New tools for trauma informed practice in dementia care

New tools for trauma informed practice in dementia care

Two new learning resources designed specifically to support trauma-informed and trauma-skilled practice in the dementia care workforce have been developed by NHS Education for Scotland (NES).

 

The new tools were shared at a recent webinar hosted by NES’s Psychology and Psychological Interventions in Dementia team in partnership with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), and the National Trauma Transformation Programme.

 

A new digital learning module and a short, animated film have been developed in accordance with the Scottish Transforming Psychological Trauma Knowledge and Skills Framework.

 

Key considerations for adults with dementia and experience of trauma

 

It may be more difficult to:

 

• advocate for themselves and communicate their needs
• put distressing memories in the context of the here and now
• manage trauma triggers and engage in helpful coping responses
• regulate emotions and behaviour
• avoid re-traumatisation due to impaired understanding and communication, changes in perception, and the requirement for care delivery 

Dr Victoria Thomson, Head of Programme for Psychology and Psychological Interventions in Dementia said:

 

“It is important to acknowledge the rich and complex interplay between trauma and dementia and consider the ways in which trauma may impact on people living with dementia differently to the general adult population.

“These learning products aim to support integration of trauma informed practice into routine approaches to the provision of care, treatment, and support to improve outcomes for service users.  They acknowledge some of the unique factors to consider for the dementia workforce in implementing trauma informed practice within systems of care.”

 

Both resources aim to help the dementia care workforce improve their understanding of trauma and its impact, and how to apply trauma informed principles in practice to improve outcomes for people living with dementia, their families, and carers.

 

Animated Film

‘A piece of the puzzle – Trauma Informed Practice in Dementia Care’

 

Digital Learning Module

Trauma Skilled Practice in Dementia Care

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