A new approach to care is being implemented at Norlandia’s service block in Tuusula. This modern touch is also visible and tangible in the workwear. The outfit is complemented by a handy accessory bag, a smart kangaroo pouch for the care professional.
The Norlandia Yhdessä service block brings together those taking their first steps in life and those spending their twilight years. The block houses a children's daycare center, a nursing home for the elderly, a sheltered housing unit, and a dog daycare center. Intergenerational interaction is at the heart of the community's activities.
Different generations meet in the block's courtyard
In the courtyard of the wooden complex, children are free to come and go, and the gate between the daycare yard and the area for the elderly is kept open. The children enjoy observing the lives of the older residents.
Residents can visit the dog daycare's outdoor enclosure to greet the animals. Sometimes, the dogs pop inside to brighten up the day for nursing home residents. The presence of animals does a lot of good; a non-verbal resident with dementia might find their words again while petting a dog.
The courtyard's sensory garden is filled with traditional plants and flowers that can be safely touched and smelled. They stimulate the senses and can evoke childhood memories for the elderly.
"We wanted to bring services for the elderly out from the shadows and into the center of life. The property developer refers to it as the 'Block of Wishes.' It is an apt term: we want to respond to what elderly people have been proven to want from their living environment," says Mira Ruusunen, Unit Manager at Norlandia Yhdessä.
Anne Eerikkilä of the Tuusulan tassut dog daycare also enjoys wearing Medanta clothes.
Antimicrobial protection in fabrics is important
The collaboration between Norlandia and Medanta began when Norlandia wanted their new care philosophy to be reflected in modern, relaxed, and functional workwear. The Medanta Care collection impressed them with its flexible, dirt-repellent microfiber material and its antimicrobial protection.
"Care work is performed in every possible position. The workwear must stretch; it must not pull or constrict anywhere. It is also important that the surface of the workwear prevents the growth of microbes. We work closely with clients whose immune systems may be compromised," Ruusunen describes.
At the Norlandia Yhdessä unit, the unisex workwear set for care staff includes trousers, a half-sleeved shirt, and a hoodie-style fleece jacket. The chosen color is blue-grey, which hides dirt and against which Norlandia's fresh apple-green brand color stands out beautifully.
Nursing student Taru Niemi carries an accessory bag over her shoulder, containing her phone, pens, and a notebook. The bag also conveniently holds empty medication blister packs that need to be disposed of in a secure data-protection container.
The handy accessory bag is part of the work uniform
A unique feature of the workwear is the shoulder accessory bag designed specifically for Norlandia, keeping essential items within immediate reach and safe from falling. It carries hand sanitizer, disposable gloves, keys, and a work phone.
The accessory bag is like a care professional's own kangaroo pouch – spacious, handy, and ready for action. It sits close to the body and does not get in the way when interacting with a resident. The bag is easy to put on and take off, for instance, when washing a client.
Nice workwear is a way to value the employee
Medanta’s workwear has received positive feedback from staff. The flexible material is important in a job where one squats and moves around many times a day.
"When I started at Norlandia, I immediately thought how nice and functional the workwear looked. The fabrics really stand out from thick, non-stretchy material. In other places, I have used restrictive and uncomfortable work uniforms," says nursing student Taru Niemi.
Practical nurse Daria Krainova finds that Medanta's clothes feel good against the skin.
The drawstring waist of the trousers does not pinch, and the cuffs prevent the pant legs from sliding under the heels. The shirt has zippered side pockets so items don't fall out even when bending over. The uniform is also praised for working well in damp conditions.
”Our work clothes feel good against the skin, and I like their color. They don't make you sweat or absorb moisture when washing a client,” says practical nurse Daria Krainova.
Taru Niemi and Daria Krainova feel that the employer truly values its staff when it invests in high-quality workwear and listens to their wishes. For the summer, staff have requested short-sleeved T-shirts. Capri-style work trousers have also been suggested. There has been a request for more pockets on the fleece jacket.
"The wishes have been heard, and some are already being acted upon. We have considered a cheerful green top as an alternative to the grey shirt. It's great that we can continue to improve Norlandia's workwear set together with Medanta," Ruusunen says.
Clothes arrive folded from the laundry
In the care sector, workwear must withstand frequent washing at high temperatures. At Norlandia, there is a cycle of over a thousand items of workwear in use, including accessory bags. Work shirts are changed daily, and trousers a few times a week or as needed.
"Our workwear is washed at Medanta's laundry. They arrive back in laundry bags, crisp and wrinkle-free. Our staff don't have to worry about folding; they can put on clean, neat clothes right away," Ruusunen praises.
The Norlandia logo is placed on the calf of the trousers so that it is visible from behind as well.
Norlandia Yhdessä
Location: Puustellinmetsä, Tuusula
Specialty: community-based, intergenerational care philosophy.
Established: daycare operations started in July 2020; the care unit opened its doors to residents in March 2021.
Client places: nursing home 25, sheltered housing 20, daycare 84, dog daycare 10.
Staff: care unit 48, daycare 9.
Workforce: childcare workers, kindergarten teachers, care assistants, practical and registered nurses, physiotherapists, dog handlers, housekeepers, and kitchen staff.
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