Christmas commitment from our complex care teams

Steph Mohan from our complex care division has asked us to share her appreciation for all of the dedicated staff who helped keep our clients safe and well over the festive period. Steph has shared some amazing photos of what some of the teams got up to over recent weeks:

ICCM’s Nicola Tuffs, Amy Vickers, Rebecca Taylor, Angela McGann, Emma Morton Evans and Sue Griffiths all helped to create this wonderful window display for their client to enjoy over the Christmas period!

Advantage Healthcare’s Kelly Buxton spent Boxing Day and New Year with her client and is a real credit to the team. Steph tells us that Kelly always goes above and beyond, as you can see from the photo they have a really special bond.

Carol Henson kept on top of on-call support over the Christmas break (wearing a selection of fabulous jumpers we hope).

Kate Finzi and Siobhan Shingler took care of recruitment and HR – and are looking particularly merry here.

Finally, Steph has let us know about an Advantage Healthcare client who was released to us as a palliative several months ago. Thanks to the dedication of her team, she is showing significant improvements to her health and is now on a transplant list. With the support of the healthcare assistants and her commissioner, the client and her family were able to take her two small boys to Legoland before Christmas.

The client’s commissioner funded a second carer to support on the day, as well as transport provided by Papworth. It just goes to show how – by all working together – we can create happier memories for her two little boys. Steph wanted to give a special thanks to Fiona Fairclough and the care team for making a real difference for this family.

Thank you all for your commitment and work to keep the business, our clients and their families supported over the holidays.

Appreciation for Nadine at Noble Live-In Care

After celebrating her first year of working with the Noble team, Natasha Taupin wanted to her share appreciation for her dedicated colleagues. In particular, Natasha wanted to make sure that her manager, Nadine Bowman, go the recognition for the support and encouragement she gives to the staff – whatever challenges they come across.

Natasha told us, “I would like to thank Noble Live-In Care for giving me the chance to be able to work as a carer and to do my best in a job that I enjoy doing. It’s only been a year, but seems forever.

“I would like to thank Nadine Bowman who has been and still is a wonderful Care Manager. Nadine has directed me how to safeguard myself and is always there to back me up and in some ways to push me the extra mile – whether it’s with the tablet, the supervisions and even the way of thinking for the clients.”

Finishing off, Natasha wished all of her colleagues a “Happy New year 2022 hoping all the very best”. Thank you for sharing, it’s amazing to hear just how much support you’re getting from the team at Noble. We’re looking forward to another year of working with you too Natasha.

Care Quality Commission re-prioritises activity in England

The CQC has reviewed its regulatory priorities in England in light of the current Omicron surge. They recently announced that over this winter they are focusing on:

• Completing 1000 infection prevention and control (IPC) inspections in adult social care, and respond rapidly to requests to set up new Designated Settings; and
• beginning a programme of activity to rate adult social care services that are registered and not yet rated and to inspect providers currently rated as Requires Improvement, to identify where improvement has taken place and re-rate where possible.

You can read the full details here.

The CQC is also seeking feedback on how they have regulated over the past three months, to help inform their priorities over the coming months. You can take the survey here.

Are you ready for Blue Monday?

January’s third Monday, “Blue Monday” is thought to be the most depressing day of the year.

Did you know…

• It’s a myth – there are no scientific studies to say that Blue Monday is actually Blue Monday.
• It was a PR Stunt dreamed up to sell holidays, based loosely on the idea we might be feeling down because of the dark mornings, the weathers cold, we’re back at work after Christmas, not to mention the debt from Christmas and failed New Year’s resolutions!

Don’t feel blue next Monday, remember:

• We all have good and bad days – everybody’s situation is different.
• It’s actually a good opportunity to check in on our mental health – reflect on your mental wellbeing and continue to do it all-year round.
• Talk things through with other people – talking about our feelings is really useful for protecting our mental health.  Sometimes, a problem shared can be a problem halved.
• Try and keep active, eat well and drink sensibly – ask for help if your struggling.

If you are feeling anxious, low or experiencing any other symptoms of mental health problems, please seek help.

• Our Employee Assistance Programme with LifeWorks, offers both online resources to help improve mental and physical wellbeing, as well as a 24/7 assistance helpline, where employees can talk to trained counsellors. If you are struggling call the free confidential helpline on 0800 1691920.
• To speak with someone immediately, contact NHS 111 on 111 or contact Samaritans on 116 123.

Recognition for the Constance Care team in Blantyre

Sadly, a reality of our work is supporting people at the very end of their lives. However, it’s often the case that the care and attention our teams give to families at this difficult time is the most impactful.

This was very much the case for the Hebenton family, who have gone out of their way to recognise the commitment and loving attention that the team in Blantyre gave their mum in her final years.

On behalf of the them, we’d like to send a huge thanks to the fabulous team of staff at Constance Care who made such a difference for this family, as well as their dedicated branch manager, Christine McGill.

Let’s Talk About Physical Health: Eating healthily

This week we are looking at the importance of eating well. There is no question that the food we eat affects how we feel.

You don’t have to follow a strict diet, but it is important to follow a healthy eating plan. A nutritious, well-balanced diet gives you energy, protects against disease, and helps you to maintain a healthy weight.

National Obesity Awareness Week –  10-16th January 2022

This week its National Obesity Awareness Week. The annual campaign was set up to draw attention to the issue of obesity and encourage people to keep active and eat a healthy diet to avoid becoming obese.

It’s estimated that obesity affects around 1 in every 4 adults in the UK and around 1 in every 5 children aged 10 to 11.

Treating obesity

The best way to treat obesity is to eat a healthy reduced-calorie diet and exercise regularly. It’s recommended we take up activities such as fast walking, jogging, or swimming  for 150 to 300 minutes (2.5 to 5 hours) a week.

Looking to lose weight and get more active? 

• Download the free NHS Weight Loss Plan to start healthier eating habits, become more active, and start losing weight. The plan helps to set weight loss goals, plan healthy meals and record activities and progress.
• For CCH employees, you can also visit LifeWorks here to read the full article Talking Care of Yourself: Commit to eating healthily for tips on ways to improve your diet.