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Bev testing a lift
Bev testing a lift

A week in the life… of a senior visiting officer

Today, Inside Housing launches a new series where housing staff talk us through a week in their working life. In the first instalment, Bev Kirmond takes us through a week in her life as a senior visiting officer at WDH, from introducing an older tenant to a friendship phone line on Monday, through to visiting a tenant just discharged from hospital on Friday, and everything in between

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What’s it like to work as a visiting officer for @WDHupdate? Bev Kirmond takes us through her week #ukhousing

Monday

I began my week with a visit to a tenant in her 80s who has osteoporosis and isn’t able to get out much. She fell over recently and I wanted to see if a pendant alarm might give her more confidence and reassurance at home.

We also talked about her feeling lonely and I mentioned a friendship phone service so she can speak to like-minded people without leaving her flat.


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Tuesday

I joined WDH 15 years ago in the contact centre, taking calls from tenants about repairs. That gave me a great grounding because I got to know many of the tenants who I support now.

Today I visited a couple who I’ve known for a decade. The gentleman is struggling with memory loss and it’s quite stressful for his wife. We installed some door sensors that sound an alarm if anyone leaves the house at night.

Wednesday

I ran an awareness session for WDH colleagues so they know about the different types of technology we’re using to support tenants.

I also visited a lady who is recovering from a fractured femur. We talked about how she could look after herself so she doesn’t fall again. I suggested some telecare that reminds her to take her pills, stay hydrated and keep active.

My aim is always to help people before they have an emergency, and technology can really help with this preventative approach.

Bev explaining how WDH is using technology
Bev explaining how WDH is using technology

Thursday

I spent this morning installing a fall detector for an older resident who has dementia. In the afternoon I spoke to a young man with learning disabilities about an app that can remind him to go to appointments and do household tasks.

During my visits I often pick up on other needs, and today I found that one tenant’s heating was broken and put her in touch with the repairs team. For me, this was a good day. I love the variety of my job and also being able to help with lots of different problems.

Friday

I visited a tenant who had been discharged from hospital, to check what telecare she needs. Her adult daughter is her sole carer and she told me that she was feeling really anxious, so I put her in touch with WDH’s mental health navigator.

Knowing that many of the tenants I visit are struggling is probably the worst part of my job. I try to help as much as I can but at the end of my working day, it’s sometimes hard to switch off.

This week’s diary was written before the UK introduced measures to tackle coronavirus.

Would you like to contribute to our new column, ‘A week in the life’? Just get in touch with deputy editor (features) Jess McCabe to find out more: jess.mccabe@insidehousing.co.uk

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