Meadowlark Care Home employee Natasha Bagley praises Renaissance Care Group's new flexible shift patterns

A CARE home employee has praised changes to shift patterns with wellbeing in mind.

Meadowlark carer, Natasha Bagley, has worked in the industry for over a decade so appreciates the response to potential burnout caused by the efforts of carers during the pandemic.

She said: “We have reclaimed power over our schedules. The changes give us the ability to be flexible. When I first started, I was the youngest carer at my home by about a decade. But, with the care industry moving towards a modern way of working, you can now fit a career in care around college or other pursuits. This will strengthen the development of the next generation of carers.”

Renaissance Care Group, which manages Meadowlark Care Home, reviewed its cultural practices with input from staff. The employer of 1200 people across the country has since implemented a more flexible approach to working.

Natasha said: “Near the end of the pandemic, carers were leaving across the sector. The challenges we faced, cost-of-living and fuel prices, as well as long hours made its clear changes needed to be made. The new flexible approach has alleviated childcare issues meaning I no longer have to count on others to pick my kids up or put them to bed. I often found the industry-standard 12-hour shift patterns left me missing out on important moments. Now, I have the flexibility to be there.”

Renaissance has also introduced health and wellbeing initiatives such as an exercise platform DanceSing, and period products in staff bathrooms.

“Good care starts with self-care,” said Natasha. “Looking after my physical and mental wellbeing allows me to give the best version of myself to the residents.”