What training do I need?

If you plan to be a good carer, you need to be well trained. Most agencies take training very seriously and will not send you out to a client unless they are sure that you can do your job.

Before you are placed with your first client, you will (depending on the agency) need to undergo training at their own facility. The length of training courses varies from agency to agency and can be anywhere from two days to two weeks. During this time, you will stay on the premises. This is also when your DBS will be confirmed. This is a Disclosure and Barring Service investigation which you must have before you are hired as a live-in carer.

Induction training is designed to give you a better understanding of clients and their needs. You will be taught how to use equipment such as hoists. You will need to pass all the tests at the end of the period before you are placed.

Many agencies also insist that carers return once a year for a short update session. This normally lasts two days and is your opportunity to talk about anything that you are unsure of.

It is also a chance to catch up on new regulations which have been brought into action, and to show you any new equipment.

It is a good idea to keep up with your update training, as many agencies will refuse to place you unless it is in date. Some will remind you of your expiration date, while others will not, so be sure to keep a note in your diary to remind yourself.

 

Your induction training should cover some or all of these topics:

 

• How you are paid, taxes, National Insurance, self-employment/PAYE
• Medication – both theory and practical administration
• Safeguarding
• Health and safety
• Moving and handling – both theory and practical
• Nutrition
• Bed bathing and dressing
• Pressure sores
• Continence management
• Infection prevention and control
• Food hygiene
• Conflict management
• Emergency First Aid
• Palliative (end of life) care
• Disability awareness

Some agencies also offer condition-specific courses. Often this will include a short course at the facility followed by completing a distance learning course.

If you feel that any of these courses will suit you, then talk to your agency about them. Many of them can also be done online and most are recognised by agencies.

Your initial induction training must be done at your agency facility, they very seldom accept an online alternative to this.

 

Condition-specific courses can include:

 

• Sign language
• Seated activities
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Dementia
• End of life care (palliative care)
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Mental Health
• Stroke awareness

 

To sum up

While there are some agencies that do not require you to do any induction training, these are few and far between, and – in the full picture – you may want to avoid them. A good agency will want to train you to a high standard so that you can do your job to the best of your ability. This is not only for your own safety, but for the safety of your client.

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