logo
https://le-cdn.website-editor.net/00761ccd85f04d17b0421bb173f4e849/dms3rep/multi/opt/blog+pic-1920w

My blog: the 'Terrapin Tales' 

The journey begins: “ It was the that initial leap of utter faith, that initial lurch into motion, that had my limbs locking up.” - Sarah J Maas, A court of Wings and Ruin. 

Apologies in advance for those of you who are interested enough and caring enough to be concerned or interested in what I write... you will have read the above but I have decided that my story and my blog should be although both personal and interlinked read apart- ‘MY STORY- JOURNEY PAGE” IS ON THE SITE  {link) and will be added to.

So for today....

Having come from the private care sector as a long time registered manager recently and In my “new life” working and supporting within the private care sector- the past two months since lock down has seen my blood pressure rise and fall at the lack of understanding and initial ignorance of the going ons and real life within the care sector. As I follow the daily updates whilst trying to reconcile life within the sector with what we are being told - my thoughts go from disbelief , to annoyance, to despair  and to gratefulness for those managers who are fighting day in and out to provide not a service but a good home life to those within their care.

I was asked as were my colleagues to write some thoughts down so:

https://le-cdn.website-editor.net/md/and1/dms3rep/multi/opt/113682-1920w

Locked DOWN- but not OUT!!

Let me paraphrase “if you don’t behave- they will lock you up and throw away the key!”

In some ways this is the real life experience of staff, managers and residents within the social care sector of the “lock down”.  Regardless of the individual settings, whether community, residential or nursing, young or old.

Locked down, locked in and forgotten, feeling isolated, vulnerable, nervous, undervalued and confused. Trying to read, watch, listen and find the way through to the truth, whilst navigating the mixed, mish mash of messages

bombarding us not just daily but hourly from agencies which have very real power over us and our work- be that as PHE, HMG, CQC, Local Authorities and commissioning bodies. Informational messages and updates which often conflict or fail to illustrate what is happening and being experienced yet manages to ratchet up stress levels. Clarity and support often coming from those within the sector, by managers, directors and others who recognised from pre- lock down that they could rely on each other to find answers to issues within their sector. Not realising how essential this would be when the sector was instantly isolated within this national crisis. These managers who know they will be called to account at some future stage, owners who have to look at the real cost figures in an already stretched sector. The frontline direct care workers who regardless of their own fears ( and their families fears!) are so very conscious of the real responsibility they hold in keeping their charges healthy and happy. You cannot overestimate the levels of concern and individual measures these carers take upon themselves in doing this.

Reality hit when practicalities hit- toilet rolls!  No let’s talk essentials- Food.. how- do you ask families and staff to drop in whatever they can as your staff and cooks grow more concerned daily about stores and whether they can offer not choice but a nutritional diet, as supermarkets limit items, and the Governments promised letters to confirm vulnerability and shielding status fail to arrive ( arrived literally as I’m writing this!) Whilst social distancing and shielding measures prevents them taking part in meaningful occasions and celebrations. Again though our teams are incredibly resourceful and are finding ways to bring families together. Check out individual facebook pages and web sites.

Never mind the ‘PPE’, the policies, procedures, risk assessments and care plans - promised health supplies are negligible and as stated by many run out almost instantly, guidance doesn’t evidence experience when carers struggle with masks for an hour or two- not six, eight or twelve. Or when visiting the 6 of 10 calls that shift!

This is the time when those that understand and are experiencing similar issues have come together to brainstorm, share sourcing information, rant, shout for help and bemoan unclear guidance. To try and make sense of the daily updates and how they often fail to match the reality - have come together to commiserate, congratulate and uplift. recognising that ‘stronger, together’ is so so true.

Forgotten/ ignored ? initially maybe..perhaps a positive of this dreadful time is the gradual awakening of the social care sector in the public conscious as a real frontline of serious care,  dealing with life and death. A very real adjunct to the NHS, a ‘profession’ to be proud of.

Not forgetting those other ‘blue collar’ workers who now are ruling our world!

This is our reality of Lock Down

Libby

16/04/2020  this was our truth..

please  join me  next week for locked down.. maybe out!  Follow me  on FB