As one of our care workers, you will help to support the personal and physical independence of people within their own homes. But we don’t expect you to arrive with all the required skills and knowledge. That’s why your first week with Care Outlook is focused on your personal development.
Here are some frequently-asked questions and answers about training for new care assistants.
Q: What training will I receive?
A: In your first week with Care Outlook, we provide you with comprehensive training to enable you to be successful as a home care worker and gain your Care Certificate.
Q: What is the Care Certificate?
A: The Care Certificate is an identified set of standards that you will adhere to in your daily work. It sets out the learning outcomes, competencies, and standards of behaviour expected from all health professionals ensuring you comply with the “6 Cs”.
The Care Certificate applies across health and social care. It will equip you with the fundamental skills you need to provide quality care. And it gives you the basis from which you can further develop your knowledge and skills as your career progresses.
Q: What are the “6 Cs” expected from all health professionals?
A:
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Care.
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Compassion.
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Competence.
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Communication.
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Courage.
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Commitment.
Q: Do I require experience before taking the training?
A: You don’t require formal experience. However, there are a few attributes that will help you such as:
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Knowledge of the factors affecting the care of older people.
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Awareness of hygienic practices in the home.
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Ability to carry out practical care tasks e.g. bed making, cooking meals, cleaning.
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Confidence in clearly communicating verbally and in writing.
Q: Can I make some self-assessments prior to taking the training?
A: As well as the attributes above, you should be able to rate yourself as “good” against the following:
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Understanding the role of a carer.
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Appreciation of good working relationships.
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Ability to define “duty of care”.
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Using communication to solve problems.
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Ability to put person-centred values into practice.
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Recognition of what is meant by privacy and dignity.
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Knowledge of the importance of food safety and hygiene.
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Empathy for someone with mental health conditions.
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Recognising different types of accident and illness that may occur when working as a carer.
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Understanding the meaning of safeguarding other adults.
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Recognising common signs of stress.
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Ability to learn the main points of health and safety procedures.
Q: What topics will be covered during the training?
A: The modules you will cover during your training are:
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Understand your role.
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Your personal development.
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Duty of care.
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Equality and diversity.
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Work in a person-centred way.
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Communication.
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Privacy and dignity.
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Fluid and nutrition.
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Awareness of mental health, dementia, and learning disabilities.
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Safeguarding adults.
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Safeguarding children.
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Basic life support.
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Health and safety.
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Handling information.
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Infection prevention and control.
Q: Do I have to complete all the modules?
A: Yes, you must complete all 15 modules and display proficiency before you will be awarded the Care Certificate. The assessment is as rigorous as most other formal qualifications.
Q: What form will the training take?
A: The training is a mixture of:
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Tutor delivery and guidance.
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Group exercises.
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Role play.
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Discussion.
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Observation.
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Testing.
Q:What kind of questions will I be asked in the test:
A: You will be asked a range of questions based on your training. Here are some examples:
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What could be the signs of poor hydration in your service user?
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List five possible signs and symptoms of a diabetic attack.
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What is the risk involved in completing personal care tasks for another individual?
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Describe the main ways infection can get into the body.
Q: Will the Care Certificate be recognised as a qualification?
A: The certificate is an important achievement allowing you to progress to become a full-time care worker. It is not the intention or expectation that the Care Certificate will be accredited as a national qualification. However, an expectation is that the certificate would provide evidence towards the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) and apprenticeships across both health and social care.
Q: What will be the outcome of the training?
A: On passing the test, you will be awarded the Care Certificate showing you have the knowledge and confidence to deliver safe, high-quality care and support.
