As part of a continuing series of short blogs on RESTORE2 – the physical deterioration and escalation tool for care/nursing homes – we caught up with Fugen Fleming, Registered Manager at The Chase and Janet Young, Registered Care Home Manager at Littlebourne House, to find out more about the process of implementing RESTORE2, and how it can help with staff development and retention.
What was the process of implementing RESTORE2 in your setting?
Fugen: When I was first asked to implement RESTORE2 I felt a bit overwhelmed. As a manager, all I could think about was how long it would take to get everyone trained up and using a new system.
We did the online training which was great and then Dr Gardner came in and sat down and worked through it with us. We looked at the soft signs and observations for about eight of our residents, and it got us into a system of what to identify what format to put it in. We have about six or seven staff involved as well. So yes, it turned out very well. We got all the support we needed to be able to put it into practice
How did your staff approach RESTORE2? Were they keen to get involved?
Janet: Once they completed the online training and the reasons behind RESTORE2 were explained, I think they felt more empowered, especially going forward. It’s definitely helped them in their development. They’re not clinicians, but they know that they can talk to clinicians more quickly and have the right information for those discussions.
How has the implementation of RESTORE2 in your setting helped with staff retention?
Janet: I think it benefits because I think someone coming into the industry initially will see how much we have to offer them. A lot of our staff want to develop, they don’t come in and just want to stay just at one level. I think if they can see that we’re offering that, and see the outcomes from RESTORE2, then that’s very empowering for them. They see it as a way of progressing their careers, so it’s becoming an important part of helping us retain staff.
