Training launched for relatives with elderly parents

LIVE-IN care agency Corinium Care, based in Nailsworth, has launched a new training programme for people with elderly relatives.

The aim is to give them the confidence to deal with ageing parents who succumb to physical frailty, forgetfulness, and the early signs of dementia.

The initiative comes in response to the rapid rise in the elderly population and the growth of dementia, and demand from Corinium Care’s clients and their relatives.

Managing Director of Corinium Care, Camilla Miles, said: “Our client surveys indicate loud and clear that there’s a huge need out there from people who don’t know what to do when their elderly relatives become frail and vulnerable and start to suffer from dementia.

“They find it difficult to spend time with their parents because they’re uncertain what to do for the best. They’re not carers, but have reached a stage in their life when their parents are increasingly reliant on them for emotional and practical support.”

The first one-day course takes place on October 8 at Corinium Care’s offices in George Street, Nailsworth.

It includes a two-hour session on dementia, guidance on how to communicate with someone with dementia, and training in first aid and moving and handling.

“We’ll be teaching people how to cope with the uncertainties that the increasing frailty of their parents brings. Looking after an elderly relative can be a huge worry. Training can help allay those fears and give the rest of the family confidence,” said Camilla.

She decided to launch the training sessions after repeated requests from families who approach Corinium Care for 24-hour live-in care for their relatives, but still want to provide some care themselves.

“A lot of clients say they’d love to take their elderly mother shopping, but getting her in and out of the car is a problem. Others want to know how to help with dementia. Some want to have their parents to stay for Christmas but don’t know how to help them have a bath.”

She added that, despite the demand, there is little training on offer.

“There are lots of courses out there in the Cotswolds, from flower-arranging to cake decorating. But where are the courses that teach you how to spend quality time with your aged parents?”

Corinium Care provides live-in care for the elderly and infirm, and young adults with physical disabilities. Set up in 1995, it has 12 staff in Nailsworth, more than 750 fully-trained carers registered on its books, and clients all over the UK.

The training it provides for its 12 staff and 750 registered carers has earned the company a place in the finals of the 2009 National Training Awards, run by UK Skills for the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills.

“We take pride in doing what we can to raise standards in the industry,” said Camilla.

According to government statistics, the number of people with dementia in the UK is forecast to increase by 38 per cent in the next 15 years. The number of people over 60 could rise by 40 per cent in the next 30 years.
For more info: http://www.coriniumcare.com/