This question often leads to some confusing answers, particularly if you are a new live-in carer. Whether you need to do update training every year depends on who employs you.

If you work through an agency, then the chances are that you will be called to do this once a year. Some agencies are stricter about this than others. Some agencies will not let you go on to further placements until you have completed an annual update session, while others will leave it up to you to book yourself in on an update session.

How long is an update?

Again, this depends on the agency. Some will have a one-day programme while others may have two or three-day updates. Whichever your agency has you may want to make sure you attend.

Why should I do an update?

There are several reasons why you should attend an update training session.

• It keeps you current. Attending the update means that you will find out about any new regulations which pertain to you and your clients. You will also be shown how to use any new equipment for moving and handling clients.
• Chance to ask questions. While many carers do send emails to their support teams when they need advice, there may be other items that you need to discuss and feel that they may be better talked about in person. Update training will give you an opportunity to speak to someone personally about any issues that are worrying you.
• You’ll meet other carers. Live-in care can be very lonely at times, particularly if your client has a mental condition and does not speak very much. At the update training you will stay in the carer accommodation and be able to chat to other carers who are also doing their update training. It’s a great time to make friends and chat about things. Simply meeting people who understand what you are going through will go a long way in boosting your own confidence.
• Family may want it. Often you will come across a family who want to see proof of your update before they accept you. This is understandable, they want the best qualified person to take care of their loved one. If you do not have your update certificates you may find that you are out of work.

To sum up

So, back to the question of whether you need to do an annual update? Unless your company specifies it, it is entirely up to you.

There are several outside companies who can do an update for a fee which may be less than your agency charges. If you choose to go this way you must be sure that your agency accepts their certification, otherwise you will need to repeat it with your agency at your own expense.

For the sake of a few days it seems that it is a good idea to do an update each year. It is a good idea to be up to date on new rules and regulations as well as the latest equipment and doing the annual update is the best way to get that information.

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