Industry leading carer training

Embedding the essential skills

Our award-winning carer training programme is a large part of what makes Christies Carers the very best.

The 10-day, in-house carer induction programme we run for all our carers is unique in the industry. Consisting of five days virtual training, followed by five days practical in-house training at our purpose-built training-centre in Saxmundham, Suffolk, it is a rigorous and comprehensive course. Every carer must meet our high standards to pass the course before they can become a Christies Carer.

Continual improvement​

Our training doesn’t stop at induction though. We regularly provide in-depth, condition-specific training courses so our carers are able to support clients effectively with a wide range of care needs.

Additionally, all Christies live-in carers must complete and pass a two-day course each year to keep up to date with the latest developments and continue working to their full capacity. They also receive advice and guidance from the training team and our dedicated carer support team throughout the year, and access to training resources to keep their knowledge current.

Award-winning care

The team has won a Suffolk Care Award for Excellent Training as well as the prestigious Princes Royal Training Award. Our specialist Dementia Care training has also contributed to one of our carers, Keeley, winning the Dementia Carer of the Year award in the East of England finals of the Great British Care Awards 2021.

We make sure that our carers are confident to provide high quality live-in care and equip them with the knowledge and practical skills to support our clients in their home.

Training that covers more than the basics

A large portion of our clients have dementia so we invest heavily in our dementia training to ensure we provide the best care. Our in-depth, quality training means carers learn the general principles and practices to help their client navigate and cope with daily life, being cared for in their own home.

In addition to our induction training, the dementia training includes a two-day residential course at our specialist skills centre, and an annual update through eLearning so carers can learn how to adapt the general principles to their own client’s needs.

“The course opened my mind towards not just the person with a dementia condition, but generally towards elderly and vulnerable people. It helped me to see them as a person, not just patients with health problems. Now I feel satisfaction when I can understand my clients and recognise their needs.”

“I have a new insight into the mind of a person with a dementia condition and it helps me to be more successful with my clients. In my work I use the whole range of exercises given I learned.”

Our programme has been developed specifically for Christies Care, covering all aspects of emergency first aid, with the course content customised to fit scenarios a live-in or visiting home care provider may encounter.

The first aid course takes place over one day and comprises:

  • Primary survey
  • Secondary survey
  • Basic Life Support
  • Severe bleeding
  • Causes of unconsciousness
  • Heart conditions

We know a well-trained carer is far more likely to deliver a successful care plan for somebody with learning difficulties. Our one-day learning disabilities residential training is part of our essential induction training for all carers.

This one-day training course is facilitated by experienced trainers, led by our learning disabilities coordinator. They can advise carers during their assignment supporting a client with a learning disability, should the carer have any questions or concerns.
The aim of the training is to encourage carers to see beyond labels and support their client to have a great life, living as independently as they can.

In our learning disabilities training you will:

  • Gain an understanding of the causes and effects of having a learning disability
  • Discuss and explore person-centred values in care
  • Develop an understanding of person-centred thinking and planning
  • Identify and compare communication needs in relation to learning disability support.
  • Look at the purpose and use of NHS passports
  • Be introduced to useful resources

Our Introduction to Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Behaviours that Challenge training will enable carers:

  • To gain a basic understanding of the Autistic Spectrum Disorders and the complexities to support people with ASD.
  • To gain a basic understanding of ‘behaviours that challenge’
  • To explore the stages of behaviour and the cues to an incident of behaviour that challenges.
  • To know the difference between proactive and reactive strategies
  • To know how to complete records and reports relating to an incident of behaviour that challenges.
  • Introducing person-centred thinking tools that support recording and reflecting behaviours.

The end of someone’s life is a very important time and it is essential that the right care is given in a manner that suits the person who is dying.

It is equally important that carers themselves stay strong and so our award-winning training ensures carers are given the essential tools to cope with this difficult time and remain able to give their best care and attention to their client. This one-day in-house Gold Standard Framework residential course has been developed with input from UKHCA and St Elizabeth Hospice.

What does this course cover?

  • Aspects of change as someone approaches the end of life.
  • Spiritual and religious needs
  • Communication and documentation
  • Collaboration with other professionals
  • Helpful information on how to look after yourself
  • Managing death and bereavement

Extra carer training for all types of complex care

Ensuring carers have the expert support and training to care for clients with complex conditions.

care quality outstanding rated

Interested in joining us?

If you would like to apply to be a carer in one of our live-in care jobs and become part of an award-winning care team providing live-in and visiting home care across the UK, contact us today on 01728 605 060 or use for form belown to begin your application process.