Inadequate training putting people with dementia at risk

A recent survey revealed many care workers are not receiving adequate training to care for elderly people with dementia. Find out how Good Care Group’s person-centered approach is making a difference.

A survey conducted by UNISON revealed that many care workers are not receiving adequate training to care for elderly people with dementia.

A quarter of carers not trained

The survey found that a quarter (27%) of carers had received no training on how to work with people with dementia, nor did they have any training on common caring tasks such as changing catheter bags or administering medication. The lack of guidance is also compounded by council care workers being pressured to carry out their roles within shorter amounts of time (as previously reported on this blog), resulting in an increasingly unsatisfactory level of care.

George McNamara, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Alzheimer’s Society said: “Two thirds of people with dementia live in the community and it is a disgrace that these people are being let down so profoundly. We hear countless stories of people with dementia being denied care because a lack of understanding means their needs are not assessed properly.  It can also have devastating consequences if care workers don’t have enough training to be able to appropriately communicate, with people with dementia often ending up in hospital as a result. Home care should be about good quality care, designed to meet individual’s needs.”

Specialist dementia training to deliver person-centered care

Fiona Lowry, CEO of the Good Care Group, highlighted the need for specialist training for carers working with people with dementia: “Dementia is a complex condition, which is why we work with medical experts, academic bodies and leading charities to ensure our carers are equipped with knowledge and expertise they need provide person-centred dementia care at the highest level. Our carers are trained to use a range of best practice techniques to communicate effectively to provide reassurance, reduce anxiety and calm behaviours. It’s disheartening to read of dementia care being delivered by untrained carers – we are committed to employing and training carers to the very highest standards, so that you can be sure your loved one receives 24/7, one-to-one care designed to understand their needs and improve their wellbeing.”