Sensory Loss – Extended Knowledge

Course fee: HCPA Standard Member: Fully funded*
Associate/Network Member: £75+VAT | Non-member: £150+VAT

Two day course at HCPA Campus
Day 1: 13/04/2026
Day 2: 14/04/2026

Course Overview

This 2-day course is designed to support health and social care staff to develop a deeper understanding of sensory loss and its impact on individuals, particularly those living with dementia. The programme covers relevant legislation, including the Mental Capacity Act 2005, ensuring learners understand their legal responsibilities when supporting individuals with changing needs.

Learners will explore practical approaches that promote independence, inclusion, and quality of life. The course demonstrates how small environmental adaptations can significantly improve accessibility for people experiencing sensory loss, and how communication and care approaches can be adapted to provide more effective, person-centred support.

The training also examines the impact of sensory changes in individuals living with advanced dementia, developing condition-specific understanding of how brain changes can distort sensory input and influence behaviour in care settings.

By the end of the course, care workers will feel confident in using tailored interventions and practical strategies to support individuals with dementia and sensory difficulties, enabling safer, more compassionate, and more responsive care.

This course is aligned with the Workforce Development Pathway under:
• Care or Support Worker – Established in their role with consolidated skills and experience
• Enhanced Care Worker – Delegated healthcare activities and/or condition-specific support

Entry Requirements
This course is designed for health and social care staff who work with individuals experiencing sensory loss or dementia. No formal qualifications are required, although some experience in a care setting is helpful. Learners should have basic English and communication skills to access the course materials and take part in discussions. A willingness to engage in activities and share experiences is important to get the most from the training.

Learning objectives:

• Identify the key sensory processing systems and understand their role in everyday functioning.
• Describe the main types of sensory loss and how they may present in individuals.
• Identify common causes of sensory loss.
• Explain the potential impact of sensory loss on communication, behaviour, independence, and overall wellbeing.
• Summarise practical strategies for planning and delivering person-centred support for individuals with sensory needs.
• Explain how the Mental Capacity Act 2005 supports and protects individuals experiencing sensory loss.
• Describe the Hertfordshire Sensory Framework and its relevance to professional practice.
• Identify appropriate sources of support, services, and guidance available to individuals and care professionals

*Please note: As per our T&C’s, this course carries a fee in the event of non-attendance, non-completion or late cancellation.
Bookings of more than two delegates per site may be amended to allow access to all member organisations at the discretion of HCPA.
Delegates who are late may not be admitted into the training and a cost incurred.