Dementia Awareness
This element covers the fundamental understanding of dementia, including its definition, common types (Alzheimer's, vascular, Lewy body, frontotemporal), causes, and the progressive nature of the condition. It also explores theoretical models such as the medical and social models of dementia, and emphasises the importance of person-centred care by understanding the individual's unique experience. This knowledge underpins effective support strategies in care settings.
Assessment criteria
Topic Overview
The City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Care is a foundational qualification for those starting a career in health and social care. It covers the essential knowledge and skills required to work in a variety of care settings, including residential homes, domiciliary care, and day services. The diploma focuses on person-centred care, safeguarding, communication, and health and safety, ensuring learners understand how to support individuals with their daily living activities while promoting dignity and independence.
This qualification is part of the City & Guilds Limited Occupational Qualification suite and is designed to meet the standards set by Skills for Care and the Care Quality Commission (CQC). It is suitable for new care workers, support workers, or those looking to formalise their experience. The diploma includes mandatory units such as 'Principles of Care', 'Communication in Care Settings', and 'Duty of Care', as well as optional units that allow learners to specialise in areas like dementia care or learning disabilities.
Mastering this diploma is crucial because it provides the legal and ethical framework for safe, effective care practice. It also prepares learners for progression to Level 3 qualifications or apprenticeships. By understanding the core principles, students can deliver high-quality care that respects individuals' rights, choices, and wellbeing, which is at the heart of the Care Act 2014 and the Care Certificate standards.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Person-centred care: Tailoring support to an individual's needs, preferences, and values, involving them in decisions about their care.
- →Safeguarding: Protecting vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and harm, following local policies and the Care Act 2014 principles.
- →Duty of care: A legal obligation to act in the best interest of individuals, ensuring their safety and wellbeing at all times.
- →Effective communication: Using verbal and non-verbal techniques to build trust, understand needs, and report concerns accurately.
- →Health and safety: Applying risk assessments, infection control, and moving and handling techniques to prevent accidents and injuries.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- Understand dementia. Understand models of dementia. Know types of dementia and their causes. Understand an individual’s experience of dementia
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Award credit for accurately defining dementia and differentiating it from normal ageing.
- Award credit for describing at least two types of dementia, including their causes and characteristic symptoms.
- Award credit for explaining the key differences between the medical model and the social model of dementia, with examples.
- Award credit for outlining how dementia affects an individual's cognition, communication, behaviour, and daily living, referencing the importance of seeing the person not just the condition.
- Award credit for demonstrating understanding of person-centred approaches by linking theory to practice, e.g., how understanding an individual's life history can improve care.
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡Use specific terminology correctly (e.g., differentiate between 'cognitive' and 'behavioural' symptoms) and provide clear examples from practice.
- 💡When discussing models, link them directly to care approaches – for instance, how the social model encourages independence and inclusion.
- 💡In written assignments, always relate theory to a person-centred perspective, showing how you would apply your knowledge to support an individual living with dementia.
- 💡Use specific examples from your placement or case studies to illustrate how you apply principles like dignity or consent. This shows deeper understanding.
- 💡Know the key legislation: Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Mentioning these in answers gains marks.
- 💡In written assessments, structure your answers using the 'P.E.E.L' method (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) to ensure clarity and depth.
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Confusing dementia with normal age-related memory loss or other mental health conditions like depression.
- Assuming all dementia is Alzheimer's disease, failing to recognise other types and their distinct progressions.
- Treating the medical model as the only approach, neglecting the social model and the impact of environmental factors.
- Focusing solely on the deficits rather than the individual's remaining abilities and potential for well-being.
- Misconception: 'Care work is just about following instructions.' Correction: Care workers must use their own judgement within their role, applying person-centred principles and reporting concerns proactively.
- Misconception: 'Confidentiality means never sharing information.' Correction: Information can be shared with consent or when there is a safeguarding risk, following the 'need to know' principle and data protection laws.
- Misconception: 'Duty of care only applies to physical safety.' Correction: It also covers emotional wellbeing, dignity, and respecting choices, even when they involve risk (positive risk-taking).
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for CITY & GUILDS LIMITED Dementia Awareness
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •Basic understanding of health and social care values (e.g., respect, dignity) from the Care Certificate or introductory courses.
- •English and maths at Level 1 or equivalent to complete written assessments and calculations (e.g., fluid intake charts).
- •A willingness to reflect on personal values and how they impact care practice.
Coursework AI Review
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Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- Understand dementia. Understand models of dementia. Know types of dementia and their causes. Understand an individual’s experience of dementia
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