Demand for social care in the UK has never been greater; and whilst social care jobs account for around 8% of all Scottish employment, it’s simply not enough. In fact, a recent report by Audit Scotland reported that an average of 13% of social care workers supply 50 hours per week or more. And this is as much the case in Edinburgh as it is in other parts of the country.

But why are care staff experiencing these pressures? Around the country, the gap between supply and demand is being driven by a combination of stretched resources through dwindling budgets, a low takeup of vacancies, and a record number of workers on long-term sickness absence. 

In the meantime, social care providers must do what they can to maintain a high standard of care for those in need of support.

Supported staff, supported Service Users

Offering competitive rates, career opportunities, and a caring, healthy working environment is critical to maintaining our standards of care-at-home provision, and at SCA, we understand the challenges that our staff face right now. We work hard to ensure that our staff feel rewarded and valued, committed to promoting staff wellbeing, and providing competitive rates and training opportunities, to empower our staff to give their best to our Service Users.  

And this is what it’s all about – giving our best. 

SCA: positive people, positive care

During this time – the very time when we may feel stretched – a positive, empathic approach towards those we support is crucial to giving vulnerable people a sense of security in the services they receive. And whilst we might feel under greater pressure right now, as carers, we must continue to ensure that we meet our clients’ psychological, as well as their practical and personal care needs as we work together to improve care provision. 

Social Care needs more carers with a ‘can-do’ attitude and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of those they support. That’s why SCA takes great care to recruit – and keep valued employees with a positive, proactive mindset.
Interested? Get in touch.

Cold, wet days needn’t put a dampener on Christmas spirit; there are many fun and easy things to do that can get us all in a festive mood! Here are some of our top Christmas activities that can be enjoyed with those you support, to help bring a little Crimble cheer …

Homemade Christmas Cards

Christmas cards are always more special when they’re handmade – and significantly cheaper than shop-bought cards! With basic items, like gold and silver paper, and glitter glue from any superstore, the sky’s the limit! If you or the person you care for is crafty, you can get as creative as you like; but at its most basic, a simple motive of bells and holly, or a snowman, is all that’s needed to make a card that will make the recipient smile. Add an even more personal touch by cutting up old Christmas cards to make thoughtful gift labels, by cutting them into label shapes and using a hole-punch to threat the ribbon through.

Deck the Boughs!

Making or putting up Christmas decorations might not be feasible for some in later years, so if you know someone you care for celebrates Christmas, find out if they could use a little help! For those who go to town at Christmas on decorations, it can be a whole night’s work; but very little is needed to create a Christmas atmosphere in the room where someone spends most of their time. Even little activities like untangling the Christmas lights or unboxing baubles can bring back fond Yuletide memories of childhood or parenthood, and help to top-up on Christmas cheer.

Simple Christmas Treats

There are many quick and simple treats that need not take a lot of time or expense, but can be a lovely gift to give to friends and family. Find out what, if anything, the service user likes to – or used to – make as treats. Things like fudge or shortbread, cookies are great – but anything can be made christmassy with a dusting of icing sugar! One of the simplest no-bake things to make is Marshmallow Snowmen – great for those little elves who come to visit!!

Marshmallow Snowmen

Time: 20 minutes | Cost <£5

• Bag of Marshmallows
• Icing sugar
• Black and Orange colouring (or packet of edible gel pens)
• Bag of pretzel sticks, such as Twiglets

1. Place 3 marshmallows on top of one another, stuck together by brushing a little water on the base, and pressing lightly.
2. Break the pretzel sticks in half and insert into the middle marshmallow to create snowman arms
3. Decorate the face with an orange carrot and two coal eyes, and the body with black buttons

Let the gel or icing sugar set and wrap in cellophane tied with some ribbon at both ends.

Voila! Marshmallow Snowmen!

Christmas Shopping from the Couch

For those who are unable to leave home, finding Christmas presents for loved ones can be difficult – particularly when they are not confident in using technology. An online shopping day can be a practical way of enabling service users to choose gifts from shops they can’t get to.  Make your time a little more special with some hot chocolate and Christmas music in the background, just to get everyone in the mood! It’s not only about the shopping; there’s the added lift of having something we’ve ordered being dropped on the doorstep. Who doesn’t get a buzz from a postal delivery!

Good boilers, draft excluders and energy efficient heaters are all critical in saving energy and keeping warm, but as a care worker, there are other simple ways of making sure that service users stay cosy and healthy … 

Check the dial!

If it seems chilly, speak to the service user and find out if they have turned their heating down. The World Health Organisation recommends a room temperature of 18-21ºC for healthy people, and higher for elderly people or those with health issues. You’ll have seen in the news that many older people are trying to live without heating, which can be incredibly dangerous; a consistent temperature of 16ºC or below can lower resistance to respiratory diseases, increase likelihood of stroke, and can exacerbate existing health conditions.

Turn down heating in unused rooms

Explain how shutting off unused rooms can help to save money without affecting the temperature of their most used rooms. In particular, the bedroom and bathroom should be kept a little higher to allow for undressing and temperature drop during sleep. Keeping doors closed to prevent heating unneccessary hallways can also make a huge difference.

Woolies for bedtime!

Wearing extra warm clothes to bed can really help; layers are always better, as air becomes trapped between them, and keeps us much warmer than one thick layer. Wearing a hat to bed can also be a good idea; whilst it’s actually a myth that we lose half our body heat from our heads, we do still lose some. And, of course, a good pair of thick wooly socks can keep those tootsies warm on chilly Winter nights!

Shut the curtains in the evening

It’s obvious that closing the curtains will keep out the draughts, but try to encourage service users to keep some of the curtains open during the day. Daylight is incredibly important for our physical and mental health – particularly if it’s too cold to go outside. 

Hot tea for days!

Hot drinks are a given – but again, carers are reporting that service users are reluctant to put their kettles on, for fear of using too much electricity. One idea is to suggest a coffee flask – like the ones used in meetings or coffee mornings. Filling it up once in the morning is far more energy efficient, and the bonus is that there is hot tea or coffee at any time of day, ready to be poured!

Stock up and Heat up

If you are out shopping with those you support, suggest more cupboard foods, to ensure that service users have plenty in their kitchen that they can make a hot snack from when it’s too cold to go outside. Tins of soup, cheesy pasta and tinned meats can be a handy go-to and quick to make.

Look out for signs of hypothermia

The current energy crisis is set to heavily increase the average 9,700 deaths per year in the UK from living in a cold house, according to National Energy Action. Look out for the following symptoms of hypothermia, and take action if you’re unsure:

• Pale, cold skin
• Shivering
• Feeling tired
• Showing signs of confusion
• Slurred speech
• Rapid breathing

Pick up on energy concerns during your visits

Of course, simply being vigilant around those you support is the best way of knowing if they are cutting back, by not cooking meals, or reducing their heating. Finally, you may want to check out the Scottish Government website for advice on which grants may be available to service users. And, importantly, take your own advice and stay safe and warm yourself! We are, after all, in the same boat this Winter! 

Want to work with us?

Check out our blog on ‘Working with SCA’.

End-of-life care work is the most challenging type of care to give, but it’s also rewarding, in that you are privileged to be part of the service user’s journey through the last stage of their lives. Providing personal care and pastoral support, care workers are a crucial part of the support networks and often play a vital role in coping with grief. However, working with end-of-life service users can be emotionally difficult, and every day presents new challenges that require empathy and understanding from both sides of the relationship.

End-of-life service users are often dealing with emotions that we can’t comprehend.

Some people may be at peace with their situation, whilst others will not, and you will find that they may flit between the two ends of the spectrum, at different stages of their journey. However, it is their right to be heard, respected, and supported throughout, and whilst this may not always be easy, it is a critical part of providing positive care at this time.

If you are new to end-of-life care, it can be hard to process your own thoughts and feelings during difficult times. However, it’s important not to let your emotions get in the way of being ‘present’ for them, when they need your support. Listen carefully and empathise with their situation while still maintaining professionalism, even if this means going outside of your comfort zone – which is likely inevitable. And when you feel yourself struggling, seek support from your team; there will be others who have been where you are, and who can give valuable and practical advice to help you.

Boundaries are especially important when working with people who are dying.

How so? Boundaries make us feel safe, and bring a sense of normalcy to what can be an extraordinary and frightening time, bringing familiarity into their world, from the ordinariness of everyday life. Boundaries also enable you to be a more effective caregiver, by letting your service users know that you are there for them and will help them to make decisions that are in their best interests. Where suggested boundaries are not well received, remember that someone at end-of-life likely has much on their mind, and may need a little extra time and patience to understand the reason for suggesting these boundaries. 

There are different stages of grief, and service users may be at different stages at any given time.

As mentioned, end-of-life service users can deal with their situation in many different ways, and as a care worker, you should be aware of the stages of grief and how they affect people. Denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance – it’s not uncommon for people to cycle through these stages at different times. For example, a person might be in denial when they first learn about their diagnosis but then become more accepting as time goes on (or vice versa). This can be confusing for family members and friends – and your insights may help support them, and, in turn, enable them to support their loved ones more effectively.

It can be harder when you’re working with younger end-of-life service users.

Some of those you provide support to may be in their 20s, and 30s, and dealing with a terminal illness and a young family—all at the same time. For young end-of-life service users who are facing the prospect of dying far sooner than expected, they may be dealing with many difficult considerations, from debts, parental care, and insurances, to funeral arrangements. As a care worker, it’s perfectly natural to experience intense emotions as well: sadness, anger, frustration or guilt at times when a client’s condition worsens or there are no good options left for them to choose from. Again, remember – support is there for you; use it.

Take care of yourself, first and foremost

If you’re working with end-of-life care service users, remember that it’s okay to be nervous about your first experience. Even if you’ve done this type of work before, there are always new challenges and unexpected situations. By practising acceptance, non-judgement and empathy, you can provide the support they need as you accompany them on this emotional journey, However – look after yourself! Self-care is critical to ensuring that you can be at your best for your service users, while protecting your own health, as you do so!