Making sure our often frail and vulnerable residents are comfortable, safe and well cared for takes a multitude of talents and skills.

Our care assistants, whether they are on a day or a night shift, play a central role in many aspects of the work.

We ask them to arrive at least 15 minutes before their shift begins so that their colleagues on the previous shift can fully brief them on everything that has happened since they were last here. Being fully briefed is critical because even the smallest event or change can be crucial to a resident’s comfort and support.

On the day shift, once each carer has been assigned the residents for whom they will be responsible, their first task is to help them with getting out of bed, getting washed and dressed. In some cases, carers will have to work in pairs, where a resident needs the help of a hoist to get out of bed for example.

At all times, our key principles emphasise dignity, respect and each resident’s individuality as well as preserving as much as possible of their independence. So, carers are mindful of this when helping each resident choose what they want to wear, perhaps whether they want to wear any make-up and how much help they need in getting ready for the day.

Once they are ready, the first stop is for breakfast. Their carer will stay with them and help them with their food if they need it.  They will also be mindful of any appointments the resident has booked for the day, whether off site, perhaps to a hospital appointment, or at Aveley, such as a visit from a district nurse or GP, or the carer may need to be available to assist with a resident’s appointment with the chiropodist or hairdresser, who also visit from outside.

Having seen their charges safely to their next activity, the care assistant will make sure their rooms are clean and tidy and perhaps do some washing.

At lunchtime, they will again be helping with getting residents to the dining room, serving their food and helping them to eat if necessary.

After lunch is the care assistant’s time to catch up with book keeping.  It is crucial to keep a detailed daily record of everything that has happened for each resident on each shift. This helps to keep life running smoothly for residents but it is also a requirement of the Care Quality Commission, which oversees the standard in every residential home.

While the book keeping is being completed the residents may be involved in any activities that have been arranged.  It could be an art workshop, music, a cookery class or simply some quiet time to read.

Throughout the day carers must also ensure that each resident has enough drinks to keep them hydrated.

On the day shift, the final task of the day is to help the residents get ready for and into bed.

The night shift is when the care assistant’s duties change slightly.  They will, of course, respond to call bells, some may be assigned to close observation duties every 15 minutes for those who are bed bound and need catheters emptying and pads changing.

But on night duty, carers also have housekeeping duties.  Although we employ cleaning staff, this is supplemented by carers who also do some of the washing and ironing, hoist, wheelchair and walking frame maintenance and cleaning.  Once a week all the communal areas are given a deep clean during the night.

It takes flexibility and commitment to work as a care assistant and we make sure they are looked after and appreciated for their efforts.