Quality of care
been on a course or had any form of training, this figure jumps to 31.8 per cent. The report suggests that those care homes that are investing in the training and development of their staff generally experience a lower staff turnover. Therefore, the link between retention and quality of care simply can’t be ignored.
Driving care quality
The bond between a resident and their carer is vital; many residents view their care workers as friends or even family members. Seeing a recognisable face and getting to know people in order to form an understanding and a relationship is important in all walks of life. In care, it is even more so and that’s why there is a big emphasis on person centred care. In the long term, carers who receive training that keeps their skills, knowledge and behaviours up-to-date with the latest research are more likely to provide outstanding care and have an incentive to remain in their role for longer. Research shows that rethinking the relationship between care providers, workers and residents to ensure that care is more personalised has benefits for both residents and staff. Person centred care has become much more of a focus for the sector because it helps to ensure residents receive the care, respect and compassion they deserve. Studies show that individuals who are able to make joint decisions with carers
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about the care they receive feel they have more control over their treatment and that their individual needs and expectations are met. Person centred care is also shown to improve physical and clinical symptoms, at least in the short term.
However, since January 2015, only 24 per cent of people who are employed in the sector have received training relating to person centred care, respect and dignity.3
It has been found that this
type of care provides benefits to the care home team too. Creating a closer bond with residents and understanding their needs boosts job satisfaction and helps to improve clinical outcomes.
Similarly, when looking at the number of people who have had training in positive behaviour support, it’s even lower at just 11 per cent. More carers in the care home environment need to have access to this type of training to help maintain and drive care quality.
Training provision
The work carers do every day has a direct impact on the quality of life residents enjoy. Every professional wants to provide the very best care they can while also knowing that they have the opportunity to progress and further their own career. There is a perception in wider society that working as a carer or a healthcare assistant is an unskilled or uneducated position. However, although the statistics point towards a sector where too few have access to training and qualifications, it is by no means a low skilled or unskilled career.
In September 2018, the Independent Care Group (ICG) called for care workers to be recognised as skilled workers. Care homes, service providers and carers themselves should therefore be encouraged to make training a priority. There are a lot of great courses and training providers in the sector to help equip care workers with the skills, behaviours and knowledge that will
There are a lot of great courses and training providers in the sector to help equip care workers with the skills, behaviours and knowledge that will empower them to provide outstanding care
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com • January 2019
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