Improving training for carers who support individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia: A service evaluation

Abstract

Background:Within the Intellectual Disability (ID) population, the prevalence rate of dementia is higher than the general population (Chapman et al., 2018). This signifies a heightened demand on carers to support the transition from routine ID-based care to expert dementia care (Ryan et al., 2014). In line with the National Health Service’s (NHS) long-term plan (2019), it is vital for carers to access regular training to meet individuals’ dementia-related needs.Rationale:The local NHS Community Learning Disability Health Team developed two dementia training packages for paid carers working in residential and supported living facilities. Training package two (TP2) was developed in response to carer feedback obtained from training package one (TP1). This service evaluation aims to investigate the impact of TP2 on participants’ knowledge of dementia and post-diagnostic interventions. Furthermore, this evaluation aims to explore whether the quality of training improved between TP1 and TP2.Methodology:Participants who attended TP2 completed a pre and post knowledge measure; data was analysed using a repeated measures t-test. Quality scores were also completed post TP1 and TP2; this data was analysed using an independent t-test.Results:Participants reported statistically significantly higher dementia knowledge and post-diagnostic support knowledge scores following TP2. Compared with TP1, TP2 had statistically higher post-training quality scores.Discussion:Results from TP2 suggest that this dementia training package is viable and useful. The implications of these findings and wider literature are discussed, in addition to a critical review of the evaluation’s limitations, strengths and recommendations.