The pandemic saw a dramatic rise in the number of inquiries we were receiving from care homes looking for advice and support. Although the COVID-19 situation is much more stable, the demand for our services has not dwindled, as care homes are still looking for a team of dedicated experts in care to advise them. Because of this, we’re always on the lookout for experts in care to join our team of consultants. But what is it like to as a care consultant with Fulcrum? Patricia Gooden-Husbands, one of our dementia care experts, has been discussing her experience.
Why did you choose to join Fulcrum?
“I joined Fulcrum because of the challenges in the care sector, and Fulcrum was there to raise standards when there was no consultancy company out in the market doing that. We’re so consistent, it’s unique. I was also drawn to Fulcrum because of the passion that I have to get care to a higher standard. The Fulcrum team have done a lot of upskilling of managers in terms of confidence and assertiveness, so providers know that Fulcrum are the ears and eyes that you can rely on.”
What is your area of expertise within care?
“My journey with Fulcrum has basically been informed by my professional pathway, because I did a master’s alongside my consultancy in dementia. From this, I’ve learnt that a lot of care homes were missing how to manage the behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia and the fact that person-centred care should be at the core of managing dementia.
“My journey stands since – wow – 2006! I still use my research from then to enhance my knowledge, to share with my colleagues and share with the providers that I work with. I do facilitate a lot of bespoke training about how to manage behaviour, which is a niche in the market. Unfortunately, one in three people in the world will be diagnosed with dementia. Despite this, there’s growing evidence that managing behaviour associated with dementia is a niche; Fulcrum has tapped into this and we need to keep progressing.”
What does your typical day as a Fulcrum consultant look like?
“Usually, I receive a call as behaviour is happening and then I will make phone calls. After talking to the care home, I will then analyse the situation and, if a visit is warranted, I will plan one. If not, I will give some sort of recommendation or suggestion in time for them to support the resident. I’ll pay a visit to learn more about the resident and then put in place a behaviour-positive management plan.
“We’re always at the end of the phone – this is no nine to five. It’s a 24-hour service, especially because of our online system. Ultimately, we’ve built up a lot of trust and confidence with providers and we want to be there for them.”
Can you share a recent ‘win’ you’ve had at work?
“I recently facilitated training in a care home about dementia and the difference I’ve made to the nine staff that attended has been amazing. I’ve been given feedback, and I shared it with the director of that care home. It made me realise the difference I’d made to their life, to their practice and, equally, enhanced somebody else’s quality of life, and that made my day.”
What does the future have in store for Fulcrum?
“As Fulcrum grows, they’ll go on to new ventures. There’s a lot of skills in Fulcrum: the consultants, the team, the marketing team, the communication team, the PR team – we’re all here to push Fulcrum to its limit.”
What would you think about someone considering becoming a Fulcrum consultant?
“Have you got a passion that drives you to get out of bed in the morning? If that passion is raising standards and making a difference in people’s lives or being that support for the manager who has a lot of responsibility on their hands, then, yes, consultancy and working for Fulcrum is for you.”
If you want to find out more about being a Fulcrum consultant, please get in touch.