This is a question which can be confusing because depending on the situation you are working in the answer varies greatly.
The first time you apply to become a live-in carer you will be required to do ‘face-to-face’ training. There are very few (if any) agencies where you will not be required to do this. If you do find one, you are better avoiding them as it is even the CQC advises this initial training.
How long the initial training course is will depend on each agency you register with. Some are one-week courses, while others are held over two weeks. If you change agencies some will require you to do a few days refresher course before you start work.
What about updates?
The CQC states that “Service providers and registered managers should assess the need for refresher training according to the service type, care setting and dependent on the role and functions of the worker. This should be reflected in both the service’s workforce development plan and in individual plans for each practitioner. An annual refresher programme should be considered.”
In the Health and Social Care Act 2011 we read that “Workers have their qualifications/knowledge and skills reviewed on a regular basis to ensure they keep up to date with current practice.”
Unfortunately, legislation is a little vague about how often these updates must take place. What is clear is that you ‘legally’ do not have to do your update with your agency. The second and third year update trainings can be done elsewhere, and even online.
The following year you need to attend a ‘face-to-face’ update session to be sure that your knowledge is still in good standing.
However...
Often an agency will have their own internal rules and policies which will require you to do your update annually and with them. If you choose to do it online or at another place, they may decline to find you placements afterwards.
Agencies feel that doing update training every year makes sure that all their live-in carers are trained to the same standard and if these have slipped, they are re-addressed in a year instead of three years.
To sum up
While you may choose to do your update training at another place, or even online, you may find that you are short of work because your agency considers the training out-of-date.
A point to consider is that the agency needs to know that you are up to date on new knowledge and methods because their reputation is at stake. This is why they require an annual session. You may agree or not, but you will find that they have the final say on their policy.
While it may be expensive to attend the annual training (travel, accommodation and living may not be paid) you should seriously consider whether it is worth it to look elsewhere for update training because it is cheaper, then to find yourself looking for another agency because you have less (or no) work.
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