SCOPE...“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

Have had a lovely conversation with a gentleman from SCOPE today. Sadly, i'm not in a position at the moment to commit each month financially to this wonderful cause.However,  he did agree that it would be ok for me to put something on the blog. True to my word ,here it is. My gift to you...awareness,pass it on.

 “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

SCOPE, what are they all about...in their own words, this is what they do

'... We're all about changing society for the better, so that disabled people and their families can have the same opportunities as everyone else.
We work with disabled people and their families at every stage of their lives. We offer practical support – from information services to education and everyday care.
We challenge assumptions about disability, we influence decision makers and we show what can be possible.
Everything we do is about creating real and lasting positive change in individual lives and in the world around us. We believe that together we can create a better society.'


Now,as professional carers,you and I all know just how close to home the reality of all these families go through on a daily basis.
I freely admit that it wasn't until I became a carer in the community that I realised the huge scale of help and support required.Too often we acknowledge difficulties but tend to think that it is happening somewhere else.

So, lets stop this 'not in my backyard' approach and do what we can to help.

When it comes to donations it is a personal choice and Im sure that if we were in a healthy financial position many charities would benefit.

Choosing your charity is also a very personal choice and that is respected.

On this occasion, I would just like for you to get familiar with SCOPE.There are many ways you can help, and there is a fantastic support network in place.

HOW YOU CAN HELP..

• Supporters area
• Donate to Scope
• Fundraising events
• Volunteering
• Corporate partnerships
• Campaign 
• Fundraising 

Take a look at this link for more information
http://www.scope.org.uk/how-you-can-help

Keep us close

Join our campaign to get better local support for disabled children and their families

http://www.scope.org.uk/campaigns

Services for disabled people and their families

 http://www.scope.org.uk/services

Share:

Our services are designed to support disabled people in England and Wales throughout their lives.

Help and information

Local Disability Advice and Information Lines (DIALs) and Scope Response offer the best combination of local knowledge and national disability expertise.

Education and learning

We offer disabled people education and learning opportunities tailored to their needs and abilities.

Short breaks  

Our flexible options include after school schemes, support in the home and support in the community.

Residential care and supported independent living

We offer solutions ranging from residential and small group homes to supported independent living schemes.

Employment and training

We never set limits on disabled people’s potential. Find out about the range of employment opportunities we offer.


 SCOPE CHARITY SHOPS
http://www.scope.org.uk/shops

Scope charity shops raise millions of pounds to fund our work with disabled people and their families.
We have nearly 250 shops selling a range of good-quality items to suit all budgets. You never know what you might find in our charity shops!
Our charity Christmas cards are now in store!
There are lots of ways to help your local Scope shop:
Recycling and donating goods to our shops
Every bag you fill up is worth £20 to us. It's a great way to recycle and to support our work.


Volunteer with us
By giving your time you can really help - there are lots of ways to get involved. Watch the video "Volunteers for Scope Charity Shops" on YouTube.


Work with us
Find out why we're a good employer and a great place to work!



Find your local Scope shop
Use our shop finder to get details of your local shop or call 0870 120 4120 for more information.

However you choose to help us, thank you.

So ,there you have it.Go and visit their site, its well worth it and very informative.Thanks everyone.

http://www.scope.org.uk/

Searching for Carer employment?

Just to get things going.....thought it about time, I put together some contacts referring to care agencies and homes throughout the UK.

You will have to do the hard graft, but at least its a start and a stepping stone to hope.

Whether you require care or you are a carer having to look for employment for whatever reason I hope these will be of help to you.


http://www.liveincarejobs.net/
www.carehome.co.uk/

http://www.nursing-agencies-list.com/


www.ukdirectory.co.uk/health-and...and.../nursing-agencies/

www.mencap.org.uk/mencapjobs

http://www.rightcareindex.com/browse/care-at-home/in/dorset

www.bluebirdcare.co.uk/weymouth


www.simplyhired.co.uk/a/jobs/...care.../l-dorchester,+england


www.sunshinecare.co.uk


ww.nurseplusuk.com/jobs/healthcare-assistant46

www.reed.co.uk/jobs/social-care/weymouth

www.indeed.co.uk/Care-Manager-jobs-in-Weymouth

...there will be more to follow!

REABLEMENT...LEARNING PROGRAMME!

I came across this site and automatically  thought of you! 

 REABLEMENT UK http://www.reablementuk.com/

It is a site providing programmes of how to carry out reablement effectively and I couldn't help thinking, if this is the way to go, then there is a lot more in depth training available out there on how to approach and implement good and effective reablement practise in visit.

When I wrote  about reablement back in May, I did touch on the area of how it was ,for some, hard to change your mindset of caring in this situation.

 http://carerscoffeepot.blogspot.co.uk/2012_05_01_archive.html

Have a look and see what you think.It certainly refreshed on approaches and maybe it will spark a light for you too.

 http://www.reablementuk.com/



This what they say,

" Dedicated and passionate about Reablement, we are focused on supporting front line staff to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to confidently work with individuals so they may regain their self care skills, and where possible be free from on-going services."

It's where you should be.

“Each experience in your life was absolutely necessary in order to have gotten you to the next place, and the next place, up to this very moment.”
― Wayne W. Dyer

HIGH STRESS & LOW MORALE

Yet more stories on stress levels....something which can't be avoided..





No end in sight to high stress and low morale
Public Service
Levels of stress are high due to autocratic and bureaucratic management styles, 98 per cent of managers have experienced a recent reorganisation and 46 per cent have been involved in compulsory redundancies. As a result 42 per cent want to leave.

"What I find surprising is the implication that senior managers aren't aware of low morale, high stress and general dissatisfaction or that this situation may have an impact on managers' health and individuals' performance."

CARERS STORECUPBOARD

A quickie....! Just to let you know that the CARERS STORECUPBOARD page has been updated. I love seeing all the gadgets available and (as a bookworm) all the relevant books available.Its a little goldmine, even if I do say so myself!!!

...CARE IS NEEDED NOW!

Wow. Have a read of the following link...It certainly pulled at a few heartstrings and at times I felt a little uncomfortable reading it. Yet, it brings to light the situation care can be in without the right funding and cut backs.It also highlights what a true carer is like,its all in the name...carer.

The question is....as a careworker, have you ever felt that no matter how often you report back the reality of a situation nothing seems to get done or it takes longer than it should? It is frustrating and then there is all the 'we have to pass it onto...' who isn't in the office and when they do get to deal with it a few days later you find out they have had to pass it on to some else and so on ,and so on...! You get the picture. Just to end my little rant....These are peoples lives you have the privilege to be a part of, they are NOT a number,they are NOT a file,they are NOT a statistic. Care is needed NOW, not when there is a WINDOW in the diary.



Uncaring Britain: One despairing care worker's account of this country's ...
Daily Mail
Carers like me visit once or several times a day to provide help with dressing, washing, meals, cleaning, shopping and medical care, enabling the frail and the needy to retain their last bit of independence by keeping them out of care homes for as long ...

STRESS MANAGEMENT

I have come across these great tips for managing stress through the following link

http://www.howtoee.com/20-stress-management-tips-that-give-results/


Take a look and see what you think.

I recognise a lot of the 'tools' which I have used over the years and very often not aware at the time of what I am doing!!! They have helped.

One of my affirmations each day when Im particularly low and anxious is,'God,nothing is going to happen today, that You and I can't handle together.' 

A snippet of the tips suggested to use on  http://www.howtoee.com/20-stress-management-tips-that-give-results/

1) Focus on your breathing
2) Use the power of visualisation
3) Take a break from your hectic schedule and find time for yourself.
4) Smile a lot  
5) Get some physical exercise on a regular basis. 
6) Go out there and spend some quality time with nature.
7) Grow self-awareness
8) Pay attention to what you’re thinking about and how it is affecting you. 
9) Spend more time with your family and friends.
10) Go ahead and play indoor or outdoor games that interest you
11) Try out affirmations as they are great to make you feel positive from the inside out.
12) Stop complaining and start fighting what’s bothering you.
13) Empty your thoughts on paper. 
14) Learn to say “no” 
15) If you’re worrying about taking a decision which is bringing in stress then simply ask yourself – what’s the worse that could happen?
16) Get more organized
17) Make sure you’re getting ample amount of sleep
18) Know who you are and value your uniqueness, your individuality.
19) Prepare for what’s going to come.
20) Become good at time management 

Give yourself five minutes to have a look!

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

News of bereavement support that may be of interest to you...




Rocky Mountain Hospice bereavement support groups - The ...
No one should grieve alone and that is why Rocky Mountain Hospice offers bereavement support groups for those in the community who are grieving the loss of ...
www.bozemandailychronicle.com/.../event_fa7ceac0-02a6-11...Hamptons Online - Bereavement Support
Amy Zachary LCSW, MA and Paula Peterson LCSW, MSC, experienced therapists and facilitators, will lead the bereavement group. Each has a unique ...
www.hamptons.com/cal_detail.php?calEventID...year...


Jeff's Place bereavement support moves offices to Framingham
MetroWest Daily News
Jeff's Place, a community-based program that provides support and services for children and teens (and their caregivers) coping with a family member's or friend's death, recently moved its offices to Deloss Street in Framingham, although support groups ...

 Ground-Breaking Conference Unites Bereavement Services
AboutMyArea
An exhibition incorporating organisations speaking on the day as well as Cruse Bereavement Care, Help in Bereavement, Simon Says, Off the Record and Victim Support will add to the programme of speakers. The 'Working with the bereaved in Portsmouth' ...
 Fundraisers go over the top to help bereavement charity
This is Plymouth
A GROUP of brave charity fundraisers conquered their fears to bag around £2,500 for children dealing with the loss of a loved one. Twenty-seven people, from nine to 63 years old, took part in an abseil on Saturday for Plymouth-based charity Jeremiah's ...

Bereavement charity funding cut ITV News The charity runs a play centre where youngsters and their parents can talk to support workers about their bereavement and get help to deal with any emotional problems. Last year it helped almost 300 families. It was when he started school and was ... See all stories on this topic » ITV News

Support group to help with loss of parent Newcanaannewsonline Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County will offer an eight-week bereavement support group to help adults cope with loss following the death of a parent. The group will meet Wednesday afternoons from 4 to 5:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 26 and will ... See all stories on this topic »

Bulletin Board Sun-Sentinel Free. Call 561-707-0600. Bereavement issues support group, for those in later bereavement, group meets every Tuesday, 12:30-2 p.m., Weisman Delray Community Center, 7091 Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. Free. Call 561-558-2100 to reserve a spot. See all stories on this topic »

Bereavement charity funding cut ITV News The charity runs a play centre where youngsters and their parents can talk to support workers about their bereavement and get help to deal with any emotional problems. Last year it helped almost 300 families. It was when he started school and was ... See all stories on this topic » ITV News

Support group to help with loss of parent Newcanaannewsonline Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County will offer an eight-week bereavement support group to help adults cope with loss following the death of a parent. The group will meet Wednesday afternoons from 4 to 5:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 26 and will ... See all stories on this topic »

Bulletin Board Sun-Sentinel Free. Call 561-707-0600. Bereavement issues support group, for those in later bereavement, group meets every Tuesday, 12:30-2 p.m., Weisman Delray Community Center, 7091 Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. Free. Call 561-558-2100 to reserve a spot. See all stories on this topic »

NEWS ROUND UP!!!!

Thought this may be of interest to you.Its good to know whats going on all over the place!!!!!!

Click on the links below for the full stories....

Home carers face pay cuts on Anglesey

Self-help for dementia-patient carers

£348000 project for carers

Charity launches new carers' respite service

OCTOBERS AWARENESS DATES

October's awareness days and week

 Lupus Awareness Month October 2012  

  

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex AwarBreast Cancer Awareness Month October 2012 

national Bullying Prevention Month 2012

Domestic Violence Awareness Month October 2012  

International Day of Older Persons 1 October 2012

World Smile Day 5 October 2012

Jeans for Genes Day 5 October 2012 

National Personal Safety Day 8 October 2012

 

BackCare Awareness Week 8-12 October 2012

  

 Humphreys Pyjama Week 8-12 October 2012

 

Dyslexia Awareness Week 8-14 October 2012

 

Encephalitis Awareness Week 8-14 October 2012

Baby Loss Awareness Week 9-15 October 2012

 

World Mental Health Day 10 October 2012

 

World Sight Day 11 October 2012

 

World Arthritis Day 12 October 2012

  World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 13 October 2012 

BackCare Awareness Week 17-23 October 2012

World Osteoporosis Day 20 October 2012

 National Hospital and Health System Pharmacy Day 21-27 October 2012

 

International Stammering Awareness Day 22 October 2012

Mole Day 23 October 2012

 

Wear it Pink 26 October 2012

 

Make a Difference Day 27 October 2012

 

World Psoriasis Day 29 October 2012

Understanding ALZHEIMERS

I don't know about you but during my time I think it was always assumed that as a carer you know everything about everything!!!!

You probably know where this is going don't you? No matter what situation we were walking into very rarely were we told; beforehand; this gentleman/lady has......It seemed we were just sent in and had to learn as we went along. (Of course,where equipment was concerned there was training provided for each individual before the first visit.)

So, I thought isn't this a good opportunity  to put together at least the basics(again,each person is unique) to begin to understand what is going on for the person we are caring for, as well  as their families.

It is a mxiture of own experience(sometimes alot closer to the heart) and what has been visited on lifes great journey.Oh and of course I will add in links for relevant sites that will go more in depth with each condition.

As September is Alzheimers month I feel it fitting for this to be the first step.(And I dedicate it to my grandad.x)

ALZHEIMERS

'..Named after Dr Alois Alzheimer, who observed the disease in 1901, Alzheimer’s disease affects about 500,000 people in the UK, and an estimated 35 million worldwide.
Typical symptoms of early Alzheimer’s include:

• Regularly forgetting recent events, names and faces.
• Regularly misplacing items or putting them in odd places.
• Confusion about the time of day.
• Disorientation, especially away from your normal surroundings.
• Getting lost.
• Problems finding the right words.
• Reduced judgement, for example, being unaware of danger.
• Mood or behaviour problems such as apathy, irritability, or losing confidence...'

 http://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/symptoms/


The speed of change varies between people and also between different diseases, but in most dementias symptoms progress slowly over several years.
Everybody is unique and is affected in their own way. As dementia progresses:

• People may find that their ability to remember, think and make decisions worsens.
• Communication and language often become more difficult.
• A person’s behaviour may change and some people can become sad or demoralised.
• Anxieties or phobias are quite common.
• Problems with time perception may cause problems with sleeping and restlessness at night.
• Anger or agitation is common in the later stages of dementia.
• It is common for people to be unsteady on their feet and fall more often.
• Gradually people require more help with daily activities like dressing, toileting and eating.

So; this I hope ;gives you an idea of what it is about. In reality, for families of those caring for a loved one it can be heartbreaking and frustrating to grasp why this person you love no longer remembers you,or can't communicate in any way. Its heartbreaking to see this happen for many years on end.

Its hard to grasp that their'knowing' seems to have disappeared....or has it?

I remember reading somewhere that the 'eyes are the windows to the soul'...think about it. next time you look into a mirror, take a close look into your own soul and get to know yourself. Its quite powerful and it  has been something I used in the past during many visits.

I can remember helping someone many years ago by singing the 'Archers' tune to motivate them to move and guide to the bathroom. On route, a towel or mat would be placed over carpet grips in each doorway(apparently it would be seen as an obstacle if left uncovered and they would come to a halt), These things are what you pick up as you go along and as I keep saying we are all individual,what works for one may not work for another.


I have come across a very interesting piece found on the Dementia UK website which looks at 'life story work'.... This framework is used by staff to collect information about the people they are working with in order to help them understand more about them and to provide information, which can help them to deliver person centred care. This is a collaborative process with family members and friends and emphasis is placed on using images and photographs to bring the life story book ‘to life'. The template can be adapted and updated according to individual needs or preferences and a copy can be stored electronically in case of loss or damage.'

http://www.dementiauk.org/information-support/life-story-work/

I urge you to take a look.It seems to me, to be something which would be of great help and a 'tool' which would work in all aspects of care!

STRESS MANAGEMENT

I've covered personal stress experiences with you before. As we are all unique individuals, we find our own way of dealing with this 'silent creeper'. Sometimes we are just too busy and caught up in day to day activities to realise it is shadowing us and then all of a sudden.... BANG! ITS ARRIVED!

I've come across this great piece which talks through a 'stress management checklist'. have a look and see just how much you suddenly find yourself relating to its content....


"...Stress should not be too high or too low. Just enough to motivate you. Any more or less of it will cause problems. Make you unhappy. And stop you from achieving your goals...."

by Michael J Costello

https://personaldevelopmenttoolbox.com/stress-management-how-to-checklist/?utm_source=BlogGlue_Network&utm_medium=BlogGlue_Plugin

REABLEMENT

 Have come across this interesting piece of news today and thought I would share it with you.There are many of us who can't quite grasp the idea of reablement and yet its purpose is so simple.



 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-19252990




".....Ruth Crowder, vice chair of the Welsh Reablement Alliance, said:
"It prevents people becoming dependent, prevents them needing to go into care.
"Reablement focuses on how you can help people to really start to take responsibility and maximise their own independence so they can live the life they want to live.
"Whenever we hear older people talk about what they want it's about staying in their own home.
"It's about doing all those things that are important to them, whether that's playing with their grandchildren, seeing their friends, being in contact with their family."

 Think about it....where is the one place you want to be when you are not feeling 100%? For me it's home.

1000 pageviews.THANK YOU.

We did it....or rather YOU did it. Carers Coffee Pot has now had 1000 pageviews and its all down to you. (Actually at the time of writing this post it has reached 1010....!!!)


I have to admit to being a 'little' excited about this. Once again, interest has been shown and it is very warming that ; I hope; this blog is proving to be of help somewhere along the line.

                                            Thank you all, you continue to do a wonderful job.

WHISTLEBLOWING ...continued!

I had a very encourageable reponse in pageviews and comments regarding the whistleblowing post made back in june.


I have come across this article which is in favour of encouraging whistleblowing and thought you might find it an interesting read too...

'....Whistleblowing is not a dirty word — but the acts it prevents or puts an end to most certainly are. No organization, regardless of size, can afford not to encourage it. Every incident needs to be investigated thoroughly. Everyone needs to know it’s safe to speak up.

If your organization isn’t embracing a culture that supports the reporting of wrongdoing, then it has willingly exposed an Achilles heel. It’s only a matter of when, not if, it will feel the consequences....'

http://www.hrreporter.com/blog/Editor/archive/2012/07/24/enable-your-whistleblowers 

Carers Support.

Where do I start with this one?

As a professional carer I always felt that the recognition was never there. The skills and care of each member took for granted . Being asked what I did for a living ;at times; got the ' conversation stopper treatment',  almost a   'you get paid to do it and it is just a job, low on the rankings.' How wrong!!

I always felt very proud of what I did and would send such an attitude a silent blessing.It is a position of great privilege and a 'job' which you have to want to do. My advice to anyone thinking it is an easy option to earn a couple of pounds would be ,don't do it!

Choice is something that we all have, however there are situations in our lives which make it quite difficult to decide. Never more so than for those caring for their own loved ones 24/7 365!!

 I have had a read of the forum at carers uk and have to say how heartbreaking, yet inspiring the comments are. All carers and all supporting each other.

It has given me a deeper insight into how they must feel,cope and manage their situations. One emotion I had not given much thought to, was the guilt a person was feeling for not being able to cope with the care and keeping a young family together...courageous to write about it and phenomenal, non patronising support given from others.

Carers uk is full of wonderful tips and guidance and well worth looking at.

Its good to know its there.

www.carersuk.org/

Daily Om...is here!

I'm very excited about this and I hope you will be too. If you look to the right you will see ' Today's Daily Om'.

Each day they send a reflection or something worth thinking about. Like me , you may find that it arrives at a very important time in your life and strike a chord.

So, if it is of interest to you and you have a few minutes then please do take a look.

(I don't feel so daft writing about the butterfly I saw the other week now!)

Have fun.

'Cranky Old Man' Anonymous poem

 Have come across this, and just had to share it with you all.....

When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a nursing home in an Australian country town, it was believed that he had nothing left of any value.
Later, when the nurses were going through his meager possessions, They found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital.

One nurse took her copy to Melbourne. The old man's sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas editions of magazines around the country and appearing in mags for Mental Health. A slide presentation has also been made based on his simple, but eloquent, poem.

And this old man, with nothing left to give to the world, is now the author of this 'anonymous' poem winging across the Internet.

Cranky Old Man

What do you see nurses? . . .. . .What do you see?
What are you thinking .. . when you're looking at me?
A cranky old man, . . . . . .not very wise,
Uncertain of habit .. . . . . . . .. with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food .. . ... . . and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . .'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice . . .the things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . .. . . A sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not . . . ... lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding . . . .The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking?. .Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse .you're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am . . . . .. As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, .. . . . as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of Ten . .with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters .. . . .. . who love one another
A young boy of Sixteen . . . .. with wings on his feet
Dreaming that soon now . . .. . . a lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty . . . ..my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows .. .. .that I promised to keep.
At Twenty-Five, now . . . . .I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide . . . And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty . .. . . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other . . .. With ties that should last.
At Forty, my young sons .. .have grown and are gone,
But my woman is beside me . . to see I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, .. ...Babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children . . . . My loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me . . . . My wife is now dead.
I look at the future ... . . . . I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing .. . . young of their own.
And I think of the years . . . And the love that I've known.
I'm now an old man . . . . . . .. and nature is cruel.
It's jest to make old age . . . . . . . look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles .. .. . grace and vigour, depart.
There is now a stone . . . where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass . A young man still dwells,
And now and again . . . . . my battered heart swells
I remember the joys . . . . .. . I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living . . . . . . . life over again.
I think of the years, all too few . . .. gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . . . that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people .. . . . .. . . open and see.
Not a cranky old man .
Look closer . . . . see .. .. . .. .... . ME!!

Remember this poem when you next meet an older person who you might brush aside without looking at the young soul within. We will all, one day, be there, too!

PLEASE SHARE THIS POEM!
The best and most beautiful things of this world can't be seen or touched. They must be felt by the heart!

Psst!

Just a quickie...! You can now keep up with us on Facebook and Twitter. x

" If you knew who walked beside you at all times, on the path that you have chosen, you could never experience fear or doubt again.” ― Wayne W. Dyer

THANK YOU AND YOU AND YOU.....!

Time for a 'gratitude attack!'

The last couple of months have been quite amazing thanks to all of you who have had a browse and shown great interest in the Carers Coffee Pot.

Your comments have been wonderful and courageous and as the Carers Coffee Pot will always maintain anonymity, I would like to at least say thank you to the countries around the world and I'm sure you all know who you are even if I don't!!!! (I'm confusing myself here!!!!!)

So, thank you to....UK,USA, RUSSIA, UKRAINE, GERMANY, FRANCE, AUSTRIA, AUSTRALIA, INDIA, IRELAND, MALAYSIA, PHILIPPINES.
It is wonderful to think the world is full of silent angels and as I have said from the start, this is for you so thank you for being there.

Interestingly, there has been a lot of interest shown in the posts regarding abuse, stress, grief, reablement, whistleblowing....I don't know about you but I feel there is a lot more to explore here and in due course they will all be followed up.

One of the many aims of this blog is to provide support to you all. Be it in boosting morale or providing information in areas that aren't always made clear to us. It would also be beneficial to throw in a few personal coping strategies for us all too.

All of this is to come and I feel there is enough here to overflow into a website all of its own, but that's just between you and me for now.

Exciting times to come for the Carers Coffee Pot.

Once again (gratitude attack) THANK YOU AND YOU AND YOU AND YOU......!




" If you knew who walked beside you at all times, on the path that you have chosen, you could never experience fear or doubt again.” ― Wayne W. Dyer

 “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
― Eleanor Roosevelt

“Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?”
― L.M. Montgomery

 “I know God won't give me anything I can't handle. I just wish he didn't trust me so much.”
― Mother Teresa

St Catherine of Siena -Patron saint of carers and nurses

St. Catherine of Siena 

St. Catherine of Siena quotes.

“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.”
― St. Catherine of Siena

 St. Catherine of Sienna is the Patron Saint of Carers and Nurses.Dominican Tertiary born at Siena, 25 March, 1347; died at Rome, 29 April, 1380.

From early in life she avowed herself to Christ and experienced a Mystical espousal. She became a Dominican Tertiary Nun and returned to her family to tend the sick and the ill, some with horrific diseases. She suffered herself with great pain but continued with her work.

 “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
― Maya Angelou

 “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
― Theodore Roosevelt

 “Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.”
― Marilyn Monroe, Marilyn

  “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

Life Transitions~from Daily Om.

The Daily Om is in Links to Like and each day (obviously!) something very reflective comes through. I have included an excerpt for you but do please click on the link to follow.



DailyOM today@dailyom.com  

'.....we may go through one whole chapter of our lives creating a protective shell around ourselves because we need it in order to heal from some early trauma. One day, though, we may find ourselves feeling confined and restless, wanting to move outside the shelter we needed for so long; the new part of ourselves cannot be born within the confines of the shell our old self needed to survive.....'

Carers Coffee Pot - Community careworkers...sharing good days and bad days.: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ―...

Carers Coffee Pot - Community careworkers...sharing good days and bad days.: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
―...: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ― Oscar Wilde

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
― Oscar Wilde

 “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
― Mother Teresa

“One's dignity may be assaulted, vandalized and cruelly mocked, but it can never be taken away unless it is surrendered.”
― Michael J. Fox

ABUSE!

A sensitive area, however as carers we are told to always be on the look out for any sign of abuse within a visit. This could be physical, emotional, financial, verbal, discrimination,self harm,eating, drink,drugs, the list goes on. However, what about the carer being abused?

Sadly it does occur, and once again a situation where as a carer you find yourself making excuses for the abuser because of the situation they are in and  having to cope with it.They are probably angry, annoyed at abilities which have been reduced and basic frustration.However, they do require help and if you have been abused you require support too.

Quite simply it is not acceptable. To be cornered in a  kitchen with all sorts of utensils to hand to the abuser and no way of the service user being reasonably talked out of it, is a scary situation to be in. In this scenario, visits became a double up and as should be the case the carer was withdrawn from visiting.

The ongoing effects can run quite deep.Support, as with most things is offered by the crate load at the time because its 'all new' but what happens a couple of months down the line and you realise you would benefit from some help now?

It is out there.You are NOT alone and it is quite natural for it to take a while to come to the surface.

Should you feel you are in that situation now, please feel strong enough to get in touch with  the Carers Coffee Pot. All messages recieved are viewed personally before being published so it won't go on the blog if you don't want it too, just make sure you say so.

Alternatively, if you want a reply you can always email to carerscoffeepot@gmail.com and I can reply to you as soon as I can.

You are important to the CarersCoffee Pot, and your wellbeing is important to you.



If you have a few minutes, take a look at this article.....You really are not alone.
 http://suite101.com/article/caregiver-abuse-by-an-elderly-spouse-or-parent-a215050

Affection and Calm

Beautiful words from the Dalai Lama.....




Affection and a calm mind are important to us. A calm mind is good for our physical health, but it also enables us to use our intelligence properly and to see things more realistically. Affection too is important because it counters anger, hatred and suspicion that can prevent our minds from functioning clearly.

Carers Coffee Pot - Community careworkers...sharing good days and bad days.: Don't forget your toothbrush!!

Carers Coffee Pot - Community careworkers...sharing good days and bad days.: Don't forget your toothbrush!!: I'd arrived at the visit and straight away I had to get into action. I'd let the paramedics in, the warden was on their way and I was trying...

WHAT MAKES YOUR DAY?

Usually I tend to write about past experiences which have an affect on the present and share with you all.

Today is different because I had what I call a 'GRATITUDE ATTACK!'

Its a wonderful warm feeling when you notice it happen and the world around you seems to 'refresh'!

Each day I am blessed with the cheekiness and mischief my toddler son expresses - be it emptying his shampoo bottle all over the windows or proudly walking into the room with his toothbrush, very much squeezed toothpaste tube and minty toes to match his teeth!! Priceless!

Each day for him is a new adventure as he explores and discovers the world. He is emerging into a wonderful little fella who chases the clouds away everyday.

Today was the day for something else to emerge into our world....a butterfly! (sorry if you felt it was an anti climax!)

This beautiful creature fluttered around the garden- to get his bearings- for a good hour or so. Never going too far away and always coming back to perch on the garden chair. How good it must feel to be able to stretch out those wings, feel the warmth and let the warm breeze take you.

It was a wonderful experience and daft as it may sound to some, I felt privileged to be a part of this butterfly's journey.

As the butterfly gained confidence and realised just how much he could do and where he could go I bid him goodday and said thank you.....off he went.



It got me thinking, how wonderful it must feel for all those who have carers come into their life and share their own 'emergence' as they become able to do more after a difficult time.The visits cease or reduce and off they flutter. Beautiful.


So, what makes your day? I would love to know.






123Friendster.com - More Butterfly Quotes Comments

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

AWARENESS DATES THIS WEEK



 NATIONAL BIPOLAR AWARENESS DAY Wednesday 27 June 2012

A public education campaign, Bipolar Awareness Day  will be launched on  2012 by Bipolar UK, the Royal College of Psychiatrists and Bipolar Scotland.
 http://www.recoverywirral.com/




WRONG TROUSERS DAY 29 JUNE 2012

Wallace and Gromit's Children's Foundation aims to raise money for sick children in hospitals and hospices throughout the UK.

www.wallaceandgromitfoundation.org/

 

 

WHISTLEBLOWING! Do you,don't you?!!!!!

I know you may well be looking at this with a sidewards glance and wincing but it does need to be highlighted.

First off, whistleblowing is for you to be able to report CONFIDENTIALLY any malpractice you see within the workplace.It could be regarding the welfare of a patient or service user, it could be regarding health and safety issues.Whatever it is, it does need to be addressed.

I've used this myself in the past.Yes, it felt uncomfortable to do but for the safety of the service user it had to be done and I had to speak out.

I had a few issues with how a double up visit was going each time I was in there with a particular colleague.The use of hoist and equipment was very lax ed and as they seemed to always assume lead role I felt very inferior. However, I could no longer be a part of such bad practise. I could see it was only a matter of time and through this one persons action they were putting the service user,themselves and me at risk. I would speak up in visit but it didn't seem to have an effect. Ultimately, I found myself in the managers office having to write down all my concerns and issues.

It is a difficult decision to make but when the person you are working with doesn't listen, you have to do something.

I really thought it would get sorted. I had gone through the right procedures and felt ;naively; it would be dealt with appropriately. The outcome in time,was after 'them' having a chat with the other colleague, they would keep an eye on things!

How serious does a situation have to be for action to be taken. This was about the welfare of a service user, misuse of equipment and if need be, maybe I should have pulled up the GRIEVANCE policy.

Get the support you need from the right people.If you need to go higher up,do so.

It is sad but true, that in the caring world there are occasionally the odd one or two who do slip up and continue to do it. It is a shame, as more often than not its these cases that seem to make the news and it does put a dark cloud over the majority who do a fantastic and efficient job and as ever it goes unnoticed.

For all those concerned or in a similar situation, if you can find it within you, please do speak up or at least get it recorded so that someone somewhere will do something!

DSZTQ3N975R3


"Stand before the people you fear and speak your mind -- even if your voice shakes." Maggie Kuhn




Please take a look at the following link for direction about whistleblowing. As ever, always check your employers procedures.



http://www.careuk.com/content/whistleblowing_home

CELEBRATION OF PARKING RESTRICTIONS!

Its that time of the year when all around the country there are festivals, carnivals, 'major sporting events', etc taking place.

There are many individuals who have worked a long time and achieved personal goals through hard work,dedication and perseverance towards a lot of the events.

Its great to be a part of a country with so many celebrations going on. Its great to see vast amounts of people having fun and tourists seeing what we do best......Wait for it......here it comes.......HOWEVER....(told you!)...

.... road closures, parking restrictions, it makes me wonder what provisions are put in place for the community care/support worker and others who have to continue their daily and very much needed visits to service users.

Are the provisions put in place 'acceptable'?  Is parking safe for evening visits? Have they addressed personal safety issues? Do you feel comfortable with it all?

If the nearest you can park to a visit is a good 10 minute walk away, will you 'realistically' be programmed enough time to park and walk, go into visit, walk back to the car, go onto the next visit, get caught up in extra traffic, take on extra visits because someones poorly(!) even though your workload is overflowing because of holiday cover and contend with whatever the weather will throw at you!!!!  A hard enough task if it's for a couple of days but it must be quite daunting for any events that are on for ...ooh...lets say
3-4 weeks !!!!

Many probably won't say anything to the right people because it can be awkward and half the time you know that no action will be done about it and as usual, your caring nature is taken advantage of as they know you will just do it anyway. (can't help but think of the word 'bully' here.)

So, to all of you  who will be caught up in this , stay strong and I hope there is plenty of support and understanding for the mammoth job you will have and the long hours you will do. I'm sure there will be enough supervisors( normally office based but told to work from home during this period )who will support their team and join in to help cover visits local to them. Its all about working together isn't it?  Dedication and perseverance to staff and service users.

Thank you in advance for your commitment.



Strongly advise you to take a look at the following link for personal safety tips while out and about.I think it will open your eyes.

 http://www.suzylamplugh.org/

Benevolent fund?For you?Now you know!

 Something I didn't know was out there,thought I'd pass it on! It just might come in handy one day!



www.carecharityevents.co.uk/


 http://www.cpbenevolentfund.org.uk/index.cfm

" The Care Professionals Benevolent Fund (CPBF) is the national registered charity for care workers in the UK. We support current, former and retired care professionals by providing assistance to relieve financial hardship and sickness.
Launched in 2009 with the support of 15 founding care group members, the charity is the safety net for those in our industry who are suffering or experi-encing life changing circumstances.
The CPBF is there for the people who work in care homes and domiciliary care in the UK when nobody else is. Within this sponsorship pack there are lots of opportunities to show your support to the industry that cares. Please will you help us help those who spend their life caring for others?

Who cares for the carers? We do."

STRESS! WHERE DID THAT COME FROM???

Doesn't happen does it? Not in a job you love doing,surely? Is it an 'off' day, are you just tired or is it 'just one of those days'!!!!!

Stress is a tough one to admit is happening to you.Especially when you dedicate yourself to others.You see yourself as being strong because you take on board the worries and concerns of those you meet. However, at some point it can find a way of grabbing you and pinning you down so you feel you have no strength to carry on let alone pick yourself up and climb out of the abyss you suddenly find yourself in.

This is how it happened for me -

I had been in visit to care for someone who had recently had a stroke.The visit went smoothly and on this occasion one of my bosses had come out to see how things were progressing. Once the visit had finished, notes recorded and goodbyes bid, we were outside by our cars and I was asked  'so, how are you?'
That was all it took. Tears,straggled sentences,bottom lip shuddering and my shoulders curling in because all I wanted to do was roll up in a ball.

Straight away my boss was on the phone to get cover for the rest of my visits that morning.(I appreciated the decision but it didn't stop me thinking of the people I would be letting down, the extra calls the programmers would have to make pretty sharpish,the extra workload put on the rest of the team...the pressure just increased!!!)

I soon found myself in the office, still blubbering and trying so hard to keep smiling because that was what I was known for but I'm sure the expressions my saturated face were making would've got me first place in a 'gurning' competition!!(You see, even as I write this I have to try and add a bit of humour best I can, its my coping mechanism!) Carrying on...By lunchtime I had offloaded to a very dear friend who understood fully and I had been signed off by my GP for 10days for stress/depression. I declined the offer of tablets to help me but had decided to have 10days of just 'me' time.

During that time I allowed myself to feel miserable,pitiful and as I always seem to do whenever something like this happens I managed to talk myself into the gutter being homeless,out of a job, on my own because of pride,useless and the dangerous thought for me is, I'm the common factor in all this upset I should step aside and be out of everyones way.

When it gets to that point I have learnt that it is time to have a cup of tea and start to build myself back up.I can't get much lower and no one can make me feel any worse than I already do, so it's upto me to make that change.

One of the things I've learnt over the years is that sometimes you want the world to 'freezeframe' just so you can catch your breath and gather yourself,once thats done the world can start moving again. Freezeframe doesn't happen, but close your eyes, become peaceful and find that place to rest,recognise and regain strength. Then, for me, you can carry on.

I remember reading somewhere once that when life around you becomes too much and you don't know where to start or what to deal with first, imagine you have entered an office with a big desk and files,folders, books, stacked up so high you just don't know what to do. It all needs to be dealt with but you are overwhelmed by the enormity of the job in hand. Keep looking at the desk but walk away, the further you get the smaller the stacks look and you realise, ok, its not so bad, I can deal with this and I shall start...here. You are on track and you are on a mission to get it sorted and what a great feeling it is once the desk is clear!!!!

I do tend to allow myself,even now, to recognise when I'm having a 'bad' day. Again, as I wrote in the 'My friend,Bad Back' post,I seperate myself from what I am feeling and have a little chat it tends to go something like this...' a tough day uh? This is the deal,cry and blubber and be fed up for 24hrs. Tomorrow you will be stronger and refreshed and you can welcome what the wonderful world has to offer you. You will be fine and yes , you do matter and you do make a difference.'

Always remember, you are never alone. I am lucky, I have the most beautiful family around me who have nothing but love to give, understanding and shine light whenever I am in a dark place. Thank you. x



 I try to take one day at a time, but sometimes several days attack me at once.  ~Jennifer Yane

AWARENESS DATES FOR THIS WEEK

Don't forget the awareness dates this week. Remember each one is valuable and there is so much to learn just by clicking on the links for each cause.
(If you know of any others, please let us know.)


16th - 24th Herbal Medicine week                    
http://www.nimh.org.uk/

18th -24th Carers week                                      
carersweek.org/

18th-24th Learning Disability week                    
http://www.mencap.org.uk/

18th-24th Falls Awareness week                        
http://www.ageuk.org.uk/

18th -24th Breathe Easy week                              
http://www.blf.org.uk/Home

ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY 15TH JUNE

Go to Age uk link to find out more.


15th         Elder Abuse Awareness day                 
http://www.ageuk.org.uk/

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

JUNE 2012


Motor Neurone Disease Awareness Month       
http://www.mndassociation.org/

10th -16th Diabetes week                                  
http://www.diabetes.org.uk/

11th -17th Huntingtons Disease awareness week
http://hda.org.uk/

11th -17th National Glaucoma awareness week
http://www.glaucoma-association.com/

16th - 24th Herbal Medicine week                     
http://www.nimh.org.uk/

18th -24th Carers week                                      
carersweek.org/

18th-24th Learning Disability week                    
http://www.mencap.org.uk/

18th-24th Falls Awareness week                         
http://www.ageuk.org.uk/

15th         Elder Abuse Awareness day                 
http://www.ageuk.org.uk/

18th -24th Breathe Easy week                              
http://www.blf.org.uk/Home

What colour tabard are you?

It's wonderful how colour can have an effect on how you feel and how others react towards you. Do you think the colour of your tabard or uniform reflects this.

Below is a description of what a few colours represent....pick one.....look at your tabard....did you get a match?


A  Pink

Calm feelings

Neutralise disorder

Relaxation

Acceptance

B Green

State of balance

A need for change or growth

Protection from fears and anxieties connected with demands of others 

C Red

Increasd enthusiasm and interest

More energy

Action and confidence to go after your dreams

Protection from fears and anxieties

  
D Blue

Calm and relaxation to offset chaos or agitation

Open communication

Open to gaining new information

Solitude and peace

E White

To clear clutter and obstacles away

To start a fresh beginning

Mental clarity

Purification of thoughts and actions 

My friend, 'Bad Back.'

Its  well known that back injuries, among many others come hand in hand with being a carer. When it happens it is an instant turn around in your usual day to day routine.
There have been many back incidents during my time. Sadly, each time it happened, the recovery period got longer, the good times in between got shorter.Until eventually I was deemed unfit to do the job.


Hard news to swallow when you absolutely love the job you do and think you are set up for quite a few years. There is a period of recalling all those you have met and helped and the knowledge gained over time....what now??!! It is because of all of this, the Carers Coffee Pot has come to light. I have my Back to thank for it!

I would like to share with you how I eventually became friends with my Back.... Painkillers,anti-inflammatries,hot water bottle, tens machine, heat rub,physio,rest,sleep, bag of frozen peas.They have all played a part.But so has'acceptance'.

You see, when it first all kicked off  I was so angry. In my mind I was able to jump up and run around but my body didn't respond that way.I couldn't lift a kettle up for myself, I had to use walls and furniture to get about. I couldn't do my shopping because I couldn't drive let alone push a trolley up and down the aisle's. Then to add insult to injury I found I had a problem pulling my knickers up!!!!AAAArrrgh!!! Alot of negativity and can't do's! It had to change.

First off I decided to seperate from my back and its troubles...(keep with me)....by doing this I would take care of it better, give it time to recover and together work towards little goals and achievements. I accepted there was pain and restriction however, instead of the 'can't do's' they would become the 'can do's-but not how you would normally do it!!!'

Housework would be broken down to daily chores. Dusting one day, laundry the next etc. Shopping would be done daily-ish, it would involve a walk to the shop and only buy what I could carry, keeping it light.Cooking would be something quick and easy (but tasty!)and the washing up would be done with my foot resting on the bottom shelf of the cupboard under the sink, to help out with posture(still have trouble after being at the sink for ten minutes or more). In general I made sure everything was within reach to reduce any possibility of over stretching(still do that one too!)

By setting these tasks it meant I was at least moving (one way or another)and it gave me something to get up for each day, I had something to do! I would have a little chat with 'Back' each day...how are you doing?...on scale of 1-10 whats the pain like today!

Of course, I had exercises to do from physio too.Sure enough, each time it worked.

Today,'Back' is as good as its going to get.There are limits in ability,but,if I sit down and swing my knickers over one foot the rest is sure to follow!!!