Member Article

Overhaul of training programme solidifying knowledge within incoming carers and senior roles

The first phase in a complete overhaul of training at a specialist home care facility has been completed, aiming to help incoming staff pick up the tools needed to hit the ground running and expanding the specialised knowledge of senior figures.

Meddyg Care, which has two dementia specialist care homes in Criccieth and Porthmadog, has revamped its induction programme to help new health care assistants develop the relevant skills and information needed to provide the highest level of care to residents.

The alteration of the training programme is the first step in a full redevelopment of Meddyg Care’s training systems, with the second phase including the relocation into a purpose-built training facility.

The site, which will be developed next door to the company’s head office in Porthmadog, is due to open in the winter.

Training and development manager Samantha Bowley said: “Our care homes aim to provide the highest quality specialist care to those with dementia and as a result, we wanted to revamp the training programmes to be more directly tailored to that mandate.

“Our new programme is split across three major areas, with each one aimed to help different learning styles benefit as well as provide a well-rounded base of knowledge in a manageable manner.

“Ensuring staff are well-prepared when they walk through the doors of our care homes is one of our top priorities, as is the continuing development of all our carers.

“We ease everyone into the main systems and operations at our facilities as well as ensure they are meeting all the required regulations to progress towards gaining a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in care.”

The programme, which runs across eight days, takes new employees through a wide range of topics to ensure they can hit the ground running in their position from the start of their employment.

Among the additions are workshops focusing on dementia and the role it plays when it comes to the care of residents, personal care techniques, and conflict resolution and awareness.

Staff also spend time at the facility they will be based in to meet the residents they will be working with and the areas and processes specific to each care home.

Samantha added: “These workshops aim to mix more theoretical exercises with practical activities so our carers can understand the importance and right practices to undertake.

“They also get to meet the residents and start developing a bond of familiarity and care with them, which becomes vital once they begin working in the homes.”

Alongside the overhaul of the organisation’s induction programme, Meddyg Care has also increased the depth of specialised training amongst the home’s senior staff.

Eight employees across the two homes will undertake the Royal College of Nursing-accredited best practice in dementia care learning programme run by Stirling University.

The training will also be managed by Samantha, who will lead the seminars as a local approved facilitator.

Samantha added: “Dementia care is a field which is constantly developing, and it is vital to implement the latest knowledge and skills within the industry.

“The course run by Stirling University is a perfect example of how our experienced staff members can continue to add on to their knowledge and themselves professionally, which is a top priority of ours.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Harris .