Dozens complete CHAP training at Hill Care Group

CARERS across the north of England have completed specialist training to boost the level of support their elderly residents receive at their care homes.

Over 30 senior care assistants at care settings from Liverpool across to Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and many in between, undertook the intensive 10-week Care Home Assistant Practitioner (CHAP) course.

The cohort of newly qualified CHAPs all work for the Hill Care Group, which operates 36 care homes in the north, as the care provider aims to ensure residents are receiving the highest level of care.

Having completed the course, all 32 will be able to provide an enhanced level of support and care for residents, working alongside registered nurses as they provide care and interventions.

Shelby Fenwick, a former senior care assistant at Willowdene Care Home, in Hebburn, near Newcastle, is one of those to have completed the training.

She said: “I’ve worked at Willowdene for five years, starting as a care assistant on the night shift and then, after three years, I became senior care assistant on the day shift.

“When the opportunity to undertake the CHAPs training came up, it was a great way for me to develop my skills and progress in my career.

“A lot of the course was very useful and gave me a lot of confidence to assist the registered nurses in my role.”

Kendra Lowe, who works at The Beeches Care Home, in Stockton-on-Tees, also completed the CHAPs training. She said: “I really enjoyed the modules, especially the ones that covered diabetes and venepuncture.

“I also really appreciated how the clinical tutor helped us to understand how to interact with other health care professionals in order to get the best outcomes for our residents.

“Family members have also asked about the new uniforms we have and they’ve been impressed to learn that Hill Care is investing in upskilling the staff team.

“I’ve been shadowing the district nurses when they come to The Beeches and they have been helping me to put my training to practical use.”

Sophie Williams, CHAP and former senior care assistant at Alderwood Care Home, in Worsley, Manchester said: “I really enjoyed the course. It’s opened my eyes to other possibilities and opportunities. I’d say everyone who’s able should do the course.”

Amanda Clegg, who has also just been promoted to deputy manager at Aden House Care Home, in Clayton West, Huddersfield, said: “It was a good course. It happened at just the right time and will really help in my career path with Hill Care at Aden House.”

Two celebrations were held, at Aden Court Care Home, Huddersfield, and Briarwood Care Home, Middlesbrough, where over 30 carers from settings across the north of England gathered to receive their certificates from Lynda Hodgkinson, Development and Governance Director for the Hill Care Group.

She said: “With their additional knowledge and skills, our CHAPs can contribute towards further enhancing the quality of care our residents receive.

“Everyone agreed the course had given them more confidence, skills, and knowledge to work under the direction of a Registered Nurse and they all said they would encourage others to consider the opportunity.

“Being able to provide an opportunity for developing new skills and offering professional development, along with enhanced leadership skills for our senior care staff, is a great way to ensure our staff are happy in their roles and have the skills and confidence to carry their duties out to a high level.

“We’re all exceptionally proud of the dedicated, hard work and perseverance they’ve shown over the 10 week course.”