Featured articles from our Aged Care Today magazine authored by our Ageing Australia team and specialists within the aged care sector.
While sometimes an embarrassing subject that older people might not want to discuss, appropriate and compassionate management of incontinence is vital for older people, to support their independence and quality of life.
With 70.9 per cent of older Australians in residential aged care living with incontinence (Continence Foundation of Australia, 2019) and rates expected to grow with an ageing population, an increase in nurse and care worker capability will provide significant benefits.
The Incontinence Micro-Credential Program has been designed to enhance prevention and management of incontinence and reduce the risks and associated costs of adverse events.
ACCPA CEO Tom Symondson said the training is crucial for those working in the aged and community care sector. “Upskilling workers in this area will directly benefit older Australians whose quality of life and autonomy are affected by incontinence,” said Tom. “Everyone wins by having a registered nurse or care worker complete this free training program.
“Older Australians win by having dedicated care in this vital area. Care providers win by improving productivity and having experts on staff. Finally, the sector wins by enhancing the standard of care for older Australians.”
With less than 500 GPs and nurses with specific continence training in Australia, the Incontinence Micro-Credential Program will help relieve the strain of workforce shortages and help aged care residents in Queensland get the care they need.
Transferable Australia-wide, ACCPA developed the program to bridge the current knowledge gap and offer a standardised, industry-specific approach to incontinence management.
Participants will learn:
Enriched with expertise from TENA, the worldwide leader in incontinence care, ACCPA’s micro-credential modules offer unmatched quality and knowledge in the field of continence management education.
With flexible learning options, participants can choose to complete individual micro-credentials or the entire series, with tailored pathways available for both registered nurses and care workers.
Delivered online, it means learners can incorporate the training into their busy schedules in the way that suits them best.
Since March, 223 aged care workers have enrolled in the program in Queensland, with 75 per cent of registered nurses who have completed the course indicating the content was ‘very relevant’ and ‘easy to navigate’, according to their survey responses.
In addition, all registered nurse learners agreed the micro-credential ‘met their learning expectations’, while all personal care workers felt ‘completing the micro-credential will have a positive impact on their employment opportunities’.
The free eLearning will also provide learners with a digital badge to acknowledge their credentials, ensuring the authenticity and value of their achievements are easily recognised.
The Incontinence Micro-Credential Program is part of the Queensland Government’s ‘Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022–2032’.
Residential and community care providers, as well as individuals living in Queensland who are seeking employment or wishing to upskill can register for the program here: employment.agedservicesworkforce.com.au/incontinence
Alexandra Harrison, Marketing & Communications Advisor (Programs), ACCPA
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