St Mary’s Villa Residential Aged Care staff have undertaken a valuable qualification through TAFE NSW to develop skills in supporting people with dementia.

The Statement of Attainment for Dementia Support qualification has been offered to 20 St Mary’s Villa Residential Aged Care staff.

Once completed, the staff are certified with specialised knowledge so they can make a difference to the lives of people living with dementia. 

St Mary’s Villa Residential Aged Care Educator Christine Smith said this is a fantastic opportunity for staff to broaden their skillset.

“The TAFE NSW qualification equips staff with greater capability to understand dementia, risks and types and methods of early detection,” she said.

“The goal of staff undertaking this course is to promote early foundation skills which promotes thinking about dementia to support change. One of the key modules is on empathy. It’s about the ability to stand in the world of somebody living with dementia and experiencing it through their eyes.”

As Australia’s largest training provider, TAFE NSW has delivered this training to St Mary’s Villa Residential Aged Care staff using their expert industry trainers in a way that fits their business operations. The theory training has been delivered at St Mary’s Villa Residential Aged Care facility in Concord.

TAFE NSW Ageing and Disability Team Leader Catherine Richardson said she was thrilled to be working with St Mary’s Villa Residential Aged Care to deliver this specialised dementia training.

“As part of the training, staff develop strategies to address needs, provide support to people living with dementia and facilitate responsible behavior. With more than 50% of those in residential care diagnosed with dementia and even more remaining undiagnosed, this essential training will provide the appropriate dementia training to those staff working in an Aged Care facility,” Ms Richardson said.

For further information visit www.tafensw.edu.au

Media contact: Laura Kelly, Media and Communications Business Partner, laura.kelly40@tafensw.edu.au or 0411 777 676.