Jac and Baz talk about experiences of carers who the care Jac needs as a task, such as coming in wiping her backside and going.
This is in contrast to more postive experience of care where the cares are interested in building a realationship, having chat, leaving tea, tv remoted controll within reach etc all which helps them feel seen and human instead of a piece of meat that needs cleaning up.
Sue shares words summarising the extensive challenges and stress she and her brother have faced while caring for mum and dad.
Despite being qualified to understand and navigate the care system, they have struggled to get needed respite and support services from Norfolk County Council over three years.
The constant responsibility has severely impacted their mental health, relationships, and personal well-being. They describe the complexities of managing healthcare needs, navigating insufficient and inconsistent support from care agencies, and the toll it takes on their daily life.
It has improved and whilst it is better than it was they it is a struggle to maintain their own health and balance.
Now that Iris has 24 hour care she feels much safer, knowing that somone is there who she can call on. This has also been a great relief to Sue and her brother meaning they don’t need to drop everything to attend.
This is especially reassuring at night reducing the need for urgent late night calls, also enhancing Iris’s sense of security.
Christopher talks about the delicate balance within peoples care plan between what people need and what they want.
He reflects that against the aspects that ensure safety the conversation of “what else would you like” is just as important enabling the person receiving care to have ownership.
He reflects this in the context of the Real Care Deal, what this means in relation to an Ethical Vision which is about defining values and principles, in turn becoming ethically good standards in social care which most critically need to be maintained.
Gina gives examples of what working differently means to residents the transition for staff.
An example of one resident who recognised they need a bit of help to stay safe but did not want to loose the indpendence they had and thrived on by going uneccesiarly into to more supported care and wanted to stay in their own home.
From previous experience of working in residential care Gina reflects on the beneftis of the ‘residences’ approach enabling people to live in the environment they know and like supporting greater wellbeing and a good life.
Gina talks about staff transitioning from being the care provider to providing wellbeing support, the importance of good communication and the difference a cup of tea and a catch up make to working effectively.
Jon, a resident at The Great Hospital talks about what it is like living there, what he enjoys doing, the support he receives and what this means to him and others who live there too.
He talks about what enables people to be happy living at the Great Hospital from good management to the activities and range of things to do such as bowls, easy access to outdoors and being able to do this with other residents and get support when he needs it.
Jon suggests the flexible support, based on what he needs, is what enables him to live independently enabling him to continue being active and happy.
Being real in building relationship is about opening yourself up and removing expectations.
Zena and Angela share how important this in their work as it removes pressure allowing people to be themselves and more likely to feel safe enabling them to be comfortable enough for conversation and form connection.
The only thing they do expect is a certain level of behaviour, people know that its not a place to be abused or abusive, whilst also recognising that many of the people they work with have experienced trauma and will get emotional and talk about how they use creative ways to be alongside that creates safety doesn’t add to the harm they have already experienced.
“This lady talks about their experience living at the Great Hospital and adjusting to the changes since the transition of care provision. They like the reassurance of the 24 hour care and is still adjusting.
They are positive about the care they has now, how attentive it is, they feel secure and happy and the their family have reassurance knowing they have good support and care. They talk about some of the social activity, how friendly it is and although meal a communal (unless £3 to bring to own accommodation) They enjoy the social connection of eating with other residents. “
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Christopher discusses how the Real Care Deal makes a difference to people through providing a platform for people to share their experiences and stories. He reflects on the liberating nature this has for people and the way the Real Care Deal fosters a non judgmental environment where diverse needs are acknowledged and understood.
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This moving video tells the story of one of three siblings caring for their 89-year-old mum. After a fall during the pandemic, she was left bedbound, unable to see properly, and physically frail. Things got worse after a poor hospital stay, where she didn’t get the care she needed. Even after the neglect was officially recognised, the family struggled to get proper help at home.
Because of the stretched and underfunded care system, they had to take on most of the care themselves—managing everything from daily needs to navigating endless red tape. Their experience shows just how hard it can be for families to get support for elderly loved ones when the system is at breaking point.
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