Stisted care home staff 'live like residents' in training scheme

New care home manager Michelle Sims took part in an innovative training programme called "experiential learning" at Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court retirement home in Stisted.

During their induction, staff members are given the opportunity to experience first-hand what it feels like to be a resident and receive personal care and support living in a care home.

Michelle recently joined Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court as manager and was one of the trainees on the day, alongside other new staff members.

They were presented with different challenges during the training.

These included being pushed in a wheelchair with artificially impaired vision, being supported to eat a meal, having their face and neck washed and being left on their own in an empty room while unable to move from their chair.

Deputy home manager Katrina Karolchyk experiences what it feels like to receive support when eating a meal (Image: N/A)

Deputy home manager Katrina Karolchyk wears arthritis stimulation gloves to button a blouse (Image: N/A)

The aim was to help give new staff a better understanding of how residents should be cared for and to develop a greater sense of empathy in their roles.

Training manager Fabian Eayres said: “All our staff members, at every level, go through this induction to experience what it feels like to be a resident living in a care home.

“It is important that our team have a real understanding of what good care should feel like in order to be able to support our residents appropriately.

Michelle added: “I have worked in social care for 20 years and managed a number of services for older people.

“This is the first time I have taken part in such a powerful training session.

“I believe every staff member can benefit from this experience, to help them gain a better understanding and care with empathy.”

The programme was first launched in 2014 and has been refined and expanded with different scenarios.

Human resources director Louise Bateman said: “Learning through experience can be very powerful.

"This programme has become a vital tool in supporting new staff members to empathise with residents and to care with compassion."