Garden tonic

Daphne has just returned home after a couple of weeks in hospital. Sadly this lady's had several strokes and was completely bed-bound in hospital. Daphne's obviously so happy to be home again! Two of us managed to help her into a wheelchair and take her out into her much loved garden today. It was clearly a tonic! Daphne walked back inside! Yet hasn't taken more than 2-3 steps for weeks. I could never do a desk job. How could I equal the satisfaction something like today creates?

(Please note that names have been changed for the purpose of data protection)

UK Home Care

I decided to look at other Carers' blogs today....and given that they're all UK based began to realise how lucky we are in Jersey to not have the issues around 10 minute visits and spending cuts and everything that goes on in the UK. There are always clients with whom I'd like to spend longer - but our shortest visit is 30 minutes and at least in 30 minutes we can genuinely help a client - and finish a conversation!  

Making a difference

I seem to be on a roll again. It's fun sharing one or two of the rewarding things that happen during a Carers day! No matter how tough the day - and it's never all plain sailing - there are always those special moments when you feel as though you've done something relatively small that makes the world of difference to a client. Part of the joy of Caring as a profession.

Training day!

I was on a course today. We all have to do either continuous professional development or be upgrading our qualification level. Mine was the Police Check (Disclosure and Barring Service or DBS) Presenters' Course today. Basically I had to learn how to identify forged passports and other documents and ensure that the ID Carers present to us at interview is bona fide. 

I then spent the afternoon comparing a genuine document with one which had been tampered with. Fascinating looking at forged documents!

Culinary win!

What a wonderful day! It's such a joy to facilitate the little things in life that a client can no longer do for themselves. Today was a culinary win! We have a client who loves smoked salmon but needs softer foods now. I made some smoked salmon pate - just finely chopped smoked salmon and a little cream cheese, lemon juice and pepper - and she loved it!

Sausages!

Sausages! Not what the JSPCA might recommend for a cat but it is what Miss Le Page feels her Tommy likes best. And who am I to argue? So one extra always goes into the pan for Tommy - who seems to be ageing as well as his owner. Sadly Miss Le Page is effectively blind and it's too dangerous for her to cook any more. She has Meals on Wheels at lunchtime but we call in morning and evening to ensure that she - and of course Tommy - are well nourished! I've done a lot of courses - but never one on cat nutrition! Something to look into....

(Please note that names have been changed for data protection) 

We need you!

Phew - back again after the busiest 6-weeks hence the silence! I've been on holiday myself, then was acting Care Manager for two weeks while a colleague was on holiday...and now we're growing and are so busy until our very welcome new staff start in the coming weeks! If you're looking for a Caring role and are dedicated and prepared to work hard as part of a great team please come and join us! Call or drop us a line -  www.cihomecare.com  

We need you!!