Transcript

PROFESSOR MANIK DEEPAK-GOPINATH:

Thank you Joanne and Sean for joining me today. Now, we've been talking and thinking about how everyone in a care setting, whether that is a care home, a sheltered housing, or maybe even a day care facility, can feel themselves to be part of a mutually supportive group. Do you think you have been or are in this situation? And what does it feel like? Joanne.

JOANNE:

Yes, I think I'm in that situation now. I have worked my way up, actually. I started as a cleaner in a small care home near where I lived, actually, because my cousin used to work there. And then I moved to a bigger group. And they're a charitable organisation and they like to invest in people and train them and promote them. And I'm now actually one of the deputy managers. And I feel very much part of a family. We all look out for each other and we all get on really well and are very supportive.

PROFESSOR MANIK DEEPAK-GOPINATH:

Thank you. Sean.

SEAN:

I'm the on-site manager in a sheltered housing complex and have my own flat there. I actually moved into the care sector from hospitality from working in hotels. I do feel I know most of the residents really well. And we have get-togethers and events in the communal lounge. I also have a good supportive relationship with the regional manager. When we meet, it's business first, then a personal chat.

PROFESSOR MANIK DEEPAK-GOPINATH:

So what you are describing there is getting to know your team and getting to know the older people so that you form a community. This must add time to your work. Is that a problem? Joanne.

JOANNE:

It was in the first place I worked. When I was a cleaner, I actually got told off for talking to the residents. But I don't see how you can not do that if I can't go into a room and just say good morning or not take on with someone if they look distressed. So at the time, I think it was just a rule and that was that.

The thing is that most of the talking gets done when you are doing the tasks. And when I'm in someone's room, sometimes I have to sit down and listen to them if they're looking distressed so that they can offload. My manager says that it's people first and task comes later. And we can do that if we've got a good team around us where there is slack built in and people can rally around and pick up the extra work.

SEAN:

Yeah, being with the residents, helping them to sort out problems or get professional assistance is what my job's all about. I have all sorts of tasks, like checking safety alarms, arranging repairs, and so on. But basically, I'm there for them. That means I get to know them and care about them, but only if they want. Some older people just don't want that sort of intimacy, especially if they have family living nearby.

PROFESSOR MANIK DEEPAK-GOPINATH:

That's right. So what about your own needs? I mean, who do you turn to if you are having a hard time in your life or you are anxious about the people you are caring for?

JOANNE:

It depends on the situation. I get a lot of support on a daily basis from my team members and that's two-way. And then in certain situations, I'll get support from my line manager. For example, like when one of my children was diagnosed with a medical condition. And on a daily basis, the older people will look out for me and say, are you all right, Joanne, do you need a cup of tea, and they'll give my hand a squeeze. And that's really nice.

And there's a lot of affection in the care home. We're always hugging each other. And that means so much. And if someone passes away, there's a lot of two-way support for us and the family. The rotas will be adjusted to allow anybody who wants to go to a funeral and even the lounges will be used as a wake.

SEAN:

It's a bit different for me, as we have rules about not favouring one over another, or at any rate, being seen as equally caring about all residents. So for example, I'm not allowed into individual flats for a coffee and chat, only to deal with a problem. And I do get that. Older people ask me how I am, how my family is, and so on. And I do chat about that, but not too much. If I'm down for personal or work reasons, then I talk to my regional manager and get help from her and vice versa. So I guess that's where the mutuality comes in.

PROFESSOR MANIK DEEPAK-GOPINATH:

I see. So just linking that conversation to the vignette that we read earlier on about Elaine and she was thrilled with Preeti in fact in the way that Preeti had shown her how to use the iPad. Can you relate to that vignette?

SEAN:

Very much so. Our residents contribute enormously to the life of the complex. For example, Bill and Marjorie have more or less taken over the garden. Although, not the heavy jobs, which we pay a local person to do. They consult about where to plant what, have created hanging baskets and flower beds. Just done an amazing job. They love it because they moved from a place with a big garden that they even let people see under the Open Garden scheme. And we all love the results. And another resident has taken on the job of consulting about the colour scheme when we redecorate the lounge. But this can only happen if the older people genuinely want to do it. No one can be made to get involved.

JOANNE:

Exactly. We aim to let every older person contribute to community life as they want. They might be helping with flowers or running a craft club, but it is exactly what they want to do. It's about choice and autonomy. If someone living with dementia wants to do something, then we do a risk assessment and then we get alongside them to help them do that task, such as preparing vegetables. It's amazing how much the residents help each other, particularly at mealtimes.

You asked at the beginning, what does this feel like, and I'd say it feels like a home, like a family. And that's why I'll be staying here for a while. And perhaps one day, when Carol retires, I might even be manager.

PROFESSOR MANIK DEEPAK-GOPINATH:

So then are there no downsides, Joanne?

JOANNE:

There are downsides. Where there's loss, there's loss. And it can be very hard if someone passes away that you've grown very close to who you've been caring for. And I suppose when there's lots of older people, that's going to happen more frequently. But you have to deal with that loss. We get support for each other and for the family.

And I wouldn't have it any other way. I wouldn't want to do just a task-focused job. This one makes me feel alive.

SEAN:

Exactly. That's why I moved into this job and will probably stay in it. I'm more known and more valued, more alive.

PROFESSOR MANIK DEEPAK-GOPINATH:

Thank you, both of you, Joanne and Sean.