Aged care training program for Parkinson's

A new specialist online education program for registered nurses (RNs) and personal care assistants (PCAs) working in aged care aims to improve care for people living with Parkinson’s in aged care.

The program was designed in conjunction with subject matter experts from services and support organisation Fight Parkinson’s, to build the skills and capability of the aged care workforce caring for patients and residents with Parkinson’s.

It is one of four initial programs launched on the new Fight Parkinson’s Learning Hub, developed to provide access to both healthcare sector and community learning and education opportunities to improve understanding of the condition.

“The aim is to leave the aged care staff with an overview of the many facets of Parkinson’s and an understanding that residents they care for with the condition do not fit in one box, with one solution. As a result, we hope to see residents experience a better quality of life,” said Fight Parkinson’s CEO Emma Collin.

“Getting medication on time is vital in helping manage symptoms, but we know from feedback and calls to our health line, that many working in the sector need to build knowledge and skills in PD,” Collin said.

The training program has been developed for registered nurses (RNs) and personal care assistants (PCAs) working in aged care. It focuses on Parkinson’s care, with Atypical Parkinson’s (PSP, MSA and CBS) content planned for development at a later stage.

It is designed to empower participants with the knowledge and skills to provide evidence-based Parkinson’s-friendly care. Care staff learn key signs and symptoms and practical ways they can support the person living with Parkinson’s.

Upskilling of aged care workers to improve their knowledge around Parkinson’s-specific care will also help improve some of the shortfalls we identified in our submission to the Aged Care Royal Commission, particularly around nutrition, restraint, dementia and palliative care.

“We know that one of the best ways we can help our community is to empower them with knowledge and build their capacity to manage their condition and make informed choices,” Collin said.

“Removing time and geographical boundaries to education benefits not only people living with Parkinson’s, but those working in health, who we’re keen to upskill in Parkinson’s care,” she said.