Equality, diversity and inclusion in dementia care practice

Unit aim

This unit provides knowledge, understanding and skills for those who provide care or support to individuals with dementia in a wide range of settings. The unit introduces the concepts of equality, diversity and inclusion that are fundamental to person centred care practice.

Outcome 1 Understand the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion when working with individuals with dementia

The learner can:

1. explain what is meant by:

• diversity

• equality

• inclusion

2. explain why an individual with dementia has unique needs and preferences

3. describe how an individual with dementia may feel excluded

4. describe why it is important to include an individual with dementia in all aspects of care practice

5. explain how values, beliefs and misunderstandings about dementia can affect attitudes towards an individual.

Outcome 2 Apply a person centred approach in the care and support of individuals with dementia

1. demonstrate how an individual with dementia has been valued, included and able to engage in daily life

2. show how an individual's life history and culture has been taken into consideration to meet their needs

3. demonstrate how the stage of dementia of an individual has been taken into account when meeting their needs and preferences

4. demonstrate ways of helping carers and others to understand that an individual with dementia has unique needs and preferences.

Outcome 3 Work with a range of individuals who have dementia to ensure diverse needs are met

1. demonstrate how to work in ways that ensure that the needs and preferences of individuals with dementia from a diverse range of backgrounds are met

2. describe how the experience of an older individual with dementia may be different from the experience of a younger individual with dementia

3. describe how to use a person centred approach with an individual with a learning disability and dementia