Carer Review

Providing day to day care for a number of residents in a nursing home this includes assisting with meal times, assisting with drinks, personal care, continence care, ensuring social enrichment and person centred care. Assisting individuals with moving and handling and pressure area care for those who are unable to mobilise and completion of documentation

It has helped develop existing skills and made me more aware of the impact of receiving good person centred care for the resident. it has highlighted what I already knew and has given me the confidence that I am able to fulfil my job role to the best of standards.

Thoroughly enjoyed the programme. I enjoyed doing my level 2 that much that I straight away continued on to do my level 3 to ensure that my programme remained with lifetime training. My training coach is so positive every time I submit work and really provides great feedback. She’s brilliant and has made me want to always provide the best work

The programme is structured to an extent but with giving room to adjust. I have set units that need to be completed but the order they are completed in were decided between myself and my lifetime trainer. If I wasn’t able to meet a ‘deadline’ for a unit or needed to discuss a question there wasn’t the pressure that the deadline had gone and I’m not penalised for it

My employer will communicate with my lifetime trainer and has to sign off on the standard units. If I need assistance the nurses in charge have always been willing to help. However, I have not needed this. They will accommodate me having to be off the floor when necessary to have discussions with my lifetime trainer following observations

Lifetime have a webpage full of information and support for the programme. I have direct contact via telephone and email with my lifetime trainer and she is always happy to discuss and support me when there is any issues. She will feedback about units once she’s marked them and then give a run down of the next unit before she assigns it.

I feel it’s both beneficial to myself and to those I care for. Being able to complete my level 3 and having completed my level 2 makes me more aware of how I carry out my role on shift. It also makes me focus on other areas such as health and safety where I am responsible for reporting and not necessarily acting

Occassionally although this centres around events such as a work Christmas party. Given the nature of the job- hours and shift work can make it very difficult for people to attend. A member of staff did try making a social event for a monthly thing but found numbers dropped quite quickly

Yes

Barchester ensures all staff are trained to a high level as standard. The opportunities they offer such as the level 2, level 3 and care practitioner course means there’s job progression if you wish to do it but are not mandatory. The pay is above minimum wage and they review it regularly. There’s a real family feel to the homes and staff will go the extra mile

To make sure you get what you want out of the role. You need to have a real enjoyment and passion for elderly care. If you have aims such as completing qualifications go for it as they’ll support you to achieve this. Don’t be afraid to become part of the team and don’t look back. There’s so many long standing members that it speaks for itself