FIFTEEN live-in carers took part in a dementia training day, organised by Corinium Care.

The one-day course, held at the agency’s head office in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, featured all aspects of dementia from emotional issues to the physical aspects of moving and handling.

Carers were given examples of what to expect from someone with dementia and offered solutions as to how to manage it.

The trainees were all registered carers with Corinium who welcomed the chance to refresh their knowledge.

"It’s superb that Corinium Care offers this kind of training – not all agencies do by any means," said Jacqui Shultz, 55, from South Africa who has been a carer with Corinium for four years.

"Caring for an elderly person with dementia can be tricky for both parties if you’re not prepared. This course definitely helps build your confidence."

Leading the sessions were Training and Care Manager Jeannette Pellatt, and Training Manager Suzanne Hathaway, with Managing Director Camilla Miles.

Carers appreciated the opportunity to meet up with head office staff in Nailsworth.

"When we’re with a client, we need to know that someone is there to support us, and the back-up we get from Corinium has been fantastic," said Jacqui.

Award-winning Corinium Care considers training a vital part of its business: last year more than 200 people took part in courses on how to look after someone with dementia.

They included new and existing carers and relatives of people with dementia.

The incurable disease affects about 680,000 people in the UK. According to government statistics, the number is forecast to increase by 38 per cent in the next 15 years.

One in five people over 80 has a form of dementia, and one in 20 people over 65 has a form of dementia. Two thirds of care home residents have dementia.

Managing Director of Corinium Care, Camilla Miles, said that helping carers to communicate with their clients is vital for the wellbeing of both parties.

"People with dementia can often feel confused and incapable," she said.

"If carers haven’t come across that before, they need help to deal with it. There isn’t enough training out there for dementia care – not even for doctors and nurses - so we decided to provide it ourselves. We feel passionately about it."

Mrs Miles, who set up Corinium Care in 1995, added: "We have the opportunity to provide one-to-one dementia care in a dignified and safe environment and to allay fears about what can be a very uncertain future for the client and their families."

The agency has 800 registered carers on its books. It has 16 full-time staff in Gloucestershire, as well as recruitment offices in New Zealand, Zimbabwe and South Africa.