A Gwynedd dementia care home group is giving new staff the confidence to hit the ground running, thanks to the completion of the first phase of an overhaul to its training systems

Senior staff at Meddyg Care have also had opportunities to expand their knowledge through a best practice in dementia care learning programme which will form part of the second stage of the group’s training overhaul, alongside the relocation of the programmes to a purpose-built training centre in the winter.

Meddyg Care, which has two homes in Criccieth and Porthmadog, has revamped its induction programme to help new staff develop relevant skills and information needed to provide the highest level of care to residents.

The alteration of the training programme is the first step in a full redevelopment of Meddyg Care’s training systems, with the second phase including relocation into a purpose-built training facility.

Developed next door to the company’s head office in Porthmadog, it is due to open in the winter.

Training and development manager Samantha Bowley said: “Ensuring staff are well prepared when they walk through the doors of our care homes is one of our top priorities, as is the continuing development of all our carers.

“We ease everyone into the main systems and operations at our facilities as well as ensure they are meeting all the required regulations to progress towards gaining a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in care.”

The programme, which runs across eight days, takes new employees through a wide range of topics to ensure they can hit the ground running in their position from the start of their employment.

Among the additions are workshops focusing on dementia and the role it plays when it comes to the care of residents, personal care techniques, and conflict resolution and awareness.

Staff also spend time at the facility they will be based in to meet the residents they will be working with and the areas and processes specific to each care home.

Samantha added: “These workshops aim to mix more theoretical exercises with practical activities so our carers can understand the importance and right practices to undertake.

“They also get to meet the residents and start developing a bond of familiarity and care with them, which becomes vital once they begin working in the homes.”