STEPS Training School is a unique service that supports clients as they transition from being a STEPS residential client, to moving back home. This important milestone requires considerable planning and is something that we recognise as a pivotal moment in a person's rehabilitation journey.

We support clients and their new care team as they prepare to make this transition. Managed by our Clinical Nurse Educator, we provide training and advice to the new care team about a client’s condition, as well as their rehabilitation and living needs. The aim is to ensure a smooth transition whilst maintaining a high-quality care regime.

The training includes a 1-day theory session, where the new care team learns about a client’s condition and current regime. This is then followed by a further period of ‘shadowing’, watching and learning first-hand from the STEPS care team, the routine and techniques used to care for the client.

New care teams usually involve up to 6 senior carers. These teams can be selected by the CCG or local authority; however clients are increasingly asking to be involved in the recruitment process and are able to interview those who will potentially be caring for them.

For clients returning home, it can be an extremely anxious and stressful time, not just for them but also their family. Therefore, careful management, along with a sensitive approach, is essential to a successful transition and the continuation of a client’s rehabilitation.

Below are the training modules offered by the STEPS Training School.

Training Modules

Spinal Overview
  • Spinal injury
  • Levels
  • Complete/ incomplete
  • Neurogenic bowel and bladder
  • Autonomic dysreflexia
  • Skin and pressure area care
Bowels
  • Importance of good management
  • Administration of enema/ suppository
  • Digital stimulation
  • Digital examination
  • Digital removal of faeces
  • Manual evacuation
  • Infection control/ disposal
  • Constipation/ diarrhoea
  • Diet
  • Documentation
Bladder
  • Catheters
  • Indwelling
  • Supra-pubic
  • Intermittent
  • Flipflow
  • Bladder washouts
  • Catheter changes
  • Input/output
  • UTI’s
  • Orchitis
Autonomic Dysreflexia
  • What is it?
  • Signs and symptoms
  • Emergency management
  • Catheter/ bladder
  • Bowel
  • Skin
  • Other causes
Skin and Pressure Area Care
  • Good management
  • Hygiene
  • Positioning
  • Mobility
Tracheostomy
  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Daily care - dressings and tie changes
  • Inner tube changes
  • Observations
  • Suctioning
  • Cough assist
  • Signs of infection
  • Emergency
PEG
  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Daily/weekly care (rotation and advancing, mic-key button care, stoma care)
  • Signs of infection
  • Administration of fluid and feed (bolus, pump)
  • Administration of medication

Theory and Practical Sessions with Therapists/ Senior Rehabilitation Assistants:

Physiotherapists
  • Bike programmes
  • Handling painful limbs
  • Neuro stim
Occupational Therapists
  • Use of equipment
  • Complex washing and dressing
Speech and Language Therapists
  • Aphasia
  • Cognitive communication disorders
  • Motor speech disorders
  • Augmentative and alternative communication systems
  • Dysphagia
  • Facial oral tract therapy
  • Swallowing and communication in the context of tracheostomies
  • Therapeutic mouthcare
Senior Rehabilitation Assistants
  • Client programmes essential for maintenance
  • Passive range of movements
  • Exercise programmes
  • Neuro stim

To find out more about STEPS Training School, please contact hello@stepsrehabilitation.co.uk.