Pulling together for winter

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As the weather gets colder now, we are reminding our staff to be extra vigilant around their clients, neighbours and loved ones, ensuring that their heating is on, and warm enough to keep everyone safe and well. Despite the cap on energy, living costs are still astronomical for us all, and we must do what we can to help those close to us. Here are some ideas that we have passed to our team to help out in their own neighbourhoods:

Soup for two: If you know someone you think might be struggling a little with food shopping, why not put a few more veggies in your soup and take some round. “I made too much!” – can often remove any awkwardness around receiving food.

Find out about any community gatherings, from lunches to Bingo nights, and offer to take them there one evening. Sometimes it’s just about getting over the fear of visiting a new place that holds us back from great friendship opportunities.

Where you can, help out to see if your neighbours are getting all the support they are due, from council food boxes to additional grants for their energy bills. It’s a few hours for you, but could make all the difference to your neighbour or loved one.

Keep local vulnerable people in your thoughts, and be mindful of things that may help them or interest them. That could be handing in a flyer for a local event, or taking a few extra reduced items for them, on your regular shop.

This winter is set to be one of the most difficult that we have had for a very long time; pulling together can help make it a little less daunting for our vulnerable neighbours.

Tips for the new Care Worker

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At Social Care Alba (SCA), we know it can be daunting in a new job, which is why we like to make sure you have all the support you need to help you become a competent member of our team.

All of our new staff undergo a strict induction process which includes going through our policies and procedures, from infection control and medication management to complex behaviour, as well as Moving and Handling, and other practical elements of the care-at-home role. As care workers, it’s critical to understand the responsibilities we have towards those we support, and each session will give you the knowledge and skills needed to perform the regular every day tasks that you’ll be expected to undertake. 

We want you to get to know your colleagues

Our team is super friendly, and have all been where you are, so relax and get to know your colleagues as well as you can. We hold regular get-togethers, like lunches and occasional nights out to help everyone gel as a team, but you’ll also be spending much of your day with your colleagues on the job. Getting to know your team is incredibly important, as communication is key in our line of work, and we need to be able to share concerns and seek guidance quickly as situations arise. We say to everyone who starts with us, don’t be shy! Get to know who you’ll be working with and help to strengthen our great team!

We know nobody’s perfect!

If you are new to care, it will seem as though there are just too many things to remember – multiplied by every service user you come into contact with! However, many of these things will become second nature, as typically repetitive elements of keeping our service users safe and healthy. We know you’ll get there 
 and we do our best to give you a great start. 

For the first while, you will have a work buddy to shadow and learn the ropes from as you learn about your clients and their individual needs. Feel free to ask your work buddy questions, and don’t be afraid to query things you feel might be obvious; you won’t be the first to ask, and you certainly won’t be the last!

We are carers – we care

The clue is in the job title! Be aware that this job is psychological as well as physical. We are not just administering medication or delivering personal care. In this profession, we work with people of all ages, and all walks of life and we need to be open and non-judgemental in our approach, as well as offering compassion and kindness. People who gravitate towards caring professions generally have these qualities; our aim at SCA is to provide a strong foundation to help caring people be at their best!

Practical tips for your first days in your new role

A few tips for your first days with SCA 


Wear sensible footwear – quite apart from the fact that you will be on your feet for much of the day, sound footing is also crucial when supporting others who may not be so steady on their feet. Further, you need only once have a wheelchair go over your toes to know that sturdy shoes are a must!

Pre-plan your meals – Shift work can be difficult to get into and work around, so its best to pre-plan your meals until you get the hang of it. This includes bringing in lunches and snacks that will keep you going throughout the day, and having meals ready for when you get home. The first few weeks may leave you with little energy to conjure up a healthy meal when you get home!

Try to avoid wearing jewellery as it can catch easily during personal care, or be lost in any number of homes you visit – so try to minimise what jewellery you wear for your own safety.

Bring a notebook – make notes of whatever you can, and don’t feel awkward about asking for a second to scribble something down. Reading through your notes in the evening can also help to drive new information home 

And lastly – be yourself! It takes all sorts to make a tight team, and we appreciate and value every single staff member for the challenging but rewarding role they do.  If you haven’t applied yet, head over to our careers page for information on current vacancies 
and we hope to see you soon!

SCA and Complex Behaviour – Overview

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Working with service users with complex behaviours can be challenging, so understanding what complex behaviours are, and how Social Care Alba (SCA) care staff should address them, is crucial to providing safe and effective care.

What are complex behaviours?

Complex behaviours are those that are difficult to manage and predict, and can be disruptive. In a care-at-home setting, you might typically think of aggressive behaviours, such as verbal abuse or threats of violence towards others. However, complex behaviours commonly involve self-harming and unintentional actions such as wandering off, or repetitive behaviours that may lead to harm of some kind. 

All of these behaviours require careful handling by staff members, and at SCA, our Complex Behaviour Policy and Procedure is there to ensure that our care staff understand their responsibilities and follow the relevant codes of practice as required. However, it’s also about enabling staff to understand the needs of service users who display these behaviours and to ensure that the use of de-escalation preserves the respect and dignity of service users at all times, using the least restrictive option.

Causes and triggers around complex behaviour can be complex themselves

In order to be able to address complex behaviours effectively, we need to be mindful – not only of how they might manifest, but of the situation around the person displaying them.  For example, if a person is exhibiting aggressive behaviour because they have dementia, our response may differ from someone without dementia, who exhibited similar behaviours. This raises an important point about complex behaviours and how we address them 
 there is no ‘one size fits all’. Everyone is unique, and our life experiences, our state of mental or physical health, or disability can affect our behaviours in many ways. For this reason, care workers must deal with each incident on its own merit.

Dealing with an incident

There is a procedure that should be followed, and this can be found in our Complex Behaviour Policy and Procedure document. However, regardless of the situation, the intention must always be to avoid harm – both to the service user and anyone else in the immediate vicinity. 

Further, always assess the situation and decide what your goals are in dealing with it. This assessment should include an understanding of what caused the behaviour and how it manifests itself in each individual case. This will help you plan your response accordingly and make sure that you have all of the information necessary (eg., possible triggers, typical responses) to approach the situation competently in the future.

Following assessment of the situation and determining the best course of action, communicate clearly with others in close proximity, to let them know how they can support you during this process, or to ensure their safety (eg., ‘Leave the room please’). A calm, confident approach is key, as this sends signals to the service user that you understand, and know how to support them in that moment.

In line with SCA’s Complex Behaviour Policy and Procedure, your manager will arrange a post-incident review to discuss what happened, any learning from it, and any course of action to be taken as a result.

Training and Learning Resources

At SCA, we provide in-depth training to new personal assistants in:

  • Work in a person-centred way
  • Communication
  • Privacy and dignity
  • Awareness of mental health, dementia and learning disabilities
  • Adult support and protection

However, there are also opportunities for further learning where needed. Staff can find resources on :

  • De-escalation techniques
  • Trigger arenas
  • Risk assessment and personal planning
  • Conditions that can cause complex behaviours

Our training, additional resources and our commitment to ongoing support all seek to help equip and empower our staff to feel competent in complex behaviour situations. If you are ever in any doubt about how to handle a situation, speak to your manager, and we will do what we can to support you further.

Continuous improvement

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Did you know that we hold regular team meetings for staff, clients and relatives? This is to ensure that we are always working towards direct improvement in our services for those we support.

Our current open projects are as follows:

  • Improving the lives of people with life shortening conditions
  • Improving the lives of people with Dementia
  • The use of technology with care at home
  • Annual Learning & Development Plans
  • Annual Recruitment & Retention Plans
  • Annual Improvement Plans
  • Advocacy

Be part of the solution in your community; work with us, and make a difference!

→ Learn more on our Careers page

Happy picnicking!

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Making the best of the good weather is even more important for those who may be more mobile on warm days – and who doesn’t love a picnic? 😊 Just some fun simple snacks on a sunny bench can make a short walk, a day out. Here are some quick, wrappable, packable ideas for an impromptu picnic with your clients …

WRAPS

Wraps are magic! No mess, no hassle to make, and slip into your handbag. Ham, jam, spam or (e)dam, whack it in and wrap it up. Job done.

INSIDE OUT SARNY FINGERS

These are a great alternative to sandwiches, and perfect for small appetites! Over-toast some thick bread then cut into strips. Spread a little salad cream or mayo on one side then wrap a slice of ham around each. Wrap in tinfoil.

CHEESE AND APPLE NIBBLES

These are so moreish, and an enticing way to sneak some more calcium and vitamin C! Simply cube the cheese and apple and put into a tub.

Don’t forget we Scots are not used to this sunshine (!). Be prepared with plenty of water, a sunhat/cap and suncream 🙂

HAPPY PICNICKING!

Infection Control: Social Care Alba

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It will be no surprise that infection control policies have undergone several changes over the last few years, as our understanding of Covid has progressed. In care-at-home situations, where staff members – and others – are regularly entering clients homes, it is critical that infection control policies are strictly adhered to by staff at all times to reduce the risk of infection.

However, whilst Covid has been an ongoing threat for us all, the general risk of infection from other sources is a huge concern for our clients, particularly as risk of serious illness increases greatly as we age.

Age and Infection Risk

Older adults are more vulnerable to infection, as the immune system weakens over time, and our responses to combat illness become less effective. For example, those with compromised kidney function will be more susceptible to urinary tract infections, or those with poor nutrition or problems with absorbing nutrients in the body, will have less resources to fight off an infection when it occurs. Staff are expected to be particularly vigilant of increased risk areas specific to their clients, and to report immediately, any incidences or situations which may put the client at greater risk of infection. 

Daily Diligence in Infection Control

Further, infection control does not begin and end at the home of a client – it is an ongoing diligence that we carry every moment of our working day. From regular hand washing, to covering small cuts with waterproof dressings, and sneezing or coughing responsibly – every contact with clients, their homes, and locations in between should be made with diligence towards avoiding and reducing infection. 

Families and Visitors

It can be hard for families to be mindful of infection control – especially when they are worried for a loved one during illness or after injury. However, to further reduce risk of infection, it is important to ensure that clients’ families and friends are also aware of their role in keeping their loved ones safe. Care staff should be mindful that visitors may have limited knowledge around infection control and help them to understand the risks involved, ensuring that they have the appropriate information in a way that can be easily understood.

Daily Diligence in Infection Control

Diseases and organisms can easily spread from person to person, and include stomach bugs and vomiting bugs, through to more dangerous infections such as influenza, MRSA, e-coli and C.difficile, and of course, Covid. In the event that a staff member becomes infected, they must immediately inform their superior and remove themselves from the workplace, returning to work only when cleared by their GP.

Close contact and indirect contact through meal preparation are part of a Personal Assistant’s every dale role, and staff must ensure that they are meticulous in their hygiene practices, in accordance with SCA policies. This includes wearing gloves where required, cleaning surfaces fully with antibacterial fluids, and preparing and storing foodstuffs appropriately. 

Waste Disposal

Clients can often toilet, prepare food and dispose of waste themselves. However, a decline in mental acuity or mobility can often affect the degree to which this is done safely. Therefore, SCA staff are required to follow precautions set out in our policies to keep their clients environment clean and safe.  Set out in our Infection Control policy are strict processes when dealing with waste disposal, which can include soiled laundry, sharps, biological and biomedical waste, as well as food and other perishable products. 

These are just a few of the issues covered in our SCA Infection Control policy. We encourage our staff to read our policies regularly to maintain the highest infection control standards, and to ensure our clients and staff are protected from the spread of infection. Let’s keep our clients safe and healthy!

For more information please log in to QCS and read: SCR04 – Adult support & Protection

Adult Support and Protection: Social Care Alba

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As a care-at-home provider, Social Care Alba (SCA) has a duty of care towards those we support. This means that everything we do must be in the best interests of our clients across all aspects of their health, safety and wellbeing, and every staff member must follow the rules and regulations set to this aim. However, to ensure that clients’ needs are fully met, care providers are also scrutinised externally.

Through the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007, councils and public bodies can better ensure that vulnerable people can enjoy their right to be safe and protected. On a practical level, the Act gives these bodies the right to check that those responsible for the safety and wellbeing of someone affected by disability, illness, mental health issues, or physical or mental disability, are carrying out their duties effectively.

Knowing when to raise concerns

Whilst clients will often have support plans to cater to their specific needs, there will be times when that support falls short, or is no longer appropriate for that person. This is where good connections between bodies, health professionals and care services come into play. Care-at-home agencies have the privilege of getting to know their clients – often well enough to know when particular types of support need to be reviewed. For example, care staff may notice quickly when a client’s mood has dipped, or when a particular activity might no longer be considered safe due to decreased mobility. At SCA, our staff are encouraged to flag up any issues with a senior member of staff, to ensure that the care we give is always aligned with the needs of the client and their health care plans.

Being vigilant of psychological harm

Alongside the risk of physical harm from the every day environment, such as falling or tripping, clients may experience other types of harm. Abuse, neglect, bullying – these are just some of the issues that care staff can be witness to, or suspect. Again, the duty of care that staff have towards those they support, requires them to raise any concerns appropriately. It could be a neighbour, other professionals, or even a relative who may appear not be acting in the person’s best interest, and this can be difficult for staff to flag up. However, the policies and procedures that we hold at SCA help to protect clients by educating staff around their responsibilities, and providing the correct procedures to raise concerns when they have them.

Six Principles of Safeguarding

Adult support and protection policies are based on the six principles of safeguarding, which, together, seek to provide a 360Âș level of care for those protected under the Act.

These principles are:

  • Empowerment. Ensuring that clients are supported to make their own decisions
  • Prevention. Taking action before harm occurs
  • Proportionality. Responding in a way that is appropriate to the risk raised
  • Protection. Safeguarding the person from harm and knowing when to act on a potential risk to the client 
  • Partnership. Ensuring a good flow of communication across teams, management and external bodies
  • Accountability. Providing appropriate care, acting on concerns, and reporting them according to internal policies.

It can sometimes be difficult for those we support to know, or to voice when they feel they are at risk, and this is why care staff – who often see clients the most – are commonly the first to be aware of when things don’t seem to be ‘quite right’. Being accountable means that they have a responsibility to act on their concerns, following the policies and procedures put in place for such situations.

At SCA, we ensure that everyone in our care has their needs met as far as possible, and that their safety and wellbeing are always our first priority. In addition to the training provided, we encourage staff to discuss any concerns appropriately to keep our clients safe and well. This is our commitment to those we support, and to our person responsibility towards the valuable role that we hold as carers.

For more information please log in to QCS and read: SCR04 – Adult support & Protection

Good Care Month

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This month is #GoodCareMonth – a time to celebrate the amazing work that care staff do each and every day, so we’d like to say a few words from the heart …

To our Team:

❀ For having a smile for every client, from the first person in the morning, to the last person on your shift, we say ‘thank you’; we know it isn’t always easy!

❀ For supporting a fellow team member having a difficult day, and helping them to talk through things, we appreciate your team spirit.

❀ For going above and beyond when a client needs a little extra TLC, you are our heroes; this is what makes good care, amazing care.

Our success is down to our hard-work and commitment of our incredible staff. Thank you! 😊

What’s it Like to Work with SCA?

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We are always looking for new staff! So, if you’re wondering what it’s like to work with us, here is an overview to help you decide if it might just be time to apply 
 

Starting with Us 


From the moment you join us at SCA, you’ll be supported to get to grips with your new role. We run a tight ship to ensure the safety of staff and clients alike, but we’ll show you the ropes, and help you to pick everything up quickly. On your first day, you’ll be shown around and introduced to staff, with a brief overview of their roles, and our expectations of your role.

Consistency of Care

We work in a specific part of Edinburgh, (No running around the city) and try, where possible, to keep staff with the same clients to help build mutually trusting and consistent relationships. As we get to know you, we will do our best to match you with clients and responsibilities that align with your skills, experience and individual talents. 

Staff Routines

Buddying System

Everyone who starts with us, is paired with a buddy to help you navigate your new role. Your buddy is there to shadow, to answer questions, and to give advice when needed, so you’ll soon get used to the way we do things. 

Typical Duties

Your duties can be very varied, depending on your level of experience, and the immediate needs of clients at that time, but will likely include: personal care; preparing meals; administering medications; shopping and other domestic duties; transporting and accompanying clients to appointments or outings, and monitoring the health and wellbeing of your clients, reporting any concerns to the manager. 

Career Opportunities

You will be expected to complete a probationary period, during which time, we will work through any opportunities for improvement.  At the end of this period, you will be a fully-fledged member of our SCA team, and will be encouraged to consider your career path as you work ‘up the ranks’ with us – if that’s what you wish to do. 

Perks

We offer a welcome bonus for new recruits, referral bonuses, and provide travel expenses, as well offering great training opportunities. Most importantly, however, we offer a friendly and supportive team environment in which you can thrive as a care-at-home professional.  From buffet lunches on a Friday, to healthy fruit and drinks during the week.  We are always trying to make life more enjoyable.  Right now staff have been given ÂŁ50 each to treat themselves to something to improve their wellbeing.

EU Sponsorship Programme

Further, if you are an EU citizen, we offer Sponsorship for the right candidates, and welcome applications ongoing from those with existing experience in health or social care. Job roles include: Personal Assistant; Senior Personal Assistant, and Team Leader, as well as administrative positions.

Training

Alongside our excellent mandatory training, we offer a wealth of learning opportunities for our staff, from short courses to MSc, provided by a variety of educational institutes. It’s important to us that our staff feel fulfilled and challenged in their careers, so we do our best to help those who have chosen to work and study at the same time with time for essay preparation and ongoing support.

Testimonials

Of course, the best way to let you know about what it’s like to work here (besides working here!) is to hear it from the staff. Here are just a few of the testimonials we have received from team members:

“It’s like working for your family. Everyone cares & supports each other. SCA has a very flat management structure. Directors are very approachable, always happy to help & address any issues staff may have.”

“I really enjoy my job and I have the best things to say about my experience so far. I have learned new skills and I am happy, because the environment is very supportive. If someone wants to start a career in social care, I would definitely recommend they join our team.”

“There are times when you think getting up for work is the last thing you want to do – not at Social Care Alba. I work with some wonderful service users and colleagues who really know how to enjoy life.”

Values

We know that a happy healthy working environment helps our staff give their best to our clients, so we strive to ensure that our workplace, processes and team align with our values on inclusion, diversity and mutual respect. 

We have a zero-tolerance policy, and an open-door management approach, so there is always someone to speak to if you have any issues.  Our staff are from all over the world, which makes for a really rich team culture, underpinned by an inclusive approach from management and staff alike.

Like what you’ve read? Join us!

If you feel that your values align with ours, head over to our careers page 🔗, where you can find out more information about our current vacancies. The application process is fast and simple, and we will be in touch to further your application if successful. Good luck – and we hope to see you soon on our team!

Carers gonna care!

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Carers gonna care! But we need to care about ourselves too! Here are some suggestions which can help give you a ‘wee boost’ when you need it most!

💙 Organise some regular ‘you-time’

Whether it’s a day in the countryside or a night out with friends, doing something you enjoy can help to recharge your batteries, and put things into perspective.

💙 Think about your morning and bed-time routines

If you’re a late-night TikTok scroller, take heed! The blue light from your phone stops your brain from producing sleep-induing hormones. Switch off your devices at least an hour before bed, and create a routine which helps your body to recognise that you are preparing for sleep. Similarly, rushed mornings can make us feel that we are not in control of our day. Try to wake a half-hour before you need to, and take time to ease yourself into the day.

💙 Find a way to chill – properly

There are many relaxation practices which can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and which can be practiced any time that you begin to feel overwhelmed. Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, sophrology and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) are popular self-care tools. …and if someone you care about could use a few tips, share away!