July 2018
no.261 • £4.75 incorporating The Number One magazine for the care sector
Time running out to enter your home for awards
Study claims home carers need support By Dominic Musgrave CARE workers who provide personal and domestic care to older people with dementia in their own homes are at risk of feeling under emotional strain and some don’t get as much support as they need, according to a new study. Researchers at Kingston University and King’s College London explored some of the pressures facing home care workers in London and the South East of England. They found that, while managers and home care workers had clear ideas of what their professional boundaries should be, home care workers sometimes found themselves crossing that line, or being asked to take on tasks beyond their job role. The combined impact of supporting older people with complex needs, such as those arising from dementia or those requiring end-of-life care, alongside working in someone’s own home, where typical workplace conventions may not exist, add to such pressures the researchers found. More than half a million people receive care in their own homes in England, according to the Care Quality Commission. Most of them are aged over 65 and have care needs arising from long-term health
conditions, including dementia. This new research interviewed 30 home care workers and 13 managers, and found that some home care workers find it difficult to refuse requests to carry out extra tasks from their clients’ families, particularly if there is strong emotional attachment. Home care workers juggle a desire to be compassionate and helpful, with maintaining professional boundaries. Dr Tushna Vandrevala, health psychologist and senior lecturer at Kingston University’s School of Social and Behavioural Sciences and part of the research team, said home care workers sometimes seem to over-invest emotionally and find it hard to set boundaries. She added: “Many are torn between their professional role and wanting to go beyond that to help the person they have grown attached to. They are often supporting clients’ families and their emotions, and this can be very difficult – sometimes placing considerable emotional and mental strain on themselves.” “Looking after people with dementia can be rewarding but unpredictable, and often require home care workers to be flexible, prepared for change, and able to put in place creative solutions.”
Broadcaster, journalist and royal commentator Jennie Bond bought a regal touch to the opening of Baycroft’s second home in Chelmsford, Essex. The home, in the village of Great Baddow, is now ready to offer residents their own bespoke bedroom within luxury surroundings and hotel standard services. New residents will be able to enjoy the landscaped garden that is overlooked by the luxury dining area where fresh, locally sourced and seasonal meals will be served. To break down loneliness, use of the on-site cinema, library, hair salon, spa treatment room and activity room will be actively encouraged. The home is also equipped with the latest dementia care and resident safety technology so that older people living at the home and their families feel secure.
TIME is running out to submit your Caring UK Awards’ entries, with nominations for this year closing on July 30. The Caring UK Awards, in partnership with Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank, recognise excellence and achievement throughout the care industry and recognising team efforts across the UK. They have been created to highlight and pay tribute to the care home teams who make an outstanding contribution to caring for the elderly. Taking place on Thursday December 6 at The Athena in Leicester, there are over 20 trophies up for grabs at this year’s awards including Regional Care Home of the Year, Volunteer Team of the Year and Activities Team of the Year. Derek Breingan, national head of health and social care sector at Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank, said: “With so much media attention on the Care Sector currently it is more important than ever to ensure that the fantastic work that is undertaken in care services across the country is positively recognised and highlighted. “As an important sector that Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank supports we are delighted to again be main sponsors of these Awards and to help to further promote everything that is good about the industry.”