Making connections
My name is Terri Spruce and I’m the Clinical Development Lead at specialist dementia care provider, Vida Healthcare. Working in social care gives me the opportunity to do something different every day and build relationships with incredible people, from colleagues to residents and their families. I’d like to share with you my experience of working in social care and why I believe it can be an aspirational career for many people.
I have over 40 years’ experience working as a nurse in the NHS. Since moving to Vida Healthcare, I work closely with the nurses and house managers who form a key part of Vida’s 500-strong team. I’m heavily involved in making sure effective care is provided for each resident through a range of initiatives and interventions. Our ultimate goal is to transform the care available to people living with dementia and provide the best possible care for our residents.
Currently, I’m still coordinating lateral flow tests across staff and residents each morning to limit the spread of Covid-19. I think for people who don’t work with vulnerable people it can be easy to think that Covid-19 has disappeared, but this is not the case.
Vaccination, protection and dementia support
We’ve recently been involved in rolling out the latest batch of Covid-19 and flu vaccines to everyone living and working in our three care homes to protect them as we head into the winter months. We are actively promoting the vaccine rollout with our staff, and working hand in hand with our pharmacy supplier to deliver bespoke clinics to enable our staff to access the vaccines.
Get vaccinated
If you haven't already, book your COVID-19 booster and flu jabs now. If you need more information or reassurance about either vaccinations - download and share these free resources with your colleagues.
Providing clinical support across Vida’s three care homes is a crucial part of my role. I provide support for staff where requested, for example taking bloods from residents where required, or caring for wounds. I also attend regular meetings with our clinical lead to prioritise training, care and equipment and take part in GP rounds.
It’s not just about resident care, however. Educating our staff to become dementia ambassadors and provide the right care for residents is crucial. From phlebotomy (the taking of bloods), to catheterisation and the simulation of real life scenarios, this prepares our staff for any situation which might arise.
There are, of course, numerous challenges I experience on a daily basis, but end of life care can be a particularly difficult time for everyone involved. As a resident approaches this point, difficult decisions have to be made. This is of course extremely hard for family members and friends, but can also be upsetting for staff who’ve formed particularly close bonds with individuals. I play a crucial role in working closely with key people to talk about what’s happening and why these decisions must be made, and make sure residents receive the best possible care until the very end.
Find out more
For more information on care career opportunities, visit Vida Healthcare.
1 comment
Comment by Stella Crew posted on
Glad you and your colleagues are doing this Terri.
Need to make a wider point that I can't flag up to government and NHS:- There is no longer a way to report Covid tests and trace - EVEN if positive. I am Covid positive and self-isolating, employed in social care and am horrified that this vital service no longer exists. Commenting here in the hope that it might reach someone who can flag up to government who just might take action (tho sadly have lost trust in government now).
Best to you, Stella