A new Learning Hub at Uniting AgeWell Strathdon Community is taking hands-on staff training to a new level, recreating real-life clinical, residential and home care settings so nursing and care staff can build confidence before they work with customers. 

The pilot program was developed to provide training that feels as close to a real customer interaction as possible, while also addressing a long-standing gap for home care staff who are often unable to train in a home-like environment. 

The gap was first identified in late 2025.  Working with colleagues across Home Care, Operations, Quality and Customer Experience, Clinical Education, Safety, Learning and Development, an empty wing at Strathdon was transformed into the Learning Hub. 

The specially furnished hub includes rooms that recreate a customer’s home, including a lounge room, bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as risk rooms where staff can identify hazards such as electrical cords, bunched bathmats, trip hazards and even a dog on the bed. 

Clinical simulation rooms support training in medication management, wound care, palliative care and urinary catheterisation, with staff practising on mannequins known as Graham and Elise.  

Health Safety and Wellness Trainer Team Leader Karen Wall says the immersive approach is strengthening staff capability and safety, while ultimately supporting better care for customers. 

“There is a lot of hands-on care involved in dealing with our customers, so it is important that staff have the best training possible to reduce workplace injuries,” Karen explains.  “We have seen a decline in the severity of workplace injuries from staff who have gone through this manual handling training.” 

Clinical Educator Business Partner Quality and Risk Joane Sinio says creating an in-house training space is also a sound investment: “Instead of hiring venues to train home care staff, we have created a venue of our own.  It’s a great investment.” 

Early feedback has been positive.  Strathdon PCW Sarah Kleverlaan says: “This was the best training session I have been to in my 11 years at Uniting AgeWell.  It was very hands-on and so informative.  It certainly boosted my confidence levels.” 

Health, Safety and Wellbeing Trainer Mark Smith says he enjoys seeing participants’ confidence grow.  “We role play,” he explains.  “Someone sits in the chair, another will lie on the bed, and they take turns doing hands-on lowering and moving.  The risk rooms are also wonderful in recreating common tripping and falling hazards to be aware of.” 

Mark is also proud that the hub was set up using recycled furniture from the residential aged care facility.  “It’s very realistic, right down to ornaments and a TV screen,” he says. 

Joane says repurposing and recycling are part of the hub’s approach.  Expired supplies and equipment such as syringes, gloves and masks are gratefully received from other sites and put to use.  “Please don’t throw them out – send them to us!” she says. 

Another Learning Hub is now being considered for Tasmania, which means clinical dummies Graham and Elise may soon be extending their family!