How do you deal with problem behaviour in a partner or a parent with dementia? And as a carer, how do you manage to cope? These two issues are central to a new online course on dementia.
There are some 270,000 people in the Netherlands suffering from dementia. 70% of these are cared for at home, thanks to the efforts of hundreds of thousands of informal carers. These carers operate on a voluntary basis and therefore often find it difficult to set boundaries for themselves. Many of them also fail to deal adequately with their own sense of loss. It is therefore not surprising that 78% of this group experiences overburdening or runs a high risk of suffering burn-out. Depression is also common among carers. Clearly there is a need for a special website for carers containing information, advice and a self-help course.
Online course ‘In control of dementia’The
online course 'Dementia de baas' (In control of dementia) covers various issues, with which carers of dementia sufferers are daily confronted: Dealing with problem behaviour, creating time for yourself, coping with your thoughts and emotions, standing up for yourself and identifying difficulties. The course includes lessons on all these aspects, using elements from cognitive behaviour therapy.
The participants receive homework assignments and they keep a care diary. This enables them to apply the course material in daily practice and to learn new skills. After a month the course is completed with a follow-up lesson. While taking the course, the participants are guided by staff from Geriant, a specialised health care provider in this area. They provide feedback on completed assignments.
From spring 2009 a two-year effect study will be conducted in collaboration with the VU University, Amsterdam involving 200 course participants. Following this, the online course will be made available to all carers of dementia sufferers.
