Wednesday 28 May 2014

Caring Care Homes : What to look for

Caring Care Homes: What to look for

Looking after our wellbeing is important at all stages of our lives & it doesn't stop when one goes into a care home/sheltered accommodation. In fact it becomes even more important to look after one's wellbeing so that depression & social isolation are kept at bay.

If you are looking for a Care Home or Sheltered Accommodation for yourself or most likely for an elderly loved family member or friend, then there can be bewildering advice out there as to what to look for in order to get the best place.


I have had experience of working in numerous care homes throughout Norfolk, England, during my long teaching career. I have taught the carers & management teams. Through the 'EXTEND' organisation I also did mobility classes with residents. Towards the end of my commitments with these projects I became quite able to see by just stepping inside the building as to whether it was well managed & a “happy” home.

 

Well, what does one look for when searching out a care home? It may be worth remembering that this search may be carried out during an emotional/upsetting time for all concerned. The signs of a well cared-for establishments usually indicates that they are paying attention to details & so will pay attention to their residents. Well, with such a bewildering care home facilities & specialism what does one look for? You can, of course, check out the care homes' status/reports on the Care Quality Commission's (CQC) website. 


Well cared-for establishments which pay attention to details are most likely to be those which pay attention to their residents, so it is also       worth keeping an eye open for the following:-


*If there is a strong smell of urine (or worse!) then avoid. It shows that the staff are under pressure & not able to deal with this very necessary care with any degree of satisfaction.


*Are the residents actively encouraged to take part in activities offered -  whether it be crafts to maintain dexterity, social events to maintain contacts or talks to challenge the grey matter?




*
Is there a weekly diary of planned activities or outings? Are these actively carried out or are they there just to impress the inspection team?



*Do the care homes invite the community into the homes? For example, one of my regular massage clients lives in a home run by a housing association & they have a close link with a nearby local school. Here the children visit the home regularly &  do story books/crafts with the residents. My client has proudly shown me these & says she very much enjoys these sessions. The children also sing for the residents. More importantly, each resident (who wants this) is 'assigned' to an  individual named child. Does the care home have an annual fĂȘte or coffee mornings to raise money for extras such as outings for the residents? Is there a committee to organise these 'extras'? Are the residents involved in having a say in how the money raised should be spent on?


*Are the residents encouraged to sit outside? Is there appropriate & comfortable seating with some shade provided? Most people feel good when the sun is shining & Vitamin D, acquired by exposure to the sun, is crucial for our wellbeing. Are the seasons brought indoors in some way? Are there, for example, cut flowers in vases or living plants. These don't have to cost much and can be provided using planters, window boxes or grow bags. Even cardboard egg boxes can be used. Simple things such as a very small pot of herbs on the dining table can enhance the senses & also be a conversation point. Vases filled with autumn colours don't cost anything except the time/thought.


*Are there large pictures reflecting the seasons & the outside world or there just poor copies of masterpieces such as Constable's 'Haywain'?


*Do the staff interact with the residents in a meaningful way or are they just acting robotically & fulfilling their job description? How do the staff address the clients? Are they using their first names with the resident's permission or are they using inappropriate patronising names? Do you get the feeling that the carers are seeing the residents as just another 'service user' (horrible term!) & just carrying out tasks according to the residents' perceived/assessed "support need".


*Are visitors encouraged to stay for drinks/meals? Are there any visitors' facilities such as a corner to make drinks? Are there options at meal times with special diets (such as low-fat) catered for without a fuss? Do the staff remember who has a special diet? Is there some way of identifying those needing special diets? Do residents get to pre-select their meals or is everyone served the same thing? Are residents given help with feeding? Are there enough staff to provide help with feeding? Does the home take part in a 'feeding companionship' programme where the trained volunteers help to feed anyone needing help?

*Does the home arrange outings? It could be just to the supermarket or free museums visits or just somewhere nice to enjoy the countryside – none of these cost much! A visit could become the highlight of many of the residents' week/month.


*Does the care home have a 'memory box/table' that display items from the past to promote memory & conversations. These can be easily acquired very cheaply from charity shops & could include old magazines, kitchen memorabilia, old pictures. These should be regularly changed to encourage & stimulate conversations & interest.  Many library services also have memory boxes on loan.Does the mobile library service visit? Are there any interesting books/magazines for the residents to read? Are these in good condition or are they dated & tatty?


*Are the bedrooms & other rooms in good decorative order? Are personal items such as family photos, 'treasures' or small pieces of personal furniture allowed? All these things will help the residents to maintain a contact with their past.

*Is the home in contact with charities for befriending services? How is social isolation avoided? 

*How are complaints handled by the manager? Is there a formal procedure? Is there a suggestion box/comment book?

Whatever you choose make sure that you regularly check suitability as your friend's, family member's or your care needs will change over time.

Good luck in your search.


Many thanks to Eddie, from my IT class, for proof-reading this & also adding some valuable comments.



Wednesday 7 May 2014

Being Mindful at 2 years old

Recently I had the honour & privilege of looking after a 2 year old. Her name's Molly. During our time together I learnt a lot about Mindfulness from her. The world of a 2 year old comprises of moments and how to take part and enjoy those moments occupies them totally as the picture below shows!

watching noisy lorries can be relaxing too!

Young Molly's actions embrace everything that I appreciate & understand as 'Mindfulness' . In its essence it includes taking note of what's around you, enjoying the simple things, standing & staring for the sake of it and appreciating the simple things in life. You don't need money for Mindfulness just the willingness to take the time out & note things.


enjoying the journey rather than rushing to get there!

Also, Mindfulness for me means enjoying the moment to its full & taking joy in the present rather than letting the past invade our thoughts & also not thinking too far ahead! To me it also means being curious & catching sight of everything around me & finding the beauty in everyday things & savouring the task at hand whatever they may be.

"Today is a gift, that is why it is called the Present".


exploring the equipment before baking
enoying the sensation of the water


appreciating things even when they don't make sense to you

taking opportunity to relax wherever you are

taking time out to stand & stare & noticing things 

So take time out & enjoy the sensations, sights & sounds around you like Molly does. You may like them!