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Home Adult Social Care Provider Engagement Network Resources for adult social care providers

Resources for adult social care providers

Guidance for adult social care providers in Somerset, with key information, advice and resources to support services, quality standards and day-to-day delivery

Introduction

We are committed to helping care providers access the training, guidance and support they need to deliver high-quality care.

The guidance document, Adult Social Care Medicines and Clinical Tasks – Guidance for Care Staff, explains which care staff can carry out clinical tasks and support people with their medication.

Online learning and training resources

There are a range of free and low-cost learning resources available to help care providers build skills and confidence across a wide range of topics.

  • elearning for healthcare offers a large collection of online learning programmes for health and care staff, covering a variety of clinical and professional topics.
  • The Technology enhanced learning (TEL) Blog shares news, guidance and best practice on digital learning and workforce development.
  • React To is an online training resource designed for care homes. It includes modules on topics such as falls prevention, frailty, pressure ulcers, skin and moisture care, foot care, dementia, hydration, nutrition and infection prevention.
  • Bridgwater and Taunton College offers a range of distance-learning courses in health and social care, allowing staff to develop their knowledge flexibly alongside their work.

These resources can help support ongoing learning and promote high-quality care across adult social care services.

Continence, catheter and stoma care training

A range of free training and learning resources are available to help care staff develop their knowledge and skills in continence, catheter, urinary sheath and stoma care.

For any questions about these training opportunities, please email LARCH@SomersetFT.nhs.uk.

Dementia training and support resources

A wide range of training, guidance and practical resources are available to help care staff support people living with dementia and improve the quality of care they provide.

General Dementia training resources

Tiff Earle’s 3 Ds of Dementia resources

Tiff Earle’s training resources focus on understanding the differences between dementia, depression and delirium, helping care staff recognise symptoms and provide appropriate support.

Resources include:

Creating Dementia-friendly environments

The environment can play an important role in supporting people living with dementia. The Alzheimer’s Society Dementia-Friendly Environment Checklist provides practical guidance on making homes and care settings more dementia friendly.

These resources can help care providers improve staff knowledge, support good practice and create environments that enable people living with dementia to live well and maintain their independence.

Diabetes information and training resources

These resources provide reliable information, training and practical guidance to help care staff understand diabetes and support people living with the condition.

  • World Health Organization (WHO) provides an overview of diabetes, including causes, risk factors, symptoms and global health information.
  • NHS Diabetes Information offers guidance on the different types of diabetes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, living well with diabetes and diabetic eye screening.
  • Diabetes UK provides expert advice, educational resources and support for people living with diabetes, as well as information for healthcare professionals and carers.

These resources can help improve understanding of diabetes and support the delivery of safe, person-centred care.

Speech and language therapy and Dysphagia resources

A range of resources, training and practical tools are available to help care staff support people with eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) and access specialist Speech and Language Therapy services.

Dysphagia guidance and referral resources

These resources can help care staff identify swallowing difficulties, provide safe support and make appropriate referrals.

Free NHS Dysphagia training

Care home staff are encouraged to complete the free NHS Dysphagia Essentials training module available through e-Learning for Healthcare (e-LfH).

If you do not have an NHS, Athens, government or other recognised account, you can register using a personal email address through the e-LfH portal.

To register:

  1. Enter your email address.
  2. Select “None of the above apply to me” in the About You section.
  3. Choose Continue to access the freely available content.
  4. Complete your personal details.
  5. Select Other as your job title and enter your organisation’s name.
  6. Confirm your registration when you receive the email.
  7. Set a new password using the temporary password provided.
  8. Once registered, you can log in and begin the training.

Additional Dysphagia training and guidance

The following resources provide further training and support for managing dysphagia, including information about thickening agents and safe swallowing practices:

Support for Adults with Learning Disabilities

People with learning disabilities are at increased risk of developing dysphagia, which can lead to choking, chest infections, poor nutrition, dehydration and reduced quality of life.

The Learning Disabilities Speech and Language Therapy Service specialises in supporting adults with learning disabilities who have eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties.

Please note: The referral form, checklist and swallowing diaries listed above are intended for adults without learning disabilities.

For adults with learning disabilities, the following resources are available:

These resources support care staff to identify risks, promote safe eating and drinking, and access specialist support when needed.

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) resources

Good infection prevention and control practices help protect people who use care services, staff and visitors. The resources below provide guidance, training and practical tools to support safe, effective care.

Infection Prevention and Control guidance

Hand Hygiene and the Gloves Off Campaign

Effective hand hygiene is one of the most important ways to prevent the spread of infection. These resources support good practice and help care providers monitor compliance.

These resources can help care providers strengthen infection prevention practices, promote appropriate use of personal protective equipment, and support safe, high-quality care.

RESTORE2 training and resources

RESTORE2 is a nationally recognised tool designed to help care staff identify and respond to signs of physical deterioration. It supports early intervention, improves communication with healthcare professionals and helps ensure people receive the right care at the right time.

The RESTORE2 Mini online training programme was developed by the South West Academic Health Science Network in partnership with Blue Stream Academy. The training helps care home and domiciliary care staff build their knowledge, skills and confidence in recognising and managing deterioration.

Working with LARCH+, the South West Academic Health Science Network has made this free training available to care providers across Somerset. The training can be accessed at any time and is suitable for all care staff.

Training videos

The West of England Academic Health Science Network has also produced the following training videos:

For more information or support, please contact LARCH@SomersetFT.nhs.uk

Medicines management training

PrescQIPP offers free e-learning courses on managing medicines for adults receiving social care in the community. These courses are designed to help care staff develop their knowledge and confidence in safe medicines management.

Sign up and access the courses through the PrescQIPP e-learning platform. These resources support best practice in medicines management and help ensure safe, effective care for people receiving support in the community.

Mental health and wellbeing training

A range of mental health and wellbeing training opportunities are available across Somerset to help staff build their knowledge, confidence and skills. Courses include Mental Health First Aid, Connect 5, suicide awareness training and other programmes delivered in partnership with Public Health Somerset.

For details of current training opportunities, visit the Healthy Somerset training page.

You can also access the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guide on promoting positive mental wellbeing for older people.

Staff Wellbeing Resources

A range of resources are available to support the health and wellbeing of care staff:

REACTMH Active Listening Skills training

REACTMH® Active Listening Skills training helps managers and supervisors recognise when colleagues may be struggling and have supportive wellbeing conversations using active listening techniques.

There are opportunities to:

  • Attend REACTMH training.
  • Become a REACTMH trainer within your organisation.
  • Help embed wellbeing support across your workforce.

To find out more or book a place, email somccg.icsworkforceteam@nhs.net.

Mental Capacity Act training and resources

Understanding the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) is essential for anyone working in health and social care. We recommend the free e-Learning for Healthcare (e-LfH) training programme, which provides practical guidance on supporting people who may lack the capacity to make some decisions for themselves.

The programme includes 11 modules covering:

  • Mental Capacity Act as Part of Human Rights
  • Assessing Mental Capacity
  • Making Decisions
  • Best Interests
  • Restraint
  • Deprivation of Liberty
  • Relationship between the Mental Capacity Act and the Mental Health Act
  • Mental Capacity Act and Young People aged 16 or 17
  • Research involving People who Lack Capacity
  • Mental Capacity Act and Adult Safeguarding
  • Settling Disputes and Disagreements

Mental Capacity Toolkit

Bournemouth University has also developed the Mental Capacity Toolkit, which provides practical guidance, resources and tools to support the application of the Mental Capacity Act in everyday practice.

Explore the Mental Capacity Toolkit for additional information and support.

Falls prevention and mobility resources

Falls can have a significant impact on a person’s health, independence and wellbeing. The resources below provide guidance, training and practical tools to help care staff prevent falls, respond appropriately when they occur, and support people to stay active and mobile.

Falls prevention guidance and training

The British Geriatrics Society has produced resources on preventing deconditioning and maintaining physical activity among older people, helping to reduce the risk of falls and loss of independence.

The Falls Service Referral for people at risk of falls can help care providers reduce falls, promote safe mobility, and ensure appropriate care and support following a fall.

For further information, please email LARCH@SomersetFT.nhs.uk.

Nutrition, Hydration and PEG support resources

Good nutrition and hydration are essential for maintaining health, wellbeing and quality of life. The resources below provide training, guidance and practical tools to help care staff identify and manage malnutrition, dehydration and eating difficulties.

Malnutrition and dehydration

React To: Malnutrition and Dehydration provides practical learning resources to help care staff recognise and respond to nutritional and hydration needs.

PEG training and support

Training and competency assessments for Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) feeding are available through Fresenius Kabi.

For training, advice or support, contact Fresenius Kabi on 0808 100 1990.

Nutrition resources

Hydration

Maintaining good hydration can help prevent illness, reduce the risk of urinary tract infections and support overall wellbeing.

For any questions, please email: LARCH@SomersetFT.nhs.uk.

Oral Health resources for care providers

Good oral health is an important part of overall health and wellbeing. The resources below can help care providers support residents to maintain good oral health and meet recognised standards of care.

Oral Health Guidance

Supporting quality care

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) expects registered managers to consider nationally recognised guidance, including NICE recommendations. Demonstrating how your service supports residents with their oral health can provide evidence that your care is effective, responsive and person-centred.

For any questions, please email: LARCH@SomersetFT.nhs.uk

Parkinson’s Disease training and learning resources

Parkinson’s UK Excellence Network offers a range of free online learning resources for health and social care staff. New courses and resources are added regularly, so it is worth checking the Parkinson’s UK Learning Hub for the latest opportunities.

Recommended learning for care staff

  • Caring for Your Resident with Parkinson’s – A free 20-minute online presentation designed for care home staff. It provides an introduction to the key considerations when supporting people living with Parkinson’s and offers practical advice for day-to-day care.
  • My Parkinson’s Interactive Workbook – This free, interactive online workbook covers all stages of Parkinson’s, from diagnosis through to advanced care. It supports health and social care professionals to develop their knowledge and deliver high-quality, person-centred care.
  • Parkinson’s Foundation Modules for Health and Social Care Staff – These self-directed learning modules provide a foundation understanding of Parkinson’s. Learners can complete the full programme or select individual topics to suit their role and learning needs. The full course takes approximately 10 hours to complete.
  • Introduction to Parkinson’s for Care Staff – This free one-hour course is delivered virtually by a trained Parkinson’s UK volunteer educator, often someone with personal experience of the condition. It provides a practical introduction to Parkinson’s for staff working in care homes, nursing homes and home care services.

Personalised care training and resources

The South West Integrated Personalised Care Team offers a range of free learning resources to help health and social care staff develop their understanding of personalised care and put it into practice.

Personalised Care Institute E-Learning

Register with the Personalised Care Institute to access a range of free e-learning courses. These short modules provide a great introduction to personalised care and can be completed at your own pace.

Recommended modules include:

  • Core Skills
  • Shared Decision Making
  • Personalised Care and Support Planning (PCSP)

The courses can be completed in one session or worked through over time. On completion, learners receive a certificate and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points where applicable.

South West Integrated Personalised Care YouTube Channel

The South West Integrated Personalised Care YouTube Channel features a collection of short films and videos that bring personalised care principles to life. A good place to start is The Girl Who Climbs, alongside the other inspiring stories and learning resources available on the channel.

Feedback on the videos is welcome. Share your thoughts and experiences by emailing swipc@nhs.net.

Further Information

If you have any questions about the Personalised Care Institute courses or would like more information from the South West Integrated Personalised Care Team, please contact england.swipc@nhs.net for the attention of the Right Skills Team.

Safeguarding

The Somerset Safeguarding Adults Board provides a range of resources, guidance and learning opportunities to help professionals recognise, prevent and respond to adult safeguarding concerns.

Visit the Resources and training section of the Somerset Safeguarding Adults Board website to access:

  • Safeguarding training and learning resources
  • Guidance on recognising and responding to abuse and neglect
  • Information on safeguarding responsibilities and best practice
  • Multi-agency learning and development opportunities
  • Resources to support ongoing professional development

These materials can help care providers strengthen safeguarding knowledge, meet their responsibilities and support the safety and wellbeing of adults with care and support needs.

Clinical waste and injection administration resources

These resources provide practical information to support safe clinical care, including the disposal of clinical waste and the administration of injections.

  • Clinical Waste Collection Guidance provides information on arranging clinical waste collections and the safe disposal of healthcare waste.
  • Enoxaparin Injection Training Video offers a step-by-step demonstration of how to administer an Enoxaparin injection safely and correctly.
    These resources can help care staff follow safe practices, meet regulatory requirements and support high-quality care.

For any questions, please email LARCH@SomersetFT.nhs.uk.

Somerset Treatment Escalation Plan (STEP) resources

The Somerset Treatment Escalation Plan (STEP) helps health and social care professionals have clear conversations about future care and treatment preferences, ensuring people receive care that reflects their wishes and clinical needs.

Watch the 11-minute information video from Somerset LARCH+ to learn more about the purpose of STEP, when it should be used and how it supports person-centred decision-making.

For any questions, please email: LARCH@SomersetFT.nhs.uk

Wound care and pressure ulcer prevention resources

Free training and practical resources are available to help care staff develop their knowledge of simple wound care, skin protection and pressure ulcer prevention.

Pressure ulcer resources

These resources provide guidance on identifying, preventing and managing pressure ulcers:

Tissue viability resources

These resources can help care providers improve skin care, reduce the risk of pressure ulcers and ensure wounds are managed safely and effectively.

For further information, please contact LARCH@SomersetFT.nhs.uk.

Last reviewed: October 16, 2026 by Jennifer

Next review due: April 16, 2027

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