Attempting to summarise the challenges that have arisen since the beginning of the pandemic over two years ago would be an impossible task. It’s fair to say, no matter your profession, status or location, COVID-19 has affected everyone’s daily lives in some sense or capacity.
Still, despite the obvious impact it’s had on the social care sector, it has also opened the door to an array of new possibilities and opportunities. With recruitment continuing to be a big issue in our industry, we must look to inspire people to take the leap of faith and join us on our journey in 2022. Detailed below are just some of the ways we as care providers can inspire people to pursue a career in social care:
More respect, rewards and plentiful avenues for progression
The pandemic has enabled the next generation of social care workers to enter an industry that is finally being recognised with the respect and dignity it deserves.
Moreover, the sector today provides the route towards a career that has a myriad of possibilities, rewards and plentiful avenues for progression. The sheer volume of recognition cast over social care throughout the pandemic has cast light towards exemplary stories of bravery, comradery and selflessness that would rival any profession. That said, 2022 is a prime time to join an industry that commands instant respect.
Essential key worker status
For too long, social care was forced to begrudgingly follow in the shadow of healthcare – being commonly viewed as the inferior sibling. Thankfully, the past two years have transformed this perception that has existed about social care for decades. Finally, the people in our industry now deservedly hold key worker status and are beginning to be recognised nationally as offering a vital service.
It’s a huge honour to be entrusted to protect our society’s nearest and dearest, giving them the best quality of life possible by offering places where they can thrive. Having someone’s life – their trust, insecurities and memories – in your hands is something you can’t experience anywhere else. That is a key role.
Priority for healthcare support
Fundamentally, working in an environment where physical and mental health is integral, staff well-being is paramount. That’s why from a physical health perspective, working in social care places you at the top of the priority list when it comes to receiving treatment and medicines, such as receiving doses of the COVID-19 vaccination. This is where a staff-first culture is so important. We need people who want to be carers, who feel valued, fulfilled and most importantly, who enjoy and take pride in what they do.
Being part of a family
When people join a team in social care, they are becoming a part of something more; an extended family. People in social care build meaningful relationships with all those around them, including fellow colleagues, the people they care for and their family and friends. Camaraderie is a big element of our workforce and support from management is tailored to staff as much as it is to care services.
In addition, a role in social care equips people with the tools to thrive. From frontline workers through to managers and directors, everyone is collectively striving towards the same goal; the daily delivery of outstanding care.
Making a difference in people's lives
If there’s one element of social care that is impervious to change, it’s that our staff will always be making a significant and life-changing difference to others. That on its own is pretty special and cannot be easily obtained in any other profession. The decisions social care staff make will directly impact someone’s life for the better – that’s the ever-giving reward.
Exciting prospects
There are a multitude of possibilities in social care, in terms of career progression and varying between roles.
At Nellsar, for instance, staff receive ongoing support through coaching, training, joint working and the sharing of ideas for innovation and creativity. Ultimately, the foundations are laid for staff to feel valued and bring the best out of everyone.
Also, there are no limits on staff progression – which can happen in a short period of time. There have been several recent occasions where carers have taken up management or senior positions within our business, which is something we see regularly across our 13 care homes.
On top of this, we’ve been able to broaden our horizon in terms of our job offering, with new roles such as Recreation and Well-Being Champion being created across our homes and Resident Liaison Officers introduced at Nellsar since the beginning of the pandemic.
We’ve also integrated a reminiscence therapy tool in our homes called ‘interactiveMe’, which ensures staff are continuously learning about the residents they care for. The bespoke profiles contain a person’s life story – likes and dislikes, favourite music and family photos. This crucial information enables our care staff to build meaningful relationships with our residents and empowers them to care with confidence.
Ultimately, to curb staff shortages, we as care providers must inspire those who are at a crossroads in their lives, or unsure which avenue to explore next, that a career in social care is rewarding, fulfilling and unique. The message I wish to get across to those applying for roles in social care is this: if you decide to join our sector, you will be joining a community of people who possess the power to transform the lives of others – and that includes your own, too. Martin Barrett, Managing Director at Nellsar and board member of the Surrey Care Association
Martin Barrett is the Managing Director at Nellsar, a family-run group of 13 Care Homes throughout Kent, Surrey and Essex. Built on strong foundations, Nellsar has worked hard to build the trusted reputation of its Homes and prides itself on being approachable, accountable and empathic in its relationships with the families it supports. Martin is also a board member of the Surrey Care Association, a not for profit company working to support social care providers across the county of Surrey.