Our help continues and at all times will
Social employees are often misrepresented, in some areas of the media, as removers of liberty, curtailers of freedoms and, like bailiffs, solely there to take one thing away.
Our function and willpower is to do precisely the other and, more often than not, we succeed, at all times with the individual’s greatest pursuits at coronary heart. In the course of the darkest days of lockdown, we tailored our follow to assist maintain people, households and communities related, supported and secure.
At its greatest, social work helps individuals to deal with tough circumstances, drawing on their very own strengths and property, as we work alongside them to create and maintain higher, happier lives.
Lockdowns could have ended however our responsibility of care goes on – and that features encouraging colleagues and people we serve to ensure they continue to be totally vaccinated against COVID-19 and a probably resurgent flu virus.
Though winter infections, like flu, haven’t been as extreme within the final couple of years, Australia and different territories have not too long ago been experiencing spikes in circumstances and will increase within the prevalence of extreme sickness.
Dangers stay
Having simply returned from visiting household in Australia, I used to be capable of see the impression flu has had on individuals and the well being and care employees supporting them. There are wider systemic challenges too, as companies try to maintain going for these in want. These rising pressures are maybe not shocking. As society reopens, except medical and care settings, there are not any restrictions on motion in public or non-public areas.
On condition that we work with older adults and people residing with dementia, studying disabilities, autism, psychological in poor health well being and different cognitive points, we’ve an vital position in reassuring those that are anxious or presumably uncertain concerning the persevering with necessity of vaccinations.
For some, it’ll understandably appear counterintuitive, after they go searching and see a world which has largely returned to regular. The fact is extra nuanced after all. Dangers stay and we should proceed to assist people and households navigate round them.
I’d additionally add, our responsibility of care extends to colleagues and others with whom we work together on an expert foundation. Protecting ourselves match and wholesome is as vital as our efforts to do the identical for others.
Vaccination for the nation
I due to this fact urge you to encourage all you take care of – and work with – to e-book COVID-19 booster and flu vaccinations directly, if they’re eligible. To help the uncertain or undecided, you too can make full use of those free campaign materials. These assets embody recommendation, steerage and solutions to often requested questions.
These of you who’re social employees in grownup social care know, in addition to I, we’re right here to make life easier and provides these we serve the area and time to clarify, optimistic and nicely knowledgeable choices. Clearing the obstacles to getting safely vaccinated is only one means we will help our communities – and our superb well being and care colleagues – have a secure, safe and wholesome winter.
