Alzheimer's Society

Alzheimer's Society approved trainers

The Alzheimer's Society has produced a list of trainers who it recognises for their professionalism and approach to dementia care training. All have been through an assessment process with the Alzheimer's Society. We are happy to recommend the training they provide.

In order to be an approved trainer, a candidate will need to be able to demonstrate that they are competent to a standard acceptable to the Society in the certain key areas of training skills and their approach to dementia care.

The Society has developed an application and monitoring procedure that we feel will ensure that a trainer's knowledge, skills and attitude is assessed in detail.

The application process to looks to approve a mixture of a person's philosophy and approach to dementia care training (based upon the person-centred approach), their knowledge and skills (training and dementia care knowledge), plus the quality of their courses and materials.

An applicant may have a professional base (nursing, social work, occupational therapy, psychology etc) and experience working in the field. Alternatively the applicant may have extensive experience of working in the field, but no professional and/or training qualifications. Experience should be current and 'hands on'.

Prepare yourself for training

Have you asked yourself 'How will I know if this training has been a success?' Trainers are amazed at how few people will ask this question before parting with their cash. In preparation it may be helpful to think about the following points when thinking about organising training.

• Why has the need for training come about?
• Do your expectations and budget match?
• Do your training needs and budget match?
• Work with the trainer, staff, other agencies, clients and families to prioritise training needs
• Is it really just a training need? For training to have an impact other things may need to adapt and change.
• Therefore what other measures are you taking to support staff?
• How far are you prepared to change things as a result of training?
• Who is the training for and why? Who else may benefit? (e.g. cooks, cleaners, drivers)
• Has time, cover and a venue been set aside to allow staff to attend without interruption?
• Is there one point of contact between the trainer and your organisation?
• Can the trainer have access to the service prior to the course?
• Can the trainer have access to the clients, families and staff prior to the course?
• How have staff been consulted about their training needs?
• Is it appropriate and necessary to consult with people in your care and their relatives about training? (We have found that there is a great deal of positive interest)
• With the other agencies you are working with, how might the training affect them? Therefore would it be advantageous to organise joint training? (spread the cost!)
• How will you evaluate the training?
• How can you plan together to implement the training?
• How will you know that the training has been a success?
• Are the outcomes you have planned for the training 'SMART'? - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound

Be prepared for the fact that further training needs are likely to be identified.

To have a successful outcome to training, you may have to face some uncomfortable truths. However training should not be solely problem focused. It should attempt to build upon the strengths of staff. When implementing what you have learnt be prepared for setbacks. You may be trying out new ideas and approaches and these will take time. Support each other and share what you learn.

Contacting trainers

It is advisable to plan as far ahead as possible before contacting trainers. You will have a greater choice of dates and more opportunity to work with the trainer in the planning and design of the day.

The above list of points is by no means exhaustive! However having a clear picture of why you may need training will increase the chances of success. A trainer will be delighted to be briefed fully and honestly.

Please note: Unless otherwise stated, all the trainers on this list are independent or working for organisations other than the Alzheimer's Society. The Alzheimer's Society will not enter into negotiation of fees between an Approved Trainer and another organisation.

For further details about any of the trainers please contact Daren Felgate on hwalton@alzheimers.org.uk

Before you begin, we would advise you to consult Skills Sets in Dementia produced by Skills for Care. This contains information to help you plan and identify your training needs and outcomes.

For more information please call 0113 2451716 or email info@skillsforcare.org.uk