With over 20 years’ experience in owning and running nursing and residential homes.

Their ethos to deliver the highest quality of care and a truly personalised service, delivering a ‘home away from home’ where residents are enabled to live fulfilled and happy lives. In an industry often dominated by large corporations they thrive off being a family business. Their sister home in Hampshire, is one of the few nursing homes in the country with an ‘Outstanding’ rating from the Care Quality Commission. They are excited in putting their knowledge and experience to implement similar standards at their newly refurbished, purpose built home in St Albans.

THE ROLE:

• To maintain Residents’ dignity at all times.

• To endeavour to achieve good working relationships with colleagues.

• To give individual care, according to written Care Plans compiled by registered nurses or Senior Carers and in accordance with the Home’s Policies and Procedures; e.g:
o To help Residents to wash and dress.
o To help Residents with toileting.
o To help bath Residents both in the bathroom and in bed.
o To help with serving meals, feeding Residents who cannot help themselves, and to clear tables after meals.
o To help with the rehabilitation of Residents.
o To help in the reception of new Residents and the support of their relatives.
o To help the trained staff in the care of ill Residents.

• To report any accidents of Residents, staff or visitors to the person in charge. In the event of a Resident having a fall, the helper must ask for assistance from a trained nurse before attempting to move him/her.

• Moving and handling equipment MUST be used as appropriate to individual resident’s needs, to ensure Health and Safety Guidelines are met for both residents and staff alike.

• To safeguard residents’ property.

• To safeguard all furnishings and equipment in the Home. Every effort should be made to avoid spillages. When they do occur, they must be cleared up as quickly as possible.

• To carry out any other tasks, as requested.

• To work at all times under the supervision of a trained nurse/Senior Carer.

• To participate in “In-Service” training and be prepared to be taught new skills. Regular meetings will be held for all staff to discuss issues within the Home.

• To be a good listener. Residents need to know that we have “time” for them.

• To acquaint new or agency staff with individual Residents, especially when medicines are being administered. Helpers will not be expected to take the responsibility for giving Residents their medication.

• To be courteous and polite to all people visiting the Home.

NIGHT CARE ASSISTANTS

In addition to the above a number of aspects apply to night shifts: –

Care Assistants working on residential floors (in Dual Registered Homes) work under the direct control of the Night Registered Nurse (RN), who is responsible for the whole Home, and with whom they must liaise.

Residents must be checked every two hours during the night and a report given to the RN of any concerns.

Minor ancillary tasks (e.g., tidying day rooms) may be required, when time permits between care duties.

Sleeping whilst on duty is not permitted under any circumstances.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Communication – to be personally aware of how the Home’s communication systems operate and to be fully conversant with the Policies, Procedures and objectives.

Quality Assurance – All staff are accountable for the quality of their own work and for the operation of the relevant parts of the quality systems.

Best Practice – To ensure professional practices are developed in line with Company Objectives and the NMC Code of Conduct.

Health and Safety To comply with the Company’s policies and procedures and have a duty to advise management of any situation that is deemed unsafe within the Home.

Environment: To show concern for the fabric, decoration, equipment and building.

Equality and Diversity: They are committed to the promotion of equal opportunities in the workplace. Discrimination and prejudice will not be tolerated.

Confidentiality: All members of staff are required to undertake that they will not divulge to anyone personal and/or confidential information to which they may have access during their employment with the Nursing Home whether it is verbal, written or electronic, and ensure that unauthorised persons cannot access it.

This list is not exhaustive and dependent on the shift work and any other duties required at the request of the Matron or Directors:

THE CANDIDATE:

The Care Assistant is a valued member of the care team, working with other staff to provide a high standard of person-centred care for the Residents in their charge.

The work can be physically and mentally demanding and the people appointed will be expected to have an understanding of, and empathy with, the elderly.

The philosophy of the Home is to provide a friendly, homely atmosphere, where Residents can live as independently as possible within the constraints of their disability. They should be given the opportunity to make informed choices about their personal care.