My Favourite Things
by Solange, 30-09-2008, 13:57
Hi there, to commemorate her birthday , actress/vocalist, Julie Andrews made a special appearance at
Botox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in string,
These are a few of my favorite things.
Cadillacs and cataracts, hearing aids and glasses,
Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
These are a few of my favorite things.
When the pipes leak, When the bones creak,
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favorite things,
And then I don't feel so bad.
Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunions,
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,
Bathrobes and heating pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favorite things.
Back pain, confused brains and no need for sinnin',
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin',
And we won't mention our short shrunken frames,
When we remember our favorite things.
When the joints ache, When the hips break,
When the eyes grow dim,
Then I remember the great life I've had,
And then I don't feel so bad.
Conflict
by Solange, 08-07-2008, 11:41
CONFLICT IN THE WORKPLACE
Inevitability of conflict
Conflict is pervasive in all layers of society. It is part of life.
Conflict is rooted in real and perceived differences of interests according to the position which individuals occupy in a social system.
Conflicts can be psychological or cultural when it focuses on the perceptions, beliefs and behaviour of the parties involved. The causes of conflict are varied: economic, political repression, ethnic, religious and hatred.
For this purpose I will concentrate in conflict in the workplace.
Conflict in the workplace translates into bullying, intimidation, sexual harassment, psychological torture, ostracism and other kinds of discrimination.
The definition of workplace bullying could be said that it is the repeated inappropriate behaviour, direct or indirect, verbal, physical or otherwise, conducted by one or more person against an individual or more at the place of employment.
It is a serious social condition that should not be tolerated.
It is reported that half of the adult population has experienced some type of discrimination in the workplace. This sort of reports is just recently being investigated and information and legislation is still being sought to help solve some of the problems.
Bullying can be perpetrated by employees to employees, employees to subordinates and subordinates to supervisors. The most common are the supervisors towards subordinates where the principle relating to bullying applies with greater force because of the power and authority the supervisor has over the subordinate.
Usually this kind of discrimination is directed at people because they are weaker, or from a different race and/or colour, religion, gender.
The perpetrator acts abusively and disrespectful to the victim by offending, degrading and humiliating.
This sort of behaviour can undermine morale and productivity and damage the health of employees.
The workplace is a very important part of our lives as most of us spend a great deal of time at work. So much of our sense of identity depends on how happy we are with our relationships at work. People need to feel respected and treated with dignity.
Bullying if not stopped can lead to violence and/or ill health. However often there is no violence, just a relentless ‘picking’ on someone by one or more people. To be ‘picked on’ by somebody signifies that a person is having his efforts undervalued, is being public humiliated and teased.
It can also get nasty and the victim may be removed from a position of responsibility without consultation, or given unrealistic dead lines, and treated in a demeaning and condescending way. Some times bullying can be very subtle; the perpetrator may use negative facial expression and ostracism.
There are also some cases where employees join forces to undermine a superior. In this case, employees act in a subtle way as well but fail to carry out instructions or carry them out poorly and interrupt the superior at meetings at inadequate times.
Employers should be aware that bullying and intimidation couldn’t happen unless there is a climate that allows it to flourish. If that is the case, conflicts will go unreported and both employer and employees will find themselves in a lose-lose situation. The result is health breakdown, lethargy, anger and loss of productivity, loss of confidence and lack of motivation.
Organisations that ignore conflicts at work hoping it will go away are disappointed because it only gets worse. An employee that gets away with acting disrespectfully towards co-workers can prompt others to act as ‘copycats’.
Bullying and all other kinds of harassment should be nipped in the bud as soon as possible. Timing is crucial, the nature of bullying can be very debilitating and if action is delayed, it can lead to violence and/or irreparable damage to employee’s relations.
Many companies have a ‘Work Place Conduct Policy’ where it spells out procedures for reporting and investigating concerns about inappropriate behaviour. The 'Anti-Discrimination Commission of Queensland' is the government body responsible for the legislation and investigation of workplace conflicts. Its role is to "uphold the basic right of all people to fair treatment no matter what their circumstances or background".
Prevention is the best policy; however prevention can be difficult because it often involves changing the very culture of the workplace.
Education is a good start to change the culture and attitude of workers.Education will make perpetrators aware of the plight of the victim and its consequence relating to health and stress problems. Education will also teach managers and supervisors to know their role in reporting, documenting and investigating cases.
It will make them aware of the importance of role modelling in the work place. All employees will know their rights and responsibilities so that they can demand to be treated with respect and dignity.
If the workplace “Code of Conduct” fails to help, there is always the federal and state legislation regarding Anti-discrimination and Sexual Harassment Board, the WorkPlace Health and Safety Legislation and the Trade Union.
Legislation will raise public consciousness to the fact that bullying is not a private matter but a public issue. These organs will give practical guidance and provide organisations with a reference point from which to offer advice and assistance.
A world free of hostility is probably impossible but a hostility-free workplace should be feasible with vigilance and a little tact to the benefit of employer and employees.
Cheers, Solange
RCS Assessments
by Solange, 20-06-2008, 15:09
When a resident is on assessment it is vital that it is communicated to all staff. It is very important to complete each assessment properly in order to provide appropriate care and also to ensure that you receive the correct funding for each resident.
Staff needs to be aware that everything that seems out of the ordinary has to be reported and documented. By saying ‘all staff’ I mean everyone working in the facility while assessment is in progress. If you are on a short shift or long shift, if you are a casual or permanent employee, whether you are the Diversional therapist, nurse, cook, handyman, cleaner or volunteer; be alert to anything atypical regarding the resident on assessment. If you are not able to document yourself report the situation to senior staff. If you witness something that you are not sure it is relevant, ask a senior staff member or report it to management.
Cheers
Good documentation
by Solange, 19-05-2008, 08:08
Good documentation has many advantages.
One of them is to assist in good communication. Another is keep the Health Department at bay by ensuring that you are complying with the Government Standards by providing professional documentation to meet residents’ needs.
When it comes to activities, fine documentation makes good practice. For instance, very often facilities do not have enough recreation staff and when they go on leave mayhem may ensue with other staff members (nurses, volunteers) trying to coordinate activities lest the residents start to get restless.
I have made a small sample of ‘D.T. Working Instructions & Procedures’ which is based on the one I use. You may download this document and adjust/change to suit the management requirements of your facility. I hope you make good use of it.
Cheers, Solange.
National Dementia & Recreation Conference November 2007
by Solange, 30-01-2008, 14:45
A number of excellent speakers presented a range of topics over two days. The focus of the conference was on the challenges of delivering meaningful and diverse recreation programs to clients.
On the first day the emphasis was on ‘exploring possibilities’. The audience was stimulated to be open to new ideas as well as to critically review their practices and discard some old ones. We talked at length about the five basic needs of clients with dementia as identified by Dr Tom Kitwood. Those needs were: comfort, attachment, identity, inclusion and occupation and can be used to guide our thinking when we consider the types of recreational activities people with dementia may find positive and pleasurable.
On the second day the topics were all about news research, legal concerns, volunteer’s program updates and cultural considerations. I was pleased to recognise that my work place is pretty current.
One interesting part of the news research was the ‘Virtual Music Instrument (VMI) which is a software program developed by Dr Tom Chau at Bloorview MacMillan Children’s Centre in
Overall the Conference was a well worth exercise; I talked to various colleagues and was able to ascertain how lucky I am in my current job.
Australia Day celebration!
by Solange, 18-01-2008, 09:28
Next week we celebrate Australia Day and at work we are preparing for a day full of music and fun.
The residents have been busy painting paper templates of koalas, kangaroos, possums and other Aussie animals which staff are laminating and hanging around the facility in line with the theme.
The action will start in the morning just after breakfast. The residents will be escorted to the recreation room where they will be seated around a large table to watch staff making the dumper.
Throughout the day we will have Aussie sing-a-longs, Two-Up games, carpet bowls and wheel of fortune games; not forgetting the typical Aussie Barbie at lunch time with rissoles, sausages and steaks. If you have an activity that works for you could you please share it with us? Cheers
Back in business!
by Solange, 14-01-2008, 08:09
Hi there,
I just arrived from my trip to
Now it is back to work and I will catch up with those who send me messages and asked questions.
Merry Christmas!
by Solange, 29-11-2007, 18:12
Hi,
I just added a couple more activities for Dementia before I go on holidays. I am off to
So long.
Conference Update
by Solange, 20-11-2007, 21:14
Hi,
Last week I attended the Total Aged Care ‘Dementia & Recreation’ Conference in
On the same subject, there were a lot of companies selling their wares, books, games, music and videos. I made a very silly mistake which I would like to relate so you can learn from my experience. I bought a CD without first listening to it. The CD in question had the grand title of ‘Catching Dust in Mid Air’. The melodies and lyrics were supposed to have been composed by carers of dementia people. Great idea! However the CD is in my opinion appallingly bad; silly lyrics, over the top melodies and strident singers aiming at high notes they can’t reach. Disappointing! Beware of un-listened CDs!!
Cheers,
More music activities
by Solange, 07-11-2007, 16:35
Hi, I have just added a couple of music activities in ‘Activities for people with Dementia” and here are some suggestions to be carried out by carers/nurses/volunteers
v Singing with clients as they are dressed in the mornings
v Tuning radio to suit clients preferences
v Using music as a strategy to distract from unacceptable behaviour
v Engaging clients in responding to music: Clapping, tapping and moving.
v Using music to enhance exercises
v Using music for reality orientation
v Instructing and encouraging on how too use percussion instruments
Cheers,
Dementia & Recreation National Conference
by Solange, 17-10-2007, 17:26
Hi! The title of the conference promises a lot. I am certainly always looking for new ways to motivate and excite dementia sufferers. I will be attending the ‘Dementia & Recreation National Conference 2007’ next month in
For more information click: http://www.totalagedservices.com.au/workshops_conferences.asp
Venue
Grand Waldorf Ballroom
The Sebel Albert Park
65
Care Plan samples available to download.
by Solange, 10-10-2007, 10:44
Here as the samples promised. I have used both of them in the past. The format is a matter of choice. Sample 1 is suitable to residents from a multicultural background and sample 2 for English speaking residents. If in doubt when doing care plans consult with the manager or RN Consultant or better still, participate in the ‘Case Conference’ of your clients. Have fun!
Tips to make your clients feel good
by Solange, 02-10-2007, 16:30
Most people have three distinct needs in common:
- the need to feel important
- the need to feel appreciated
- the need to be understood.
Here are a few tips I use myself when communicating with my clients:
- Use good attitude when greeting – make the client feel you are pleased to be there.
- Maintain eye contact
- Smile
- Listen carefully and empathetically
- Remember names (very important)
- Show courtesy
- Express thanks
Tips to make clients feel good
by Solange, 02-10-2007, 16:07
There are three distinct needs most people have in common: A) to feel important B) to feel appreciated C) to be understood. So, when we are trying to communicate with our clients it would be of help to remember a few things:
1 - Good attitude when greeting the person
2 - Maintain eye contact
3 - Smile
4 - Listen carefully
5 - Remember names (very important)
6 - Show courtesy
7 - Express thanks
Good luck!
Upcoming Events in Brisbane
by Solange, 21-09-2007, 19:18
Here is some information that may be of interest:
Translating Research into Practice
As part of the 2007 Dementia Awareness Month (DAM) which runs from the 17 September to 17 October, Professor Kenneth Rockwood, from Dalhousie University, Canada will illustrate the theme
'Translating Research into Practice'.
State Library of QLD Theatre, Brisbane, Qld.
Tuesday 25 September, 9am to 12pm.
Culture and Mental Health
8 October 2007, 9:00am - 4:30pm
Greek Club and Convention Centre
South Brisbane
Some of the above are being repeated in other states; I'll keep you posted!
The Queensland Multicultural Festival/07 will be held at Roma St. Parkland on October 14th from 9am till 7pm. Entry is free and I can assure you that if it is anything like last year's event it will be fantastic.
Townsville Workshop
by Solange, 13-09-2007, 17:39
Hi, last May I was offered the opportunity to go to Townsville for a Diversional Therapists Workshop held by Diversicare Community Partners Program and ECCQ's Multicultural Advisory Service.
I had to prepare a talk on 'Cultural & Linguistic Diversity in Multicultural Facilities' and 'Assessment of Clients in Multicultural Facilities' Some of the people attending the Workshop asked me for a copy of my notes and I had none at the time. I promised to put it on the web and there it is. I hope it can be of some use.
Read my article on 'Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Multicultural Facilities' and 'Assessment of Clients in Multicultural Facilities'.
Care Plan
by Solange, 31-08-2007, 13:44
I’ll get into it as soon as I can.
I am very interested in hearing from carers based at home. What sort of activities work for you and what sort of challenges you have.
PDF Printing
by Solange, 29-08-2007, 21:54
I am just letting you know that the ‘Activities’ are now printable and the Volunteer’s Handbook sample is also ready to be downloaded.
Community Outings
by Solange, 24-08-2007, 21:20
I have just been thinking that bus trips are one of the most popular and most rewarding
activities for residents. The excitement and energy and happy, relaxed faces is a real pleasure to observe.
I am always on the look out for new venues to go In
If you know of a great place, park or restaurant please let me know. I intend to have a special page on my website with suggestions for good community outings; not only in
Cat predicts death
by Solange, 16-08-2007, 09:31
I just read an amazing story about a cat in a Nursing Home in the
I find this fascinating and I will soon be writing an article on Pet Therapy. I would like to hear other people’s experience on this subject.
Read the full article on Oscar on the link below and don’t forget to listen to the 2 minutes audio. Very interesting! http://www.abc.net.au/news
Welcome to Golden Carers!
by Solange, 14-08-2007, 20:40
Welcome to the Golden Carers Blog. Thanks to all of you who have sent through lovely comments, it is much appreciated. This website is a work in progress and I am keen to hear all your suggestions.
Based on the feedback I have received so far I am currently working on a sample Care Plan as well as a 'Volunteer Booklet'. This will be available in the coming days.
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