The University of Tasmania’s Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre has developed online learning modules designed to upskill Australia’s aged care workers.
Funded by the federal government to the tune of $2.5 million, Wicking educators have developed the Equip Aged Care Learning Packages to support workers to deliver quality care in contemporary aged care settings.
There are two modules available. An introductory package designed specifically for people who have not worked in aged care before or are new to the sector; another – a refresher – is aimed at people currently working in the sector or those with previous experience of working in the industry.
The free online learning modules are aimed at personal care workers, nurses and allied health professionals. The online courses will also be useful for volunteers, families and carers.
The two new learning packages are part of the Skills Development Program for Aged Care Workers introduced by the Australian Government in response to a recommendation by the aged care royal commission.
“Improvement in aged care workforce education was central to the royal commission’s final report,” Wicking Dementia Centre director Professor James Vickers said. “The Wicking Dementia Centre has a successful track record in delivering high-quality online courses using a highly accessible learning management system developed at the University of Tasmania.”
The modules take around 10 minutes to complete and include key topics such as:
- supporting people living with dementia
- aged care system and structure
- palliative and end-of-life care
- promoting mental health and wellbeing
- wound management and prevention of pressure injuries
- oral health and falls prevention
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness.
Since its establishment in 2008, the Wicking Dementia Centre has been at the forefront of dementia education with its online courses reaching 640,000 enrolments across 185 countries.
You can access the latest aged care learning packages here.
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