Dementia Concepts and Support
The Dementia Concepts and Support (Micro-Credential) (Level 4) is a 14-week online programme designed to build specialised knowledge in dementia care.
As New Zealand’s population ages, the need for skilled, compassionate support workers continues to grow. This NZQA-recognised micro-credential equips healthcare employees with practical strategies to support people living with dementia, while strengthening their understanding of the brain function, behaviour, and the impacts of cognitive decline.
Graduates will gain the confidence and capability to provide person-centred dementia care, communicate effectively with whānau, and contribute to safer, more supportive care environments.
What is Learn & Earn?
Learn & Earn helps employees reach their full potential by turning everyday work experience into recognised qualifications.
Through flexible, work-based learning programmes, we help employees develop skills, strengthen teams, and support meaningful career progression — all in a way that fits around real life commitments.
Learn & Earn training is achieved on the job, with assessment happening within the workplace. We provide the learning tools, resources, tutors, and assessors, and learners enjoy a blend of online tutor-directed learning, work-based activities, and independent self-study.
Who should enrol?
- Healthcare assistants and support workers
- Aged care and community care staff
- Disability and home support workers
- Team Leaders
- And more!
If you are unsure whether this programme is right for you, please get in touch with us at industryengagement@nzseg.com
Duration
14 weeks part time
Start Time
6.30pm - 8.00pm
Credits
20
Delivery
Online
Fees Domestic
NZ$260
Fees International
NZ$450
Programme overview
Dementia Concepts:
- Communicating with whānau and communities
- Causes of dementia and risk factors
- Signs, symptoms, and different types of dementia
- The anatomy of the brain, including brain function with and without dementia
- Muscular, mood, and psychological changes with dementia patients
Dementia Support:
- Strategies to mitigate impacts on caregivers and people with dementia
- Dementia safety practices and guidelines
- Person-centred and compassionate dementia support
- Effective communication techniques for people with dementia
Entry requirements
- There are no compulsory academic entry requirements, however it is recommended that learners enrolling for this micro-credential hold the New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 3) qualification or are working in the healthcare industry.
- All learners must have English language competence to undertake this programme which is taught and assessed in English. International (onshore) students require a valid visa and insurance to study on the programme.
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Graduate outcomes
Upon completion of the Dementia Concepts and Support (Micro-Credential) (Level 4) programme, graduates will be proficient in:
- Describing the changes in people with dementia to their whānau
- Providing person-centred care approaches for supporting a person living with dementia
- Delivering effective communication strategies to support a person living with dementia
- Describing the safe practices required for working with people with dementia
- Describing the effects on the physical, emotional, and mental health of caregivers providing support to people with dementia
- Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human brain
- Explaining the physiology of dementia and its effects on a person’s brain, behaviour, attitudes and emotions
- Describing the major types of dementia, as well as signs and symptoms
- Investigating the main causes and complications of dementia
Contact Us
For more information contact:
- Kim, Industry Engagement Partner
- kimberley@nzse.ac.nz
- 021 244 0132