Online training courses offered by AVC Training from Doddington will help relatives of care home residents understand infection control
A Fenland-based care training centre is set offer infection control lessons to relatives of those living in care homes.
AVC Training is based at Askham Village Community in Doddington where the training was initially developed with the relatives Askham's residents.
The training will be open to all and is set to be delivered via video conferencing, helping to minimise the risks of any unnecessary contact between participants.
With care homes seeking the fine balance between allowing visitors back into their home while still managing the very real risk of Covid-19, AVC Training is offering the opportunity for visitors to better understand their role in infection prevention and control.
AVC Training will outline best practice when it comes to infection control, as well as educating participants on the necessity of following procedures. The content of the training covers many of the principles that care workers learn about as part of their mandatory training.
AVC Training prides itself on understanding the needs of the care sector through the lens of an established care provider, Askham Village Community, with over 30 years’ experience, and can therefore tailor its training to be of direct relevance to the sector.
This is another such example of an AVC Training course being borne out of a specific need in the care sector today, and will deliver a comprehensive guide on the necessities of infection control as it seeks to help keep both residents and those visiting them safe.
The move comes in the wake of the recent call from care charities to label relatives of care home residents, including dementia sufferers, as key workers so as to enable easier, more accessible visitation.
Michelle Barker, training manager, said: “In an open letter to the Government, One Dementia Voice has highlighted the inconsistent guidance around visitation; something that is serving to create confusion and stress amongst those who are keen to visit their relatives. This is particularly the case for those living with dementia, many of whom rely on close family relationships to maintain their sense of routine.”
She continued: “The rules surrounding the pandemic are changing daily, with the government announcing new or adapted measures as circumstances develop. It’s understandable that this creates confusion amongst residents’ relatives as to what they need to do to meet the necessary visiting requirements.
"Something that isn’t changing though, are the basics of infection control. Through our newly introduced training programme, we’re aiming to create a better understanding amongst concerned relatives that those visiting homes are fully aware of what is expected of them with regards to infection prevention and control.
"Understanding the principles of how infection is transmitted and how our actions either facilitate or prevent spread is a key risk management factor for care providers.
“The last thing that relatives will want to do is to put their loved ones at risk. Through enhanced awareness and education, we’re aiming to allay concerns by furnishing them with the knowledge so that if and when visits take place, they can be done with greater confidence.”
The initial run of infection control courses are as follows: Friday, (July 24) from 4pm - 5pm; Tuesday, July 28 from 6pm -7pm; Tuesday, August 11 from 4pm - 5pm and Thursday, August 20 from 6pm - 7pm.
Michelle concluded: “The key to reducing risk is education. If those who are visiting a home know why infection control is essential and understand the relevant processes and procedures, then any risk will be greatly reduced – thus helping to provide reassurance to care providers, as well as those receiving care and their loved ones.”
To enquire about registering on a course, please email Michelle via michelle.barker@askhamvillagecommunity.com or call her on 07834818877.