Across regional NSW we work with many people who rely on attendant care workers every day. These workers play a huge role in supporting people with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, amputations and other complex conditions — often in the person’s home, and often with very little formal training. What we see consistently is that everyone is doing the absolute best they can.
Family members are providing training. Participants are trying to explain their own care needs. Support workers are doing their best to follow instructions, but sometimes those instructions come from a place of lived experience rather than clinical knowledge.
And while this works to a point, we know that knowledge and education is power. It leads to better outcomes, safer care, less stress, and more confidence for everyone involved.
What we’ve been doing so far
At Focus on Function we have been providing customised training for attendant care workers for several years — usually when a concern arises.
Examples include:
- A bowel care routine that isn’t working as safely or effectively as it should
- Episodes of autonomic dysreflexia that could have been recognised or managed earlier
- Manual handling concerns that place both the participant and the support worker at risk
- Equipment that isn’t being used correctly, leading to avoidable issues
Every time we deliver this type of training, the benefits are clear:
- Support workers feel more confident and capable
- Families feel reassured that their loved one is safer
- Participants experience more predictable and consistent care
- The whole care team communicates better
But until now, our approach has been mostly reactionary — stepping in when something goes wrong.
Moving into 2026: A proactive, structured training program
From 2026, we are excited to shift to a proactive training model that aligns strongly with our Vision and Values.
Our goal is to build high-quality, small-group, customised training sessions that reflect each participant’s injury-related needs. These sessions may cover:
- Safe and consistent bowel care routines
- Recognising and managing autonomic dysreflexia
- Individualised manual handling techniques
- Equipment management and troubleshooting
- Supporting activities of daily living with confidence and dignity
- Understanding the “why” behind each care task
Where another service or specialist provider can offer something better, we will partner with them. Collaboration always leads to better outcomes.
Flexible training — in home or in our new Tamworth clinic
We can provide training onsite in the participant’s home for real-world practice, or in our new Tamworth clinic space where we have more room, equipment and controlled learning conditions.
We are also investing in new teaching tools — including a training manikin for bowel care — so support workers can practise safely and build their confidence before assisting with real care tasks.
Measuring what matters
We want this program to be meaningful, not just educational.
In 2026 we will:
- Collect feedback from participants, families and support workers
- Review outcomes and safety indicators
- Update content based on real-world needs
- Continue to refine our training so it stays practical, relevant and high quality
Why this matters to us
At Focus on Function, education is at the heart of what we do.
If we can help support workers feel skilled and confident, we can help more people live safer, easier, more independent lives. That’s exactly what drives us.
We are excited to take this next step — and excited for the impact it will have across our regional communities.
If your team or care provider would benefit from customised attendant care training, we’d be glad to chat.
