Imagine you were trying to open up to a friend, but you could tell they weren’t really listening and their mind was elsewhere. How would it make you feel? Not very important, probably.
We praise people for being good listeners precisely because we know lots of us aren’t. But in line management, active listening can make or break your employee relationships.
So, what is active listening and how can you become good at it?
In this article, we’ll explore:
- The benefits of active listening to line managers
- Practical active listening tips for your next 1-2-1
- How to overcome common active listening barriers
First, a quick definition.
What are the two main types of care home in the UK?
There are a few different types of care home in the UK, including those that care for people with specific needs – such as those with dementia, or who require palliative care.
But there are two main types of care home that you’re most likely to come across as you start out in your caring career: residential care homes, and nursing homes.
Residential care homes
At a residential care home, qualified care workers and assistants provide personal care – helping residents to wash, dress, move around, eat, take medication, engage in conversation and activities, and use the toilet.
Nursing homes
As well as the qualified personal care staff employed by a residential care home, a nursing home also employs registered nurses and assistants who provide round-the-clock clinical care to residents.
Let’s look at who does what in each of these care homes.
What job roles are there in care homes?
Of course, it isn’t just carers who work in care homes. A care home will employ cleaners, chefs, drivers, gardeners, maintenance teams, activity coordinators – depending on its size.
But in this article, we’ll explore in detail the roles that are specifically about delivering personal or clinical care to residents – and helping them with their daily activities.
1. Care Assistant or Healthcare Assistant
If you’re getting into care work for the first time, a support or assistant role is a good entry point. Full and part-time opportunities are available, as are both day and night shifts.
What does a Care Assistant do?
Working under the guidance of a senior care worker or registered nurse, you will look after the physical and emotional wellbeing of residents – as well as their mobility and social needs.
This will involve:
- helping residents wash, dress, eat, move around and use the toilet
- making beds and maintaining a safe, clean and tidy environment
- talking to residents and engaging them in stimulating activities
- taking residents’ temperature or pulse, and helping them with medication.
As they build their qualifications and experience, care support workers often progress into care worker – and eventually senior care worker – positions.
What qualifications are required?
No prior experience or qualifications are necessary as training is usually provided on the job. However, you may be expected to begin a formal Health and Social Care qualification shortly after your appointment – and this will often be paid for by your employer.
Read more: ‘I no longer have to spend £40 a month on training’: Raphael’s story
2. Care Manager, Care Supervisor or Care Team Leader
A care manager, care supervisor or care team leader oversees and develops a team of care assistants, creates care plans for residents and ensures they are implemented properly.
What does a Care Team Leader or Supervisor do?
Supporting the care home manager in the effective running of the home, this person splits their time between managing and supporting the team and ensuring residents’ wellbeing.
This will typically mean they:
- meet new residents, assess their care needs and develop care plans
- manage, train and support care assistants to deliver safe and effective care
- continuously review and improve care plans, and their implementation
- lead team meetings and carry out staff inductions and performance reviews.
With time and experience, these roles can lead to care home management, overseeing the day to day running of a single home – or multiple homes as a regional manager.
What qualifications are required?
You will be expected to have gained solid experience and qualifications as a carer. Unless you’re making the step up to team lead for the first time, you will also be expected to have managed people – and often to hold an NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Health & Social Care.
Read more: ‘I can use my skills to make a difference’: Shashini’s story
3. Registered Nurse
In a nursing home, a Registered Nurse is responsible for overseeing the delivery of clinical care to residents – including providing guidance to the care team on clinical best practices.
What does a care home Registered Nurse do?
Ensuring all Care Quality Commission standards are met, nurses continually observe, review and evaluate residents’ care needs and plans to ensure the best possible care is provided.
This usually involves:
- taking residents’ temperature, blood pressure and pulse
- giving drugs and injections, setting up drips and treating wounds
- monitoring residents’ progress and updating their records
- collaborating with doctors and other specialists on care decisions
- supporting residents and their relatives, and providing advice.
What qualifications are required?
As well as formal nursing qualifications, training and experience, you will need:
- a current Nursing and Midwifery Council registration
- up-to-date knowledge of clinical practices, and
- a good understanding of regulatory frameworks and guidelines.
4. Physiotherapist
In a care home, a physiotherapist supports residents through their rehabilitation from injury, and helps them maintain and improve their physical strength and wellbeing.
What does a care home Physiotherapist do?
Physiotherapy in care homes is about supporting residents with pain management, injury prevention, and individual or group exercises designed to enhance overall wellbeing.
Day to day, this will mean:
- assessing joint and movement problems, and making tailored treatment plans
- implementing treatment plans through exercise, massage and ultrasound
- assessing needs for specialist footwear or other walking aids to support mobility
- keeping accurate records of treatment and progress, and keeping plans up to date
- working closely with occupational therapists and the care team on integrated care.
In larger care homes, a physiotherapist may support a senior physiotherapist – or could themselves be supported by an assistant.
What qualifications are required?
You would need to hold a degree in Physiotherapy, a current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and experience in providing physiotherapy to the elderly.
5. Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists help people who struggle to complete everyday tasks and activities due to the effects of ageing, physical or mental illness, disability or accidents.
What does a care home Occupational Therapist do?
Occupational Therapy (OT) in care homes is about assessing residents, making diagnoses, creating therapy plans, and helping people gain greater independence through rehabilitation.
As an occupational therapist in a care home, you would:
- assess and diagnose needs, create plans and provide rehabilitation activities
- advise residents, their families and care team colleagues on independent living
- keep accurate records and attend team meetings to foster integrated care
- train care team staff on the assembly and use of specialist equipment.
What qualifications are required?
You would be expected to hold a degree in Occupational Therapy, or an equivalent qualification, experience working with the elderly, and a registration with the HCPC.
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