As staffing shortages in the care sector in the UK become an increasing concern, care home managers are under additional work loads. If you are a care home manager, it has never been more important to look after yourself outside of your working hours. Taking the time to relax and unwind after a long shift is not only beneficial to your physical and mental well-being, it is ultimately beneficial to the people you care for as well. Here are some ways you can relax after a long shift:
- Enjoy your commute home: The commute home from work can be a stressful experience, but it does not have to be. With some planning, you can make your commute an opportunity to relax and unwind. One way to do this is to listen to audiobooks – it can help you make the most of your commute time. Listening to audiobooks can also be a great way to learn new things or gain a new perspective on a topic.
- Create a post-work ritual: Ending your workday with a set ritual can help you wind down and transition into your personal time. This can be especially useful if you have difficulty disconnecting from work when you are off the clock. A simple routine might involve catching up with friends or family, taking a warm bath or reading a book.
- Try gentle breathing exercises: When you are stressed, your breathing becomes shallow and rapid. This type of breathing can lead to feelings of anxiety and panic. However, deep breathing exercise can help you slow down your heart rate and ease the muscles. Besides, it can lower your stress levels.
- Perform gentle exercises: Being constantly stressed can take a toll on both your mental and physical health. Luckily, there are some simple things you can do to help reduce stress levels. One way to do this is by practising yoga. In addition to physical benefits, yoga helps to relieve stress. Another way to reduce stress is by getting regular exercise. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood- boosting effects. You do not have to go to the gym to get a workout in – a brisk walk outside can also be beneficial.
- Read something: Curling up with a good book is one of the best ways to relax and unwind. Books can take you to another world. So whether you’re reading your favourite novel, a new mystery or a blog post, make sure to take some time for yourself and enjoy a good book.
- Unplug and recharge: In today’s world, you may constantly be bombarded with noise from your gadgets and devices. While this can be helpful in some situations, it can also be disruptive and stressful. Turning off your phone or putting it on silent will give you a much-needed break from the constant buzz. You may also want to consider placing your phone in another room so you’re not tempted to check it every few minutes. Taking a break from the outside world will help you relax and recharge and you’ll be better able to focus on the tasks at hand.
Note: Ensure that your team members have your contact number to contact you in emergencies.
Medication errors in your care homes can be a cause of concern even after work hours. If your care home is using paper-based Medication Administration Records (MAR charts), it is important that you ensure that the records are legible and accurate. Incorrect or illegible records can lead to errors in medication administration, which can put residents at risk.
In the UK, many care homes are switching to electronic MAR charts for managing their medication records. MAR electronic or electronic MAR software can reduce medication errors by giving complete and accurate information about the residents. The software also helps in eliminating confusion that arise due illegible handwriting and missed signatures. It also sends real-time alerts to caregivers when dosage is due. To know how eMAR can help streamline medication management at your care home, book a demo today.
