Older women Bramley Elderly Action Leeds

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Care spotlight: Phenomenal impact

Healthier working lives for the care workforce insights

Bettina Zenz

Healthier Working Lives Programme Research Lead

18 August 2022

Society

In light of many unsettling goings-on in the world it’s easy to lose sight of the positives that are happening in the care sector. I have been fortunate to interview staff in care homes aged and have been struck by the compassion staff have for those they care for and the many positives experiences that are part of their role which I believe deserve a moment in the spotlight.

At one charity-run home in West Scotland, I found out about the ‘wish list’ that is regularly made by residents and, where possible, fulfilled by staff. This is by no means as morbid as it sounds! Instead, residents are actively encouraged to think of an ‘extracurricular’ activity or outing they would like to experience, either on their own or with friends. The staff try their hardest to fulfil these wishes so residents can enjoy some time away from their usual surroundings and routines in the care home.

I heard wonderful stories of trips to a nearby lake for a lady who used to go swimming there as a child, two life-long friends who were able to have afternoon tea in their favourite coffee shop, and a visit to a farm for another resident who had been a farmer all his life, among many others. The impact on residents is reported as ‘phenomenal’ and staff say it makes the effort required to facilitate such outings more than worthwhile.– Bettina Zenz

I was struck by the passion and enthusiasm when staff spoke about helping with the organising and logistics, and felt that the shared enjoyment benefited both staff and residents. What is even more remarkable is that the wish list came back after Covid-restrictions were relaxed despite coinciding with high staff absences that are a continuous stress and worry for care homes.

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