Why choose this course?
- The Mental Capacity Act 2005 was received and regarded as a wonderful piece of legislation which would empower individuals to make decisions for themselves. It was expected to be positive, progressive and change attitudes and practice in care.
- In March 2014 Lord Hardie, chair of the House of Lords MCA Committee, reported that “The Act is not being implemented in Health and Social Care settings because of lack of knowledge of it and even with this knowledge it is still not being implemented.” CQC are now actively checking compliance with MCA training.
- The Committee’s recommendations are that an Independent Body will be formed to have the oversight of the implementation of MCA 2005. They further recommend that the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLs), added in 2007, are redrafted. Government has rejected the second point but simplification of forms will occur.
- In the meantime we are all working under current legislation and the purpose of this course is to make sure that your staff will understand it in a way that helps put it into practice immediately. The training is in line with all best practice and can build on the knowledge and skills that your staff already have.
- For front-line staff we will be working with the Principles in Practice, alongside the Dignity Care Challenge, rather than the intricacies of legislation, for senior and supervisory staff this balance can be altered and a separate training is available, including more and in depth work on the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
Length of course.
Either 1 day from 9.30 – 4.30 which is more interactive and has more information of DOLs or
A half day course 9.30 ~ 12.30 or 1.30 ~ 4.30. Preferably two groups in the same day.
Expected outcomes:
By the end participants will be able to
- understand the key components of the Mental Capacity Act and how to apply them in every day practice
- see how the MCA and the 10 Point Dignity Care Challenge support each other
- have an overview of the Deprivation of Liberty Regulations and risk assessment, focussing on issues of restraint
- review and expand the use of different kinds of communication
- consider the use of assistive technology in upholding choices
- know when it’s appropriate to use an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate
- work in an increasingly inclusive and person directed way with residents or tenants
- ensure that services offered to clients meet the expectations of all current legislation and the principles of person centred provision and adult safeguarding
Nature of training: maximum of 16 participants per session. Even if your venue can hold more than this number experience over many years has shown that this is the optimum number in a group to enable the greatest amount of learning and interactivity. Most of the group work will be in 4s, some in pairs.
This course will be taught through Powerpoint, group work and interactive exercises often using the workbook. Case studies will come from the Code of Practice and staff’s own experience.
Assessing knowledge: there will be a workbook for each participant and these will be worked through individually, in pairs and in a group during the session. The workbook can be used as part of ongoing supervision by the senior staff and has a separate page to photocopy for that purpose, to make sure that MCA stays on the agenda and in practice.
A signed Certification of attendance will be given to each participant with the subject details of the course included.
Please note that a version of this course is available for managers looking in detail at the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
It is suggested that a yearly refresher course is put in place to ensure ongoing professional development and high standards of implementation.
