Everyone has the right to take risks and make decisions about their lives. There is a balance to be found between service user’s participation in everyday activities and my duty of care. Within my workplace setting, all staff members are aware of the health and safety policy which is given to them before they start their job roles and induction. As part of my job role, I ensure that there is a health and safety policy in place which is available to all staff and service users which states the objectives and its implementation into the running of the setting on a daily basis. Every service user aims to live their lives in an environment free from harm, abuse and danger. As the saying goes, there is always a close relationship between the physical environment and the well-being of an individual. Nonetheless, individual needs are different from one another and as a care provider I need to provide a good physical environment so that service users can enjoy their well-being. Every service user should be able to live and exercise their freedom.
A physical environment is where service users lives and all the things that surrounds them. Physical environment is therefore composed of many things like; their home (building) how their home or building being structured, safety on how they are kept safe from any danger or harm, food, water and heating on how they are provided with their daily nutritional needs, daily activities on how they are provided with their activities to be more active and dynamic. These are some of the basic needs of service users in order to survive and be able to promote their physical environment and at the same time promote their well-being.
In my workplace setting, since we are caring for people with dementia and complex needs I ensure that I make the home as homely as possible. The building structure is designed to meet the needs of every service users, staff and visitors. In each rooms, service users has the right and decision to design it as much as possible with this I may say that they are valued and given the opportunity to do so. This is done through the help of family and friends and care staff. I ensure that all the furniture is fixed fit for purpose, no slip, no sharp corners or edges especially on tables and in good condition so that accidents can be avoided. There are service lift available in each floor fit for purpose, no slip, spacious, and this will give assess to people who uses wheelchair. Lifts are being service regularly and inspected by a qualified maintenance. to ensure that it is safe to use. Stair are cleaned and well maintained for those service users who want to use it. A ramp is as well available for everyone who wishes to use and assess it. Heating is available 24/7 days a week to ensure that service users are in comfortable temperature and well maintained by qualified technician. Security is another aspect in providing a safe environment. In my workplace, a coded door is designed for the safety of all the people in the building from intruders. Fire exits are visible in the event of fire. Each service users are assessed individually for their evacuation.
All the equipments used in the home such as hoist, batch, wheelchairs are being checked and calibrated to ensure the safety of it. It is important that visitors follow safety guidelines to protect service users’ (signing in and out visitor’s book or wearing badges/identification cards). Food and drinks, service users should enjoy the food and drinks.
In my workplace, I ensure that service users are given the choice on the food that they want to eat and wide selection of drink. I ensure that I met the nutritional needs of every service user in order for them to stay healthy and strong. Menu is always available for service users to browse and read. I ensure that food storage, handling and cooking food are maintained in the highest possible. With this, our home maintains its 5 star food and hygiene rating. Service users need daily activity while they are in the home. I ensure that we offer wide variety of activities through my activity coordinator. Ensuring that the activity area is clean, safe and has proper ventilation and lighting. They have daily activities such as games, music, movie, home management, gardening etc. Through this, they will feel that they are not forgotten and to make them feel that they can still do something productive. I and the rest of the staff participation in the physical environment and the promotion of service user’s well-being are important. It is vital that all staff should establish trust and confidence so that service user can express and say freely what they want and in return I will know what to do.
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