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Anyone work with older people with complex mental health issues?

19 replies

Icloud54 · 29/03/2017 23:56

I have a interview for my dream job and was wondering if anyone would provide me with some kind of guidance to what the interview may be like?
Anxiety is currently hitting the roof with this interview- in need of some reassurance

OP posts:
Icloud54 · 30/03/2017 12:39

Bump

OP posts:
RuncibleSp00n · 30/03/2017 12:43

Fire away. I'll try to help if I can.

When's the interview? NHS? What profession? (You don't have to say if you feel it'd be outing).

Well done on getting the interview btw! Flowers

Icloud54 · 30/03/2017 16:04

Thank-you!
Yes it's in the NHS and its a community support worker.
I'm just so nervous because it's what I have been wanting to get into for ages.

OP posts:
RuncibleSp00n · 30/03/2017 21:03

That's great news that you've wanted this for ages and now have an interview. Don't let that overwhelm you with nerves though; just try to remember that they obviously think you're a good candidate, so its cliched but just be your normal self, iykwim?

Is it for older adults with functional mental health conditions (depression/anxiety etc) or organic mental health probs (dementia, Alzheimer's etc)?

Community posts tend to require you to demonstrate a good awareness of risk assessing and safe working practices (notifying colleagues of whereabouts, using electronic diary, ensuring there's a risk assessment in place before going to a clients home, utilising a personal alarm etc).

They'll prob want to hear about scenarios where you've: a) had to think quickly on your feet to problem-solve, b) made a positive difference to somebody, c) dealt successfully with conflict/a challenging situation.

If you can think of a few good examples to use as scenarios, that'll really help. They don't have to be from your working life, they can be from general life/family situations etc. As long as they evidence your transferable skills in those areas.

Older adults support/health work is so dependent on warmth, a down-to-earth approach, empathy, understanding, patience and genuine respect, so if you can let these aspects of your character come across at interview it will stand you in good stead.

You might possibly (dependent upon the job Band) be asked something about current challenges to the health/care sector (ageing population, pressures on inpatient beds, increased emphasis on care-at-home, social care funding cuts etc).

Above all, try and enjoy the interview as your chance to shine and let your keeness and passion come through....and the very best of luck! Flowers

Will you let me know how you get on? Smile

Emmageddon · 30/03/2017 21:09

Read up on reminiscence therapy, visualisation, sensory tools, life stories, memory lane walks - all related to care of older people with dementia. There's an excellent programme on BBC1 at the moment, immediately after the breakfast show, about how getting older doesn't necessarily mean getting infirm. I would imagine in the community, you will be helping the clients with all aspects of daily living as well as providing reassurance and support to them and their families.

Good luck, relax and enjoy the interview. Remember you are interviewing them as well!

Emmageddon · 30/03/2017 21:13

Good luck anyway Flowers and if you are not successful, ask for feedback, it's incredibly useful to know what you could improve on for next time.

Anyone work with older people with complex mental health issues?
RuncibleSp00n · 30/03/2017 21:25

Good points there, Emma! Grin
It's crucial that you know though whether it's for FMI or Organic. If it's the latter then definitely yes to reminiscence therapy/sensory work etc but if it's the former then this wouldn't be applicable/appropriate, so you'd want to familiarise yourself with common mental health conditions and approaches. The MIND website is a good starting point.

Hope this helps.

SanBlas · 30/03/2017 21:29

Throw in the words 'empowering' and 'client focused' . When talking about goals ensure you mention that the goals set for a person should be SMART Specific, Measured, Achievable, Realistic and Timed. They should not be what you want but what the client wants. Talk about when or how you have diffused a difficult situation. Empathy, boundaries, tolerance and patience all important.

SlB09 · 30/03/2017 21:35

You will undoubtedly be asked things related to safeguarding, dignity, consent and capacity. In that role this doesn't need to be in depth but awareness of who to report concerns too (would expect that to be your line manager). Dont worry if you cant answer or don't know they will expect this and prefer honesty, as long as you say you would seek advice from team members or line manager if you wern't sure. Best of luck!!

JamesDelaneysHat · 30/03/2017 21:35

Think about scenarios which demonstrate you being able to build rapport, risk assessment etc. Maybe read up a bit on the Mental health Act (just an overview) and mental capacity. Runcible has covered everything else really well.

Bear in mind that older people often also have physical health issues as well and may have poor mobility etc. Social isolation is massive in older people with mental health issues. Try and show awareness of other services in the community that may be able to also support older people e.g third sector.

JamesDelaneysHat · 30/03/2017 21:36

Oh yes and signs of abuse and safeguarding.

user1487015199 · 30/03/2017 21:38

It will probably be value based, scenarios, read up on 6 c's too and good luck

RuncibleSp00n · 30/03/2017 21:43

Could I ask what Band the role is? If it's Support Work it's likely to be B3/B4 is it? In which case, as this is classed as an unqualified support role you'll be expected to support the qualified staff more senior to you (nurses, OTs, Physios etc). It will be those staff who will be devising the care plan and goals with the patients, and they'll be responsible for allocating the types of work and interventions for you to carry out.

So don't get too worried about thinking you'll need to evidence how you set SMART goals etc. Just an understanding perhaps of what these are is useful, but mostly focus on how you work well in a team and can follow guidance and carry-out goals/interventions set by qualified staff.

Icloud54 · 30/03/2017 22:09

You all have been amazing and some very well points outlined that I would not have thought off!
Interview is next Wednesday, I will let you all know how I get on.
A very big thank you for taking your time out in supporting me! It's all appreciated and I will work on the points raised. Thanks again everyone X

OP posts:
RuncibleSp00n · 31/03/2017 07:34

Good luck for next weds iCloud! Will be keeping fingers crossed for you!

Icloud54 · 06/04/2017 19:32

I got offered the job!
Thanks again everyone!

OP posts:
SlB09 · 06/04/2017 19:38

Excellent well done!! Did wonder how it went yesterday!! Congratulations 👏

Emmageddon · 06/04/2017 20:31

@Icloud54 Congratulations!!! Flowers Wine

RuncibleSp00n · 06/04/2017 21:36

Congratulations! That's brilliant news! I've been keeping fingers crossed for you. Flowers

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