Modular programme for staff working with older customers

Social housing providers have seen a considerable change in the profile of people they are supporting. This has been particularly noticeable with those services working with older customers, and has presented staff with big challenges in working with older people who suffer with some form of mental illness, or abuse substances. As a result, this modular training package has been developed, comprising three half-day sessions focussed on building the awareness and confidence of staff delivering services to vulnerable older people.

What will participants learn?

Module 1:

• Understanding mental illness in older people
• What is mental illness and how can this impact on the ageing process?
• The impact of dementia, and the types of dementia we might encounter
• Tools and techniques to promote prevention and wellbeing.

Module 2:

• Substance abuse, self-medication or addiction?
• Understanding substance abuse: what is addiction?
• Knowing the signs and symptoms of problematic substance use
• Confidently responding and referring to acute services.

Module 3:

• Working with behaviour which challenges services
• Understanding the basis of behaviour
• Behaviour mapping and planning
• Techniques for positive behaviour changes.

Who should attend?

This course is aimed at staff delivering services to older people including resident and mobile wardens, scheme managers, site officers, neighbourhood housing officers, and support officers and workers.

Our trainer

Helena Taylor-Knox is an experienced training practitioner and psychologist. Having started her career working in the care and support field, she has built up vast experience in working with many client groups and used her clinical knowledge to train staff teams to deliver more sensitive and higher quality services to vulnerable customers.

HQN has a track record of helping organisations achieve real and lasting performance improvements. If you are interested in accessing this training package please contact us by emailing training@hqnetwork.co.uk