Care workers are involved in many daily tasks which involve service users.
My responsibilities involve ensuring all tasks are carried out with regard to : * Company Policy, Procedure and guidelines * Health and Safety * Hygiene
My work role. * Waking service users at appropriate times * Supervision of their morning routine such as washing, showering, using the toilet, brushing teeth and any other personal care activities such as shaving, hair care etc. * Supervision of dressing service users, offering choice and ensuring appropriate clothing is worn for that particular day, taking into account likely weather and activities planned. * Preparation of food so that service users have choice of food and drink whilst …show more content…
adhering to their dietary needs. * Laundry duties, including washing and ironing of clothes. * Transportation of service users to appropriate destinations including craft activities, college, days out etc. * Help, support and encourage service users to achieve the outcomes in their own support plans. * Respect and communicate * Safety and comfort
The priority in carrying out these roles are always to ensure that service users receive the due care and attention required, and not allowing my personal beliefs or attitude to interrupt in the care given, as I hold a non-judgemental attitude in my approach to work.
Standards that influence the way my work role is carried out include following organisational policies. * Code of conduct * Professional boundaries * Confidentiality * Regulation * Minimum standards * National occupational standards
UNIT CU1516.2
Reflecting on my own work activities is an important way to develop knowledge, skills and practice as you need to be able to identify and understand any possible discrepancies between your own work practice and organisational and legal practice. This will update myself on information that I am not aware of, so that I can complete my position to the best of my abilities, following all legal and professional boundaries.
I am continuously assessing how well my own knowledge, skills and understanding meet professional standards by reflecting on my own work activities using the above skills and sources of support.
I have reflected on my own work activities in the past by reporting to my manager any issues that arise within the service users’ home. I am improving my skills and knowledge by reading information on my diploma. I have reflected on what I have written in this essay and have therefore remembered information. Feedback from others has developed my skills and knowledge. I am now aware of action I need to take in the subject I discussed.
UNITS CU1516.3. CU1516.4
To record my progress in relation to personal development I have kept all of my certificates for the courses and training I have attended.
These include:
Care and Control of Medicines.
Learning points: * the five rights of administering medicine and using safe procedures for handling medicine. * Using and maintaining medication records. * Recognising potential problems of medicines in use and how to avoid/overcome them.
Emergency first aid course.
Learning points: * Correct way to resuscitate, * The recovery position. * Know what to do in situations of choking, epileptic seizure, diabetic emergency and suffering a stroke.
Food safety in catering .
Learning points: * Basic food hygiene principles * Food hygiene law * Food safety * Handling procedures/policy, * Storage, * Cooking temperatures * Cross contamination
Manual handling skills in the care home.
Learning points: * Correct moving and handling procedures. * Appropriate use of equipment, * Risk assessments * The anatomy of the spine.
Understanding Challenging Behaviour .
Learning points: * How challenging behaviour puts the safety of the person or other people in jeopardy and has a significant impact on the persons or other peoples quality of life. * To ensure that the person has their needs met to give them attention and help. Also to encourage them in some kind of activities.
Record and report writing.
Learning points: * Use of appropriate words and phrases when writing in the Service Users medical /on-going file. * Improvement to my recording skills and more accurate, clear, concise writing.
I have reflected back on these courses and noted down my strengths and weaknesses.
I have also written down what else I want to achieve, how I am going to set about this and within what time scales i.e. My own personal development plan.
Unit CU2547
Contribute to Health and Safety in Health and Social Care.
1.1
The legislation relating to general health and safety in a health or social care work setting is covered by : * The health and safety at work act 1974. * Manual handling operations regulations 1992 * Control of substances hazardous to heath regulations 2002 * Reporting of injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrence’s regulations 1995 * Health and safety first aid regulations 1981 * Management of health and safety at work regulations 1999 1.2
Describe the main points of the health and safety policies and procedures agreed with the employer. * To make the workplace safe, * To make sure all machinery is stored and used correctly, * Make sure all protective clothing is being used, * To report all injuries, * To take reasonable care of your own health and safety, * To co-operate with your employer.
1.3
Health and Safety responsibilities. * All staff members are to wear suitable clothing and shoes; * Long hair tied back * Avoid wearing jewellery * Attend training courses * Follow health and safety policies * To report any injuries, strains or illnesses.
Management need to ensure the home is safe and prevented from risks by ensuring : * Equipment is safe to use. * Adequate first aid facilities are available * All materials/chemicals are handled, stored and used safely * Emergency plans are set.
* Protective clothing is available. * The correct warning signs are provided.
1.4 Tasks which should not be carried out without special training are: * Manual Handling * Use of equipment * Giving medication * First aid * Health care procedures * Food handling and preparation
1.5
To access additional support and information relating to health and safety always ask your manager and check employers policies or the health and safety executive.
2.1
It is important for all employers to assess health and safety hazards in the home.
This is a requirement by law. There are many regulations that require risks to be assessed. Some of them include: * Management of health and safety at work regulations 1999 * Manual handling operations regulations 1992 * Personal protective equipment at work regulation 1992. * Health and safety regulations 1992. * COSHH regulations 2002.
2.2
Any potential Health and Safety risks are reported immediately to the manager. Including : * Loose or frayed carpets. * Damaged plugs or power points. * Trailing wires. * Dangerous tools and equipment * Damaged chemical containers.
2.3
Working in a residential home with five service users, risk assessments are very important and can help address dilemmas between rights of the service users and health and safety concerns. The need for safety and the right of having their living space the way they want it and any activities they want to be involved in has to be balanced. A well carried out risk assessment can make it less likely that any harm will result.
3.1
The different types of accidents or sudden illnesses that may occur in a work setting are: * Slips on a wet floor. * Falls getting out of chairs even with the aid of a frame. * Choking and difficulty with breathing. * Burns and scalds. * Epileptic seizure * Shock. * Severe bleeding. * Cardiac arrest. * Electrical injuries. * Poisoning. * Loss of consciousness.
3.2
Accident or sudden illnesses are quickly acted upon and reported to management.
Any medical treatment needed is arranged without delay. The incident is recorded on an accident report form with the correct details as follows: * Time and date. * Place of accident. * What you heard and said. * Equipment involved. * Any witnesses. * Condition of the person involved.
If the accident or sudden illness is serious or results in unconsciousness the next of kin should be informed. They are placed in the correct recovery position.
Training courses are attended in case of the need to deal with epileptic seizures, choking and the carrying out of CPR.
4.1
The spread of infection is reduced by wearing protective gloves and the correct method for hand washing is used as follows: * Hands are washed thoroughly under warm running water and liquid soap is squirted onto the palm of one hand. * Hands are rubbed together to make a lather. * The palm of one hand is rubbed along the back of the other and along the fingers and thumbs then the process is repeated with the other hand. * Soap is rinsed off with clean water. * Hands are dried thoroughly with a disposable towel.
4.2
Risk to others from one’s own health and hygiene is reduced by the following: * Correct coloured aprons are always worn. * Blue gloves and aprons are worn when preparing food in the kitchen. * Red aprons and clear gloves are worn when cleaning bathrooms and assisting with personal care. Flat shoes , trousers or jeans are worn. * Jewellery apart from a plain wedding ring is forbidden. Nails are kept short and clean and long hair is tied back. * Accidental cuts are covered with a blue plaster. All our cooked foods are temperature checked with a thermometer ensuring it exceeds 75 degrees Celsius The fridge temperature is always at 4 degrees Celsius. * Raw meat is always placed on the bottom shelf of the fridge and “best before” dates are always checked in cupboards and fridges. * Separate coloured chopping boards and knives are always used when preparing all raw meat, salads and vegetables.
5.1
Legislation that relates to moving and handling are; * The manual handling operation regulation 1999 * Provision and use of work equipment regulations 1998 * Lifting operations and lifting equipment regulations 1992.
These legislations require employers to avoid all manual handling where there is a risk of injury.
These regulations require employers to ensure all equipment is : * Safe to use * Suitable for the intended use * Inspected on regular intervals * Used by people with adequate information, instruction, training and safety measures. * Marked to indicate safe working loads, strong and stable.
5.2 and 5.3.
Manual handling procedures are always followed when moving people or equipment.
This reduces the risk of injury to employees and reduce stress and pain for the person.
There should be risk assessments and procedures put in place before any manual handling is attempted.
6.1
Many different types of hazardous substances are stored including:
Bleach, toilet and bath cleaner, paints, weed killers, pesticides, creosote, de-icer, paraffin and granules containing sodium dichoroisocy anurate.
All hazardous materials and substances are clearly labelled and stored correctly for everyone’s safety.
Aerosols are kept away from heat.
Paints, weed killers, pesticides, creosote etc. are kept in a locked shed.
Bleach and all cleaning materials are kept in a tall cupboard.
6.2
Safe storage of hazardous substances is very important.
Precautions and procedures for use, detailed in the COSHH file are closely followed.
Hazardous substances are stored in a dry locked cupboard, clearly labelled with the maximum amount of time that it is safe to be exposed to them.
Protective clothing and masks are always worn when using hazardous substances.
Hazardous substances and materials are disposed of as follows
Clinical waste including used dressings are put into clearly labelled yellow bags before being placed in a clinical waste bin which is collected on a weekly basis.
Soiled clothing is placed into red bags and into the washing machine.
Bodily fluids and waste including urine, vomit, blood, sputum and faeces are cleared and flushed down a sluice drain. These areas are cleaned and disinfected after use.
7.1
All electrical appliances and power supply points are checked on an annual basis to comply with PAT regulations. (Portable Appliance Testing).
Chip pans are never used.
Each room is equipped with a fire alarm and fire door.
Inflammable materials are stored safely in separate rooms and cupboards.
Fire Safety courses are attended by all staff.
7.2
Emergency procedures to be followed in the event of a fire are: * Raise the alarm * Dial the emergency services 999 * Assemble at designated assembly point * Only attempt to tackle fire using correct equipment if it is absolutely safe to do so
7.3
Evacuation routes and exits are kept clear at all times so as not to obstruct access and egress in the event of an emergency.
8.1
The identity of anyone requesting access to our premises is requested by production of an identity or visitors badge.
Family are mainly allowed to enter upon the vigilance of the staff.
The visitors in/out information book is signed by everyone and only staff and management are allowed to access information.
8.2
The front door is locked at all times.
Alarms are fitted and keypads with a code number are used.
Money or valuables. are not allowed on the premises.
The residents belongings are kept within their bedrooms and are safely locked away.
8.3
The whereabouts of others within the home is known in case of occurrences of accidents, emergencies or threatening situations.
9.1
Common signs and indicators of stress are as follows;: * Disturbance of sleep pattern. * Disturbance of change in normal appetite. * Anxiety. * Loss of concentration. * Quick temper or irritability. * Low tolerance of disruption, noise * You can feel emotionally or physical stressed.
Emotionally stressed can cause: * Uptight ,angry ,and tense. * Depression, anxious, tearful and worthless. * Be unable to cope, concentrate or make decisions. * Feel tired, have chest pains and uninterested in sex.
Physically stressed can cause; * Tensing of the muscles. * Headache and migraines. * High blood pressure, * Heart attacks and strokes. * Menstrual problems. * Ulcers and cold sores.
9.2
Circumstances that tend to trigger stress are: * Work pressures * Debt and relationship problems * Interrupted sleep.
9.3
To manage my own stress I talk about my problems with family, friends, colleagues and my manager. I also partake in: * Going to the gym * Walking * Relaxing watching films on the television.
I practice time management more effectively.
CU1515 1.1 to 4.4
1.1
Reasons why people communicate are to express their concerns with : * Fear * Anger * Pain * Joy * Love
A persons quality of life is far better with communication, this can be formal or informal.
1.2
Effective communication ensures that the service users’ needs and wants are provided with care and support.
1.3
Whilst communicating with a resident observe their reactions to ensure any problems can be identified and dealt with promptly.
This can be achieved by observing : * Speech. * Facial expressions * Body language * Dress * Gesture * Position
Being aware of your own body language and what you are communicating is just as important as understanding the person you are talking to.
2.1
Assessing an individual’s communication and language needs , wishes and preferences will enable you to achieve communication between each other. There are other forms of help and advice available through : * Family * Friends * Colleagues * Professional interpreters.
Always leave accurate information for colleagues to ensure effective communication
2.2
Communication methods that may meet an individual’s communication needs, wishes and preferences are as follows: * Flash cards. * Signals * A smile from a friendly face * Eye contact and touch * Physical gesture * Body language and behaviour * Pitch of your voice * Vocabulary * Linguistic tone.
2.3
The most important person to ask for advice are the service users themselves .
Family, friends and your manager will be able to offer advice as well.
There are special organisations that can help with: * Sensory loss * Strokes * Alzheimer’s disease.
3.1
Barriers to effective communication may be created by: * Poor and unwelcoming body language. * Sitting too far away while communicating. * Invading personal space. * Noisy or crowded spaces. * Not giving time to speak.
Forward planning and thinking will help deal with barriers, which will result in a far better outcome.
3.2
When a person feels comfortable and relaxed their communication barriers are overcome.
This enables them to communicate to the best of their abilities.
There are many different actions to consider : Visual impairment Use touch and tone of voice. Confusion or dementia Remain patient, repeat information clearly, use picture techniques. Hearing impairment Use signing, trained interpreters and written communication. Speak clearly away from noises. Different language’s Use gestures , pictures, smiles and be warm and encouraging. Physical disability Ensure that surroundings are appropriate and accessible. Do not patronise and remember that some body language may not be appropriate. Learning disability Remain patient and be prepared to keep covering the same ground. Repeat things and respond at the right level of understanding.
3.3
When checking that communication has been understood always recap on what has just been said. Listen effectively making sure they understood the question or answer and don’t interrupt whilst they are speaking.
3.4
Information ,support and services available to help with more effective communication are as follows: * The national Register of communication professionals working with the deaf and blind. * Speech and language therapist. * Interpreters. * Alzheimer’s society. * Stroke association.
4.1
The term confidentiality means not sharing information about someone without their knowledge and agreement and ensuring that information, either written, electronic or verbal is restricted to those who have the need or right to access that information.
Confidentiality creates trust, respect, safety and helps retain self-esteem amongst service users.
The Data Protection Act 1998 provides the legal framework for confidentiality.
4.2
Methods of maintaining confidentiality can be demonstrated by: * only talking about service users in areas of the setting where you cannot be overheard by non-staff members * not revealing confidential information about one service user to another who may remember and pass it on * using service users’ first names or initials only when discussing or writing up your observations about them * storing written records about service users in locked cupboards or cabinets and making sure you put them back in the correct place after using them * using a secure password to access computers that contain information about service users * making sure service users only have access to their own records * referring service users’ relatives to the service users’ key worker when they request information relating to their relative.
4.3
Disclosure of information to people other than your immediate work colleagues about a service user’s background, personal problems, care needs or health issues, normally only happens with the consent of the service user or their next of kin.
Situations where information normally considered confidential might be passed on are: * If a person requires an assessment or specialist support from a practitioner who is not a member of your work team. * There may also be times when you have to reveal what you have been told, or have seen, to a more senior person at work or to an external organisation * Information suggests an individual may be at risk of harm * Information is revealed that can be used to protect another person from harm * When a court or a statutory organisation, such as a Mental Health Act tribunal, asks for specific information about a person.
4.4
It is best to treat everything you learn in the workplace as confidential information;
It is advisable to check with your supervisor * Before you pass on confidential information. * If you receive any information that concerns you
If someone says they want to tell you something ‘in confidence’, you should say that you may not be able to keep the information to yourself because part of your job involves safeguarding others’ welfare.