Orchard Care Homes is introducing a new programme to allow existing staff and new recruits to progress into a dementia support worker role.

The bespoke, seven-week,  ‘Step-Up to Dementia Support Worker Programme’ follows the success of its intensive ‘Step-Up’ training programmes for carers wishing to advance their careers.

Hannah Miller, head of dementia at Orchard Care Homes, said: “There is a need for more dementia specialists across the sector with the required skills to support people with various levels of dementia. Orchard’s ‘Step-Up’ programmes effectively fast-track carers – both experienced and new to the sector – on their chosen career path.

“We have seen success with our ‘Step-Up to Senior’ programme, which follows the same focused training model. Here we were able to help ambitious carers to work towards more senior roles by arming them with the skills needed to support people in our homes to a higher level and be involved in leading more junior staff.

“Our ‘Step-Up to Dementia Support Worker’ programme aims to fill the big gap in recruiting skilled workers into the sector. By investing in our people, we truly believe that we are helping carers to fulfil rewarding roles at Orchard and provide them with the opportunities and qualifications they need to step-up the career ladder.”

The training, which is an addition to Orchard’s Dementia Promise commitment which intends to provide truly equitable care for all living with the condition using evidence-based training to up-skill staff, comprises the seven modules of: person centred care; dementia awareness; communication; meaningful engagement; distress response and de-escalation; Mental Capacity Act 2005 introduction; and reflective practice – what is expected of staff at Orchard Care Homes.