Team members at Bourne View care home in Poole have overcome lockdown challenges to raise awareness of the vital role carers play in the community.
They joined colleagues across family-owned Colten Care as it invited staff at all its 21 homes in Hampshire, Dorset, Sussex and Wiltshire to champion Carers Week.
Reflecting its ‘one-team’ approach to residents’ wellbeing, taking part were nurses, carers, chefs, receptionists, administrators, hairdressers, gardeners, maintenance staff and colleagues in other roles too.
Organised and led by Companionship Team Leaders at each home, the week featured the sharing of thank-you messages and handwritten thoughts on the positive difference that working in care makes.
Posted on message boards across the homes were sentiments such as: ‘I came to work today because I like to see joy on the residents’ faces’, ‘Working in care is about giving the care that they deserve and can’t provide for themselves’, and ‘The best part of my job is everyone and everything being one team’. One carer summed up her job satisfaction by writing: ‘Team work, love and joy’.
Donia O’Connor, Senior Companionship Team Leader, said: “Colleagues highlighted many reasons why a career in care is so rewarding, from the compliments you receive from residents and their families to the pride and satisfaction you have knowing you have helped make someone’s day by your words and actions.”
Amid ongoing social distance restrictions, the week featured daily treats for staff and residents such as homemade cakes, ice lollies and doughnuts and a co-ordinated singing of the Dolly Parton hit and popular ‘workplace anthem’ Nine to Five.
Colten Care Operations Director Elaine Farrer said: “During the Covid situation, our team has been absolutely magnificent in ensuring safety, keeping residents’ spirits up and communicating what has been happening in our homes with residents’ families and friends. As with carers across the country, both paid and unpaid, we are blessed with employing people who are dedicated, hard-working and compassionate individuals.”
Carers Week, established by the charity Carers UK 26 years ago, is an annual awareness campaign to celebrate and recognise the vital contribution made by the UK’s 6.5 million carers.