WeCare Wales Week: Day five - Care Homes
Care homes, also known as residential care homes, are where adults can live with the extra care and support they might need.
They aim to create a homely and welcoming environment for their residents, their family and friends, and staff. In addition to accommodation, they offer a wide range of activities for residents to enjoy, which can include day trips, exercise and cultural activities. Care homes support people with a range of different needs and help residents live the life they want.
Here, we share stories from some of the amazing people working in care homes across Wales.
Charles started working in care at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic after his existing work came to a standstill. Having previously worked as an instructor at Pendine Outdoor Education Centre, Charles usually worked with groups of primary school children to help them with climbing, surfing and outdoor activities, which was quite the contrast from his new role at Y Bwythyn where he cared for patients with dementia. “It was different, and I had no previous experience of working in care, but the staff were really helpful and showed me what to do,” Charles recalls.
Starting a career in care at the height of a global pandemic comes with additional worries, but Charles thoroughly enjoyed his new opportunity. “I was a little apprehensive because I’d heard on the news about problems with PPE, but once I started, it was totally fine – the home really prioritised our wellbeing and I felt really safe,” he explains. “My main concern was making sure I was doing a good job of caring for the patients.”
Reflecting on the last few months, Charles tells us, “there have been so many positives – I already had a lot of respect for people who work in care, but it was amazing to see people treating residents with so much dignity and kindness with my own eyes. Sometimes you hear negative things about care homes on the news, but that couldn’t have been further from my experience. The people were so dedicated to their work and it was lovely.”
Mabli has been working as a Care Assistant in the Dementia Unit at Bryn Blodau Residential Care Home during this years coronavirus pandemic…
Jackie was appointed Dementia Champion and contacted a local primary school to arrange for year six pupils to visit Cartref Porthceri Residential Home for Older People in Barry, every fortnight to spend time with the residents. The effect on the residents’ well-being has been remarkable. Not only has the project engaged and stimulated the residents, it has also increased the confidence of the young people…
Sharron is the Assistant Manager at Plas Gwilym Care Home and assists the manager with the running of the home…
