Thursday 24 May 2012

Staff Support Groups

In February we started staff support groups for our caregivers.  The idea was to give them an opportunity to share feelings and experiences and to feel supported and be a support to each other.

In February they got to know each other a little better and explored whether they have similar problems in their work environment with which they can either help each other or get more information on the topic presented to them in the next group.

In the second groups, they learnt a bit more on Alzheimer's and Dementia. Sometimes it is very difficult to understand the behaviour of a person living with Alzheimer's and Dementia and to have a bit more knowledge on the subject already makes a big difference.  They brainstormed on how to deal with different difficult situations at work and I shared some tips and ideas about handling different situations.

This month they are making collages about themselves.  They are focusing on things that they like and/enjoy and things that they are good at (not specifically at work).  So far it is a really wonderful experience working with the different caregivers and learning new and interesting things about them.  The idea behind the collage is to realise that they have so much more to offer than just nursing care and that they must not leave their personalities at home, but bring them to work.  If they are good at singing, they can sing to a lonely resident in their room.  If they are good at solving puzzles they can sit with a resident and do crossword puzzles or word searches.  They can challenge them to some new activities, like kicking a ball in the lounge for some exercise if they know they enjoy soccer in their free time.  The improvement in care will soon show once the caregivers bring a bit of liveliness and spontaneity, joined with nursing care.

Here are pictures of one of the support groups:


Caregivers Winnie, Dipuoa and Dora working hard on their collage.



Dora talking about the things she is good at.  



Winnie talking about the things that she likes.  

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