Fight Parkinson’s Aged Care Learning Hub

Fight Parkinson’s has launched an online learning program to build the skills and capabilities of aged care workers caring for clients and residents with Parkinson’s.

The market-leading online training program has been developed in conjunction with Fight Parkinson’s experts and is designed for Personal Care Assistants and ​Registered Nurses working in aged care, with more courses currently in development.

Parkinson’s is one of the most challenging diseases to manage due to its chronic, progressive nature, complicated and diverse motor and non-motor symptoms specific to each individual, and limited symptom management options.

These initial courses are designed to empower aged care nurses and personal care assistants with the knowledge and skills to provide evidence-based Parkinson’s-friendly care.

Care staff will learn key signs and symptoms and practical ways they can support the person living with Parkinson’s.

Upskilling aged care workers' knowledge around Parkinson’s-specific care will help improve some of the shortfalls identified in the Aged Care Royal Commission, particularly around nutrition, restraint, dementia and palliative care.

The aim of the courses is to leave aged care staff with an overview of the many facets of Parkinson’s and an understanding that residents they care for do not fit in one box. As a result, we hope to see residents experience a better quality of life.

The Aged Care training program is being offered to aged care providers and individually to Personal Care Assistants and Registered Nurses working in an Aged Care setting.

Learning outcomes for staff

• Further develop an understanding of Parkinson’s and its diagnosis
• Increase knowledge of the key symptoms of Parkinson’s including motor, non-motor and mixed-motor symptoms
• Develop an understanding of the importance of Parkinson’s medications for movement and daily activities
• Learn practical strategies to assist those living with Parkinson's in their day-to-day lives
• Gain a greater understanding of care planning and when to seek assistance
• Access the Fight Parkinson's multi-disciplinary Health Team for secondary consults
• Earn CPD points (self-reported, one point for each hour of learning)
• Build confidence and an improved ability to support people living with Parkinson's.

Organisation outcomes

• Be at the forefront of Parkinson’s care for clients living with Parkinson’s, their families and support networks
• Enhance the service offering for prospective clients living with Parkinson's
• Increase peace of mind for families
• Reduce falls, critical incidents, and complaints
• Gain recognition as a ‘Fight Parkinson’s approved’ business, adding value to prospective clients
• Access convenient on-demand online learning anytime
• Create an engaged, capable workforce to support those living with Parkinson's
• Train care staff with minimal cost.