The Importance of Training Aged Care Workers

Aug 15, 2024 | Aged Care, News

With an increasing demand for high-quality aged care support in Australia, the importance of ensuring that aged care workers receive comprehensive training to meet expectations is becoming increasingly crucial.

It follows that the quality of care provided to the elderly in the sector is directly influenced by the skills and knowledge of the workforce, and why, as a result, Standard 8 in the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s seeks to underscore the importance of well-trained staff in delivering quality care.

Aged care workers are on the front lines of delivering care to some of society’s most vulnerable members – helping elderly people with complex medical conditions as well as providing emotional support. Proper training equips these professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their duties effectively, ensuring residents receive care that is both competent and compassionate.

Given how important an educated workforce is in the ability of providers to deliver excellence in care, training is crucial for several reasons:

1. Safety and Well-Being: One of the primary goals of training is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both residents and staff. For instance, manual handling training helps prevent injuries that can occur from lifting or moving residents improperly. Statistics reveal that manual handling is a major cause of injury among aged care workers, with around 58% of all staff injuries attributed to this factor. Proper training in safe lifting techniques can significantly reduce these risks, protecting staff and improving the overall work environment.

2. Quality of Care: Education ensures that staff are up to date with best practices in care delivery. This can extend from understanding how to manage chronic conditions to administering medication safely, as well as handling emergency situations effectively. Well-trained staff are better equipped to provide high-quality care, which enhances the overall experience for residents and ensures their needs are met with competence and sensitivity.

3. Professional Development and Talent Retention:  In today’s challenging talent landscape, investing in professional development is not only about enhancing skills but also about attracting and retaining talent for aged care providers. Providing opportunities for growth and advancement demonstrates a commitment to staff and can significantly boost job satisfaction, loyalty, and build a brand’s Employee Value Proposition (EVP). When employees see a clear pathway for career progression and have access to continuous learning, they are more likely to stay with an organisation and contribute positively to its culture.

4. Compliance with Standards: As part of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s established series of standards that guide the delivery of care, Standard 8 specifically emphasises the need for a skilled and knowledgeable workforce. This standard requires that staff are adequately trained to perform their duties effectively and respond to the diverse needs of residents.

At Crewe Sharp, we share your commitment to improving the lives of residents and elevating the care experience. We understand that well-trained Registered Nurses and Endorsed Enrolled Nurses are essential for achieving this goal. Our mission is to support your facilities in developing a workforce that is both competent and confident. By investing in mandatory, clinical, or professional development training, you are investing in the quality of care your residents receive and the safety and job satisfaction of your staff.