new faith in head of CQC

After meeting Andrea Sutcliffe the new chief of CQC at the event on the 17th I have new faith in the system to come. Not only has she said that she will be getting my book, also however suggested that my experiences may be valuable to her as she genuinely wants to make things better with the care system. Obviously I said it would be lovely to help if I can, anything that will make a positive difference to the care people receive.

A big thank you

Thank you for such positive feedback of my book. 

It has been great to have so much positive media attention and book reviews from so many people. Being number one on Amazon in community means a lot to me, not only because many people have purchased my book but because I hope it will change the way care is provided for our loved ones for the better.

Foreword being added to my book

A close trusted friend of mine, Wendy McCleave, step daughter of Sir Douglas Bader has written a foreword for my book. This means the book will be available end of January but her own experiences of care are very important to the hopes of my book and reasons for writing it.

Christmas wishes

My hope is that all residents in care homes are being included in christmas preparations, that they have family, friends or just quality time with a carer on Christmas Day rather than isolation. The people we care for should be like an extended family and thinking of so many places I have been where their day is just an existence still saddens me. The book release is coming closer and I can't wait, I have had so much support from people so cannot wait for them to read the whole book. Merry christmas to all.

Not long now

Feeling so excited, the cover is confirmed and I have had so much support from people on the book. Just waiting now for the finishing touches over the next month until the launch. I am so grateful to my family and colleagues continued support with my venture. 

Why we do this job

Losing patients is always upsetting whether it is expected or not, not only do you have your own emotional attachment but the families need to be supported as well. Although it comes as part of our job this never makes it easier. I know I will never have the harrowing experience of being told again that I am bad at my job if I become emotional, because all my residents are looked on as my family and the day I cannot be emotionally attached I will leave this career. The positives now however where I am is that I know and the relatives know we have done everything we can to make sure the death is positive in the respect we have done everything we can to follow the residents wishes as well as making sure they are not suffering. Nobody should have to die alone unless it is their choice, of course there are the times when it is not expected and we have no control over these circumstances but just to help every patient live each day to the full they do have is wonderful, for the first time patients are living, not just existing laying in a bed like a slab of cake with no stimulation or care.

Great news headline today

In the news today it looks like the public can be included in care home inspections, this could be family members of those in care as well as staff with care experience. My feeling is that we are the people who knows what can go on as well as how to really see beyond the front so many homes give. There should be no shortage of people willing to participate in this new idea.