Finding the Light in Dementia™ Training
See below for some of our contributors living with dementia, carers and leading researchers, professionals & creatives.
Click here to download our Finding the Light in Dementia Training Overview to share with colleagues and friends
Preliminary results from an independent evaluation of our training by Swansea University show that over 90% of trainees “Strongly Agreed” that the training has helped them:
Communicate better with people who have dementia
Improve the quality of care they provide
Feel more confident and competent
Enjoy their work more
Deliver better care overall
Also the need for 1-2-1 care is reduced and a reduction of unecessary hospital admissions from care homes noted
Finding the Light in Dementia™ is created by Jane M Mullins- dementia nurse consultant, people living with dementia, their families, caregivers and leading professionals and researchers in the field
Finding the Light in Dementia™ is different from other dementia training programmes as it also offers a strong self-development ethos throughout, with enjoyable activity books and reflective journals.
We can collaborate with you to deliver truly meaningful and practical training for you and your staff.
Training is also available at Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced Levels (equ. to tiers 1,2, & 3) via an online platform 24/7, 365 days a year for all staff for one affordable price. Mapped to global dementia education framework standards – All staff can access the training, wellbeing hub and additional resources anytime and anywhere to suit their busy lives. Face to face, live online study days, masterclasses and conference style training are also available.
A strong self-development ethos underpins the whole of the training including reflective practice, enjoyable activities and access to a wellbeing hub with self-care and grief and bereavement resources – Helps develop a resilient, knowledgeable workforce that will contribute to staff retention.
Created with people who have dementia, families and caregivers and delivered through films, animations, presentations and podcasts – Accessible, enjoyable, sustainable real-life learning for all learning styles and levels.
Created by a dementia nurse specialist with over 30 years dementia nursing and research experience plus tutoring in health and social care and professional development.
Includes masterclasses with leading professionals and researchers in the field – To share up to date knowledge, best practice and evidence based to positively impact practice.
Created in collaboration with Meri Yaadain to ensure training is culturally inclusive, accessible and relevant for all.
Each module has an activity book, reflective journal and on completion of a quiz, a certificate.
Module One
Understanding Dementia
Module Two
Communicating & Connecting
Module Three
Using Memories to Keep in Touch
Module Four
Creating a Calm Safe Place
Module Five
Understanding Moods, Emotions & Responses
Module Six
I am Still Me!
In addition to the training films, animations, podcasts and presentations all trainees have access to our Wellbeing Hub and Resources section:
Wellbeing Hub
Activity Books
Resources
Here are a Few Examples of the Materials in our Training Below
Sign up to our training to enjoy the full versions
Contact us at admin@duetcare.co.uk or 07954690170
Aren’t Our Brains Great?!!
Here is an excerpt from our animation which is an introduction to understanding how our brains work, how dementia can affect the brain and how it may affect a person
My Favourite Things
Here is an excerpt from our film which shows the importance of objects and the senses in stimulating memory and conversation with a person living with dementia
Evelyn and her chickens
What staff need to know when caring with a person who has dementia
Please watch our showreel below
Testimonials
“I have thoroughly enjoyed every part of finding the light training. It was educational and what really had me hooked was the fact you delivered in such a person centred, dignified and compassionate way never forgetting that there is still a person. I enjoyed listening to individual stories, hearing about their experience of dementia and what is important to them which I feel is very important when raising awareness about dementia as this can help implement the changes needed if we are to improve dementia care. One lady has stuck in my mind she spoke about her admission to hospital and how the staff did not speak to her when they entered her room because she had dementia. I personally feel this training should be mandatory for any person working in the field of dementia as it is so important that we have a broad understanding of dementia so we are able to meet the needs of people living with dementia at every stage. Thank you Jane for developing such an inspirational training package in the field of dementia care.”
Sandra Burrell, Practice Development Nurse Dementia
“I would recommend this course to anyone as it has given me an amazing insight into dementia not only with patients but also in the community. It has allowed me to develop skills such as how to get to know the person and understand how they love to be communicated with. I liked learning about how understanding a person’s background is so important to them. I also liked listening to the podcasts and hearing real life stories and how dementia affects them. Dementia is different for every person. I am looking forward to developing my skills further within practice and sharing this with friends and colleagues.”
Michelle, Health Care Assistant, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
Dr Tracey Williamson
Consultant Nurse for Dementia, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
“I have been delighted with the quality of Finding the Light in Dementia training we have received in the Health Board over two years. It has enabled staff to learn about dementia care to the level appropriate for their role. It is delivered in an interesting, inspiring and resource-rich way and feedback is consistently excellent. We are continuing to commission it in the online self-study format as well as occasional live sessions.”
“I am really enjoying the Finding the light in dementia training. I find myself using the ideas while in work, the things I am learning are making me think even more outside the box. I cared for a lady who was distressed last week, so the training gave me an idea, and I found a video that showed a walk around her home town, she sat and smiled with me and remained calm and relaxed.” –Lauren, Dementia Support Worker, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
“I like the fact that it not only offers practical experience of how someone may feel, but also has films & podcasts with people with dementia as well as a wellbeing hub. As a trainer and advocate of dementia care, I am always looking at improving not only my knowledge and understanding, but that of the staff that support individuals on a dementia journey. I have found whilst carrying out the delivery of training in dementia, staff still sometimes struggle in ‘putting themselves in the shoes of those individuals’ so was searching for suitable training to help them achieve this. After completing this training, I would highly recommend all staff that interact with people who have dementia to participate as it benefits all staff. I like the fact that it not only offers practical experience of how someone may feel but also offers podcasts with people with dementia as well as a wellbeing hub.” –Stacey, Staff Trainer, Foxhunters Care Community
“This training is different from others, because its engaging with different varieties of examples through the stories of people. Its definitely impacted on my practice and that of my staff and I am enjoying it!” –Kelly, Training Manager, Glasfryn House
John Keady
Professor of Older Peoples Mental Health, Nursing and Midwifery
Founder of ‘Dementia: the International Journal of Social Research and Practice
“I have enjoyed contributing and sharing my knowledge and expertise to the Finding the Light in Dementia Training Platform, founded by Dr Jane M Mullins. Jane has brought together people living with differing types of dementia, family carers and professionals and researchers, such as myself to develop a comprehensive training programme for all levels of health and social care staff, and for family carers and members of the public. This training covers all aspects of the conditions that come under the umbrella term, dementia and provides great insights with a problem solving approach into how the condition affects people and what we can do to help them.
Her ability to communicate complex information to differing audiences is achieved through her enjoyable, creative resources of animations, audio clips, interviews, films and presentations which appeals to people with diverse learning backgrounds, abilities and styles. I also found the wellbeing hub that runs complimentary to the training, (that contains resources to help staff /families with managing anxiety and stress, grief and bereavement and offers a number of enjoyable relaxing films and audios) very helpful.
I know that Jane’s mission is to raise deep awareness about dementia to help those affected, whether they have the condition, are family members or caring for the person, and she has found a way to do just that, through her Finding the Light in Dementia Training Platform.”
This training is available at Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced Levels and is appropriate for all people involved in dementia care including:
Health and Social Care Professionals
Care Managers
Care Assistants
Caregivers
Third Sector Staff
Emergency Services Staff
Volunteers and all people in contact with people living with dementia
“Its definately impacted on my practice and that of my staff
“I am enjoying it!
“This training is different from others because its engaging with different varieties of examples through the stories of people. Its definately impacted on my practice and that of my staff”
Kelly, Deputy Manager, Glasfryn House
People enrolling on the Advanced and Intermediate training receive…
Access to 6 modules which include:
-
Videos
-
Animations
-
Podcasts
-
Presentations
-
Activity Books
-
Reflective Journals
-
Assessments
-
Certificates
PLUS
Access to Wellbeing Hub
PLUS
Access to Additional Links & Resources
Finding the Light in Dementia™ Training
About Jane
Dr. Jane M. Mullins is a dementia nurse consultant who has devoted over 30 years to the study and practice of dementia care. Through listening to and supporting people and their families during and following their diagnosis in memory clinics, caring for people who have dementia in hospital and in care homes, she has helped people throughout all of the stages of their condition. When managing a Care Home, she has supported their transition from home to residential care using life stories as a guide to planning their life and care throughout their remaining years. This has included supporting their partners, families and friends. Her particular passions are finding ways to communicate with people who have dementia through music, art and nature as a way to helping them feel well and valued.
Jane has uncovered certain common features that may help caregivers and the people they care for find better ways of coping, you can find these in her book: Finding the Light in Dementia, a Guide for Families, Friends and Caregivers. Her extensive practice experience is backed up by expert knowledge gained from studying for Her PhD; A suitcase full of memories: a sensory ethnography of dementia and keeping up to date as a researcher at the Awen Institute, Swansea University. Here, she explores sensory, creative and intuitive ways of communicating with those living with dementia.
Publications
- Mullins, J.M., 2024. From coffee in Mumbai to Marmite in Scotland, Journeying through the sensory stories of people living with dementia, Storytelling, Self, Society (accepted for publication)
- Mullins, J.M., and Morgan, N., May 2024. Finding the Light in Dementia. The Tourism Society.
- Meghani, N.A.A.,Hudson, J., Stratton, G, and Mullins, J., 2023. Optimising older adults’ home spaces to enhance their physical activity level; an explorative qualitative study protocol. BMJ (Open), 13(2), p.e066940.
- Mullins, J.M., Tales, A., Musselwhite, C., Rich, N., 2022. “Rekindling couplehood” using a multisensory suitcase of memories: A pilot study of people living with moderate dementia and their partners, Ageing & Society, 43(12), pp.2875-2893.
- Mullins, Jane M. Book Review: “Wandering the Wards: An Ethnography of Hospital Care and its Consequences for People Living with Dementia.” 2021: 14713012211054370.
- Hopkinson, J.B., King, A., Mullins, J., Young, L., Kumar, S., Hydon, K., Muthukrishnan, S., Elliott, F. and Hopkinson, M., 2021. What happens before, during and after crisis for someone with dementia living at home: A systematic review. Dementia, 20(2), pp.570-612.
- Mullins, J.M., 2021. Book Review: Alison Milne 2020. Mental Health in Later Life: Taking a Lifecourse Approach. Bristol: Policy Press, 360 pp. ISBN 9781447305712 (paperback). International Journal of Ageing and Later Life, 15(1), pp.193-196.
- Burholt, V., Davies, J., Boyd, M., Mullins, J.M., Shoemark, E.Z. and Centre for Ageing, Dementia Research, Expert Review Group on Continence, Dementia, 2020. A research agenda for promoting continence for people living with dementia in the community: Recommendations based on a critical review and expert‐by‐experience opinion. Journal of Clinical Nursing.
- Mullins, J. and Fitch, F., 2000. Diagnosis by request: A self referral memory clinic. Journal of Dementia Care, 8(2), pp.30.