Medication Training

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Ensuring the highest standard of care for our service users is at the heart of everything we do at Social Care Alba. As part of our commitment to excellence, we recently held a Medication training session led by our knowledgeable trainer, Jeanny.

Proper medication management is essential in social care, as it ensures the well-being of our clients by promoting safe and accurate administration of their medications.

This training aimed to enhance our team’s understanding and skills in handling medications responsibly. Below are some key moments from the session.

Moving & Handling Training

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At Social Care Alba, the ongoing professional development of our carers and staff is a priority. Recently, we conducted a Moving & Handling training session led by our skilled trainer, Godson.

Proper moving and handling techniques are crucial in social care, as they help prevent injuries, ensure the comfort of clients, and promote a safer working environment for carers.

This training aimed to enhance our team’s skills in safely assisting clients with mobility needs. Below are some photos capturing the practical aspects of the session.

Continence Training

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Continence care training is one of our mandatory training for all new starters before they work in the community. Caroline leads this training, which covers the various types of continence care products commonly used by our service users.

£5 Blue Light Card gives access to 1,000s of deals

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Blue Light Card

I realise that the cost of living is high and making any savings is always appreciated.  So for those who are not already aware one of the main ways you can get discounts is to sign up for a Blue Light Card, which costs £4.99 for two years’ access. You’ll need your SCA ID or a recent payslip to prove you’re eligible for the service (it can take up to seven days to be registered).

Blue Light Card says it offers 15,000+ high street and online discounts from large retailers and local businesses, covering fashion, days out, restaurants, holidays and more.  There is even an app to make things easier.

If you use Google Chrome as your internet browser you can also add the new free Blue Light Card Chrome extension which, when installed, will automatically check if the website you’re on has a Blue Light Card discount available.

If you think you’ll save more than a fiver in two years, then a Blue Light Card can be worth it. See Blue Light Card FAQs for full information.

Announcing Two New AHP Open Badges (Podiatry)

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We’re excited to share the release of two new AHP Open Badges, a result of collaboration between the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), NHS Tayside’s Allied Health Professions (AHP) Clinical Educators, NHS Fife Podiatry, and NHS Tayside Podiatry.

These digital learning certificates have been developed to support professionals across various care sectors in their skill enhancement, knowledge maintenance, and re-validation of learning. Notably, they’re accessible not only to registered professionals but also to individuals interested in self-management, friends, family, unpaid carers, and volunteers, serving as a valuable resource for preventative and early intervention support.

Focused on supported personal foot care and raising awareness of foot health-related issues, these badges contribute to elevating awareness of AHP services while delivering crucial support messages aimed at enhancing the quality of care provided.

Personal Care for Feet

Intended for people in a variety of care settings and focuses on supportive foot care and monitoring to allow the provision of personal footcare needs for those not able to undertake this task for themselves.

CPR for Feet

Intended for people in a variety of care settings and focuses on supportive foot care and monitoring for people who have a medical and / or foot condition which puts their feet at high risk of ulceration.

What is Podiatry?

Podiatry is the management of problems of the foot and lower limb.  It is a medical service offering care to those who have specific podiatry problems and/or medical conditions that can cause problems with the lower limb.  All NHS podiatrists are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Additional Useful Resources

SSSC learning challenge: May 2024

Remember, alongside these new badges, there’s also an ongoing SSSC learning challenge for May. Stay tuned for updates as further badge developments, including discussions for Physiotherapy badges in 2024, are explored. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance skills and contribute positively to the field of care!

Dementia Training April 2024

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Caroline from Social Care Alba recently led an insightful dementia training session for our dedicated caregivers. Now equipped with essential skills and knowledge, they are better prepared to provide personalised and compassionate care to individuals living with dementia.

Understanding symptoms and effective communication techniques are key to enhancing the well-being of those in our care. With Caroline’s guidance, we’re ensuring a higher standard of support and improving the quality of life for our dementia patients.

Dementia training at Social Care Alba
Dementia Training session
Dementia Training with Caroline

Related links:

Revised SSSC Codes of Practice launch on 1 May 2024

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The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers and Employers set out the behaviours and values expected of social service workers and their employers. These Codes have now been revised and the updated version will come into effect on 1 May. You can read a text version of the revised Codes here.

What will be different in the revised Codes?

The SSSC have been careful to only make changes where necessary and remove duplication:

Updated wording and a more positive, empowering tone

Refreshed some of the wording which felt outdated. For example, changing ‘people who use services’ to ‘individuals’. Thinking about tone as well as wording. The revised Codes aim to take a more empowering tone and use positive language.

Kindness and compassion

The revised Codes make clearer links to the Health and Social Care Standards, support the commitment to The Promise and more strongly reflect the importance of kindness, compassion and involvement in decision making.

Greater focus on relationships, trauma and risk enablement

The revised Codes reflect the importance of positive relationships as well as maintaining appropriate boundaries. A new Code has been added on working in a way that is informed by an understanding of the impact of trauma.

Team Leader Meeting

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The Team Leaders at Social Care Alba recently gathered to discuss and address the various challenges faced by staff and service users.

Following comprehensive supervision sessions and performance reviews of all staff members, the meeting provided a platform to address issues and strengthen our commitment to quality care.

Breaking News – April Salary Review

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Hi All

I thought you would want to know as soon as possible, changes to terms and conditions with effect from April.

National Insurance Cuts

In January 2024, the rate that employees pay National Insurance was cut from 12 % to 10%.  From April 6th this year, it will be further cut to 8%.  Cumulatively these cuts mean you keep much more of your salary.

Personal / Senior Assistants

With effect from April 1st this year, the basic salary for these roles will rise from £10.90 to £12 per hour.  This increase will replace any previous agreements.

All Other Roles

Nataly and I will review all other roles following completion of the performance reviews and inform staff individually.

Thank you all very much for your continued hard work and dedication.  For those who will celebrate Easter, Happy Easter to you and your loved ones.

Best wishes

Stephen

You Said, We Did

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As announced in the improvement plan we’re excited to share some of the recent changes and updates we’ve made based on your valuable feedback. 

Here’s a rundown of what’s been happening:

Foodie Fridays

You asked for: More notice to attend events and other options than pizza

Following these requests, we’ve diversified our menu beyond pizza for our events. In February, we had 12 attendees, and in March, we had 19 attendees. Our offerings now include a variety of salads, fruits, sandwiches, pasta, crisps, biscuits, and drinks.

Look out for more information and photos on the staff updates page and social media.

Visas

You asked for: Changes to the Home Office requirements means I need a visa

To address the changes in Home Office requirements and adjusted visa procedures, we’ve ensured all eligible staff members receive Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to continue working with us. To facilitate this process, we kindly ask staff to maintain a valid police check no older than 6 months.

Training

You asked to start SVQ training

Responding to your interest, we’ve completed our annual Training Plan. This plan includes access to e-learning, workshops, and SVQ programs. Additionally, new training courses such as Stress & Distress and Care Skills have been introduced. 

Congratulations to those completing all courses this semester!

Rotas

You asked for runs closer together

Following discussions with Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, we’re reviewing new packages to optimise our service runs. Our goal is to minimise unnecessary travel for our staff.

Office Time

As requested, team Leaders now have more dedicated office time and are conducting Performance Reviews for all staff members.

Addressing Other Concerns
  • Phone battery dying: We’ve provided battery banks for staff to charge their phones on the go
  • Take away cups for coffee or tea: Thermos flasks are now available for hot or cold drinks, reducing waste from cardboard cups
  • Something to carry things in: Waterproof backpacks have been provided for staff to carry their belongings conveniently

Focus Areas

See staff update page for more details and action plans

Dementia

Caroline has led training sessions for staff and contributed to blogs on dementia. As part of our Technology Focus Area, dementia clocks have been introduced to aid service users with reminders and orientation.

Medication

Godson has ensured all service users are at the correct medication level and conducted training for staff. A wider medication audit is underway, with results to be shared soon.

Technology & Participation

Sam and Martin lead this focus area and have been instrumental in the introduction of the dementia clocks. Martin as service user advocate has agreed to participate in Shared Management Meetings, Recruitment and Staff training. We hope having Martin’s perspective will help all of us to think about the impact decisions and actions have on those we support. 

In addition are also inviting service users and families to participate in staff recruitment and training and provide feedback at any time.

We’re committed to continuously improving our workplace based on your feedback and suggestions. Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being part of our journey towards excellence.

View all staff updates and get in touch