Wonderful Willenhall
Claire Thomas, Regional Registered Manager for Advance Health Care has asked us to share her appreciation for two members of the team in Willenhall.
Firstly, Claire wanted to congratulate Karen – who was commended in their recent team meeting for always going above and beyond in supporting her service users.
Claire has also asked us to help recognise Terry, who was awarded for being the longest-serving care worker in the Willenhall branch – having been a committed member of the team since 2014. A huge well done to you both.
Finally, Claire wanted to send a big Happy Birthday to one of their service users in the area, Muriel.
Muriel, who turned 100 this month, was visited by the local staff who brought flowers and chocolates. Claire tells us that, “Muriel is adamant if anyone asks that she 67 years old! Great sense of humour.”
We believe you Muriel – Happy Birthday!
Arts and crafts for Ukraine in Monica Court
Joanne Brannen, Regional Manager – North West and West Yorkshire, has sent some photos from Comfort Call’s Monica Court Extra Care scheme in Eccles. The tenants, along with their Care Coordinator Chantelle, took part in an art and craft session this week.
They’ve been making some bunting and decorations for a charity day planned for the 2nd April. Joanne told us that the charity day is to raise money for the 21 Ukraine children who are currently been treat in Manchester’s Children’s hospital.
Amazing work everyone and such a fantastic cause to support.
Care for Comic Relief
Our terrific teams across the UK have been doing their part for Comic Relief over the last few weeks.
Steph Mohan has let us know about a cake sale at the complex care division’s offices in Telford. The teams got together with some delectable baked goods, raising an impressive £300.00. Well done everyone, we hope you saved some for the rest of us!
Meanwhile, the Guardian Homecare team in Preston have also been championing their support for Red Nose Day. They encouraged for all staff to enjoy the big day by bringing some light relief to the hard job they do supporting service users – also raising more than £300 in the process.
If you want to see more those big smiles from the Preston team, you can donate on their Just Giving Page.
Social Care Day of Remembrance and Reflection recognised in East London
Last Friday, the London Care branch in East London invited all care workers to tea and coffee event for the Social Care Day of Remembrance and Reflection. The day was an opportunity for everyone to reflect on the important work of the social care sector and pay tribute to the people we lost, the people who supported us, and the people who made it through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The East London Branch Manager, Amal Rziek, told us, “We have always known our workforce are fantastic and knew that they would rise above the challenges we faced in the last couple of years, the level of pride we have seen for all care worker has been well overdue but much appreciated”.
It was an emotional day for the team, with staff openly discussing the loved ones they had lost as well as their fears through the pandemic. The team did feed back though that they felt reassured by the assistance they’d received from the branch, with one care worker commenting, “I felt safer because of the support I received from the office. Every time I visit the branch, I get enough PPE and get reminded to keep myself safe.”
Amal summarised the event by saying, “We thank you for all the hard work and dedication in the last taxing years. Words cannot describe how truly grateful we are to have such dedicated, amazing individuals in our team.” We couldn’t put it any better Amal – thank you all.
Let’s Talk About… Sleep
Over the last few weeks we’ve looked at why it’s importance to get enough sleep along with tips on how to develop healthy sleep habits.
Today we are focusing on the pitfalls to avoid and additional support available for sleep problems.
Pitfalls to avoid
Many factors can interfere with both the quantity and quality of sleep. Try these tips:
- Limit daytime naps. Short naps can restore your energy and focus, but keep them to 20-30 minutes maximum and no later than mid-afternoon.
- Do not watch TV or use electronics in bed. Electronic devices all require focus and attention and will heighten your levels of wakefulness. Research has also highlighted an association between the light that these screens emit, and a disruption in circadian rhythm patterns. Aim to turn off electronics one hour before bed.
- Declare the bedroom your sleep haven. Avoid activities other than sleep, such as work or paying bills, so that you’ll associate the bedroom only as a place of relaxation.
Still have trouble sleeping?
Many sleep problems are temporary and go away on their own. Others result from physical or emotional health conditions that require medical help.
- If you have sleep problems that last longer than two weeks, see your GP. A doctor can help you identify and treat the problem so that you can get the rest you need to do your best every day.
- NHS Support – If poor sleep is affecting your daily life or causing you distress, call NHS 111 or read the online support available – NHS advice about sleep and tiredness, Try the NHS sleep self-assessment and NHS self-help guide: sleep
- LifeWorks online resources – The Sleep Heath Toolkit includes a range of articles, infographics and audio resources covering different ways to improve your sleep habits. You can access the service here – if you are unsure of your login detail or have any questions about LifeWorks please contact the team.
Well done to Siobhan at ICCM
Finally, we’re always overjoyed to see our colleagues building on their skills and qualifications as it shows just how committed everyone is improving g the standard of care we deliver to our clients. And this week is no exception
We’d like everyone to join Su Lemmon and the ICCM team in congratulating Care Manager Siobhan O’Malley, who has today passed her Health and Social Care Level 5 Qualification.
Congratulations Siobhan, such an amazing achievement.