Aged Care Clinical Training Series

Free professional, practical training designed to support safe, compassionate care in aged care environments.

This training series has been developed for aged care staff, carers, and healthcare assistants to support safe, consistent, and person-centred care.

Each module focuses on key clinical and care principles, combining practical awareness with a strong emphasis on resident comfort, dignity, and communication.

The content is suitable for use within aged care facilities and as part of ongoing professional development.

Introduction to Palliative Care

Palliative care is an essential part of aged care practice. It supports residents living with life-limiting conditions by focusing on comfort, dignity, and individual needs.

This training reinforces:

  • A person-centred approach to care

  • The importance of early and proactive support

  • Improved management of symptoms and distress

  • Better communication with residents and families

  • Respect for cultural, personal, and end-of-life preferences

Understanding palliative care helps ensure residents receive appropriate, compassionate, and consistent support throughout their care journey.

Bowel Assessment and Management

Bowel health is a key component of overall wellbeing in aged care. Constipation can lead to discomfort, behavioural changes, and more serious complications if not identified early.

This training supports:

  • Early recognition of changes in bowel function

  • Improved comfort and dignity for residents

  • Prevention of complications through proactive care

  • Consistent and informed care planning

Understanding bowel care helps ensure residents receive safe, respectful, and effective support.

Pain Management

Pain can significantly impact a resident’s quality of life if not recognised and managed effectively. It may lead to distress, reduced appetite, confusion, and emotional strain for both residents and their families.

This training supports:

  • Early identification and understanding of pain

  • Improved comfort and wellbeing for residents

  • A compassionate and responsive approach to care

  • Stronger communication between care teams, residents, and families

Effective pain management is essential to delivering high-quality palliative care.

Breathlessness

Breathlessness is a common symptom in residents with chronic and life-limiting conditions. It can cause significant distress, anxiety, and discomfort if not recognised and managed appropriately.

This training supports:

  • Early recognition of changes in a resident’s condition

  • A calm and confident response to distressing symptoms

  • Improved comfort and reassurance for residents

  • Consistent care through observation and documentation

Understanding how to respond to breathlessness helps create a safer and more supportive care environment.

Recognising Deterioration

Recognising deterioration early allows care teams to respond appropriately and ensure that care aligns with the resident’s wishes. It also supports families during an important and often emotional time.

This training supports:

  • Early identification of changes in a resident’s condition

  • Improved communication and shared understanding across care teams

  • Better alignment with resident preferences and goals of care

  • A more coordinated and compassionate approach to care

Timely recognition and response can significantly improve the experience for both residents and their families.

Catheter Preparation

Effective preparation is a critical part of safe catheter care. Inadequate preparation can increase the risk of infection, procedural difficulty, and discomfort for the resident.

This training supports:

  • Consistent infection prevention practices

  • Improved readiness and efficiency during procedures

  • Safer clinical environments for both staff and residents

  • Respect for resident dignity, privacy, and comfort

Strong preparation underpins safe and high-quality care in aged care settings.

Ureteral Catheter Insertion

Catheterisation is a common but high-risk clinical procedure in aged care. Poor technique or inconsistent practices can increase the risk of complications such as Urinary tract infection, discomfort, and reduced quality of life.

This training reinforces:

  • Consistent adherence to infection control standards

  • Safe handling and use of clinical equipment

  • Respect for resident comfort, privacy, and dignity

  • The importance of accurate clinical documentation

High-quality care relies on both technical knowledge and professional judgement. Training like this supports safer outcomes for residents and greater confidence for staff.