Wellbeing
be possible to get to know everything during one meeting. If time allows, it is therefore beneficial to schedule more time together in order that relationships can begin to be fostered.
Ideally, the home manager should assess the resident alongside a member of staff who can then be present when they move into the home. This person can gain a lot of information about what the resident wants and expects from living in the care home. Taking this information into consideration is as important as considering the physical support that they will need if you are going to make a true and accurate judgement as to whether their needs can be met. Bringing another staff member to the assessment will also help the new resident to feel a connection with someone, which will make them feel less daunted about the prospect of moving into the home; try to ensure that this staff member is also rostered to work on the day they move in. If there is time, the potential resident should be offered the opportunity to visit the home prior to making a decision about moving in. It is natural for anyone moving home to have at least viewed the property and the neighbourhood prior to committing themselves to a move and it should be no different for those who need care within a shared home environment. However, this is not an approach that is actively encouraged and therefore new residents may experience the additional fear of unfamiliarity. If a visit to the home is not possible, this does not mean that the person has to remain in the dark about the home; keeping them informed and involved is crucial if they are to feel in control of the situation and their future. In this case, it might be helpful to create a virtual video tour that could be played to the person on a tablet during the assessment. This could show daily life in the home and include a few welcoming words from the team. Seeing that the home looks clean and tidy and that the staff appear warm and friendly could help the elderly person feel more involved in making a choice and less nervous about the situation. In addition, ask residents who already live at the home if they would mind you taking photos of their lovely personalised bedrooms to show to new residents. This helps others to see how they could create their own ‘piece of home’ in a care setting.
Preparing staff
The next step should be consultation with staff. Everyone has a role in ensuring that moving in day runs smoothly and
24
staff should be fully involved in planning this properly. It is a sad reflection of a lack of understanding of the feelings that are involved when a person’s arrival is not expected or planned for. This can lead to them feeling emotionally crushed, unwanted and incredibly frightened. In addition, staff can feel ill prepared and frustrated at a system that has let everyone down. No one wants anyone to feel like that and this can be avoided with some precise planning and effective communication.
Think about making one person responsible for a smooth moving in process. This could mean introducing a care companion role whereby the member of staff is the link person for the family and the resident; the person who was there at the assessment stage could help to make all necessary arrangements and be available to answer questions and address any fears. As personhood is borne of relationships,2
it makes sense
to begin the process of fostering relationships with people who move into the home. Careful selection of a care companion based on similar interests, aspirations and personalities can bring mutual benefits; the person moving in can feel that there is someone they trust who understands them and doesn’t belittle their feelings and the care companion may also gain extra value from the work they do.
Role of the family
The role of the family cannot be underestimated during this time of change. Managing their expectations and their feelings is crucial if the experience of moving home is to be a positive one for the new resident. It is likely that the decision for the individual to move will
have been made by their family and has not been an easy one. Feelings of failure and guilt due to them not being able to look after their loved one at home are common and the attitude towards the move can impact heavily on the person themselves.
It is common to hear family members referring to ‘putting mum in a home’; this suggests it was a decision made without the involvement of the elderly person and implies that mum is an object rather than a person with feelings.3
Helping
families to focus on the positive elements of care home life (including the opportunities for meeting new people, feeling safe and supported and having specially trained people available with whom to discuss your hopes and your fears) can have a positive impact on the person moving in and can redress the balance of the relationship between the resident and their family. It is important that the family feels supported, that questions are answered and that staff help to alleviate the feelings of guilt that they will no doubt experience. If these feelings aren’t managed, then anxiety about the whole situation will be felt by the new resident, which will add to their feelings of dread.
Liaise with the person and their family about preparing their room. Remember that first impressions often last, so it is important that the room is as welcoming and homely as possible. A vase of fresh flowers, a small gift and a welcome card can make the difference between the new resident feeling welcome or feeling homesick. Having a care companion for them to chat to, to help them unpack and arrange their treasured possessions where they want them is vital. Introducing them to other people who live in the
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com • January 2018
©
www.ingo-bartussek.de
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
