Work has never been this fun :)

After the Eden Alternative Training we've had (see this previous post on Eden Alternative), we have decided to start implementing some of the principles and empowering our caregivers with knowledge that can help them to become care partners together with the residents.

We started at Lakeside and the results have been amazing.  The caregivers are participating well and seeing that work can be as fun as you want it to be.  And the residents joined us for each training session and gave their opinion and participated too.  We've been having a ball of  a time.


Physical activity:

Physical activity is very important for older people as it can keep them mobile for as long as possible as well as play a big part in preventing falls.  Physical exercise can also help to uplift the residents' moods.

We chatted about the different physical activities that can be done e.g. chair exercises, music and movement, physical games like chair soccer, balloon volleyball etc.  The residents participated in the discussions and felt that physical exercises are a very important part of good care.

Music and Movement groups with the staff. 

We then had some training on daily living activities (e.g. anything from brushing your hair to making your bed) and how important it is not to do everything for the residents, but to let them participate in these activities for as long as possible.  This will keep the feeling of independence for longer as well as decrease feelings of helplessness as they are actively involved in the everyday activities of the unit.  

Francina and Sarah Lombard making her bed together.  

Sarah showing Francina how she used to do it. 

Care Partners :)

Sheila Faccio helping to fold the laundry.

Shelia and Patricia working together.

Sheila has a very specific way of doing it and said these towels are folded in the right way for guests.

Lerato working with Molly Matroos  (our youngest resident) to set the table for lunch time.  

Sarah decided to jump in and show us how to fold the serviettes.

Joy Mowat decided to start from scratch and first clean everything that must go on the table.  Rosie is supervising the activity.

Moving very fast :)

Joy almost done.

Last serviette or two and then we are ready for lunch time.  

Team work :)

We had another training session with them about the importance of a walking programme.  We brainstormed about the residents' abilities to see who can walk with supervision, who can walk with assistance and who needs to go out in a wheelchair. Then we discussed times that would suit the caregivers and residents best to go for a walk and then we were ready to walk...

Two residents helped out as porters. 

Mary Philips going for a walk with a student.  Nancy Gelfand and Florah follow in the back. 

Happy to be outside :)

Lots of rest breaks are recommended in a walking programme :)

Seeing staff and residents growing together is a wonderful experience.  We hope to see lots more of that here at Ron Smith Care Centre.