Bethan and Jessica: Working in the Health and Social Care Sector
By starting a journey towards an apprenticeship in the health and social care sector opens the door to a fulfilling and meaningful role in which you can make a positive impact on both the local community and charitable organisations. This path not only provides invaluable training and experience but also allows you to extend a helping hand to those in need, fostering a sense of purpose and contributing to the well-being of individuals and communities. Find out what apprentices have to say about their role and how they are contributing to supporting the local community.
We asked our Adult Care Level 4 practitioner apprentice Bethan Rumsey about her role at Galanos House.
“I work at Poppy Lodge, which is specifically for those living with dementia. As a Care Supervisor I ensure that the residents are cared for with dignity and respect, as well as in a person-centered way. As a team, we work with other health professionals to ensure that the residents' needs are being met correctly and are adapted if there are any changes or concerns. My role as a Care Supervisor is also to support the families to ensure that they are happy with the care that their relatives receive. My role is to ensure that the carers are completely daily tasks to the highest of standard, whilst following the Royal British Legions Values.
“I have worked for the Royal British Legion for 10 years now, and every year I continue to be proud of working for an amazing company. The Royal British Legion are there to support veterans if they are no longer able to live at home, but by doing this they are getting a second burst of life. Since working here, I have heard many family members tell me that their loved ones have got a second lease of life, and how much they have improved when coming to live at Galanos House / Poppy Lodge. Galanos House is able to support a selection of needs, with a specific dementia home, Poppy Lodge.
I work amongst an amazing team at Poppy Lodge, and care for those living with dementia. We have a broad range of needs, along with different types of Dementia diagnosis. I love working with those living with dementia, as every minute can be different, and as a team we all work to ensure that the residents have the support to enjoy their day.
Galanos House has an impact on the community not just for Remembrance Day but all year round. This time of year is extra special for our Veterans, and everyone goes out of their way to ensure that they can pay their respect to those fallen soldiers and those who continue to serve. Galanos House is the main “hub” for the poppy appeal for Southam and the local villages. At Galanos House, there are multiple functions spread out throughout the first 2 weeks of November. There are many activities for the residents to get involved in, especially around the Poppy appeal. Galanos House, take part in the local Remembrance Parade, where several residents, staff, families and volunteers go to pay their respects.
“Galanos House hold their own Remembrance service which is open to all residents, volunteers, staff and families. During this service we recognise the residents who have passed in the last year and pay our respects to the service they gave.
“On the day of Remembrance, the residents like to pay their respects in their own ways. Some residents like to dress up smart, so are supported with polishing their medals, and picking out their outfit for the service. Some residents like to spend this time in their own space and pay their respects alone, they are supported to ensure the environment is calm and peaceful for them to do this. Many also like to watch the Remembrance Parade, which is held in London, we ensure this is available on the Televisions across the home. All the residents are offered a Poppy to wear not just for the Remembrance Service, but for the weeks running up to Remembrance Day, others continue to wear their Poppy for many weeks after.”
Jessica a care supervisor at Galanos House says:
“I started work at Galanos House in 2007, I was 17 years old. I started as a bed maker and cleaner and then in 2008 after finishing sixth form I went onto care and then worked my way up to care supervisor. My role as a care supervisor consists of personal care and supporting residents with their everyday living and routine. I also administer medication ensuring they always get the medications they need and that their medications are always stocked and kept up to date with the GP. With my role I also support and work alongside other health professionals such as the GP, District nurses as well as are own nurses on a daily basis and also work with the pharmacist and are own occupational therapist. Another part of my role is to lead the care team on shift to ensure they are supported in doing their role and being there for anything they need.
“What I enjoy most about my job is caring for residents who are ex-service men and women and hearing about their own journey and the stories they have. I also enjoy being around the whole team at Galanos, we support each other daily and created some of the best friendships. And it's just a happy place to be, it's my happy place. For me it's a privilege to be a part of the Royal British Legion and Galanos House caring for are ex-service men and women Which leads me nicely onto Poppy Day. It makes me proud that I can be a part of this day while working for the RBL it makes it extra special. We get to see in some ways behind the scenes of the poppy appeal and where the donations go to help the armed forces community. It's also special because the residents get involved by organising the poppy boxes and by selling poppies while teaching the local community about the RBL work and the poppy appeal. “