Corinium Care runs its biggest training course

LIVE-IN care agency Corinium Care, based in Gloucestershire, has just held the largest training course in its 15-year history.

There were 22 new live-in carers on the course, provided free at the company’s offices in George Street, Nailsworth.

They received five days of intensive training, when topics included nutrition, moving and handling, first aid and dementia.

Corinium Care, which specialises in providing 24-hour live-in care for the elderly and infirm, prides itself on the quality of its training and won a National Training Award last year.

Managing Director Camilla Miles said: “Our training is one of the elements which sets us apart. Our aim is to match our carers as closely as possible to the needs of our clients. By spending a week with new trainees, not only do we get to know them a little better, but they also feel better equipped to do the job.

“The personal touch is at the heart of everything we do at Corinium Care. If our carers are well prepared, both mentally and physically, that can only be better for our clients.”

The 22 trainees came from New Zealand, South Africa and Zimbabwe, as well as the UK. They were provided with free accommodation in local guest houses whilst training.

Amanda Shield, 56, joined the company from a job in Lincolnshire. “Training at Corinium Care is much better than at other agencies,” she said. “It’s a whole week that covers everything we need – that’s twice as much training as I’ve had before. And it’s to a very high standard.

“The best part is the attention to detail. We also get a chance to know the organisation we’re working for.”

Noku Hlazo, 28, from London, added: “We get a really nice lunch every day. I’ve been on training courses where all you get is a cup of tea and a biscuit.”

Corinium Care runs regular trainers’ courses for its carers. It also runs annual refresher training for every carer. Last year it launched a new venture: training for relatives whose parents are frail, elderly and suffering from dementia.

The live-in care agency has quadrupled its turnover in five years and the training programmed has expanded with it. Corinium Care now has more than 800 registered carers on its books.
“A high percentage of introductory agencies do not offer training. We perceive it as necessary to raise standards in the industry and take pride in delivering quality,” said Camilla.