While our role makes working in the care industry very rewarding, it can also therefore be very stressful. As employers, we have a duty to support our employees, which in any case we are keen to do as a caring organisation. That not only benefits the carer and his or her family, it also helps the company function with fewer days lost through sickness and absence. Healthier employees also tend to be happier employees, and so there are spin-offs in better productivity, improved teamwork and lower staff turnover.


This is not rocket science, and we know that fundamental to creating a mentally healthy workplace is strong leadership. As well as noticing changes in employees and providing support for them, line managers are also encouraged to be aware of their own behaviour. The HSE also helps here by providing a Line Manager Competency Indicator Tool that employers can use to assess the impact of behaviours and management styles.


That should help ease the threat of stress or anxiety in the workplace, which sometimes results from a heavy workload, performance difficulties or conflict with colleagues. These can be made worse by outside factors such as relationships, family or debt problems, and that can all add up to more anxiety and stress. While there is no guaranteed solution, there are simple and effective ways in which employers can help in the workplace including workshops, questionnaires and team meetings. At 4Health Home Care Agency, our employees are encouraged to take these steps to manage these issues and report any concerns.


Communicating at all levels is also very important and can be productive. Employee and employer can learn from each other, which is, of course, of benefit to clients. As employers we try to support our staff where we can and we are particularly alert for signs and symptoms that an employee may be suffering from anxiety. Sometimes, early supervision and support is all that is required to enable the carer to keep on track in delivering effective care. For both carers and clients spotting a minor mental health problem quickly, can stop it perhaps becoming something far more serious.


Home care staff are trained and alert to recognising any signs of mental ill health, and this is passed on in multidisciplinary teams working together to ensure all aspects of care are covered. Sometimes physical needs are clearer and more evident than mental ones, and that is why staff are now encouraged to spend more


time just talking to their clients in addition to simply looking after their physical requirements. Time has to be allocated to talk to the elderly to encourage social interaction, otherwise clients could be well looked after but still feel isolation and loneliness, which can be a downward spiral and difficult to get out of. This is where day centres play an important role, although just a walk in the fresh air or a visit to the shops can make people feel happier and still part of the community.


Prevention is much better than cure and communication and teamwork among all professionals is an important weapon in the fight against mental illness wherever it is found. We can all make our contribution towards this fight, and certainly, 4 Health Home Care Agency will be doing everything it can to empower people to maintain their own life choices for their physical and mental wellbeing.


With our unique custom-designed clothing & accessories, you can share your beliefs with the world!


Everyone has a voice and at Wear Your Belief, we want your voice to be heard!


We strive to provide a voice for you all and give you the tools to actively and creatively advocate your opinion. So whatever you believe in, we are here for you. With our unique custom-designed clothing & accessories, you can share your beliefs with the world!


JOSH RICHARDSON Havard House, 5-7 Great Union Road, St Helier, Jersey, JE2 3YA M: 07797 831006 /// E: info@wearyourbelief.com W: www.wearyourbelief.com /// josh@wearyourbelief.com /// F: www.facebook.com/wearyourbeliefonline /// I: www.instagram.com/wearyourbelief_ 20/20 - Mental Health Page 35


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116