Each resident is appointed a key worker on admission, and the key worker’s responsibilities are as follows:
q To communicate with their assigned residents on each shift attended and offer help with tasks. These tasks could be letter writing or reading, arranging appointments or assisting with recreational pursuits.
q To offer the resident assistance with other personal affairs such as contacting relatives/friends.
q To obtain shopping or organise for shopping to be done for the resident.
q To be a companion to the resident – someone the resident feels he/she can talk to about any issue, confident in the knowledge that the discussion will not be repeated to anyone else unless that is what the service user wishes.
q To voice residents concerns regarding issues connected with the running of the home, for example, a change in policy or practice which the resident was not happy with.
q To advise the senior carer or the manager of the home if a concern is identified involving the physical, psychological or emotional well-being of the resident. This would be accomplished within the confines of the National Care Standards Act, paying particular attention to a service users right to privacy and confidentiality.
