A heated, massaging car seat
Fifty six percent of social workers say there’s not enough room for them to park at the office. So make their car their home with a luxurious heated car seat; perfect for driving between visits or on a long commute. The only downside: they may never leave their car again.
A pedometer
For care workers juggling caseloads and clients, trying to stay fit as well can seem like an impossible task. A pedometer can keep track of how active they’re being and keep their health in check.
A (non-hot) desk
Nearly 60% of social workers have to hotdesk at work. If they’re fed up with getting in earlier every day just to bag their favourite spot, take the next logical step and give them their own desk to bring in. Extra points if it’s an on-trend standing desk, so they can deny themselves the comfort of ever sitting down at all.
Books
For people who are having a hard time of it, or just want an uplifting read, there’s I Had a Black Dog by Matthew Johnstone, an illustrated book on what it’s like to have depression.
For the care professional who can’t switch off, what about a copy of the critically acclaimed Fourth Of July Creek, where a well-intentioned social worker becomes victim of an FBI manhunt (happens to the best of us).
And, for more ideas, you could take a look at our social care reading list.
The antidote to case notes
How about a personal diary app, for them to reflect on and come to terms with what’s happened in their day. Diaro is a highly admired android option, while a popular iTunes version is Day One.
Or there’s always the good old paper option (far easier to wrap), which can be personalised.
A cheerful playlist
It might sound naff, but after a long day visiting clients, a personally tailored and peppy playlist might be just the thing for the journey home (we’d recommend Elton John and Taylor Swift).
Or, if music isn’t their thing, how about an app for audio books, such as Audible. Credits or membership can buy books to listen to; a great way to kill time and clear the head between visits, or on the way to work.
A home foot spa
Those who work in social care often have to be on their feet all day. Soaking your feet gently, while watching TV and having a cuppa, can be great for relaxing and keeping sore feet at bay.
A poo-shaped cushion
For a crap day.
Readers’ ideas
@GdnSocialCare @NimalJude can never have too many grey cardigans with pockets..
— Ermintrude (@Ermintrude2) December 7, 2015
@GdnSocialCare Consistently great management would be a wonderful gift
— Ed Nixon (@EdNixon2) December 3, 2015
@GdnSocialCare @Ermintrude2 the ability to do what my clients need me to do, not what the organization wants me to.
— Apie (@Apiesauce) December 7, 2015
@GdnSocialCare proper mobile working technology that is portable and accessible
— V.Cowell (@v_cowell) December 2, 2015
@GdnSocialCare Effective IT systems, & ditto re managers.
— Take 2 Mums (@take2mums) December 7, 2015
