Dementia and Distressed Behaviour
Dementia and distressed behaviour training helps your team understand dementia, recognise distressed behaviour as communication, find and address the causes, respond safely in the moment, and work within the law. Delivered on-site by our experienced trainers.
About the course
Recognise distressed behaviour as communication, and respond safely
By the end of the course, delegates will:
- Describe the common types of dementia and their effects
- Use current, non-stigmatising terminology
- Apply life history to everyday decisions
- Communicate effectively with someone who has dementia
- Recognise distress in its quiet forms as well as its loud ones
- Assess pain where the person cannot report it
- Distinguish delirium from dementia and escalate it
- Identify environmental causes of distress
- Record and analyse behaviour to find the pattern
- Explain the limits of medication, restraint and liberty
What you’ll cover
Full course content
Everything the course covers, exactly as our trainers deliver it:
Dementia in care homes
- The common types
- More than memory
The words we use
- Where each term stands
- Cause, or control
The person, not the diagnosis
- Life history as evidence
- Keeping what they can do
Dignity, respect and culture
- What dignity looks like
- Truth and kindness
Communication
- Before you speak
- When it is not working
Everyday living
- Eating, drinking, continence
- Sleep, and something worth doing
What distress looks like
- The quiet ones get missed
- Repetition, and what it costs
Distress is a message
- Where to look
- The uncomfortable one
Pain
- Pain without words
- The test that settles it
Delirium
- Telling them apart
- The 4AT, and what you do
The environment
- Noise, light and contrast
- Walking, and stopping it
Finding the pattern
- The ABC record
- Turning it into a plan
Responding in the moment
- Early signs, and yourself first
- Afterwards, for both of you
Medication, and why it is last
- The gate, and the rules
- Where practice has drifted
Restraint, liberty and the law
- What counts as restrictive
- What changed in June 2026
Keep exploring
Related neurological courses
These subjects sit naturally alongside this course — and we can combine courses into one visit.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Where is the training delivered?
All of our training is delivered on-site at your service, anywhere in the UK — we come to you, so there are no travel costs or venue hire for your team.
How long is the Dementia and Distressed Behaviour course?
It runs as a full day – 6 hours course, delivered in one visit unless stated otherwise.
How many delegates can attend?
Up to 15 delegates per session.
Do delegates receive a certificate?
Yes — every delegate receives a certificate on completion. We recommend refreshing every year.
How much does the course cost?
We price every course on application, based on your dates, location and delegate numbers. Use the contact buttons below — we reply quickly with a quote.
Can we combine courses into one visit?
Yes. Many clients build a full training day from shorter courses, and we can deliver several subjects in one visit — just tell us what your team needs.
Do you only train care providers?
No. This course suits care & nursing homes, home care & domiciliary, supported living, day services, hospices. If your sector isn’t listed, ask — we’ll tailor the course to your setting.
Book this course
We bring Dementia and Distressed Behaviour training to your service
Delivered on-site at your service, nationwide, with pricing on application. Tell us your dates and delegate numbers and we’ll reply quickly with a quote.
Part of our neurological training range. Also explore behaviour management training and mental health training.