Making Memories with Ron Smith Care Centre: Person Centred Care

We have done training for the past two weeks in Person-centred Care. The training was presented by Sylvia Birkhead (well known OT, specialising in geriatrics, who gives a lot of input in our work here at the Ron Smith Care Centre).

Here is some information about Person-centred Care (from Sylvia Birkhead's presentation):

What is Person-centred Care:

Viewing the resident by entering their world and seeing the situation through their eyes
Taking the resident and his/her problems, ideas and expectations seriously
Recognition, respect and trust.

A lot of times when we see a resident, we just look at certain things. The things that stand out for us because of our culture, background, education, prejudices and beliefs. We need to look at the resident in a different way. We need to enter their world. We need to treat them as the individuals that they are.

When we look at this picture, we might think: "Funny looking lady that is smoking a cigar which really isn't good for her health and well-being." We might also think: "Somebody needs to assist her with dressing, because those colours really don't go well together."

If we look at the person without prejudices we might find ourself thinking, she looks very happy and content. That cigar probably made her day. She might dress colourful to brighten her days.

*Photo source

Person-centred Care has 7 dimensions:

Respect for resident's values, preferences and needs
Coordination and integration of care
Information, communication and education
Physical comfort
Emotional support and alleviation of fear and anxiety
Involvement of family and friends
Transition and continuity.

Sisters and caregivers from different wards getting ready for their Person-centred Care training.

Principles of Person-centred Care:

Resident autonomy and control
Local decision-making
Increased participation
Greater individualisation
Meaningful relationships
Respect for abilities
Attention to built environment.

*Photo Source

Residents need to feel like they still have the ability to make decisions. This means that if they feel that today they do not want to get out of their bed and sleep in or even have breakfast at home, they must be able to do it. Do we have that option at home (possibly on a Saturday)? Yes we do.

It is very important that families are on board and understand the meaning of Person-centred Care. Otherwise they might find their mother/father still in bed at 08h00 or 09h00 and think that it is because of the caregivers not doing their jobs.

We also need to realise that even though residents might be old and that their abilities are so limited, it doesn't mean that they should stop dreaming or living out their individuality. If you look at the picture above you will see two elderly women sitting in the wheelchairs in the sea. Your first thoughts might be: "That is dangerous and risky. What if they fall out of the wheelchair? The wheelchairs are going to rust." We do not realise what that moment in the sea will mean to them for the rest of their lives. We need to look at risks ,of course. But we need to establish whether the benefit and enjoyment of doing something can outweigh the risks of some activities.

The big question in Person-centred Care is: "DOES IT MATTER?"

Does it matter that my mother is wearing her top the wrong way around or does it matter that she felt the enjoyment and sense of achievement of dressing herself?

Person-centred Care is also not just applicable to our residents. How well do you know your fellow staff members? How well do you know the caregivers working with your family member? Do you see them as individuals or do you just see them as someone with a nursing care job to do?

Sylvia's training also focused on getting to know the other people that joined you in the training sessions through an adapted Bingo game she did at the beginning of each session. She put emphasis on the importance of getting to know the people you work with. Their likes and dislikes, interesting facts like how long they've worked for Rand Aid or whether they are singing in the choir in their free time.

Here are some of the photos of the Bingo getting-to-know-each-other Game.