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CARINGNEWS
Vetting scheme warning CARE home managers are being warned that they face criminal charges if they hire staff without checking whether they pose a risk to vulnerable people. Under the first phase of the Vetting and Barring Scheme, local authorities, schools, hospitals and charities have a statutory duty to inform the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) of any individuals they believe are acting in an inappropriate way, or may be putting vulnerable adults at risk. Employment Law Advisory Services consultant Giles Ridgeway told Caring UK that barred individuals also face imprisonment or a fine of up to £5,000 if they work with vulnerable groups. She added: “The introduction of this legislation is designed to protect children and vulnerable adults under the care of others, and it is vital that employers working in care homes take the correct steps to ensure their residents are not at risk. “Given the hefty consequences for failing to put the correct measures in place, it is crucial that employers ensure they take all possible steps to comply with the new legislation. It really is a case of seeking advice as soon as possible to make sure that adequate checks are happening.”
Helen rewarded for improving lives By Dominic Musgrave
my parents, and it is nice to reminisce with them.”
AN activities co-ordinator who nearly died 15 years ago after suffering from septicaemia following a kidney and pancreas transplant has won a top award. Helen Harries, who works at Cherry Tree Care Home in Caldicot, scooped the Promoting Fulfilled Lives category at the Wales Care Awards, two months after winning a similar prize at Hallmark Healthcare’s own ceremony. The 45-year-old diabetes sufferer, who has worked at the home for the past 12 years, told Caring UK that she is passionate about improving the lives of the elderly. She added: “Nine weeks after I left hospital my mum died, and a few weeks after that my dad did too. I was a single mum at the time and was very close to my parents. “I was an administrator for an insurance company at the time and didn’t enjoy my job so decided to quit. My then partner, now husband, said I should go to the job centre to see if there was anything out there, which I did, and saw the job for a care assistant at Cherry Tree.
Helen was seemingly a natural choice for the activities role at the home when it became available as she used to stay behind after her shift had finished and play games or watch videos with the residents. She added: “I now get paid to do the most simplest of things. The other day I took a lady who wasn’t feeling very well her breakfast in bed and we sat and chatted while watching Jeremy Kyle and drinking tea. “As I left she told me what a fun time she had had. Each morning I get in before I am supposed to and sit with the residents for hours and we talk about what is happening on the newspapers or the magazines.
Helen Harries “I had never stepped in the place before but thought I would give it a go, and have found that it is lovely to give someone help and assistance, and get that loving back. My family has lived in the village since I was three so a lot of the residents knew
“I put up a weekly activities rota but we rarely stick to it because there is always something different cropping up.” Other activities she organises at the home include quizzes, entertainers including the local choir and theatre group, weekly pet therapy visits, art classes and visits from the local schools and groups.