Paul Featherstone, NACAS Founder and Director and Data Protection Officer at the Voluntary Care Professional Register, talks to two family members about the need for a register for Care Professionals in England.
We’ve established a need for a register for Care Professionals in England. And have looked at what Carer’s themselves think and why Care Providers believe registration is important. We now turn our attention to the most significant group of people – those receiving care and their family network.
As we know, when a loved one is placed in care, the circumstances and the decision to do so are often hugely stressful for both the person being placed and their loved ones. With relatives often having to make the final decision on behalf of the service user. They will likely be a child, or a parent, a sister or brother. It is hugely probable that they love and respect that person immensely and any decision around getting support is not taken lightly.
It is, therefore, not surprising that the family members we have spoken to about the Voluntary Care Professional Register (VCPR) believe it can only be a positive thing for the sector.
I spoke two individuals to better understand their views on a care register, such as VCPR. These were:
- Victoria Hay whose mother is receiving at home care.
- Kate Meacock whose mother is in a nursing home.
Here’s how things went:
Were you aware that there is a register for Care Professional in Wales and Scotland, and a register for Nurses in England?
Victoria: No, I wasn’t. I’m surprised the role of Carers is not already better regulated in England then.
Kate: Yes. I have volunteered in related areas, so I have a reasonable understanding.
How do you think Care Professionals are currently perceived by the average person?
Victoria: I think their seen as an essential part of our communities. But they are under-valued and underpaid.
Kate: There are many mixed messages about Carers. Negative publicity over the few tarnishes the rest. For many, until you need to access social care you probably don’t even think about it.
What is your opinion on the role of a Care Professional?
Victoria: Care Professionals perform an essential role in providing help and care which enables vulnerable people to remain in their own home.
Kate: They are some of the hardest working people I have been honoured to meet and who deserve a lot more. It seems to be a role that does not encourage a career path. Nor does it encourage progression and an opportunity to grow. It is long hours, few breaks, with often little thanks.
How important do you think it is that Care, as a profession, is regulated in the future?
Victoria: Very important because Carers need to be trusted and have good capability in their role. This capability should ideally include a knowledge of the persons health and well-being.
Kate: Very. By regulating, I would hope there is more training, better recognition and greater security for all who enter the care profession.
Can you tell us about a particularly positive experience you have witnessed through the care given by a Care Professional to your relative?
Victoria: Two of the Care Professionals who visited my mother went beyond their role by singing and dancing which made her laugh and brightened her day. The regularly make it their mission to deliver person centred care and bring joy to her day.
Kate: On returning from hospital earlier this year, my mum arrived back at the care home. She was instantly surround by love. The care team’s main priority was to make her comfortable in her chair, get her something to drink and eat and make sure that she was relaxed before doing all the check back in observations.
The team recognised that the journey would have been distressing for my mother. The smile on her face on hearing the familiar voices – a similar smile to one she shows me – made me realise how important the role of permanent carers are for those with advanced dementia. The importance of having Care Professionals who really get to know those in care must never be underestimated.
The Voluntary Care Professional Register is currently free for all Care Professionals. To help raise the profile of the crucial part you play in society, you can register at https://www.vcpr.co.uk/.
@NACASUK
www.vcpr.co.uk
