Care provider Hallmark has launched diabetes staff training sessions in collaboration with DUET diabetes.
Welcoming a new set of guidelines from the National Advisory Panel on Care Home Guidance (NAPCHD), Hallmark held its first training sessions at Henley Manor in Henley-on-Thames, Chamberlain Court in Royal Tunbridge Wells, and Greenhill Manor in Merthyr Tydfil.
In addition, care workers took part in a practical training session on blood glucose monitoring and glucometers. It is thought that up to a quarter of people living in care homes across the UK have diabetes.
The guidelines reflect on the importance of effective communication between residents and families, care homes, community nursing and diabetes services, primary care, acute hospital services, eye specialist and optometry care services, nutritional and podiatry services, and social services.
International diabetes expert Professor Alan Sinclair, lead author of the guidelines, said: “The new guidelines are essential as care home residents are recognised as being a highly vulnerable group (as evidenced also by the COVID-19 pandemic) so these recommendations will help healthcare professionals and care teams to better implement high-quality care.
“The document reflects the views of a fantastic panel of experts who were a joy to work with and is a great opportunity to make a difference in this care sector. We are confident that these recommendations will improve diabetes care for older adults with the condition.”
Care quality governance and compliance director at Hallmark, Julie Rayner, who worked with Professor Sinclair on the guidelines, said: “The development of the Management of Diabetes Guidelines for Care Homes has been an incredibly important piece of work. We are seeing more and more residents moving into our care homes with diabetes and the support and input we receive from specialist services varies greatly from area to area.
“Other care providers must experience the same which is why these Guidelines are so important as they provide a framework in which best practice can be developed and promoted. The first step for us at Hallmark was to benchmark our team members awareness of safe and effective diabetes care and their confidence in delivering such care.
“What followed on was a programme of training for our senior carers and registered nurses supporting them to become strong advocates for residents who are living with diabetes, ensuring that they can access appropriate screening services and can recognise and take timely action on any of the complications associated with diabetes.”
Lynne Reedman, founder and service lead from DUET diabetes, said: “As a panel member of the NAPCHD, I can attest that the work clearly has had residents living with diabetes at the heart of it, however it also encompasses so many aspects and information right across the health and social care board to aid best practice.”
