One of the things that makes Swarthmore so special is the fantastic team members who work here. If you share our vision and values and see yourself as the next member of our wonderful team, we’d love to hear from you.
We take great pride in having such a great team and being an exemplary employer. When you join the team, benefit from flexible working, a free uniform, relevant training, breaks, a pension, free meal and we’ll also pay for your DBS. In easy reach of High Wycombe, Beaconsfield, Amersham, Slough and London by road and rail, Swarthmore is an ideal and incredibly rewarding place to work. Our home also has a dedicated staff car park, making commuting even easier.
The evening starts with a full hand over/update from the previous shift which gives me an understanding of the residents’ state of health or needs for the evening or any information for the start of the following day – such as early appointments.
I then check that my care staff are happy with their requirements for their shifts. My shift then starts with the medication round which can take up to 2 hours at the start of the evening.
During my rounds I generally ask how everyone is and what they got up to during the day. As you get to know people it is a two-way conversation – they also ask how my day was – which is special. I also pop my head around the door of others who do not need a medication visit. Once this is complete its time to write up my notes which covers medication and anything else reported on my rounds.
Each resident has a different routine – some are late going to bed, may need two carers, like a hot drink/snack. I may have specific residents to care for each evening due to their needs. Throughout the evening shift we generally check on each resident every couple of hours if no special measures are set out.
If someone is unwell, our observation checks are then carried out more frequently – this could be every half an hour/hourly dependent on their needs.
Supervision – staff may need guidance during the shift as different situations occur.
Keeping up to date with Policies/Procedures/Health & Safety and Training. It is my duty to ensure that carers working under my supervision adhere to the above whilst on duty.
Midnight – checks are carried out on residents – Staff check each resident unless they have specified not to do so. We are checking they are safe in bed – awake or asleep, or they need anything else for the evening. Care needs are also met on these rounds especially for residents that cannot meet their own needs.
0200 hours – Checks made to ensure everyone is safe in bed and any other requirements needed for the care.
0400 hours – As above.
On certain days of the week, I must carry out various audits of:
0600 hours Early medication for the resident’s that have time sensitive medication.
0630-0700 hours Final check on all residents to make sure all is well before I leave. Write-up of my notes from my last round.
0700 hours – I handover to colleagues for day shift.
0715 hours – shift finishes but I will always stay if needed to make sure all my notes are up to date on the care records. If there are staff shortages or problems arise, we will stay on to help the early shift.
As you can imagine each evening is different some evenings are quiet, and others are very busy. I like to keep busy so I will try and find something to occupy the breaks in-between – filing, photocopying, a spot of cleaning, stocking cupboards etc…
Other Areas that I consider an important part of my role
End of Life care – personally for me this is an area that I will always take upon myself where possible. It’s so important to show empathy during these emotional times not only to the resident but their families too. I am happy to support the family, sit with the resident if they have no family around them as they should not be left alone as they draw closer to the end of their life. A simple token such as a cup of tea or a blanket for a family member. Holding the hand of the resident – just being present! – Kelly Richards
When a resident health suddenly changes
If a resident becomes unwell during the shift or illness progresses, we will take the following action. We will take the necessary steps which can mean a need to call for an ambulance or our 24 hour Digital Care Hub – Immedicare. This service guides us through steps to follow to deal with any issues and then agree a plan of action so we can carry this out. This could be a GP visit arranged, admission to hospital, regular observations to be taken and phoning back with updates during the night.
Unfortunately, we may have to deal with a resident passing and would therefore follow the correct procedure. This will include calling a GP, funeral services, family, and Manager.
On the odd occasion we may have to deal with fire alarms. Thankfully, false alarms mainly but procedures must be followed with limited staff. If any major problem arises like a burst pipe etc then we call out emergency companies and inform the manager.
My day starts off allocating work to housekeepers, this is shared between the Old and New Wing of the home, lounge, quiet room, dining area, corridors, toilets, and communal bathrooms. Laundry and housekeeping are the main areas of work each day and of course it goes with saying – you need to be able to make conversation with our residents.
A thorough clean of each room is carried out once a week. This means that the resident should leave their room so we can carry out a ‘deep clean’. Areas addressed here are:
Each day we carry out a tidy around in each bedroom – emptying bins, bathrooms kept clean, fresh towels etc.
Regulate the storage and record all cleaning chemicals so its meets COSHH requirements.
Supervision – staff may need assistance at times/guidance with new areas
Keeping up to date with Policies/Procedures/Health & Safety and Training. It is my duty to ensure that housekeepers adhere to the above whilst carrying out their role within the home.
Overall
Over the years we build friendships with our residents and it a pleasure to come in to work and discuss life! My favourite area of the home is the ‘Quiet Room’, I always make sure this is presentable for everyone to sit back and reflect. Flowers are always present; it has a sense of tranquility. Louise Hall
I feel it is my responsibility to ensure the home looks presentable, comfortable, and safe for everyone. Some days throw up different challenges or problems, so you have to be ready to deal with them. Final check of the day – walk around the home to make sure all areas meet my standards.
Well what can I say – No day is the same – you must be ready to face whatever is thrown at you!
You need to be able to communicate with everyone and strike relationships with residents, their families and of course the team. I also work closely with the Trustees and other professionals in the industry. My main responsibility is ensuring that our all residents are kept safe and well.
Having an open door – supporting and listening to anyone that enters. People tell me all sorts of things, and over the years I feel humbled by conversations I have had both with residents and staff.
The core responsibility is carrying out risk assessments, planning and lots of meetings. Ensuring we are compliant with Laws, Health and Safety, Financial Regulations, Health and Wellbeing of residents and all areas are maintained to a high standard to keep everyone safe. It is my legal responsibility to keep us up to date with changes in legislation. Of course, this goes without saying I have assistance from other members of my team. This consists of a strong Senior Management team – HR, H&S, Marketing, Accounts, Residents Care, Infection Control and Activities. Each area has an important role to enable Swarthmore to be such a great place to live and work in. Keeping up to date with changes in the local and wider community, updates in employment law and a significant amount of policies involved in running a care home. Making sure that future training is carried out and that we comply with new regulations; these are all bits and pieces that happen behind the scenes, areas that take time to apply.
I thoroughly enjoy catching up with residents over a cup of tea and an activity. It is difficult to give my time to everyone and I know that residents would like me to spend more time with them. I have a great team who keep me up to date with daily events. Communication is carried out through meetings, supervisions, training, and it goes without saying WhatsApp, email, telephone and the list goes on…
The best part of my job… If a small gesture can make a huge difference to one of our residents – then I have been successful in my day!
The worst part… paperwork, oh and filing!
“Swarthmore is an extended family home to me; my family have been welcomed by numerous people. Residents and staff have played a key role in my development as a manager and a person. I only hope I have made a difference to them too.” Claire Allsopp
A day in the life of our Care AssistantMy day starts with an update from the Senior Carer’s. We are informed of any changes in our resident’s health or requirements since the previous day.
Early Morning – I begin my day by helping residents prepare for the day. Remembering to knock on the door of the resident’s room and wait for a response, it’s very important to show respect. Always be polite ask how they are, make the conversation fun whilst you explain you are going to help them prepare for the morning. Choosing an outfit for the day to suit the occasion.
Mid-morning – serving teas/coffees, helping with activities. Making sure the home is always tidy.
Lunch – assisting residents at mealtimes in the dining room or maybe in their rooms. After lunch, some residents like to retire to their rooms for an afternoon rest. Incontinence care is carried out between 4-5 times a day with specific residents.
Being aware that the alarm call bell may ring at any time so I may need to assist a resident immediately – this could be someone not feeling well or maybe just require a drink!
My notes need to be completed throughout the day – this provides a report outlining my care during the shift.
Joining in with activities – crafts, dancing, singing is my favourite I will join in here and make my voice heard! When the weather is kind to us, some residents like to relax in our wonderful gardens, so it is making sure they are comfortable and safe, providing refreshments.
Dinner – Assisting residents with their meals. Making sure everyone is happy and comfortable.
Evening – some residents like to go to bed earlier than others. Assistance with changing into their bed clothes. I like to stay with them until they are comfortable and safe.
Final call of the day – completing my notes ready for the next shift.
When Agatha was asked what she likes the most about here role, she could only say – “I love everything about my job. It’s about making sure the residents are comfortable and happy. and I do my best to ensure they are. They are my extended family.” Agatha Robinson
Mornings – sometimes I may have to pop to the shops to purchase items for daily activities – such as newspapers for Current Affairs.
Daily calls and emails – confirmation of bookings for activities/events. Keeping in touch with specific groups such as FANs.
I am provided with a budget so lots of planning around activities/events throughout the year, so this takes some organising.
Planning activities in advance includes booking entertainers, musicians, outings etc . The weekly activity schedule is prepared and distributed amongst residents so they can choose what they would like to participate in.
Preparation for activities each day, this includes props/craft items for example. I have a calendar of events for the year so I can plan each topic of the day which may include researching an event, printing off material etc. We may have residents that take part in activities in their own room, this is additional time spent on a one to one basis.
Occasional assistance with morning coffee/teas or removing any breakfast trays from rooms. Helping serve lunches to residents in the dining area and to those who eat in their rooms.
Keeping up to date with Policies/Procedures/Health & Safety and Training. It is my duty to ensure that my team are following these whilst carrying out their activities with the residents.
Allocating and supervising activities between my team and carer’s. Organise a monthly meeting around activities to discuss ideas and any areas of concern. This may change due to cancellation of activities due to sickness. I also spend my own time researching new ideas and purchasing items, flexibility is paramount. I keep in regular contact on my days off, so I can step in to assist if additional assistance is required.
Providing 2 sessions of activities each day. Each session requires a write up about the participation of each resident.
Paperwork – includes filing expenses, documentation etc.
Here’s a snapshot around a typical day
Building relationships with the residents and their families takes time. Welcoming residents to a new chapter in their life. Let them know you are there for them even if it’s just a ‘Good Morning and a Smile’, this is hopefully the route to great friendship.
I believe I am privileged to spend time with our lovely residents and hopefully I enhance their life. Like any job there are downsides, I find there is never enough time in the day, on occasions I find that I am often chasing myself. Having said that – I would not change it for the world! – Ann Marie Coulter
Greeting the residents with a ‘Good Morning/Evening’ is always a privilege.
My next move is catching up with the Senior staff from the previous shift to receive updates of any changes to residents or issues that may have occurred. This helps me to prioritise my schedule around any areas of concern.
It is important to remember it’s the resident’s home and we love to have fun with them, it’s about building friendships, and creating a home for everyone – Agata Met
CQC Registered Number: 1-101666097
Registered as an exempt charity FCA Number: 12831R
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