What is Mandatory Training in Aged Care?
As a manager in aged care, understanding the landscape of mandatory training is essential for compliance and quality care. Mandatory training in aged care refers to essential learning activities and on-the-job training that aged care workers must complete as dictated by Australian regulatory bodies. These courses and modules aim to keep staff up-to-date on essential skills, regulations, and best practices in the field.
What Are Mandatory Requirements in Aged Care?
Mandatory requirements in aged care primarily revolve around compliance with legislation and industry standards, most notably the Aged Care Quality Standards. Failure to comply can result in penalties and may affect the facility's accreditation status. Additional mandatory requirements may include criminal history checks for staff and vaccination protocols.
Learning Breakdown in Aged Care Organisations
From speaking to aged care providers that use Ausmed, they state that mandatory training makes up approximately 40% of their workplace training and expenses.
The Aged Care Quality Standards (Quality Standards) Explained
The Aged Care Quality Standards are a set of eight individual standards that aged care services are obliged to follow. These standards touch on everything from consumer dignity and choice to organisational governance. Regular audits are conducted to ensure compliance.
| Standard | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1. Consumer Dignity and Choice | This standard emphasises the importance of respecting consumers' individual needs, preferences, and dignity. |
| 2. Ongoing Assessment and Planning with Consumers | Focuses on the continual evaluation and planning of care and services in partnership with consumers. |
| 3. Personal Care and Clinical Care | Centers on the provision of safe and effective personal and clinical care tailored to individual needs. |
| 4. Services and Supports for Daily Living | Concerns the assistance and support offered to consumers to participate in activities that are important for their daily life. |
| 5. Organisation's Service Environment | Focuses on the physical environment to ensure it is safe and comfortable for consumers. |
| 6. Feedback and Complaints | This standard obliges organisations to manage and resolve feedback and complaints effectively. |
| 7. Human Resources | Requires organisations to employ, supervise and educate a sufficient, skilled and qualified workforce. |
| 8. Organisational Governance | Focuses on accountable and effective organisational governance and leadership. |
Mandatory Training Examples in Aged Care
Training varies depending on the role but here are some typical examples:
| Training Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Work Health and Safety | This involves training on recognising and controlling common hazards, as well as risk management strategies you can use to keep yourself and others safe at work. |
| Infection Control | Staff are trained on protocols for controlling infection, particularly vital in an aged care context. |
| Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) | Training that aims to reduce the risk and occurrence of abuse and neglect in aged care facilities (and home or community care) settings. |
How Aged Care Organisations Can Facilitate Mandatory Training
Facilitating mandatory training is a multi-step process that involves careful planning, execution, and follow-up. Below are key steps that aged care organisations can take:
- Assessment of Needs: Start by identifying the training needs aligned with the Aged Care Quality Standards.
- Resource Allocation: Ensure that necessary resources such as trainers, materials, and venues are available.
- Scheduling: Develop a timeline that accommodates staff shifts while ensuring timely completion.
- Delivery: Implement the training through various modes such as in-person sessions, e-learning platforms like Ausmed, or blended learning.
- Monitoring: Use Learning Management Systems (LMS) to track participation and performance.
- Evaluation and Feedback: Use surveys and performance metrics to assess the effectiveness of the training.
Aged Care Mandatory Training on Ausmed
Ausmed is a leading provider of healthcare education and mandatory training modules, making compliance easier for aged care facilities. Our platform offers a range of modules aimed at fulfilling the mandatory training requirements in aged care. The course material is frequently updated to reflect changes in regulations and best practices. It serves as a one-stop solution for aged care managers who are keen on ensuring that their facilities meet the Aged Care Standards for care and safety.
Advantages of using Ausmed for mandatory training include:
- Highly factual and up-to-date content that aligns with the Aged Care Quality Standards
- Engaging and human-centric modules that cater to various learning styles
- An easy-to-use Learning Management System to track staff progress
- Ausmed Passport - A free, digital certificate for the Australian aged care workforce that enables sector-wide standardisation of eight core mandatory training areas.
Interested in running mandatory training with Ausmed?
Contact Ausmed today and see how we can support your aged care organisation mandatory training requirements!
Additional Resources
- Mandatory Training: How an LMS can help you meet requirements
- What Is the Role of an LMS in Aged Care?
Conclusion
In summary, mandatory training is not just a regulatory requirement but a critical component in the delivery of high-quality aged care services. As managers, your role is pivotal in ensuring that these standards are not just met but consistently exceeded. Staying informed and up-to-date on these requirements is not just good practice; it's a mandate.
References
- Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. (2021). Aged Care Quality Standards. Retrieved from https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/providers/standards
