Why Is It Important to Invest in Learning & Development for Carers?

At Ashridge Home Care we strongly believe that professional carers play a vital role in our society, providing care and support to people of all ages and abilities. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, care homes, and people’s own homes.

For this reason, investing in carers’ learning and development is essential for several reasons. 

1. Equips carers with the skills needed 

First, it helps to ensure that carers have the skills and knowledge they need to provide high-quality care. In today’s world, care work is complex and demanding, and carers need to be able to keep up with the latest developments in practice and technology and this was evidenced only recently when our 2023 Employee Survey highlighted 100% of staff understood the importance of keeping learning up to date.

2. Helps to attract and retain carers

Second, investing in learning and development helps to attract and retain carers. Care work can be challenging and emotionally rewarding, but it can also be stressful and physically demanding. Carers need to feel valued and supported in their roles, and investing in their learning and development is a great way to show that they are appreciated.

3. Improves the quality of care received

Third, investing in learning and development helps to improve the quality of care that people receive. When carers have the skills and knowledge they need to do their jobs well, it leads to better outcomes for people who are receiving care.

It is much harder for carers who are self employed to maintain this level of knowledge and whilst many do try, it’s the carers who work for managed services like Ashridge who find learning so much more accessible.

Why else is it important to invest in learning and development for carers?

At Ashridge Home Care we know that there are specific benefits of investing in carers learning and development which is why we have our own dedicated Trainer; they are:

• Improved quality of care: Carers who have the right training and skills are better equipped to provide high-quality care to their clients. This can lead to better outcomes, such as reduced hospital readmission rates and improved quality of life.
• Increased staff satisfaction and morale: Carers who feel that they are valued and supported by their employers are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs and have higher morale. This can lead to reduced staff turnover and improved productivity.
• Enhanced reputation: Organisations that invest in their carers learning and development are seen as more attractive employers and providers of care. This can lead to increased recruitment and retention, as well as improved customer satisfaction. 

How do we help our carers to learn and develop?

Ashridge Home Care offers several ways that support our carers with their learning and development. Some examples include:

• Providing access to training and development courses: These include in-house training, external training courses, and online learning.
• Offering opportunities for mentorship and coaching: This can help care workers to develop their skills and knowledge under the guidance of a more experienced colleague and we have a number of carers who are supporting this initiative.
• Creating a culture of learning and development: This means encouraging carers to learn and grow in their roles, and providing them with the support they need to do so. 

Investing in carers learning and development is essential for ensuring that they have the skills and knowledge they need to provide high-quality care. It is also a great way to attract and retain care workers, and to improve the reputation of the organisation.