FOundation - LEVEL 1 (Awareness Foundations)
This workshop aims to provide staff within staff within aged care services with knowledge and understanding about the prevalence and impacts of trauma for older people receiving residential or other aged care services. The workshop supports staff to recognise and respond empathically to the common impacts of trauma, which may present in day-to-day interactions. Additionally, the workshop will promote self-care awareness and provide resources to support staff well-being.
Duration:
The workshop has been developed to be run with options for a
- two-hour session
- 30-minute session
- online e-learn (coming November 2026)
Learning Outcomes
By the close of the workshop, participants will:
- Understand the types, prevalence and impacts of trauma for older people.
- Understand the relationship between past trauma, the stress response and triggers for older people.
- Be familiar with the four principles of trauma-informed care.
- Develop strategies to manage common responses to trauma.
- Be aware of the importance of self-care and resources to support wellbeing.
Skills - LEVEL 2 (Principles in action)
This workshop builds on the knowledge from level 1 - Knowing, and undertakes an in-depth exploration of the principles of trauma-informed care and how they are demonstrated across all aspects of practice. Participants will develop a deeper understanding of how trauma can affect older people in a context of diversity and inclusion and learn how to apply these principles in their aged care training to create a safe, supportive, and empowering care environment.
Duration:
The workshop for people working with older people has been designed as a three-hour face-to-face session, focusing on diversity and inclusion and bringing the principles of TIC into practice
Learning Outcomes
By the close of this workshop for older people, participants will:
- Understand the types, prevalence, and impacts of trauma for older individuals in the context of aged care training.
- Understand the relationship between past trauma, the stress response, and triggers specifically affecting older people.
- Understand the nature of trauma and its impacts within an aged care context.
- Increase knowledge and skills in promoting the four principles of trauma-informed care (TIC) in a practical setting.
- Consider diversity and inclusion while working with older people who have experienced trauma.
- Develop strategies for personal well-being as a trauma-informed care worker.
Practice - LEVEL 3 (Embedding into direct practice)
This workshop has been developed to support clinicians in the implementation of a trauma-informed approach to assessment and care planning. This workshop is a culmination of all three layers of this learning and development strategy for staff working within aged care services.
Duration:
The workshop has been developed to be facilitated following completion of levels 1 and 2. The session runs for 3 hours
A standalone one-day training with all three sessions can be applied.
Learning Outcomes
By the close of the workshop, participants will:
- Understand the relationship between past trauma, the stress response and triggers for older people.
- Understand the nature of trauma and its impacts in an aged care context
- Increase knowledge and skills in the promotion of the four principles of trauma-informed care in a practice context (TIC)
- Consider diversity and inclusion in the context of working with older people who have experienced trauma
- Develop strategies for personal well-being as a trauma-informed care worker
- Identify common barriers that prevent staff and older people from discussing trauma and its impacts during assessments.
- Explain the purpose and principles of a trauma-informed assessment conversation within the context of care planning.
- Enhance their skills in navigating difficult or sensitive conversations with older people.
- Practice applying trauma-informed communication techniques during assessments with older people.
- Demonstrate increased confidence in responding to disclosures of past trauma experiences from older people.
