Over a decade ago, Lynn Laughland, HRM Homecare managing director, launched a pioneering Wellness Team which over time has become one of her “greatest achievements.”
The team consists of Wellness Manager Heather Weir, Senior Care Officer Suzanne Gribbon, and Care Officers Charlene Forsyth, Louise Mitchell, and Gillian Davidson.
Described as the “beating heart” of HRM Homecare, the Wellness Team works independently from the rest of the business and aims to deepen the bond of trust with those HRM cares for and their families too.
The company achieves this by making sure each of HRM Homecare’s support workers and service users are well equipped with the resources and procedures in place that they require.
This means looking at delivering outcome focused care planning, risk assessments, checks, service reviews, evaluations of the service that HRM Homecare provides, and spot checks to make sure those being cared for have their needs properly met.
But, it’s also much more than that. The Wellness Team works as a perfect example of how people can grow professionally within the care sector to become highly skilled and professional individuals.
Team manager, Heather Weir, said: “HRM Homecare has led the way with its Wellness Team. The team is entirely focused on person-centred care, making sure everything is tailored towards care supports that entirely meets the needs of the individual.
“Lynn saw the need for a quality team who could coordinate the care planning. She is an innovator, and she implements new initiatives quickly that can be transformational.
Heather added: “Now, I wouldn’t do anything else. I initially fell into the profession, but thanks to Lynn I have built my knowledge over 12 years and now love working in this sector and team.”
Suzanne joined the Wellness Team in November 2018, having spent 14 years as an Agile Care Practitioner, specialising in working with children who required additional support needs and respite care.
She said: “I decided on a change of direction. Upon joining HRM, Lynn quickly saw that I would fit in with the Wellness Team. I now enjoy a bit of both office work and meeting clients.
“Now, I provide a link with the support workers. I am able to pass on people’s likes and dislikes, any special requirements they have, certain routines they have, and any dos and don’ts. And it’s also vital that we pick up on any change, no matter how small, in the needs of service users, so that additional support is arranged and implemented.”
Heather is keen to stress that the Wellness Team doesn’t just sit behind desks. She explained: “Every day is different, but it brings out the best certainly in me and I’d say every member of my team.
“What we do shows that care is a skilled profession. It’s all about empathy, problem solving and thinking outside the box. It’s challenging but at the same time very rewarding. You couldn’t ask for anything more in a career.
“We are there to build a trusting relationship not just with service users but with their families, with our fellow care officers, and with our external partners too.”
Lynn Laughland said: “The Wellness Team is one of my greatest achievements in my near 30 years in the care sector running HRM Homecare. It led the way, and continued to lead the way, in providing proper person-centred care.
“High quality care needs high quality services delivered by people not only with the best skills but a real passion and commitment for the job. I have that in droves in my Wellness Team, and appreciate the amazing work that they do every day.”
