Why It Is Good Practice For AC's To Do A Risk Assessment

How To Do A Risk Assessment 

The continuous thing I see and hear in the AC online groups is that  AC's are expected to know about things like risk assessments, care plans, activity planning etc but no one shows them and they are left with feelings of frustration and overwhelm.
 Risk assessment is something I would recommend AC's do as standard practice for lots of reasons and in this blog I cover the why and do's. Hope it helps you.

A risk assessment is a careful examination of what in your workplace could have the potential to cause harm to people in your care.

It allows you to evaluate if you have taken enough precautions or should do more to prevent harm.

Why You Need To Do A Risk Assessment

 It is a legal requirement under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 to provide a care plan (Which your home manager will do) but under that remit you have to make sure it is centered on the resident's individual needs etc.

 And risk assessments need to be done if doing an activity, such as going out on an outing.
You need to consider two basic things during assessment. Firstly, physical risks, stairs, wheel chair access, mini bus/coach access, floor surface etc. Secondly, procedural risk, you need to consider manual handling, way staff work, staff ratios, resident's attitudes etc.
 Always ensure the risk assessment is signed off and reviewed periodically as stated on the risk assessment.

 Things To Identifying 

Hazard- Identify the potential for harm.

Who's At Risk – State the names on the document.

 Level of Risk- Medium, high,low.

 Precautions- State what needs to be done.

Who will do them- Staff.

When- State when.

 Make sure it is signed and dated.

AC  Action Plan 

Health & Safety: To be responsible for your own Health and Safety and that of anybody else who may be affected by your acts or omissions.

 To complete risk assessments on activities, outings and events as necessary.

 Promote safe working practice in the care home.

 Do you have risk assessments in place for equipment used?

Make a of what equipment you do have and what needs a risk assessment in your home-



Really important to have a risk assessment in place for lots of reasons. From a legal perspective if you’re not there and someone decides to use the parachute for example and someone holds it incorrectly and breaks a finger this can have huge implications on the home.
That’s just one example. it’s good practice and if you write the risk assessment people can have clear written instructions on how to use equipment and avoid negative things from happening as they sign to say they have read it and understood it.

And that way everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet.

Until next time keep shining and remember your worth. Do you like what I have shared?  Let me know and also I have created an online AC Academy that gives you support with all the challenges you face. www.actasticacademy.com.

Don't Be Alone!Come connect with me on FB and be part of my online community of fellow AC's at  www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup

Also I hold a care show every year so please feel free to come on the 24/05/16 at Lancing Parish Halls, South St, Lancing. 10am-4pm. FREE admission.

Until next time, keep shining.
Love,
Ann Marie x

How To deal With Grief in Your AC Job Role

How To Deal With Grief

 It has to be said this is the most difficult part of the job. It is an area that not much support is given to AC's or care staff in general within the care sector. Especially when you work in your role you can't help but get attached and build an emotional bond with the residents you work with, well I am here to tell you it's okay to feel sad when someone passes away.

 But it is important to deal with your grief so you can move on in your own life without it affecting you or your career. I remember one of my first encounters with a death of a resident, I was a carer at the time and remember having to take ten minutes and crying my eyes out but told to pull myself together and carry on with my shift.

 A bit harsh I thought, so from early on you teach yourself to bury your feelings and emotions. Not healthy, as it is important for you to have an outlet of expressing them and remembering the resident who has passed away. 

Also it can be hard to know what to say to the family and residents. Sometimes it's easier to busy ourselves with practical tasks rather than confront our own feelings of sadness and loss.

 Even though you may feel out of your depth talking to family members or other residents about death, in most cases it is usually better to say something. Simply saying, ' I am sorry for your loss, she is greatly missed,' can be enough.

 It can help you move forward and confront your own thoughts about death. It is essential that you have the opportunity to talk about your feelings and acknowledge the death of a resident.

 What You Can Do 

Set up a support group at work. 

Take time out to share special moments about a resident (pin up photos or special anecdotes about a resident in a public space)

 Ensure a resident's death is mentioned in the home's newsletter.

 Hold a memorial service for other residents and family members.

 Make sure all volunteers and friends are informed. 

Set up a grief box for other residents and staff to drop cards and notes of sympathy to the family.

GET MOVING! 

Discuss your feelings after work by taking a quick walk with staff members. 

TALK to a counsellor or someone you trust.

 Everyone will experience grief in their own way. Grief can make us feel sad, angry or confused. 

Talking to someone you trust about how you are feeling early on can be helpful. If feelings of grief seem overwhelming talk to your doctor.

 AC  Action Plan 

Talk about how you feel. 

Acknowledge it. 

If you're struggling in this area speak to your GP. 

Set up something in your work setting to acknowledge the death of a resident that allows everyone to remember them and grieve, if there is nothing like this in place then talk to your manager about it.

Until next time keep shining and remember your worth. Do you like what I have shared?  Let me know and also I have created an online AC Academy that gives you support with all the challenges you face. www.actasticacademy.com.

Don't Be Alone!
Come connect with me on FB and be part of my online community of fellow AC's at  www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup

Also I hold a care show every year so please feel free to come on the 24/05/16 at Lancing Parish Halls, South St, Lancing. 10am-4pm. FREE admission.

Until next time, keep shining.
Love,
Ann Marie x

p.s Sign up  to go on my mailing list and get my FREE  ebook: "10 Top Tips for Engaging and Stimulating Activities With The Elderly" 

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