A new subscription television channel for care homes is being launched today in a bid to boost staff skills.

The Aged Care Channel will provide 18 training programmes during the year to member care providers, including best practice advice, case studies and testimonies from staff and residents.
It is being launched with a programme on infection control, featuring Linda Nazarko, a nurse, lecturer and former care manager. Care staff will be able to phone in to ask questions of the experts involved in each programme, who will include Gary FitzGerald, chief executive of Action on Elder Abuse.

Other topics due to be covered include:

• Depression in older people.
• Teamwork.
• Falls prevention.
• Identifying and managing pain in residents.
• Managing medication.
• Hydration and nutrition.

The launch of the channel has been overseen by an advisory board including Martin Green, Sheila Scott and Des Kelly, who head the English Community Care Association, National Care Association and National Care Forum respectively. A similar channel has been running since 2003 in Australia and is now used by half of care homes in the country.