How to Recognise a Positive Care Home Culture with expert Norma Sherwin

In this episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker sits down with Norma Sherwin, a seasoned nurse with 38 years of experience in the care industry. Norma shares her journey from direct care work to consultancy, where she now focuses on supporting others to implement best practices and enhance well-being for both caregivers and those they care for. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by care home managers, the importance of self-care, and strategies for promoting positive culture and genuine connections within care settings. With insights on training, staff support, and fostering collaboration between managers and families, Norma provides invaluable advice for navigating the complexities of the care sector.

Norma supports care homes to improve their practice and improve their CQC rating in her consultant business. Find her here https://ns-care.co.uk/ or on linkedIn linkedin.com/in/norma-sherwin

Timestamps:

• 00:00:20: Introduction to the podcast by host Andy Baker.
• 00:01:04: Andy introduces Norma Sherwin, a nurse with 38 years of experience in the care industry.
• 00:06:11: Discussion about Norma's transition from direct care work to consultancy during the lockdown.
• 00:08:03: Challenges faced by care home managers, including legalities, staff management, and ensuring the well-being of residents.
• 00:16:13: The misconception around self-care and the importance of setting boundaries.
• 00:23:13: Strategies for managers to prevent burnout and promote self-care among staff.
• 00:25:31: Balancing commercial aspects of care with long-term quality and staff well-being.
• 00:32:09: Building genuine connections with residents in care homes.
• 00:34:06: Addressing challenges in care home culture, such as blame and task-focused approaches.
• 00:37:33: Onboarding families and educating them about care home culture and procedures.
• 00:40:07: Importance of understanding standards and requirements in care settings.
• 00:45:03: Tips for family members on engaging with loved ones with dementia.
• 00:52:08: Discussion on creating a positive and inclusive culture in care homes.

Key Messages:

1. Prioritise Self-Care: Caregivers and managers must prioritize self-care to prevent burnout and maintain well-being.
2. Build Genuine Connections: Building genuine connections with residents in care homes enhances the quality of care and overall well-being.
3. Address Care Home Culture: Addressing challenges in care home culture, such as blame and task-focused approaches, is essential for creating a positive environment.
4. Educate Families: Educating families about care home culture and procedures can foster better understanding and support for both residents and staff.

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Wellbeing Support Nursing Care Management Life Healthcare Challenges Self-Care Caregiver Mental Health Awareness Elderly Care Dementia Education