Care staff are forever hearing remarks along the lines of You’re just a carer or You’re not a professional or even You just wipe behinds for a living. This is both degrading and disrespectful to Carers all over the world and shows the ignorance of the individuals making the comments. With this in mind, I would like to share a story which highlights how these remarks are completely unfounded and to raise awareness of what our profession truly entails.
During these troubled times, care home staff are more stretched than ever. They are employed to look after, and show concern for both residents and colleagues. As many of you will know, caring is much more than just a job and is carried out with compassion and professionalism. Another great skill of a carer is an instinctive quality to recognise when somebody is unwell or not their usual self.
So, when Darley Hall’s very own Deputy Manager, Shelley Bardell, took a call from Terry Henderson (not a resident of our home) enquiring as to how his wife was that day (Wendy our resident) Shelley instantly knew that Terry was not sounding himself. She felt Terry was unwell just from the tone of voice at the other end of the line. Shelley spoke to Terry and noted that there was a change in his demeanour and that Terry may have been unwell. Upon speaking to Shelley afterwards she stated I noticed that something was wrong with Terrys’ voice. It was as if he was struggling to get his words out. And then it hit me. Could Terry be having a stroke?.
Shelley took immediate action and continued to comfort and reassure Terry on the phone. Meanwhile, she was also contacting Terry’s daughter to arrange for her to check on him. Terrys’ daughter Katie went immediately to her Father’s home to investigate.
Upon arrival, Katie found Terry with drooping to one side of his mouth. Katie called the Doctors’ Surgery who promptly visited Terry and checked him over before calling 999. The Doctors requested an ambulance as they suspected that Terry was having a stroke. Terry was taken by ambulance to The Royal Derby Hospital Department where he was assessed and treated.
Terry commented If it had been left to me, I may not have reacted as quickly as Shelley. Terry was extremely grateful that Shelley reacted so quickly saving precious time and increasing the efficacy of Terrys’ treatment.
Fortunately, a positive outcome was enjoyed by all. Terry said Two follow-up calls from the staff were then made to be sure that I was still okay. Without their care and compassion, the happy ending to this story could have been non-existent.
Terry is now back at home, recovering from a TIA (a mini stroke) and is taking things steady. He was reunited with his wife Wendy and was able to enjoy a lovely Sunday dinner with her. Terry would like to thank Shelley for her quick reactions and for getting him the help he needed.
Shelley Bardell was Deputy Manager at Darley Hall Care Home and this piece was written by the manager Adam Hodgson with the cooperation of the family of Wendy & Terry Henderson.
