With many care home residents living with dementia, employers prioritise staff who understand person-centred communication, behaviour support, risk awareness and family liaison. Here’s how training typically works and which qualifications employers like to see.

What do care homes usually require?

• Induction & mandatory training: safeguarding, infection prevention, moving & handling, basic life support, medication awareness (role-dependent), documentation — plus dementia awareness where relevant to the service.
• The Care Certificate (15 standards): a nationally recognised induction for new care workers that underpins safe practice. Many providers deliver dementia content alongside these standards.
• Ongoing CPD: regular refreshers and service-specific modules (e.g., behaviour support, falls/frailty, nutrition, end-of-life).

For sector standards and training guidance, see Skills for Care. Role profiles are available via the National Careers Service, and NHS opportunities are listed on NHS Health Careers.

Recommended qualification pathway (to stand out)

If you’re brand new to care

• Start with Level 2 Adult Care and look for entry-level roles.
• Build confidence through volunteering — search via NCVO.
• Add Level 3 Dementia Care to strengthen your application to dementia-focused services.

Why dementia-specific training matters

• Better communication: validation, clear language and supportive environments reduce distress.
• Safer practice: risk awareness (wandering, falls) and early identification of changes.
• Family partnership: building trust, sharing updates and planning meaningful activities.

For evidence-based information and carer guidance, visit the Alzheimer’s Society.

Bottom line

If you’re aiming to work in a care home — particularly in memory-care settings — dementia awareness and person-centred dementia training are strongly expected. Build recognised foundations with Adult Care (Level 2/Level 3 Certificate), then add a Level 3 Dementia Care specialist course to progress with confidence.