Impact on services

Care Home training - South Central Stroke Network

Connect worked with South Central Stroke Network to deliver bespoke communication access training sessions to staff working with people with communication disability in care homes.

What was the problem?

Care home staff often have little training in how to communicate with those with a communication disability. As a result their work is often more stressful than it need be and miscommunication may occur. Lack of confidence about interacting well with those they are looking after can lead to poor communication and less interaction between those living in care homes and their carers.

The difficulty in releasing staff to attend training off site means it is difficult to remedy the problem.

What was done?

90 care home staff were trained including nurses, care home managers and care assistants across 5 two-hour sessions. The sessions were run at central locations in the network (Wokingham, Alton and Milton Keynes, Southhampton and Oxford) to make them easily accessible for staff. The training covered the best way to communicate with those with a communication disability. The training gave simple practical information on having better conversations and interactions including using tips such as using pen and paper, writing key words and giving time.

The training was delivered in conjunction with a person with aphasia who told their own story and explained what it is like to live with aphasia. Delegates were able to ask questions and find out how they could improve their day-to-day communication within care homes.

The result?

Care home staff have a better understanding of communication disability and have developed practical skills to help them communicate effectively in their setting.

Simple resources have been developed which care home staff are easily able to replicate or redevelop (scales, photos and pictures to use as conversation ramps).

Carers are able to communicate more effectively making their work both more rewarding and enjoyable.

Social interactions are easier between staff and residents.

Those living with communication disability are able to be more involved in the decsions around their day to day care. 

Staff feedback

'Meeting someone with aphasia gave a real insight to life with communication difficulties and led to group discussion which gave more information' Senior Care Assistant

It was interesting meeting Rosie (person with aphasia) and learning about her real life experiences rather than just someone who doesn't have a communication difficulty telling you what you should do' Activities co-ordinator at Care home 

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