responsibilities of people who work in hsc settings

• rehabilitation:

  • purpose is to enable a person to recover from an accident or serious illness and to live an independent and fulfilling life.
  • particularly important after strokes, heart attacks or after an accident that reduced mobility or reaction speed
  • may also help treat mental illness
  • may include support from physiotherapists, OTs, counsellors and psychotherapists
  • programmes will vary depending on physical + psychological needs + home/family circumstances.
• healing and supporting recovery for people who are ill:

  • prescribing medication
  • surgery
  • radiotherapy
  • organ transplant
  • support for lifestyle changes
  • accessing support from specialist agencies
• providing equipment and adaptations to support people in being more independent:

  a range of equipment is available to support people to remain independent when carrying out their routine daily activities. there are many reasons for people needing temporary or permanent assistance with mobility.

  their needs are assessed by a physiotherapist or OT.

  care assistants often provide ongoing support in using equipment effectively + adaptations to increase a service users independence.
• equipment to increase mobility:

  • walking sticks
  • walking frames
  • wheelchairs, manual or electric
  • adapted shopping trolleys
  • stairlifts
  • adapted cars, or other motorised transport
• appliances that support daily activities:

  • special cutlery with thick, light handles
  • feeding cups or angled straws for drinks
  • bowls and plated with suctioned buttons
  • special gadgets e.g. adapted plugs or tipping stands for kettle
  • bathing aids e.g. walk-in baths, bath + shower seats
  • raised toilet seats
• technology and other resources that support educational achievement:

  assistive technology- any tool or strategy used to help people with disabilities complete their studies successfully and reach their potential

  examples include:

  • adapted computers
  • availability of signers
  • wheelchair access
  • additional time in exams
  • enlarged text
• providing personal care- washing, toileting and feeding:

  • keeping clean, eating a meal and using the toilet become a challenge for people that are physically or mentally ill, or have a disability.
  • it is very important for HSC workers to approach these intimate areas of daily life with sensitivity + thoughtfulness.
  • carers must discuss usual routines + preferences surrounding hygiene and diet.
  • independence should be encouraged.
  • clients dignity + privacy should be preserved
  • policies + procedures should be followed to ensure safety + dignity of patients
• providing personal care- washing, toileting and feeding:

  domiciliary care: care provided at home.

  home equipment available to extend the independence of people in terms of personal hygiene include:

  • walk-in baths
  • non-slip bathmats
  • bath + shower seats
  • hand rails
  • adapted taps
• providing personal care- washing, toileting and feeding:

  HSC workers need to be aware of and respect religious + cultural preferences related to personal hygiene e.g.

  • Muslims and Hindus prefer to wash in running water
  • Muslims and Hindus prefer to use a bidet rather than toilet paper
  • Muslims and Hindus prefer to be treated by the same sex
  • Sikhs and Hindus do not normally cut their hair
• providing personal care- washing, toileting and feeding:

  eating and drinking is not only vital for life but is also a social activity and a enjoyable occasion.

  dining areas should be clean and a pleasing environment.

  there are many reasons people have difficulty eating/drinking:

  • physical conditions
  • unhappy
  • confused
  • depressed
  • emotionally unsettled
• personal care- washing, toileting and feeding:

  many people have specific dietary requirements. some are related to religious belief, physical disorders or personal choice, for example:

  • vegetarians do not eat meat, fish or meat-based products
  • muslim and jewish people do not eat pork
  • muslims require halal food + jews require kosher foods
  • hindus and Sikhs do not eat beef
  • people with coeliac disease require a gluten-free diet
  • people have severe allergic reactions to particular foods
• supporting daily routines of service users:

  • HSC staff should address wider personal needs when working with service users.
  • addressing wider social, emotional, spiritual + educational needs is as important for a speedy recovery as medical interventions and physical care that need to be delivered + maintained.
  • HSC staff need to be aware of the community in which clients live, their work, family circumstances, general financial position + their interests, hobbies and aspirations.
  • also should be aware of any support provided by family, friends and or neighbours (informal carers).
• assessment and care + planning, involving service users and family:

  all health and care professionals are likely to take similar approach to planning and evaluating care.

  this is referred to as the care planning cycle, it involves:

  • assessing the individual healthcare needs of service user
  • agreeing a care plan that promotes clients health + wellbeing
  • evaluating the effectiveness of the care implemented.
• assessment and care + planning, involving service users and family:

  • the care planning cycle is cyclical, interventions and changes may be introduced at any point. adjustments may be necessary, for example in response to changes in clients health.
  • professionals will assess needs and agree the appropriate care with the service user and where appropriate with family members and other informal carers.
  • informal carers often contribute to reviews and evaluations of care and in discussions about alternative strategies.
• assess the clients needs

  plan and agree the most appropriate care

  implement the care plan

  monitor the effectiveness of the plan

  review and evaluate the effectiveness of the plan

  amend the plan as necessary