Continence Promotion Workshop
Our new care staff recently completed a Continence Promotion Workshop and are now equipped with valuable skills to enhance the quality of care we provide.
Foodie Friday Training
Our staff knows how to mix business with pleasure! At our recent medication workshop our team not only delved into crucial learning but also savoured some delicious pizza and biscuits 🍕🍪
Learning never tasted so good!
Winter Warmth Delivered: Embracing Comfort and Safety
As the crisp bite of winter air settles in and the city is enveloped in a shroud of bad weather, we at Social Care Alba are on a mission to ensure that our carers stay safe, warm, and comfortable throughout the colder months. We are doing this through delightful treats, engaging events, and thoughtful presents designed to make the winter experience more enjoyable.
Mobile Power on the Go: Battery Packs to the Rescue
In a world where staying connected is paramount, the dark winter nights and the constant need to keep in touch can quickly drain your mobile battery. Fear not, for we have the perfect solution. In the upcoming month, we are excited to deliver battery packs that can recharge your mobile devices multiple times. Stay charged, stay connected, and let the winter worries melt away.
Embrace the Warmth: Thermos Flasks for Every Sip
There’s nothing quite like a hot drink to ward off the winter chill. Whether it’s a steaming cup of tea, a robust coffee, or a comforting bowl of soup, our thermos flasks are here to keep your beverages warm no matter where you are. With two sizes available — 500ml and 1 litre — there’s an option for every need. Say goodbye to cold drinks and hello to a portable source of warmth.
Fashion Meets Function: Stylish Fleeces and Jackets
As temperatures drop and rain clouds gather, keeping warm and dry becomes a necessity. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the arrival of our cosy fleeces and jackets. These stylish additions to your winter wardrobe have been popular in the past, and we’re confident that you’ll love them as much as we do. Embrace both fashion and function as you navigate the cold and wet weather with ease.
Ready for Anything: Versatile Backpacks in Vibrant Colours
Carry your winter essentials with style in our specially ordered backpacks. With a capacity of 20 litres, they are spacious enough to accommodate all your personal protective equipment (PPE) and other goodies without being overly bulky. Available in a variety of colours, these backpacks add a touch of vibrancy to your winter ensemble while ensuring you have everything you need wherever you go.
Social Care Alba is inviting service users and families to participate in staff recruitment and training
Placing the people we support at the centre of the services we deliver, and designing services that meet their needs, is a fundamental aspect of the ethos of Social Care Alba. That’s why we are inviting our service users and families to participate in staff recruitment and training. We believe that involving the people we support when we are recruiting new staff can be crucial to ensuring that the “right” people are employed within our organisation. The “right” people have the skills, qualities and characteristics that those who will be in receipt of their support have identified as being important.
What are the benefits of becoming involved ?
There are a number of benefits to involving service users in the recruitment and selection of staff:
- Services will be more effective, as they are delivered by people who will be well received by service users and this will develop a positive attitude towards involvement and working together
- People who have experience of using services are ideally placed to have a say on what kind of person and skills are necessary for the job
- Being involved in decision making will develop a greater sense of ownership, citizenship and social responsibility
- Taking part is an opportunity to develop confidence, self esteem and new skills such as communication, listening skills and decision making skills
There are many ways to become involved and will be defined based on the replies we receive. Examples of participation can be: Taking part in meetings or focus groups, one-to-one discussions or by providing feedback and replying to questionnaires. At Social Care Alba we believe your input matters and we are confident that this involvement will enrich our services, foster trust, and empower individuals within our community.
If you or a member of your family is a service user, we are inviting you to join us on this journey. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how you can be a part of this transformative process. We look forward to hearing from you.
Dementia training
Committed to the best possible care and support
Recently, Social Care Alba staff have undertaken a comprehensive Dementia Training program, which covers various essential aspects of caring for individuals with dementia. This training reflects a commitment to providing the best possible care and support to those affected by dementia, recognising the unique challenges and needs of this population.
At the heart of this training is the development of dementia-informed and skilled practice. This entails equipping our staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the intricacies of dementia, its progression, and its impact on individuals. By becoming informed about dementia, they are better prepared to provide empathetic and effective care.
Evaluating, monitoring and maintaining cognitive and functional abilities
The inclusion of a Dementia Assessment Tool is a valuable addition, as it allows our staff to systematically evaluate and monitor the cognitive and functional abilities of individuals with dementia. This tool enables a more personalised approach to care and ensures that interventions are tailored to the specific needs and capabilities of each person.
Moreover, the focus on attitudes towards dementia is crucial. It encourages our staff to adopt a compassionate and person-centred approach, which is essential for maintaining the dignity and well-being of individuals living with dementia. Effective communication skills are also emphasised, as clear and empathetic communication can greatly enhance the quality of care and the well-being of the individual.
The practical aspects of caring for physical and mental stimulation are essential for maintaining cognitive and physical function in individuals with dementia. The hand-over-hand support and positive approach, as demonstrated to the team with informed practice videos, provide practical insights into caregiving techniques that can enhance the overall quality of life for individuals with dementia.
Identifying triggers and addressing distressed behaviour
Addressing distressed behaviour is another critical component of this training. By identifying triggers and causes of such behaviour and engaging in group discussions, our staff is better equipped to manage challenging situations effectively. This approach not only improves the well-being of individuals with dementia but also reduces stress and frustration among caregivers.
Finally, the competency questionnaire serves as an important assessment tool to evaluate the staff’s understanding and proficiency in providing dementia care. It ensures that our team is continually developing their skills and knowledge, ultimately leading to improved care outcomes for individuals with dementia.
The dementia training program our staff has completed encompasses a wide range of essential topics, from understanding the condition to practical caregiving techniques and communication skills. This comprehensive approach will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the care and support provided by Social Care Alba to individuals with dementia, enhancing their quality of life and well-being.
Learn more
- Good practice in the design of homes and living spaces for people with dementia and sight loss
- Dementia: Types of dementia & How technology can help to support dementia sufferers
- Diary of a Care Worker: Dementia and Confabulation
- SCA and Complex Behaviour – Overview
- How to make a playlist for life | (Download the PDF)
Personal Care Skills Day: Building Trust and Confidence
In our commitment to providing the best care for our service users, we recently held a Personal Care Skills training session for Social Care Alba staff. This training was designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of our caregivers, focusing on key aspects of personal care and professionalism. We covered essential personal care tasks, including shaving assistance, oral care, proper washing and drying, and dressing. These tasks may seem routine, but they are crucial in ensuring the well-being and comfort of our service users.
Learning Outcomes
Throughout the training, we spoke about the importance of building trust with our service users and understanding what constitutes good personal care. By the end of the session, our staff had a better understanding of these vital principles, along with practical implications and the consequences of incorrectly administered personal care.
Group Discussions
In our group discussions, we delved into the core values that should guide personal care. Dignity, choice, participation, communication, and respect were highlighted as fundamental principles. We also emphasised the significance of attention to detail, from buttoning clothing correctly to styling hair as per the service user’s preferences.
Professionalism and Ethics
Our training highlighted professionalism in delivering care. Effective communication was identified as the foundation of good personal care. Additionally, we stressed the importance of continually developing proficiency, adapting to service users’ needs, and using the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Organisation and Time Management
Organisational skills were discussed, stressing the importance of preparing equipment and products before initiating personal care. We emphasised the need to allocate sufficient time to each task, ensuring that service users never feel rushed.
Dignity and Consent
Maintaining the dignity and respect of service users at all times is a non-negotiable principle in our care approach. Consent is paramount, and no personal care can be administered without it.
Attention to Small Details
Lastly, our training underscored the significance of seemingly small tasks. These details can make a world of difference to our service users, ensuring they feel comfortable and confident in their appearance. By taking time to ensure that our service users appear the way they wish to appear and have all care carried out in the desired manner leads to a positive and constructive relationship that in turn builds confidence and trust within the service user.
Committed to Excellence
By focusing on technical skills, professionalism, ethics, and communication, Social Care Alba aims to build trust and confidence within our service users while ensuring that our caregivers are well-equipped to meet their needs. Our commitment to excellence in personal care remains unwavering, and this training is a testament to that commitment.
Preventing Infection in Social Care Settings
Within social care, stopping infections before they start is incredibly important. By looking at what can happen if infections spread and focusing on ways to stop them early, this blogpost explains why it’s so crucial to work hard on preventing infections and keeping everyone healthy by following Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs).
You can find all the information below as well as additional resources and scenarios at rightdecisions.scot.nhs.uk 🔗
Download the app
Watch the video introduction
Potential infection risks
Faeces, urine, vomit and/or blood
You may come into contact with blood and/or body fluids during routine care, and these should all be considered potentially infectious. Viruses/bacteria (germs/bugs) in saliva, urine, faeces, or blood can be passed to another person via cuts or abrasions, or through the mucous membranes of the mouth and eyes. Not all contact will become a spillage, but in the case of unexpected spills see the section on management of blood and body fluid spillages for more detailed information.
Wound exudate
Infection prevention is one of the most important components of effective wound management. There is a risk of infection from wound leakage/oozing which should be managed using SICPs.
Sputum, nasal discharge, or coughing
During routine care you are in close contact with those that you care for, and coughs and sneezes are common causes of cross infection. Viruses/ bacteria (germs/bugs) can easily spread from care giver to care receiver and vice versa.
Unexplained skin conditions
The skin is an essential protective barrier to infection, but skin conditions can also pose infection risks. During routine care you may encounter people with skin conditions. Some skin conditions can be easily transmitted through contact with others during routine care.
Washing and dressing, household tasks, foot care, oral and eye care
Many personal care tasks such as washing and dressing or household type work can bring you into contact with blood or body fluids; sharps; care equipment and the care environment which may present cross infection risks.
PEG feeding, catheter care, colostomy care, PIC/Hickman lines, enteral feeding
Some procedures you carry out when caring for others may require you to handle equipment that has crossed the skin barrier. This can be a potential route of infection into the body. When using this equipment you may need to consider the risk of exposing the person you care for to microorganisms (germs/bugs).
Standard infection control precautions
Resident/person placement
Assess and monitor those who are in or going to be coming into their place of care so that correct infection prevention and control precautions are followed.
Hand hygiene
Wash hands with liquid soap and warm water if available. Alcohol Based Hand Rub (ABHR) can be used for visibly clean hands where care is being delivered and when entering or leaving the area.
Respiratory and cough hygiene
Cough and respiratory hygiene should be used by everyone. Cover nose and mouth following sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose, using tissues and safely disposing after use.
Personal protective equipment
The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as disposable plastic aprons and disposable gloves, is a requirement of health and safety legislation. PPE protects you (your uniform/personal clothing) from direct contact with any potential blood and/or body fluid.
Safe management of care equipment
Ensure equipment is maintained, cleaned, disinfected and/or disposed of appropriately.
Safe management of care environment
Ensure the care area is kept clean and dry and free from clutter and equipment.
Safe management of linen
All clean, used, or infectious linen should be handled with care to prevent potential spread of infection.
Safe management of blood and body fluid spillages
Prompt and safe cleanup of blood and body fluid spillages.
Safe disposal of waste (including sharps)
Management of all household and healthcare activity waste.
Occupational safety: prevention and exposure management (including sharps)
Action to take in the event of an injury or exposure to infection at work, particularly those found in blood or body fluids.
Norovirus Scenario
This offers learning opportunities related to the application of the Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs) outlined in this guide. The scenario takes place in a care home setting, however, throughout the scenario it is encouraged that you relate the key learning points to your own practice setting and note any points for discussion within your care team.
Good practice in the design of homes and living spaces for people with dementia and sight loss
Whether adapting a family residence or designing a purpose-built care home, individual differences in tastes, needs and abilities mean that creating homes that simultaneously cater for all the people who live in them is challenging. People with dementia experience impaired memory, learning and reasoning and become more reliant on their senses. People with very poor vision face a different but not entirely dissimilar set of challenges.
For more information download the full guidance developed by the University of Stirling (PDF, 844kb)Download
Colour and contrast
Colour and contrast can both be used to enable people with sight loss and dementia to identify different rooms and key features inside and outside of their homes. Good use of colour and contrast can facilitate independent living, for example, by supporting people to find their way around and to use fixtures and facilities such as lighting unassisted.
- Coloured doors (see also: Entrances and exits)
- Contrasting key features
- Contrasting potential hazards
- Choice of colour and contrast
Lighting
Lighting is important to people with sight loss and dementia. Good lighting can make the most of people’s capabilities and help to compensate for poor eyesight; it can assist people in finding their way around both new and familiar spaces and help them to undertake specific tasks.
- Maximisation of natural light
- Types of artificial lighting
- Positioning of lighting
- Intensity and uniformity of light
- Control of lighting
Fixtures and fittings
The design of fixtures and fittings within the home is important. Good design can ensure that those people with sight loss and dementia are able to easily identify and use fixtures and fittings in their homes. Well designed fixtures and fittings can facilitate independent living. For example, providing user-friendly kitchen devices may encourage people to prepare their own food, and suitable handrails and grab rails will support people to move independently around their homes.
- Handrails and grab rails
- Rugs and mats
- Controls (e.g. on appliances or for central heating)
- Light switches and electrical sockets
- Room furnishings
- Assistive technology
- Signage
- Colour and contrast (see above)
Kitchens
Good layout and design of kitchens can make preparation of food and drink easier and thus facilitate independent living for people with sight loss and dementia.
- Lighting (see above)
- Worktops
- Colour and contrast (see above)
- Ovens, hobs and microwaves
- Cupboards and cabinet design
Bathrooms
Good bathroom design can support more independence with washing, toileting and personal hygiene. Good design can also help with identification of the toilet and bathroom, especially during the night.
- Lighting (see above)
- Bathroom fittings (see Fixtures and fittings)
- Bathroom doors
Entrances and exits
Good design of entrances and exits is important for people with sight loss and dementia. With good design
of both internal and external entrances and exits, people with dementia and sight loss will be able to move easily between rooms and to enter and leave buildings freely.
- Door security
- Accessibility of entrances and exits
- Visibility of entrances and exits (See also: Colour and contrast)
- Lighting at entrances and exits (See also: Lighting)
Outdoor spaces
It is important that people are able to access gardens and outdoor areas adjacent to their homes. Going outdoors has been shown to have multiple benefits including:
- providing physical exercise
- helping to maintain normal sleeping patterns and daily rhythms
- improving mood and helping people to cope with stress
A well-designed outdoor space can be enjoyed by people with sight loss and dementia, as well as their families.
- Accessibility of outdoor spaces and path design
- Perimeter fences
- Plantings
Top tip
To reduce the risk of infection please use antibacterial cleaner to clean DOOR HANDLES, TV REMOTES and TELEPHONES at every visit.
Winter Vaccine Information
As a health or social care worker, getting your winter vaccines helps to protect you and those you care for against serious illness. NHS Scotland recommends you get your vaccines as soon as they are offered to you. Social Care Alba are here to help keep you and those we care for safe.
Don’t let your protection fade this winter. Find out what you’re eligible for and how to arrange your vaccination appointment.
Visit nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines →
- Frontline health and social care workers are eligible for both flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
- All medicines, including vaccines, are tested for safety and effectiveness before they’re allowed to be used.
- Viruses can spread more quickly in winter. Vaccines offer the best possible protection from flu and COVID-19.
- If you are eligible for both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines this winter, they will be given at the same time where possible. Getting both together is safe in delivering maximum protection over the winter months.
- Evidence shows that COVID-19 vaccine immunity fades and the flu virus changes over time.
- To help avoid queues outside vaccine centres, please arrive as close to your appointment time as possible.
- Those who need a vaccinator of a certain sex, or a private space to be vaccinated, can request this at the vaccination clinic.
- Staff at vaccination clinics will always respect your religious and cultural beliefs.
- Information about the flu and COVID-19 vaccines is available in a range of other languages at nhsinform.scot/wintervaccineslanguages 🔗. A translation service is also available by calling 0800 030 8013.
- If you require an interpreter for your winter vaccines appointment, support is available from your local Health Board. Don’t let your protection fade this winter. Visit nhsinform.scot/transport-and-interpreter 🔗 for more information.
Further information
COVID-19 & Flu Vaccines Explainer Video
How to book your winter vaccine appointment
This video takes users through each stage of the appointment booking process using the online portal 🔗 .
