The benefits of training for the wellbeing & personal development of your Carer/Personal Assistant

Your carer is no doubt much appreciated, and possibly someone who sees their professional services as a labour of love. That’s because helping you to live as independently and comfortably as possible can require devotion and time that goes above and beyond many other types of full-time job.

It can often mean long hours and being on call around the clock. So, taking time out for online learning and in-person training can seem a bit of a luxury.

That view requires a rethink. Time invested in personal development for carers is beneficial in many ways, not least in protecting their mental and physical health. This means they can continue to provide their care and support in the future.

This article explores the advantages of finding courses and training modules that boost the skills of your carer or personal assistant.

Improved ability to provide tailored support

Let’s start with probably the most obvious reason for a carer to keep their skills and knowledge updated. Medical science is constantly finding new ways to help people ‘live well’ with common health problems. There is also constant product development, with companies finding innovative aids and techniques to support daily living for those with mobility or pain issues.

A carer or personal assistant will learn by enrolling on e-learning courses or attending physical training sessions. They can soak up all the latest advice and find new ideas to better support you on a daily basis.

Keeping your carer (and you) protected

You could potentially be putting your carer at risk from injury or leaving yourself vulnerable to them accidentally causing you harm. Which of course would distress them as well as you!

Understanding the latest techniques and skills needed can help you to ensure you’re both keeping to the latest medical advice. As well as benefitting from the most up to date Health & Safety guidelines that protect people in caring professions.

At the very least, giving your carer access to training can help to avoid situations in which they inadvertently cause you renewed or fresh discomfort or pain.

A great example of this is handling techniques. Back injuries are all too common in the care sector and they can leave your essential helper unable to assist for days, if not weeks. In workplaces, employers are now strictly regulated on things they must do to avoid musculoskeletal disorders such as lower back injuries. In your home, you need to replicate this level of concern. That means taking positive steps to make sure your carer has the latest training available, as well as investing in products to aid your mobility.

Great confidence and assured activities

Helping your carer or personal assistant to update and grow their knowledge and skills brings important benefits to them too. Importantly, it can improve their confidence in providing care. They can feel more assured in carrying out both health and social tasks if they have seen national models and guidelines for ‘best practice’.

This could help them to understand your needs more fully, and be even more responsive to any new challenges or sudden changes in the help you require.

The alternative could be a carer or personal assistant providing care with enthusiasm and compassion, but who is unable to assess their own activities, problem-solve or react with confidence.

Improved sense of self-worth

Offering access to training for carers and personal assistants can also make them feel more valued and boost their motivation. It can help to address any mental health issues they face too, such as stress and anxiety.

Many of the tasks they perform can be mentally and physically draining. It is hard to know how to show your appreciation fully. By offering them a chance to advance their skills and improve their knowledge, you are showing that you see their work as a respected and valued service.

The word often used in relation to training for carers is ‘empowerment’. You are growing their understanding and knowledge and giving them new ways to be of assistance. This improves their ability to care for you well, and to respond quickly and confidently to your needs.

You will also see the daily advantages of their improved motivation, assurance and insight. So, it’s the ultimate win-win situation!

How can you find beneficial training for carers and PAs? Fortunately, Fish Insurance is not just a specialist provider of insurance for those employing carers. Our policyholders also have exclusive access to our free online training portal, Aquarium, which offers e-learning developed for both carers and PAs by Altura Learning, a Skills for Care Centre of Excellence provider.