Dementia Carers Count launch one-day courses to support family carers 

New charity Dementia Carers Count has launched a new range of one-day courses for family carers in addition to their three-day residential course programme. The new courses offer a bite-sized approach, covering specialised subjects which can help carers to build the skills and confidence to see them through the challenges that caring can bring.

Dementia Carers Count has a unique vision: that all family carers of people with dementia will feel confident, supported and heard. These new one-day courses are part of a new series called “Caring About…”and will focus on the emotional as well as the practical needs of carers encouraging them to look after themselves as well as helping them understand the needs of the person with dementia.

Courses cost just £40 per family carer, which includes lunch, and cover the following topics:

• Caring About Eating, Drinking and Swallowing Difficulties will help family carers to recognise and respond to the difficulties that people living with dementia can experience with eating, drinking or swallowing.
• Caring About Choosing the Right Care Home aims to guide family carers who are facingthe prospect of moving a family member or friend into a care home which can feel stressful and be an emotional experience.
• Caring About Relationships and Feeling Secure will explore the types of relationships and bonds that family carers may have in their lives, including the person with dementia that they care for. Participants will learn about how to manage stress so both they and the person with dementia can feel calmer and less overwhelmed.

Dementia Carers Count has already piloted a raft of practical courses and is here to support each person who belongs to the community of family carers of people with dementia; across the UK and wherever they are in their journey.

Dr Gemima Fitzgerald, Psychological and Talking Therapies Lead at Dementia Carers Count says: “If you decide to come on one of our one-day courses you will meet others in similar situations. We want to provide you with some support so you can return to your caring roles feeling better equipped and re-energised. 

“We know it can be hard for family carers to leave the person with dementia, even for a short time. We hope that once they’ve tried a one-day course with us, they will go on to book the three-day residential course, which can offer even more insight and empowerment, as well as much needed rest and relaxation.” 

Visit: www.dementiacarers.org.uk for more information about our courses and to book.