This month, @SkillsForCare is focusing on the Registered Manager role, therefore I thought I would write about what being a Registered Manager at Care First 24 means to me.
I love my role as a Registered Manager at Care First 24 and feel incredibly lucky to have the amazing team working alongside me, but I do think it is one of the most complex and challenging jobs in the care sector. It is also incredibly rewarding, as you can see the impact the services make on people’s lives.
However, over the last few years, I have found the role has become more and more complicated, especially post COVID. Not only do I have responsibility for the people in their care, but I also have a leadership role for staff, a support role for relatives, and accountability for the ever-growing compliance processes.
The level of time spent on bureaucracy and compliance issues also adds to the stress and whilst there is a need for regulation, I would say all regulatory bodies need to make the systems smarter so we can have aligned goals and outcomes, and as Registered Managers we can spend more time on making the care the best it can be.
I feel there is little support for the role as it has become more challenging. Personally, I think there has been little thought from The Government or The Care Quality Commission as to how Registered Managers are supported and I am concerned about retention and how many highly skilled Registered Managers are leaving their role. I believe this is because Registered Managers are definitely undervalued generally in the Care Sector.
As a Registered Manager, I feel it is the most responsible role in care, but it is also one of the most isolated. Particularly, if you are a Registered Manager in a smaller provider and not surrounded by a range of organisations and resources to support you.
The emotional challenges of being in care are rarely recognised, and, in an era when we are trying to deliver person-centred care and relationship-based care, there is a lack of acknowledgment for the emotional toll on staff when losing a person with care needs that they have built a relationship with over many months and years. I have, therefore, brought in the TOTUS Support Team, who ensure emotional and well-being support for people with care needs, families, and team members. In my view, this is key to achieving good care.
As Registered Manager at Care First 24 I focus on well-being as a core duty, this is because every day our care staff are confronted with emotional distress and yet are expected to absorb it with little or no support. If we are going to care for people, I am committed to investing in care for our team and ensuring they have the right support that enables them to manage stress and live well.
I would encourage all Registered Managers to join the Skills for Care Network and also join the many Registered Managers groups. It is good to find support in a job that can be so isolating and detrimental to your well-being.
As a Registered Manager, I can see the impact the Care First 24 team has on the lives of everyone within our service, whether they are people with care needs, relatives, or staff and I am extremely proud of everyone who works with us at Care First 24.
Thank you very much for reading this article. If you would like further information please get in touch by email: [email protected], or telephone: 01732 790001 and we will be happy to answer any questions.
