Two-and-a-half years after Whanganui District Health Board (WDHB) launched its Walking in Another's Shoes dementia programme, close to 50 caregivers and diversional therapists and seven registered nurses having completed the course.
Walking in Another's Shoes is designed to help staff working in aged care facilities understand what it's like to live with dementia and how to better understand those with the condition.
The programme was developed at the Canterbury DHB and had been well received since it was introduced by WDHB.
Olive Redfern, WDHB dementia educator, said the training provides staff with a greater understanding of the role they play in the move towards more "person-centred care" for people with dementia.
"It's a model of care that helps rest home staff, friends, family members and acquaintances have a more positive view of the condition and the care provided," Ms Redfern says.