



	McCusker Learning and Development - Effective Education in Dementia and Aged Care
	Hello, Welcome to the Christmas 2008 issue of McCusker Pulse. We thought we’d take this opportunity to send you Christmas greetings and at the same time update you on our recent activities here at McCusker Learning and Development. This newsletter outlines just some of the ways our team works to improve the quality of aged care in our community – by helping you and your staff to provide the best care possible for your clients and residents through effective education and training. Best wishes from all of us to you and your family for a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year in 2009. Traineeships in Certificate IV Aged Care Work McCusker has recently begun training aged care staff through traineeships in Certificate IV in Aged Care work. Several organisations have embraced the training to meet the need to up-skill staff to be able to work with more complex care needs and supervise new staff. Training emphasises practical on the job skills and assessment using the participants' daily jobs to demonstrate competency. Funding for these traineeships is expected to continue to June 2009. Dementia Care Essentials This is a picture of a recent group of participants of the Dementia Care Essentials. The Department of Health and Ageing funds this program. McCusker Learning is part of a consortium with Alzheimers Australia WA, ACSWA and ACAWA to provide this training across Western Australia. Curently this program runs until June 2009. Funding for Critical Skills Swan Care Group, Carinya of Bicton, Amaroo Village and Regis Park Lodge have all benefited from McCusker Learning gaining funding for their training in key critical areas of their business. McCusker has been able to blend internal policies and procedures with nationally recognised competencies to produce organisation wide programs at no cost to the employer. Initially training has been in clinical skills however areas such documentation, communication and team work are also being developed. Dementia and Sexuality This sensitive topic is one that is a growing concern among aged and community providers. Recently Uniting Church Homes staff completed training for its Dementia Link staff in this area to support work practices that deal sensitively and appropriately with sexuality issues. Community Care Training in Narrogin A group of seven trainees are currently near the end of their Certificate III in Home and Community Care in Narrogin. This program has been delivered in Narrogin over a number of months by our Training Consultant Shirley Rowney. This program has been very successful with several participants looking to do further study. If you are interested in any of the training or programs mentioned in this newsletter please call Bruce or Linda on (08) 9310 5542 or email mld@mccuskerlearning.org.au
	Address: 22 Lefroy Rd, Bull Creek WA 6149 Tel: +61 8 9310 5542 Fax: +61 8 9310 5580 Web: www.mccuskerlearning.org.au Email: mld@mccuskerlearning.org.au