Working together in the community benefits all
There is an ideal: community professionals working together for the benefit of our clients.
Imagine the case where a home carer notices a potential problem with someone they provide care for: The carer sees the change and, with the blessing of the client, passes the information on to the GP. The GP, having spoken to the client, then asks the community services team (Physio, OT and/or District Nurse) to make a home visit. The Physio (or OT etc) then makes a few recommendations and liaises with the home carer to enable the course of treatment to be delivered as prescribed. A full circle of support, with each participant acknowledging the benefits the others bring.
Sounds good? Yes, we think so too. Working together keeps people safe.
That is why we make great efforts to work with others whose expertise exceeds our own in their defined areas. Every day we talk to social workers, physio’s and OT’s. We contact GP’s on a weekly basis when required and we ask for advice from community support services such as the Medicines Management Team when we need to. We regularly signpost people to the voluntary sector services we feel are appropriate, such as Age UK, Carer’s Support and advocacy teams. We also have excellent relationships with charities whose knowledge of specific conditions benefits our clients care, such as The MND Association and Parkinson’s UK.
This collaborative working supports our clients and their families far better than we could achieve alone. This is partly why our clients have rated us as the top homecare provider in Kent. They feel safe and well cared-for. Families feel supported.
So, a personal plea from me to our community colleagues:
“Work with us to the benefit of the individual. We see the person every day of the week – not just once a week, once a fortnight or less. Every. Single. Day.
Think about how that could benefit you. We can provide up-to-the-minute information on the effectiveness of treatment. We can ensure your prescription of treatment is followed accurately and we can report adverse changes. The client benefits. This is the kind of care you would want for your own parent.
But you need to work with us. We acknowledge your expertise in your field – please acknowledge ours.”
Thank you.
Dr Paul Watts