards in professional care.”

Shirley Cramer, Chief Executive of RSPH, said: “RSPH is delighted to be developing this qualification in partnership with Alzheimer’s Society. We believe there is a compelling need for training that puts people with dementia and their family first.

We are committed to making a difference to the quality of dementia care and we will work together to embed this qualification as the nationally recognised standard and an essential requirement for those working across adult health and social care.”

The jointly branded qualification will be Ofqual approved and will be delivered nationally.