Making a difference: Your Voice, Your Views, Your Life
care providers
Improving
the
skills
of
KATE BOWMAN
DEVELOPMENT
OFFICER
care providers
KBOWMAN@NA-NA.ORG.UK
WWW.NORTHERNNA.ORG.UK
Kate Bowman
Development Officer
kbowman@na-na.org.uk
www.northernna.org.uk
Charity no. 1143144
Northern Neurological Alliance
The Northern Neurological Alliance (NNA) is a regional
charity which supports people with neurological
conditions to take control of their condition and make
informed choices about their care so that they can live
well.
Our domiciliary care study
 Professionals in the health service identified the need
 NNA gathered further evidence from the local authority,
CCGs and members of Northern Neurological Voices
 NNA sought funding from two sources
Aim of the study
The aim of this project is to identify the core
competencies required for domiciliary support workers, to
maximise independence and quality of life for their clients
with neurological conditions.
Objectives
 To interview those affected by neurological conditions to
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saturation point
To interview those providing domiciliary care to
saturation point
Identify gaps in skill/knowledge/attitude
Identify standards for a training programme
Develop curriculum for a training programme
Core training
Domiciliary care workers identify their training as:
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Health and safety
Moving and handling
Food Hygiene
Safeguarding
Safe handling of medicines
Fire safety
Protocols (e.g. can’t get to client on time)
Domains identified by clients, families and
professional staff
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Personal care
Physical
Managing the environment
Maintaining Safety
Agency/client relationship
Maintaining an individual’s state of wellbeing
Promoting positive behaviour
Organisational
Managing sleep
Personal care needs identified
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Washing
Drying
Toileting
Dressing
Picking up and passing items
Writing
Shopping
Eating
Health and hygiene
Night time care
Personal care
washing, dressing, transfer safely
I have personal care; eg
washing, combing my hair.
I have a wet room and a
white chair in there. They
move me from the hoist to
the chair. Hoist to the
shower. I’d like male
carers.
CLIENT
In the morning he has a call at 8am to
wash and dress him. We have a wet
room with a toilet. It washes and dries his
bottom and that’s great as he can get a
sore bottom. They put on E45 because
he has suffered from leg ulcers and bed
sores as he is immobile a lot of the time.
I’ve met some very good carers but
they’re not given the training or the
wage to provide proper care – they’re
trained to clean and dress someone
as quickly as possible.
PARTNER
PROFESSIONAL CARER
SPECIFIC NEEDS
CORE SKILLS
SPECIFIC SKILLS
washing
handling the body, the head and
applying pressure appropriately
drying
turning the body, the head, applying
pressure, checking for pressure
sores, dry patches
dignity and
communication
toileting
hoisting, handling, recognising
different physical needs e.g.
weight bearing; cleaning/drying
dressing
moving and handling e.g. risk of falls,
slipping
Moving and handling
Parkinson’s disease
Spinal injury
Slowness of movement
Tetraplegic; legs and arms affected
Rigidity
Loss of muscle control
Resting tremor
Loss of sensory control
Next steps
 Invite you to contribute now
 Write the report
 Draft the standards
 Harness the skills of an expert group
 Develop the core and specific skills of the training
programme
 Seek funding
Questions for you
 How do our findings fit with your experience?
 What would a standard look like to you?
 How would you know if you were meeting it?
How do our findings fit with your experience?
“Domains should be in care plans and aligned with
preferred priorities”
“I agree that there is a lack of practical training - it's
no use just sitting in front of a DVD”
“Domains are those that we face as both a
domiciliary and residential provider”
What would a standard look like to you?
“Documents that demonstrate that needs have been
identified and then met”
“Something that aligns with CQC standards and NVQ
levels of training”
“Focus on needs and well being of the client - their
independence, respect and dignity”
How would you know if you were meeting it?
“360 degree feedback, including team members, staff
and manager as well as client/family”
“On the job observations and constructive feedback
with training plans in place”
“Evidence of improvement against issues that arise
with clients”