Investigate: Before my visit I found out this about the company

Hadrian Park is a 72 bedded residential home with an EMI unit attached which I researched on the internet prior to placement.
I also visited the residential home to hand in my CBR check form as they are very thorough due to the protection of vulnerable adults.

Observe: While at the company I job shadowed an Employee. This is what happened:

• Employee Name:
• Job Role:

There were restriction placed upon me due to the personal nature of much of the work undertaken by the care assistants and I was not allowed to enter a room whilst personal care was being delivered. However, I spent most of my time assisting residents moving from bedrooms to social areas, collecting their belongings and chatting to them. I was allowed to give out and collect dishes used at coffee and meal times.

Interview: I talked with a member of staff to find out more about their role. This is what I found out:

• Employee Name:
• Job Role:
• Pathway from school to their current position:
  I spoke to one care assistant who had left school with 3 GCSE’s grades A-C. She shortly due to complete her NVQ level 2 and was looking forward to embarking on a NVQ level 3 course which would allow her to apply for the position of Senior care assistant.
• Where do they see themselves in the future:
  

Participate: I took part in a work related activity. This is what happened:

• Description of task:
  I assisted in the issuing of drinks and meals and collecting in the dishes.
  I worked on a different floor on each of my two days so there were lots of new people to meet. I found one resident happily humming to music in one day room and we enjoyed a good 30 minutes singing war songs. The activities co-ordinator was on holiday so a couple of other ladies joined us and it obviously lifted their spirits ( I does help if you are not shy to take the lead in the singing!!)
  
• Notes:
  

Imagine: From the perspective of a student the advice I would give is:

I would advice students to be resourceful and look for ways to help the residents and anticipate their needs wherever possible. Most of my time was spent communicating with residents and they clearly enjoyed a new person to chat to. Treat residents with dignity and respect. Always check with staff if you are unsure about something. Try to get involved with the activities undertaken in the home and assist the activities co-ordinator. Look around you and take the opportunity to witness what you have learnt about at school in practice. Excellent opportunities to research health and safety legislation in operation – look at the policies and procedures manuals, explore the building noting health and safety signs and notices.

Summarise: The things I have found beneficial from the day(s) in the work environment are:

I enjoyed my 2 days at this efficient and well run residential home. Jackie, the manager, and her staff were very welcoming and made sure all my needs were catered for. There was a feeling of warmth and the residents were obviously well cared for. Relationships within the home were excellent whether it be staff to staff or staff to resident / their families. I found it useful to talk to the care assistants and explore the similarities between the NVQ’s and school based vocational courses. I feel students leaving education with diplomas in health and social care are well equipped with skills necessary in NVQ’s.
I appreciate the situations students find themselves in during placement and feel I can better prepare them with regards to what they can discover on placement despite them not being able to be involved in the care aspect.