“Dear Jan, I used to work as a carer until last year when I was offered the role of AC. I really love the job I do now, but I feel quite lonely a lot of the time. I don’t feel like I’m part of the team any more.”
Rosie, Activity Coordinator
Dear Rosie,
Firstly, I must say that I have been there and done that and know exactly how you feel. Do remember that you were offered the role for a reason. You obviously have all the personal and professional qualities that are required for the position. It is not an easy job!
When you work as a carer, you are allocated jobs and you pull together as a team, usually with a handover before and after your shift. You develop strong connections with the other carers because you are all in it together, and they understand the exact pressures of your job.
If you then take on the role of an AC, it is easy for the rest of the team to see you differently. They may think that the job is somehow just the fun part of care without the hard slog. Suddenly you are a team of one, and it can certainly be a very lonely place to be.
Having been a carer, you do have the advantage of knowing the pressures carers are under at certain times of the day. Try to respect that and organise bigger group sessions when there are more staff available on the floor to help.
Talk to your manager. Tell him or her exactly how you feel and ask for support. You may even be able to get an assistant – even if it’s a voluntary role. You definitely need cover for when you’re not on duty – activities provision is not a part-time role.
Ask for activity provision to be provided at induction. To get a good whole-home approach, it is essential that all staff realise that activity provision is everyone’s job. They may not realise the importance of engaging with the resident when carrying out personal care.
Talk to the team. Do any of your staff have any hobbies or interests that they may be able to share with the residents? For example, someone may be able to give a cake-icing demonstration or bring in their pet tortoise! Someone may have a charity that is close to their heart, and they could help you organise a fundraising event for it, such as a coffee morning. By getting them involved, they will see your role as an extended part of their own. After all, we are all striving for the residents’ wellbeing. If you provide a happy experience for your residents, the chances are that their mood will improve and they may eat and sleep better, which will in turn help the carers in their role.
Provide boxes of games and simple crafts that can be used spontaneously by staff to engage with residents when you are not there, and ask for feedback on their use.
Ask to be included in handovers and staff meetings, so you know what’s going on. Ask for regular appraisals with your manager or team leader.
If you are organising a big event, ask staff for their input on ideas and planning.
Make sure that everyone is aware of the activity programme – provide daily, weekly and monthly calendars so that everyone is in the loop.
Encourage staff to join in activities, even if it’s just for a few minutes of singing or dancing.
I hope that this helps you build up a rapport with the team.
Best wishes,
Jan
Submit your own questions to Jan by emailing
