Carers Week celebrates Carers.
Last week saw “Carers Week” raising awareness of carers in all their guises. Whether it’s someone caring for a loved one at home, or carers and Healthcare Assistants working in the community or in residential and nursing care homes.
Nursing theorist, Jean Watson believed that ‘caring was the essence of nursing’. A reality that is very evident in The Wilverley Association’s residential and nursing care homes in the New Forest.
The beauty of caring in a residential and nursing home is the comradery of the team and continuity of care which residents receive day and night. From 7.45am when the day shift begins, the handover from night staff ensures day carers are fully aware of changes to residents’ condition or medicine, however slight. The Progressive Care which our residents receive means they’re being constantly assessed, details logged and appropriate changes to care being made.
Health Care Assistants build up relationships with residents, not only helping them with washing, dressing, feeding and where residents might be bed-bound, turning them regularly to keep them as comfortable as possible.
Carers get to know their likes and dislikes. Who likes to get up at 7am every day? Who likes breakfast in bed? Having personalised care means a resident can have a set routine every day so they maintain as much independence as possible.
As well as assessing, logging and maintaining paperwork, taking laundry out, bed making and ensuring residents have whatever they need, when they need it, they’re also in possession of pagers which will be buzzing and require action, often urgently. Working as a team means there is always someone on hand to respond when needed.
The Wilverley Association carers also take an active role in encouraging residents to take part in daily activities. Whether it’s assisting with use of the Shapemaster exercise chair, Tai Chi with a visiting expert, Seated Yoga or Movement to Music in the garden room. As well as trips and excursions. A few years ago three carers took a group of residents to the New Forest Show to fulfil a lifelong ambition of seeing the Queen.
It’s important that residents are encouraged to take part in various activities so they can meet people and feel energised again. Developing friendships is important as well as laughter and there is plenty of that. Carers join Mrs B for supper in her room every evening to watch ‘The Chase’ while someone helps to feed her. She loves the programme and while her mind is on the competition, she eats more as a result.
One of the carers told me, “knowing you’re helping someone who might not be able to help themselves is a privilege.”
To find out more visit www.newforestcarehomes.org.uk
Author: Vicks Ward
