We believe in the value of learning – both at work and in the classroom. The ability to take on new ideas and change old practices is essential to providing the highest quality of care.
We currently offer 12 different training courses for our caregivers, including Dementia Awareness, Dementia – Advanced Care Practice, Parkinson’s Care, MND Care and Stroke Care to name just a few. Our courses run twice a week and are repeated quarterly throughout the year. This means our caregivers can refresh their training and give of their own experiences, regularly.
Our recent Parkinson’s Care awareness courses saw 14 of our caregivers take part and receive their certificates subsequently. Of the caregivers attending, 8 currently work with people who live with Parkinson’s, so their input to the course was invaluable.
Maddie, Care Manager, says “Caregivers are offered training at all levels of their career and Continuing Professional Development is seen as best practice for any social care worker and is a requirement for all members of staff at Inchwater”.
We also held an Induction in October and three caregivers passed their training course. This is an intensive three-day programme that trains and tests their knowledge and skills in key areas such as Health and Safety, Medication, First Aid, Fire Safety and Food Hygiene. Complimenting this were in-depth discussions and Q and A sessions of issues surrounding care at home, such as dignity, safeguarding, personalisation and social inclusion – all hugely important when delivering high quality care services to older people.
Congratulations to Rosemary, Caroline, Meg and Lauren-Amy! Lauren-Amy is our office apprentice who also completed (and passed) the caregiver induction course. Currently taking her NVQ Level 2 in Business and Administration, Lauren-Amy needs to have direct experience of care work and took to the training with ease.