A nurse-led pilot project to improve the learning environment for staff working in care homes has launched.
Five care and nursing homes will become learning centres as part of the Teaching Care Home project run by the Foundation of Nursing Studies (FoNS).
The pilot aims to promote learning through practice along with mentorship, clinical supervision and reflective practice.
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Funding from the Department of Health has enabled the five homes under Care England to take part in the scheme.
These homes include: Millbrook Lodge, Orders of St John Care Trust in Gloucestershire; Rose Court, HC-One in Bury; Berwick Grange Dementia Care Home, in Harrogate; Lady Sarah Cohen House run by Jewish Care, in Barnet and Chester Court run by Barchester in Bedlington.
Training in these care homes will include teaching sessions for students and staff, as well as instruction for managers on negotiating the complex relationships with external agencies.
Deborah Sturdy, Care England’s honorary nursing advisor, said:”The social care workforce provides complex care for thousands of people living in long term care settings.
“The development of Teaching Care Home is one way in which we can change the narrative of nursing and how it is perceived.
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“At a time when it is hard to recruit and retain nurses, the Teaching Care Home is a way in which we can help encourage nurses into the sector by creating confidence about their roles, prominence in the wider nursing community and influence the next generation of the profession.”
Rt Hon Alistair Burt MP, minister for community and social care added: “I am delighted to support these pilots, which will play an integral role in meeting the growing workforce demands in social care.
“By providing a vehicle for nurses and care workers to learn together, this initiative will foster strong partnerships and develop a sustainable workforce who take pride in providing high quality, joined up care.”
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The pilot programme will also explore the ways in which nurses in care homes can access funding for training.
Teaching Care Home is also supported by the International Longevity Centre (UK) and Manchester Metropolitan University.
