Top courses to strengthen staff knowledge of person-centred care

Person-centred care is an essential part of aged care: everyone should have control over their own life and the decisions they make while ageing. However, implementing person-centred care methods is sometimes easier said than done. Staff need to be aware of their responsibilities and the role they play when helping consumers make decisions.

So if you’re looking for additional resources to help strengthen staff knowledge of person-centred care, Hello Leaders has identified three quality courses to pick from.

A broad approach to person-centred care

Kineo Courses’ Person-centred Care in Aged Care encourages learners to not only understand what person-centred care is, but how they can deliver it. With a clear focus on the consumer, communication and implementation, Kineo has developed a course that’s beneficial for all staff within residential aged care settings, too. It means anyone can take part and discover the role they play in person-centred care, whether they’re a nurse or administration staff.

Key learnings

• Learners will strengthen their knowledge of what person-centred care is and the impact it has on people in aged care
• By looking at aged care from the perspective of a consumer, learners will also understand how to incorporate person-centred care into daily tasks and interactions 
• Effective communication and active listening methods will be explored, leading to more opportunities for future collaboration with aged care consumers
• Learners will also understand the benefits of person-centred care on themselves, ensuring that stronger relationships can be formed while on-site with residents

What sets it apart

Kineo’s Person-centred Care in Aged Care has been endorsed by the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) and it’s one of the most well-rounded courses on the topic. The content has also been carefully crafted by Melissa Sinfield, a Registered Nurse and PhD holder with decades of experience in aged care. First-hand experience like that is invaluable for aged care workers of all backgrounds and skill levels. 

Understanding person-centred care and dementia

Person-centred care and dementia care go hand in hand. It’s essential for any aged care worker to not only understand how to support a resident as their cognitive function declines but to also ensure their wishes and needs are still prioritised. 

There are several high-quality courses focused on the role of person-centred care in dementia care, including Understanding Dementia: Person-Centred Care Training by OHS.com.au. The course is part of their dementia-specific suite and it’s an easily accessible module for workers looking to fast-track their professional development.  

Key learnings

• Learners are guided by the ‘flower of emotional needs’ principle which prioritises the psychological needs of love, comfort, identity, occupation, inclusion and attachment
• With a specific focus on people with dementia, the course is designed to showcase how person-centred care can be used to promote those key needs in a safe environment
• The importance of preserving identity is explored, giving learners a greater understanding of how to help an older person with dementia maintain routines or retain key memories related to their life
• Learners will also know how to recognise various models of care to provide individualised support when and where appropriate

What sets it apart

Social psychologist Tom Kitwood developed the person-centred care approach in the late 1980s, and his teachings are commonplace in the care sector. But by explicitly reinforcing the teachings from his ‘flower of emotional needs’ principle, this course is a simple and effective way to remind learners about what’s truly important to people who want to live a long and happy life. 

Empowering consumers through care

Person-centred care should deliver plenty of benefits for aged care consumers and workers, but above all else, it has to empower the consumer. They should feel confident and supported when making decisions. Universal Care Training offers the perfect course for staff who need some additional guidance when it comes to working with residents or home care clients. Person Centred Care and Empowerment is the perfect option for them.

Key learnings

• Participants will learn to look past stereotypes and assumptions that can often impede their ability to provide true person-centred care
• Effective communication skills will be highlighted and explored to show how simple questions can lead to important conversations about personal needs
• Learners will develop a goal-setting mindset to help them work with a can-do attitude alongside consumers; this includes working with consumer strengths and networks to achieve personal goals

What sets it apart

With a clear focus on consumer empowerment, learners will finish the course with a sound understanding of the role they play in aged care. They will recognise it’s about much more than just providing care services; it’s about attending to personal desires, maintaining identity and ensuring the consumer continues to have control over their own life.