Louise Harley

I have been a manager in a sheltered living accommodation (Brickfield Court) since August 2023. The accommodation houses 43 tenants aged 60 and up.

It is independent living although some tenants do still present with complex needs and therefore need added support. As manager it is my role to identify and monitor the ever changing needs of tenants and offer advice guidance and signpost tenants to outside agencies.

I oversee the general running of the scheme, from maintenance to fire safety checks, fire drills/alarms, updating contingency plan, financial business such as tenants fund, Tv License. I also organize and facilitate all on scheme activities, ensuring risk assessments are in force.

I also complete support plans annually for each tenant.

I oversee a housekeep and ensure work is done effectively and to an acceptable standard inline with company policy. Through my role i have,

• Delegated tasks effectively to maximize productivity.
• identified areas for improvement.
• Identified and highlighted specific tenants needs/vulnerabilities.
• Enforced safety regulations to reduce accidents/incidents.
• Promoted an inclusive work culture; encouraged diversity within the workforce.
• Advocated for service users rights and welfare actively; ensured ethical practices across all levels.
• Worked in line with organizational objectives and policies.
• Liaised with other outside agencies to promote independence among service users..
• Advocated for service users rights upholding ethical standards in healthcare.

I was a support worker in The House In The Wells for 10 years. The House In The Wells is a harm reduction unit for males who have an alcohol addiction and/or complex needs. I started in the wells the day the harm reduction unit opened.

Through this job I supported individuals in their addiction, this involved implementing a harm reduction ethos as opposed to complete abstinence from alcohol.

Many individuals had little or no family involvement and relied heavily on the staff for support. Meals were provided, medication was administered safely by staff. Support was offered and encouraged with a person centered approach in mind.

Service users were encouraged to partake in an alcohol reduction plan, this was measured on various factors such as years drinking, age, mobility, eating patterns, medication. The end goal was to promote safe drinking in a safe environment with the view to cutting down to a safer level for that individual. Through this job role I,

• Provided companionship during outings contributing to an active social life for clients.
• Assured safety measures were met to prevent falls or accidents.
• Contributed feedback on service user progress leading to adjustments in personalized support plans.
• Promoted mental stimulation through conversation, reading and games resulting in enhanced cognitive function.
• Supported daily living skills training which increased client self-sufficiency.
• Adjusted alcohol care plan according.
• Monitored risk assessments highlighting need for change.
• Participated in regular team meetings, enhancing quality of care provided.
• Administered medication according to schedule, promoting optimal health outcomes.
• Assisted in maintaining a clean environment for improved client health.
• Encouraged social integration by facilitating community involvement opportunities.
• Assisted with mobility issues enabling easier movement around the scheme, i.e. involving other professional such as OT assessments.
• Helped achieve service users independence through guided tasks and activities.
• Used excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage and interact with individuals in need.
• Promoted personal wellbeing and independence, building service user confidence through social and community interaction.
• Provided physical and emotional support, employing compassionate care to help individuals achieve their full potential.

I worked in Foyle Valley House as a support worker with females who had an alcohol addiction among other complex needs such as, poor mental health, family breakdowns, domestic abuse, estrangement from children. The hostel housed 14 service users and is staffed 24 hours a day. Staff assisted with meal times, personal hygiene and administered medication at set times. Staff also encouraged family involvement and support from outside agencies, i.e. counsellors, social workers, doctors.

Service users are assigned a specific key worker who does regular support plans, risks/needs assessments.

An alcohol star model is also used inline with support plans, with any changes noted and reviewed on a regular basis.

Through this job role I,

• Helped achieve patient independence through guided tasks and activities.
• Maintained detailed records of service users behaviour changes for team reference.
• Contributed feedback on service users progress leading to adjustments in personalized support plans.
• Highlighted areas for concern, change etc through weekly key working sessions.
• Assisted with mobility issues enabling easier movement around the home.
• Provided companionship during outings contributing to an active social life for clients.
• Participated in regular team meetings, enhancing quality of care provided.
• Completed housekeeping tasks resulting in a clean, safe home environment.
• Encouraged social integration by facilitating community involvement opportunities.
• Supported daily living skills training which increased client self-sufficiency.
• Promoted mental stimulation through conversation, reading and games resulting in enhanced cognitive function.
• Actively listened to client concerns thus creating a comforting environment.
• Maintained detailed records of service users behaviour changes for healthcare team reference.
• Enhanced wellbeing of patients by providing emotional support and companionship.
• Administered medication according to schedule, promoting optimal health outcomes.
• Used excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage and interact with individuals in need.
• Built strong patient relationships through compassionate care and friendly rapport building.
• Promoted personal wellbeing and independence, building service user confidence through social and community interaction.
• Empowered individuals to pursue hobbies and leisure activities such as shopping and creative activities.

I was an auxiliary/carer for Trust & Care nursing agency.

Through this role I worked in many different healthcare settings. I worked in care of the elderly in Atlnagelvin hospital. I also banked in various nursing homes, respite for learning disability, day centres for learning disability and done one to one care. Through this I,

• Collaborated with nursing team to enhance patient care delivery.
• Assisted in administering medication for better patient health.
• Maintained clean and hygienic premises for infection control.
• Provided emotional support during stressful procedures; eased anxiety levels among patients.
• Ensured comfort of patients by providing personal care assistance.
• Participated in staff training sessions; updated professional knowledge regularly.
• Delivered high-quality patient care to ensure satisfaction.
• Assisted in wound dressings and pressure sore prevention methods; reduced risk of infection.
• Built caring, supportive relationships with residents, enhancing daily life through personalised care.
• Carried out safe, secure manual handling, promoting independence whilst assisting patients with mobility.
• Collaborated with nurses to evaluate care plan outcomes, implementing or adjusting interventions accordingly.
• Collected and disposed of clinical waste in line with regulations.
• Diligently followed Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) policies to minimise ward infection rates.
• Delivered practical and emotional support to patients and caregivers, enhancing quality care provisions.
• Cleaned, sterilised and stored clinical equipment appropriately.
• Provided incontinence care and bed baths, maintaining patient dignity at all times.
• Responded to patient call lights and supported continuum of care with appropriate interventions.
• Successfully positioned, lifted and moved patients from bed into wheelchairs, applying safe handling techniques.
• Delivered personal care focused on individual needs, preserving patient dignity and self-esteem.
• Observed patient condition and behaviour closely, reporting changes or concerns promptly.
• Provided attentive first-hand care, comfort and safety to patients.
• Positioned, lifted and transported patients with limited mobility.
• Demonstrated empathy with distressed patients, ensured emotional well-being.
• Handled emergency situations effectively, ensured safety of all involved.
• Supported elderly patients whilst performing daily activities, enhanced quality of life.
• Undertook regular ward rounds; improved vigilance on patient condition changes.