Welcome to your July newsletter, we hope you are enjoying summer so far, although the weather isn’t cooperating…
A lot has went on this month, from a day of learning at Newcastle College with office staff and carer Zara and the Bluebird Care awards, with four nominations! Our office staff Joe, Rob and Vicki and carer Fatou also attended the Bluebird Care awards as finalists, with Rob and Fatou coming home with awards!
Happy reading.
Dear Bluebird Care Team and Community,
Welcome to our July 2024 Newsletter! I hope you are all enjoying the summer so far, despite the less-than-ideal weather.
This month has been incredibly eventful and filled with accomplishments. Our team had the opportunity to engage in a day of learning at Newcastle College, which proved to be an enriching experience for both our office staff and carers like Zara. I want to extend a special mention to Zara, who stepped out of her comfort zone and generously gave her time to share her invaluable knowledge with the students. It was great to see her growth and dedication, and I am extremely proud of the journey she has been on to this point. Zara embodies the spirit of Bluebird Care and serves as a fantastic ambassador for our team.
Additionally, we had the honour of participating in the Bluebird Care Awards, where we proudly secured four nominations. Special congratulations go to our office staff Joe, Rob, and Vicki, and carer Fatou, who attended as finalists. I am delighted to announce that Rob and Fatou returned with well-deserved awards. It was truly humbling for me to accompany Rob, Fatou, Vicki, and Joe to the Regional Awards ceremony and witness firsthand their dedication and the recognition they received for their hard work.
Our commitment to excellence in care continues to be recognised, and I am proud of our team’s dedication and hard work. This newsletter is filled with updates and stories that showcase our continuous efforts to provide exceptional care and support to our community. From advancements in our care worker tools to celebrating individual achievements, there is much to be proud of.
Thank you all for your unwavering dedication and for making Bluebird Care a beacon of compassion and professionalism in our community. Happy reading, and here’s to another month of outstanding care and collaboration.
Thanks
David
Once the Offline Facility is confirmed to be working by OneTouch Health, Care Workers will have the facility to utilise it. Care Workers will see the below behaviour on the app
1 – Upon login, the app will download a local copy of schedules and related Medication/Digital Tasks information needed. Once this is complete, the care worker will see the following message at the top of the app:
This indicates that should the care worker enter an area that has no mobile/data/GPS signal, the app is primed for offline usage.
Note: If a care worker is in an area that has a poor signal as opposed to none at all, offline mode will not initiate. If a care worker deems a poor signal as insufficient to utilise the app, then they can force offline mode by choosing “airplane mode” on their mobile device. This will also prevent receipt of data from other 3rd party apps on the device however.
The OneTouch Health app will enter offline mode, once the care worker tries to navigate within the app while there is no signal. When they try to do this, they will be greeted with the following view:
The above view is indicative of the app being in Offline Mode. Today’s calls load on the Dashboard. Future Calls will have the “Clock In” button. There is also an option to “Try Online” if there is thought to be an improvement in the mobile signal in the area. This will restore the app back to “Online” mode. The heading “Your Offline Schedules” appears at the top of the page.
As per the above screenshot, all offline calls will have a “Clock In” button. Click on “Clock In” to begin the clock in procedure. Note this will not be possible if there is already a call clocked into.
An Offline call which is clocked into will appear as below with a textbox for call notes and a blue event bar for medications and digital tasks:
Clicking on the blue event bar will produce the pending Digital Tasks and Medications that are due for that period:
Updating Medication and Digital Tasks in this method will not update them immediately given the app is in offline mode. The updates performed at this point will not reflect as updated for the service user until the data is synched with the OneTouch system in Online Mode. See below for further information on this.
Upon clocking out of a call, the care worker can add in notes as normal before clicking the clock out button:
Care Workers will see a prompt displaying the meds and tasks updated during the call:
On confirmation of the clock out, the information is saved in-app, however it needs to be synched with the online version of the tool. Once the care worker returns to an area with signal – the Care worker can click the “Try Online” button:
When the app reverts back to Online mode, the care worker will see the below prompt to inform the care worker that there is an event that was updated offline and needs to be synched with the online version of the OneTouch Health system:
Care Workers should click on “Synch Now!” to ensure that the data they recorded while in offline mode is recorded officially in the system. Once this button is clicked, care workers will see the below message in-app:
Once this refresh is completed, the OneTouch Admins will see the clock in, out, medication and digital tasks updates for the offline call appear on the system successfully.
A big thank you to all carers who have received appreciation this month for their outsanding efforts. Its one thing providing care but its another going above and beyond, Well Done!
Victoria, our Health and Social Care Trainer received a thank you for stepping up as Deputy Manager, you are a testament to Bluebird Cares values! Thank you Victoria, for all your hard work.
Mia and Amanda, our lovely carers, received a box of chocolates and card yesterday from a family member of a customer who sadly passed away, to thank them for supporting her and caring for the customer in his final days. Well done Mia and Amanda for delivering kind and compassionate care to our customers.
Congratulations to our carer Daisy who has passed her probation today and is now wearing her new uniform with pride. “Daisy stated she has grown in confidence working in a person-centred way and getting to know the customers”.
A big thank you to Zara for going out her way to help all the staff in the office to provide invaluable knowledge to the students at Newcastle College. The feedback we got from your classes to the students was amazing!
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Can you think of anyone who is kind, caring and compassionate? Can you think of anyone who would like a career in care? Can you think of anyone who would be an asset to our team?
Well, this could be your opportunity to take advantage of our refer a friend programme. If you refer someone into the business and they receive a job offer and successfully pass probation you will receive your £250 refer a friend payment!
Anyone who you think is up to the job can apply via our company website, when they complete the application form it asks if they know anyone who works at Bluebird, this is there time to state this!
Some of you have asked about studying towards L2 or L3 Diplomas / NVQs. L3 is not achievable unless you are in a supervisory role, as you need to be able to generate on the job evidence within this role. We are developing a partnership with a local college to role out free L2 Training, leading to the L2 Diploma / NVQ. We hope to role this out from September/October, and hope that it is going to be free (there may be a charge for anyone not completing the qualifiacation or dropping out). Taking part in the scheme is voluntary. Please click the link below to register interest, and we will get in touch later in the summer when we know more.
How many of you are aware that the Open University offer hundreds of free courses delivered online? On their ‘OpenLearn’ platform, you can complete courses around leadership, management, digital skills, functional skills, and many many more. On completion, you can a digital ‘badge’ to evidence you’ve completed the course. This includes a course on delivering training online- which may be super helpful for some of you. All you need to do is register for an account here- https://www.open.edu/openlearn/
Everyday English 1: Everyday English 1 – OpenLearn – Open University
Everyday English 2: Everyday English 2 – OpenLearn – Open University
Everyday Maths 1: Everyday Maths 1 | OpenLearn – Open University
Everyday Maths 2: Everyday Maths 2 | OpenLearn – Open University
We have a lot of emphasis on Live-in Care recently and have been doing a lot of social media posts to boost the engagement. We understand everyone doesn’t have time to scroll on social media, but if you see a post, please share to get the word around with friends and family, as it helps.
On social media we want to be more realistic, showing what our carers get up to, this doesn’t necessarily mean documenting everything you do. For example, if you went for a walk or to the supermarket, document it so we can share on social media “our carers can take you to run errands”. The casual content between carer and customer performs the best for us and it would be great to have more contribution. We know some of the customers love a good photo taken!
In terms of video – we have a TikTok account that we definitely want to utilise more, if any carers would like to contribute by filming a ‘day in the life of a carer’ and send this over – that would be great.
Email erinkilford@bluebirdcare.co.uk if you would like to help out with social media content.
Previously there has only been one national Trustpilot account for Bluebird Care. This caused problems when gaining a true reflection from branch to branch. However, the Trustpilot account has now been split up and we all have access to our own location profile, enabling us to have our own local Trustpilot score, which feeds into the overall national score.
This is a massive opportunity to let our Bluebird Care branches shine! Leave us a 5-star review by following the links below.
@bluebirdcarenewcastle Exciting day at @Newcastle College today! Our team had the pleasure of hosting an industry masterclass for their Level 2 & 3 learners !💙🙌🏼 #bluebirdcare #newcastlecollege #healthandsocial #healthandsocialcare ♬ MILLION DOLLAR BABY (VHS) - Tommy Richman
Rob, Vicki, Fatou, Joe and Director, David attended the Bluebird Care Awards and come home with not one but TWO awards.
A big well done to Rob Mackins, for winning ‘Team Player Award’ and to Fatoumata Camara for winning ‘Community Engagement Award’, it is well deserved.
Congratulations to the Joe and Vicki our finalists as well!
Regular exercise not only enhances physical health but also boosts mental well-being, offering a better quality of life for elderly individuals. Understanding the unique needs and limitations of older adults, here are some tailored exercise routines that can help them stay active, healthy, and happy.
As we age, our bodies undergo various changes that can affect our strength, balance, and flexibility. Engaging in regular physical activity can counteract these effects, promoting muscle strength, improving balance, and enhancing overall mobility. Exercise also plays a vital role in managing chronic conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes, making it an essential component of a healthy lifestyle for seniors.
Starting with light activities is key for elderly individuals, particularly those who may not have been active for some time. Walking is an excellent choice, as it is low-impact and can be easily adjusted to fit different fitness levels. Walking in a park, around the neighborhood, or even in a shopping mall provides a good cardiovascular workout while also offering opportunities for social interaction.
For those looking to improve strength, resistance training with light weights or resistance bands can be beneficial. These exercises help build muscle mass, which naturally decreases with age. Strength training exercises should focus on major muscle groups and be performed with proper form to prevent injury. It’s advisable to start with simple exercises like bicep curls, leg lifts, and seated rows, gradually increasing intensity as strength improves.
Balance exercises are crucial for preventing falls, a common concern among older adults. Activities like tai chi or yoga can significantly enhance balance and coordination. These exercises also promote flexibility and mental relaxation, contributing to overall well-being. Simple balance exercises, such as standing on one leg or heel-to-toe walking, can be performed at home with minimal equipment.
Maintaining flexibility is essential for preserving range of motion and reducing stiffness. Stretching exercises should be incorporated into the daily routine, focusing on all major muscle groups. Gentle stretches, performed slowly and held for about 30 seconds, can improve flexibility over time. Incorporating these stretches into a morning or evening routine can make them a consistent part of the day.
Mobility exercises, such as seated marches, ankle rolls, and shoulder rotations, can also be beneficial. These exercises are especially useful for individuals with limited mobility or those recovering from injuries. They can be performed while seated or standing, making them accessible for most elderly individuals.
Physical exercise goes beyond just improving physical health; it has profound effects on mental and emotional well-being. Regular activity can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, enhance cognitive function, and promote better sleep. Group activities, such as joining a fitness class or walking club, provide social engagement, which is essential for mental health.
It’s important for elderly individuals to consult with healthcare providers before starting any new exercise routine, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions. A tailored exercise plan designed by a fitness professional can ensure that activities are safe and effective. Monitoring progress and making adjustments as needed will help maintain motivation and prevent injuries.
Safety should always be a priority. Ensuring a safe exercise environment, wearing appropriate footwear, staying hydrated, and not pushing beyond personal limits are essential precautions.
Staying active is a cornerstone of healthy aging. With the right approach, exercise can be enjoyable and rewarding, providing numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits. By incorporating gentle yet effective exercises, focusing on balance and flexibility, and seeking professional guidance, elderly individuals can maintain their health and vitality well into their golden years. Embracing a regular exercise routine is a powerful step towards a healthier, happier life.
It only takes a few minutes and we’d be extremely grateful for your help! It helps increase brand awareness and strengthen our online presence so we are able to attract more customers and great like minded staff into the business.
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