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Simeon Care For the Elderly belongs to the worldwide Camphill Movement.
Originally the work in Camphill was around the children, adolescents or
adults with special needs. Gradually, co-workers saw that meeting the needs
of the elderly person was a task as well. In 1984 some of us, nurses, doctors
and social workers, started this home for elderly. Our residents come from
many different backgrounds. Some of them have been Camphill co-workers,
some come from neighbourhood, some come from other parts of country or even
from abroad.
Our continuing aim is to build up a community in which residents and co-workers
can join in according to individual abilities. The guiding principle is
to uphold the dignity of each person during all phases of life. Celebrating
the Christian Festivals happens within Cairnlee Estate. Visiting artists
and musicians enriches our cultural life. We always appreciate any contributions
by our co-workers and residents.
Introduction to the estates.
We live in three houses, Caranoc, Whithorn and Windruffe. Altogether we
are about 30 people. Our houses are part of Cairnlee Estate, which includes
a community for young adolescents with special needs. We also have contact
with other surrounding Camphill Communities, where we can go to listen concerts
and lectures, watch plays and meet with other co-workers from all over the
world. Simeon is in Bieldside, which is roughly 8 km from Aberdeen city
centre. There are public buses leaving just a short walk from here, and
we have bikes available for our co-workers.
Day to day work.
Working in Simeon is more a way of life. We usually have the meals and
tea breaks together with our residents. We share all the care for the
residents, which of course will vary from each individual. Some may need
help with most basic tasks while others volunteer to share some of works
in the house with us.
Our general tasks are; Basic personal, social care
Assisting with nursing care
Domestic work, e.g. Cleaning, preparing meals, Laundry, etc
Our day generally starts 7am in the morning and finishes 9pm. We come
together to receive the night report from the night nurse at 7am and to
give the day report to the night nurse at 9pm.
All co-workers have one day and one half-day off per a week and you can
usually have one and half an hour for your own time in the afternoon each
day.
We have employed night nurses, who work in Simeon from 9pm to 7 am, and
a cook, who cooks our lunch from Monday to Friday.
Pocket money.
The short-term co-workers, who stay with us for a year or less, received
£28 pocket money per a week. From this you are expected to cover
personal expenses, clothing, postage, stationery, telephone calls, etc.
You will receive free board and lodging.
Holiday.
The short-term co-workers have one and a half-day each month when they
stay with us entire the month. And they receive £15 as holiday money.
For example, those who stay with us for 6 months will have 9 days and
£90 holiday money. However, when they stay with us for 12 months
they will have 21days and £210 holiday money.
The co-workers are recommended to take their holiday every 4 or 5 months.
Because you may feel stress to live in the community as our daily life
can involve situations requiring skills in handling pressure and taking
responsibilities.
Journeys home.
EU Countries
Simeon pays your ticket home by the least expensive way after a stay of
complete 12 months.
Other Countries
You are expected to come with a valid return ticket or have enough funds
to pay your return ticket home. Simeon may contribute a part of your return
ticket for those who stay with us for completely 12 months.
Those who stay with us for less than 12 months are expected to find your
journey home yourself.
Smoking.
Smoking is not allowed in any buildings in the community. It is allowed
in only designated areas.
Medical
Those who stay in Simeon for longer than 3 month can register at the Camphill
Medical Practice. Once registered with a Doctor you may benefit from regular
medical cover provided by the National Health Service.
Clothes
Aberdeen is north east of Scotland, therefore it can be cool and wet even
during the summer time. You should be well prepare for your clothing.
Words from a former co-worker.
"When I first came to Simeon, I had no idea what life here would
be like. Though I had read the description letter, I don't think anything
could have prepared me for living and working in a community. I have learnt
to respect the differences of other people and to respond to their needs.
But I have also learnt several aspects about my abilities and myself.
And I have discovered parts of me that I never knew were there. I hope
that I have given something to Simeon, although I could never give back
what Simeon has given to me."
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