How Often Should Group Home Staff Be Trained? (Companies That Offer Staff Training Programs for Group Homes)

Ideally, group home staff must undergo regular training to ensure they are fully prepared to cater to the needs of residents as well as conform to regulatory requirements.

The initial training will have to be carried out before the staff starts their duties, and this particular training features topics like emergency procedures, resident care, and communication skills.

However, ongoing training will have to be carried out at least once annually to guarantee that staff are up-to-date with new policies, best practices, as well as any changes in regulations.

Nevertheless, keep in mind that some special training will have to be carried out more frequently, although this will often depend on state laws and accreditation standards.

Essential Training for Group Home Staff

The role of well-trained staff in a group home cannot be underestimated especially when you consider that they will be dealing with vulnerable people who require love, patience, and attention.

Owing to that, whether your group home caters to the needs of people with disabilities, the elderly, or other vulnerable populations, it is important to ensure your team is adequately trained. Below are well-known training every group home staff member needs to undergo.

1. First Aid and CPR Training

This remains one of the most important training for group home staff especially when you consider the high potential for medical emergencies that occur at any time.

Group home residents might have underlying health conditions that heighten the possibility or risk of sudden medical events such as cardiac arrest, choking, or injuries from falls.

What It Covers

• Basic life-saving techniques, such as CPR for adults, children, and infants.
• How to appropriately utilize Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
• Ways to deal with choking, bleeding, burns, and other common injuries.
• Comprehending signs of stroke, heart attack, or other medical emergencies.

Frequency

CPR certifications will have to be renewed every 1 to 2 years, although this will vary from one state to another, as well as the certifying organization.

2. Medication Administration Training

This is another very important training when you take into account how important it is to the safety and well-being of residents. It is important to point out that even a little mistake can be life-threatening.

What It Covers

• Proper and detailed ways to administer varying types of medications, including oral, topical, and injectable forms.
• Fully comprehending prescription labels as well as medical abbreviations.
• Understanding documentation procedures for recording medication administration.
• Quickly noting and responding to adverse reactions or errors.

Frequency

This training will have to be renewed yearly to be certain that staff remain updated on best practices as well as new regulations.

3. Behavioral Management and De-escalation Techniques

Another thing to note is the high possibility of residents in a group home showing challenging behaviors as a result of mental health issues, cognitive disabilities, or other factors.

Keep in mind that this behavioral management training works to guarantee a safe and supportive environment for both residents and staff.

What It Covers

• Full comprehension of the triggers for aggressive or disruptive behavior.
• De-escalation techniques to deal with tense situations and ensure it doesn’t escalate.
• Non-violent crisis intervention strategies.
• Coming up as well as putting in place behavior support plans.

Frequency

This particular training will need to be revisited at least annually, with additional sessions as required depending on certain resident needs.

4. Infection Control and Hygiene Practices

There is a valid need to maintain a clean and hygienic environment in a group home. This is important especially to limit the spread of infections in a group home where residents might have not-so-active immune systems.

What It Covers

• Appropriate handwashing and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Various ways to adequately clean and disinfect common areas and high-touch surfaces.
• The right ways to deal with and dispose of waste, including medical waste.
• The appropriate ways to manage outbreaks of communicable diseases, like COVID-19 or the flu.

Frequency

When you consider how quickly infectious diseases tend to evolve, you will see why it is necessary this training is carried out at least annually, with updates made available as new guidelines emerge.

5. Cultural Competency and Sensitivity Training

Ideally, the group home will draw on numerous clients from a wide array of cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. As such, it is important that staff fully comprehend how to provide care that respects and honors these differences.

What It Covers

• Full comprehending and respecting cultural, religious, and personal preferences in care.
• The right communication strategies that take into account language barriers or cultural differences.
• Noting and dealing with implicit biases.
• Guaranteeing an inclusive environment that stinks of respect and understanding among residents and staff.

Frequency

This particular training will need to be provided annually, with one or more sessions if the resident demographic changes entirely.

List of Companies That Offer Staff Training Programs for Group Homes

1. Relias
2. Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI)
3. American Red Cross
4. DirectCourse
5. Health & Safety Institute (HSI)
6. National Council for Behavioral Health
7. SafeCare
8. The Mandt System
9. American Health Care Association (AHCA)
10. College of Direct Support (CDS).