Diary of a Care Worker: Dementia and Confabulation

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I had just started out as a care worker, but the following story has stayed with me throughout the years as a warning never to make assumptions!

After a night of Googling, printing and cutting out pictures of a particular vintage car, I was quite pleased with myself. I had grabbed my new role as a personal care assistant with both hands, and was loving it. That day, I had found a nugget of new information from one of our lovely clients, James – a client with dementia; and I was excited to share the pictures with him.

Nurturing the Memory 


He had told me he used to own a very old vintage racing car, and described, with loving detail, the fenders on the side, the convertible roof, the outside spare wheel, and how he would pick up his girlfriend – later to be his wife – for a night out on the town. James was in his late 90’s and was lovingly referred to as a ‘cheeky chappie’ – always up for a little banter, but I hadn’t heard him speak of this car before, so I was naturally keen to nurture the memory.

I came in that morning, put the pictures in the photobook that a few of us had made as a visual aid, and made him a cup of tea. As he leafed through the pictures, he told me more stories of his adventures with this vintage vehicle, his wife of 60 years, and the fun times they had when they were courting.

Soon after, his wife returned from a grocery shop. She saw the photobook open on the table, displaying the pictures of this mean 1920’s dream machine.

“Why are these in here?”

I told her of our chat the day before, and how he had described days out with her on picnics, picking her up for nights in the dance hall, and driving through the countryside together in this wonderful car. 

She turned to me, with a hint of a wry smile.

“I think he’s talking about the car from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, dear’.

Note to Self (and other care workers:)

Dementia can cause memories of people and places to become fuzzy, so the brain attempts to fill in gaps with relevant or similar memories. This can lead to false memories (confabulation), perhaps of well-learned facts or strong images from movies or books. It can be hard to strike a balance between ‘going along’ with what you suspect are false memories, and supporting them to find the ‘right memory’. But it’s all part of the learning curve as a care worker 
with some steeper than others!

Strike a chord? Work and train with us! Social Care Alba is hiring.

Need Dementia support or to learn more visit Alzheimer Scotland or Dementia UK

5 Common Myths about Working in Social Care

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With Social Care vacancies three times higher than in other sectors, there is great pressure to encourage people into the care profession. Yet, whilst much has changed over the years, many still hold a dim view of care work. So let’s address some of the most common myths about working in Social Care 


1. ANYONE CAN BE A CARER: 

Care workers have a huge responsibility towards those they support, and are expected to have a wide range of personal, professional and social skills, so there are high standards to be met. Further, qualifications are ALWAYS desirable, and mandatory training ensures that staff all have the same great foundation to build their care work skills on.

2. YOU HAVE NO CHOICE IN THE WORK YOU DO: 

Of course, there are tasks that are expected of the role, as with any job; however, employers have a responsibility to ensure the wellbeing of their staff and will do what they can to accommodate changes where needed. Care work involves a great variety of tasks and roles, and there are always ways of working around temporary situations where needed. Flexible employers make flexible staff!

3. TOO MUCH RESPONSIBILITY FOR TOO LITTLE PAY: 

This argument has come into focus for many frontline services as we grapple with the complexities of care in a pandemic. Whilst senior support assistants will, naturally have more pressing day-to-day decisions to make, all staff in the care profession are supported by watertight processes set in place to protect both them and the client, and will not be asked to do anything that they are not qualified to carry out. Further, whilst care work is aligned with other like services in terms of salary, there are many perks of the job which can make it the ideal role for someone looking for a rewarding, flexible career with access to learning and financial perks! 

4. IT’S A JOB TO ‘TIDE YOU OVER’: 

This is a bit of an oldie, which the field has worked very hard to change! Care work is no longer considered a ‘stop gap’ role – its long-term opportunities for career advancement, good rates of pay, and ongoing care training, make care work a worthwhile and rewarding life-long profession. It’s common for health professionals to take up care work positions – partly as it is so fulfilling, but also with a view to working into their retirement.

5. IT’S THANKLESS WORK! 

No job is without its ‘trying days’, and care staff currently find themselves under more pressure than normal due to the increase in demand (that’s where YOU come in:). However, care work is more than a job and brings many more personal benefits than financial security. More often than not, you will be seeing clients who are glad of your company, support and kindness – so whilst it may be challenging at times as a support assistant or team leader, thankless, it is not! Read some of our staff testimonials for an inside view of what draws people to the care profession.
So, good news for anyone thinking of a career change amidst the highest number of social care vacancies to date! However, if you’re still not sure, and would like to know more about the types of roles available and what they involve, get in touch. Social Care Alba prides itself on its reputation as an employer and is keen to support you from your application onwards. We’re here to help.

Care Stories: Caring about the Present …and the Past

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Finding a pair of old army boots in a second-hand shop might not seem like a huge deal – but for a care worker who had been trying to boost the spirits of her elderly client, Bill – it was a game-changer.

As Bill’s dementia has progressed, Margaret had noticed that he had become increasingly depressed as his short-term memory was failing. She knew from photographs that he had served in the army, and when he was chatty, spoke fondly of it as a time when he felt he had purpose and a sense of respect.

On seeing the dusty black leather boots that Margaret had brought him, Bill started rummaging around in his kitchen drawer until he found a shoe brush and an old tin of polish. It was cracked and dried, but enough to make a start with.

That tiny gesture gave Bill a sense of pride as he buffed the boots ‘old school’ until they gleamed, and as he did so, talked about his time as a soldier, and later an architect, a husband and father (and, it turns out, a particularly talented Salsa dancer!)

Each time she came in after that, Margaret had plenty of chat to lift his spirits. The thing is, the boots were not the magic formula – her genuine interest in his wellbeing and compassionate care, were.

Care workers have to constantly be open to these opportunities to enrich the lives of those they support – and it’s not always about the ‘here and now’ or the tasks that they have on their list that day.

Sometimes, it’s about the ‘way back when’, or asking for opinions on things that matter, to remind our clients that their take on life is as important as it ever was.

Care Staff as Community ‘Connectors’

In the UK, we are not the best at building elderly inclusion into our communities – which is odd, when one remembers that our communities were built by those same people who now feel excluded. Our elderly are retired book-keepers, skilled tradespeople, doctors, writers, machinists – you and I – just a few decades in the future, but often disconnected from society – those with dementia, even more so.

Care staff provide part of that vital connection, ensuring that elderly people can feel connected again, perhaps also assisting them to lend their expertise in their communities through volunteering, or simply by enabling them to socialise with others.

Good care can keep a body healthy, but compassionate care can replenish the soul; that requires a special kind of person. And whilst care work is not for everyone, those who go into – and stay in – the profession for the difference they make to other people’s lives, are precisely the kind of carers that we will hope to have when we are a few decades down the line.

The Gift of Care – how Care Work brings its own Rewards

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The season for giving and receiving is fast approaching!  So, as part of our campaign to promote careers in care, we think it’s the perfect time to talk about the more personal gifts and rewards of care work.  Of course, working in care can be challenging at times – particularly at Christmas – but what we give to our practice in care can bring its own rewards to both client and care worker, all year round! 

First, here are some of the personal ‘gifts’ that compassionate and attentive care can offer to service users, beyond the practical support we often think of when we consider care work… 

Gifts of Compassionate Care

Gift of Encouragement 

People are more likely to respond positively to the advice given by those they trust and like, and personal assistants often act as a bridge between treatments, family wishes and those of the service user. Through the rapports they build, care staff can gently encourage important positive changes, like following treatments, eating well, or taking light exercise, to improve the wellbeing of those they support. 

Gift of Company 

A study by Age UK suggests that nearly half of adults (7.7 million) aged 55+ have experienced depression. When we feel down, our perceived circle of support diminishes too; we can feel that we have very few people to call on, worsening our sense of isolation. Providing a friendly ear to listen, or a little burst of banter during what is, for a care worker, likely a very busy shift, can lift a person’s spirits and brighten the rest of their day. 

Gift of Dignity 

Dignity, of course, is a right, not a gift – but the fear of losing it can be a huge barrier for many when it comes to receiving care. Ultimately, care staff – from Personal Assistants to Team Leaders – are there to support a person to live as independently as possible, with the dignity and respect that we all have a right to.  However, very often it’s the small things that care workers do through their own compassion that boosts service users’ morale and enables them to reconnect with their sense of place in the world. 

The Rewards of Giving Care

By taking the opportunity to focus on your own self-development and growth, you’re more likely to feel fulfilled in your personal life as well as your professional life. And as a care worker, there is much more to the role than salary and security! Here are some of the more unspoken gifts that care work can bring to those who put their heart into their profession …  

The Gift of Gratitude 

We often complain about personal situations that we feel are unfair or unjust – it’s human nature. Working in social care, however, we are more likely to gain a wider perspective and a sense of admiration for those who stay strong in difficult circumstances, helping us to live with greater gratitude, and deepening our compassion for others. 

The Gift of Learning 

We never stop learning!  And aside from the great training that care staff receive, the act of working with such disparate personalities, and with a myriad of different needs can really help you to become a more practical and switched-on human being!  As you find solutions to everyday problems, and take on many new skills, you’ll also find much of what you learn to be useful and transferable to your personal life. 

The Gift of Giving! 

When we give ‘above and beyond’ our duties in care, it can be transformational; for us, those we support – and for other staff who will emanate you! Psychologically, the greater our investment in something, the more value it has to us on a personal level. In other words, the more we give, the more we care.  And whilst there will be good days and hard days as a care worker, knowing that your kindness and compassion, as well as your time, have made a real difference to someone’s life, can help make it one of the most rewarding professions around! 

These are just some of the many ‘gifts’ that come from working in the caring profession. Have more? Let us know in your application form – we’re hiring!

10 Great Reasons to Consider a Career in Care

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Demand for home care staff has never been higher, so if you’re looking for a career change, this might well be for you! 

Here’s the skinny on the top 10 reasons to consider care as a career 
 (and yes, we’re hiring at Social Care Alba!) 

1. It’s Rewarding! 

Of course, job satisfaction is crucial to a happy work-life! And as a care worker, you are supporting people who will often really appreciate your help and your presence. For the majority of people, you are working to provide them greater independence to live a better quality of life, and knowing that you are really making a difference for those you support, can make care work an immensely satisfying job.   

2. Offers Flexibility  

Whatever your commitments, whether that’s family, lifestyle activities or simply a better work-life balance, a job in care can allow you to work around them. In fact, whilst many people take up social care to work around their families – many never leave the profession, enjoying as they do, the flexibility to work reduced or changing hours to suit their needs! At SCA, we strive to ensure that our staff have the flexibility to work hours that accommodate their commitments, with guaranteed hours for job security. 

3. A Sense of Belonging 

You are one of the key people in the lives of those you support, so you’ll get to know them well. But there’s also a sense of belonging within your team, as you work with, and support, each other. As an employer, Social Care Alba knows how important it is to feel ‘a part of something’; that’s why we put a lot of emphasis on growing strong, supportive teams, with mentoring, training, and social activities, including the occasional night out! 

4. Personal Development  

Working with vulnerable people, you will learn so much about others – and yourself!  There will be difficult situations and decisions that you will be part of, and this will test your strength and resilience. However, you will also gain a deeper understanding of the difficulties that vulnerable people face on a day-to-day basis, and, with that, a greater sense of empathy, responsibility, self-awareness and frequently – diplomacy!  

5. The Perks  

These vary between care companies, but can really make the difference between a good job and a great job! Alongside our in-depth professional training, SCA also offers a £500 Welcome Bonus, enhanced overtime of 20%, and access to our Mentorship Programme, as well as a 3-year career plan, guaranteed hours and permanent contracts to boot!. Our belief is that valued people make the best care staff, so our ‘perks’ are our way of giving back to our team for the hard work they do. 

6. Training Opportunities  

As a profession, care work requires first-class training to ensure that staff recognise and can effectively implement the standards required by a whole host of professional bodies. This is a huge plus for those who undertake the training, providing many transferable skills as well as a pathway to advancing their career. Everyone at SCA benefits from an annual learning and development plan, and can take part in many additional practical and online courses. These range from workshops and courses in dementia technology, to SVQs and support for an MSC in Social Work. Many of our staff are also working with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation – so there are opportunities abound for those who want to get ahead in their care career!   

7. Community  

Being an active part of supporting your community is rewarding in itself, but there’s a bigger picture here. Our care staff act as a vital link to other groups and support systems that may be able to provide further help to those you support. As part of your care role, you will be out in the community on a daily basis, and get to know many people whom you might not otherwise meet. This can bring forth many other opportunities to get involved in your community in ways you would not think of! At SCA, we keep abreast of events and activities that could benefit those we support – and our teams! 

8. Practical Hands-on Role 

Love being hands-on? As a care worker, you will be providing a wide range of support, from personal care and medication administration to housework, shopping and assisting with specific social needs of the individual. That’s why a practical mindset and a ‘can-do’ attitude is key in care work, and if you have that on your Work Wishlist, this role provides the perfect opportunity to utilise your skillset – and thrive in your job!   

9. It’s also Challenging!  

There’s no question that care provision can be supremely challenging at times; however, that’s exactly what can make the job worthwhile, with no two days alike, as one of our staff explained;  “As a personal assistant, I enjoy the day-to-day tasks, but it’s the difficult situations that really bring home how important my job is – that’s what gives me a real feeling of accomplishment”.  Wise words indeed! If you’re up for a challenge, don’t mind late or early shifts, and can keep your cool when things get tricky, this job is for you!  

10. Career Advancement  

Of all the great reasons to consider working in home care provision, the security of embarking on a long-term career is definitely ‘up there’! Over time, your skills, expertise and experience makes you an invaluable part of a team, able to manage, mentor and motivate others as they learn the ropes, or struggle with challenging parts of the job. From Personal Assistant to Senior Personal Assistant – right through to Team Leader, you can maximise your skillset, knowing that you have a ‘job for life’ and the security that comes with it. 

So, now that you have some of the key incentives that propel so many to work in the care profession, why not get in touch with us at Social Care Alba? Let us help put you on track to a rich and rewarding career in care.

Contact us today.

November Newsletter

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Listen to this update as a newscast

Christmas – It’s coming to the festive time of year again!

Can you please consider the support you will require over the Christmas and New Year’s period?
We want to make Christmas as special as possible for everyone and would like to support you and your families where possible. If you do not require visits because of family visitors, then please let the office know as soon as possible.

Temperature checking and COVID testing

One of the simplest things you can do is check your temperature to see if you have an infection. Everyone visiting our offices have their facial ID scanned and temperature checked automatically.

Did you know our staff take weekly COVID tests?
If they have been in contact with someone who is confirmed to be positive, then these are done daily. This ensures we keep everyone as safe as possible.

PPE – Personal Protective Equipment

Hand Washing – Handwashing is a highly effective way of preventing the spread of infection. Where handwashing is not possible then alcohol-based gels can be used. To learn correct handwashing technique watch this video:

Gloves – Are an important part of your PPE. However, the highest risk comes when you remove your gloves. Here is a simple video showing the correct removal of gloves:

Wearing a mask helps you protect others from infection.
By doing this simple thing we can reduce the risk of Covid and Flu transmission this winter. Watch how to wear a mask correctly:

Cleaning

Did you know door handles, phones and remote controls have more bacteria than a toilet seat?
Can I please ask everyone to clean these and other surfaces with an anti-bacterial cleaner twice a day.

Flu and COVID vaccines

If you haven’t had your flu or COVID vaccination yet, then can I please ask you to follow this up as soon as possible. Having a vaccination could save your life or the lives of others.

As with other vaccinations, a booster can help ensure your resilience to COVID is as high as possible. Everyone working in and being supported by Social Care Alba is entitled to a booster, so please get yours now.

How to access your COVID status

You can access your COVID Status through the free NHS Scotland Covid Status app on a mobile device. You can also download or request a copy of your vaccination status online or by phoning the COVID Status Helpline on 0808 196 8565.

Caring is not just for Christmas 


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As Christmas approaches, Stephen Wilson, CEO and founder of Social Care Alba, has little time for festive preparations. Demand for home care has rocketed; due, in part, to rising post-Covid care needs and a backlog of pending hospital treatments.

However, running alongside this rising demand is a UK-wide shortage of care staff; with Covid and Brexit, the key culprits. Consequently, increasing numbers of vulnerable people are struggling to receive the home care they need.   

To help tackle this shortfall locally, Social Care Alba has launched an online campaign, â€˜Caring is not Just for Christmas’, which aims to encourage more people into the care profession. 

“There will be those who have worked in care before, or who are currently in related roles and are looking for a change.” explains Mr Wilson; “Our campaign is appealing to people who already understand the vital role that care staff play for those needing support, and who have the skills and mindset to make a real difference.”  

Exploring the Benefits of a Career in Social Care 

One of the issues around recruitment, suggests the CEO, is that many are unaware of the benefits of working in social care: 

“Of course, working with the community brings its own rewards;  but on a practical level, we offer long-term career paths, job stability and flexibility, first-class training and a competitive salary. At Social Care Alba, we work hard to ensure that our staff feel safe, happy and valued – they expect that of us for the hard work they do, and it shows in the high standard of care they provide to our clients”. 

Sponsorship for European Nationals 

The social care organisation has also recently been awarded a Sponsorship Licence from UK Visas and Immigration department. This is with a view to sponsoring existing European national care staff to continue – and further – their careers in the UK.  

“There is a serious shortfall in care staff right now, and we must do what we can to ensure that vulnerable people in our communities get the support they need”, Mr Wilson concludes “We are hopeful that our campaign and sponsorship options will help to spark greater interest in the profession and begin to bridge that gap locally.” 

More information can be found by following the campaign on Facebook.

September Newsletter

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It has been an unprecedented time for social care across the UK.  People have been left waiting for ambulances for up to 40 hours due to a lack of paramedics.  As the government requests assistance from the M.O.D, care providers across Edinburgh await a response to their request for support from Edinburgh Council. 

In the absence of a response, we are pulling out all the stops to support existing service users now and over the Autumn and Winter periods.  There are key things you can do to help including: 

Vaccinations

Flu Vaccinations 

Influenza kills 25,000 people across the UK every year.  Whether you work for SCA or you or your loved one receives support from us, please consider getting vaccinated.  You are not only protecting yourself but potentially others at risk. 

Covid Vaccinations 

If you haven’t already had both doses of the vaccine, please act now.  If you are house bound contact your G.P for advice, or if you are mobile, please use a drop-in centre.  You can find a list of these here. 

Covid Boosters 

Just like the Flu Vaccine, those who had their Covid Vaccination earlier in the year will be entitled to a booster.  Whether you work in social care or you or your loved one receives support from us, please consider getting your booster when they are available. 

Herbert Protocol 

You may have seen on the news how the Herbert Protocol is helping safeguard those with dementia.  It is a simple form which gathers useful information on those with Dementia.  In the case of a missing person the completed form can be given to the emergency services and save valuable time in locating them safely.  You will be glad to hear that SCA implemented the protocol last year and continue to keep these updated.

Technology Hub 

Following a successful visit by Martin to the tech hub last month (see video and blogpost below), we are offering referrals to everyone who may be interested in getting more support at home.  Shaz our business manager is contacting the next of kin of those with Dementia as a specialist assessment by the hub to improve their lives.  If you wish to lean more, please call the office and ask for Shaz.

For those who don’t know Martin, you can find out more in Martin’s own words here:

Read more on our blog: Smart Technology to support safe and independent living

Dementia

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Dementia affects the brain, making it harder to remember things or think as clearly as before. It’s an umbrella term for over 100 different types of illnesses and disease symptoms. Symptoms of dementia may include memory loss and difficulties with day to day tasks, language and problem-solving.

Dementia is not a natural part of the ageing process. It’s caused by illnesses that affect the brain. We do not yet know exactly what causes dementia. Medical researchers all over the world are working to find causes and develop treatments.

Dementia can affect every area of human thinking, feeling and behaviour, but each person with dementia is different – how the illness affects someone depends on which area of their brain is damaged.

In Scotland, over 90,000 people have dementia. It is most common in older people but can affect people in their 40s and 50s or even younger.

Types of dementia

There are many conditions which cause dementia – these are some of the most common. It is also possible to have more than one type of dementia at the same time.

  • Alzheimer’s disease: Gradually destroys brain cells and their connections. This affects how the person copes with everyday tasks.
  • Vascular dementia: Is caused by problems with the blood supply to brain cells. It can involve tiny strokes which damage small areas of the brain.
  • Dementia with Lewy bodies: It isn’t as easy to identify as some other types of dementia, so it can be hard to diagnose. It can include hallucinations and symptoms that are similar to Parkinson’s disease.
  • Frontotemporal dementia: Affects the parts of the brain responsible for decision-making, control of behaviour as well as emotion and language.

How technology can help to support dementia sufferers

Now technology is available to enhance the wellbeing, support and independence of people living with dementia.

You’ll be pleased to know that Social Care Alba is working in partnership with Edinburgh Smart Home, whereby we can contact a Digital Dementia Advisor by submitting a referral form to arrange an assessment of your needs and to identify technologies (such as smart speakers, GPS devices) that can help your carer/family to a better support. Also helping you find technology products matched to your needs.

You will receive unbiased, trusted recommendations from the dementia community and from a team of experts. This is a free service funded by Alzheimer Scotland and the Scottish Government.

All of these products have been tried and tested by families living with dementia and the Digital Team at Alzheimer Scotland, using the Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Circle testing protocols, which give us insight to their potential usefulness for other families in similar circumstances.

We don’t sell anything, but all the products are available from retailers or on the high street.

Smart Technology to support safe and independent living

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At Social Care Alba we strive to provide more than just care. We work towards facilitating independence and support our clients to have a better quality of life.

We visited Edinburgh Smart Home to see how the use of smart technology solutions, can give the most vulnerable in our communities access to the tools they need to live independently in their own homes:

  • voice-assisted home controls
  • digital devices (mobile phones, tablets)
  • personal digital assistants
  • video conferencing
  • telecare and community alarms
  • home safety
Customised telephone with photos of contacts
Elements fold away easily when not used
Home entertainment centre controlled by voice and eye tracking

If you want to know more about Smart Home Technology, Social Care Alba is working in partnership with Edinburgh Smart Home, and we can contact a Digital Advisor by submitting a referral form to arrange an assessment of your needs and to identify technologies (such as smart speakers, GPS devices) that can help your carer/family better. Get in touch with us on 0131 285 1606.

*Please note we don’t sell any of these products and they are also available from retailers or on the high street.