Dealing With Conflict

It is amazing how people respond to people, you probably encounter this in your role as an AC.
I am hosting a Care Show and it takes guts, balls, determination,faith and  self belief  and it's amazing how people can make fly away comments and offer their opinions.

 Yes, it does get on your wick in a big way and I often hear this same problem from AC's all over, you work so hard on a project or getting an activity together, working in your own time, spending your own money and giving your all and then a staff member makes some stupid comment or belittles what you do.

Well, having encountered this myself today  how do you deal with it? Well,  have a rant if you must but do not take ownership of any negative comments or entertain them and listen to the mind monkey chatting away in your head!
Also don't lose face and start justifying yourself  , no don't do that.

 Do this-

If the person needs addressing then do it probably through your correct work channels and speak to your manager about it.

Do take time out and don't react in anger.

Do set the person straight if necessary with facts.

Do ignore them and celebrate what you have done, as it takes guts and hard work to do what you have done for your residents.

Always remind yourself of your worth and the excellent job you in difficult circumstances at times.

Until next time. Keep shining.

Love,

Ann Marie x

What The New Care Act Means For Us As AC's.

  The main point about  the new revisions in the Care Act  is that there is a greater new emphasis on well being: The act is built upon a new statutory principle of individual well-being - physical, mental and emotional - of both the person being cared for and the carer.

This means that the role of Activity Coordinator is pivotal, hence making a welcome shake up in the care system within the private sector since if being responsible for the care provision of individual's  they need to ensure that person centered engaging activities are very much part of the care package.
I am so glad about this as all too often I see that AC's are not given the regard they should be given and the role often undervalued.
Now that it is as clear as day care providers within care settings are even more accountable and must evidence activity provision.  

 Within the Care Act two main areas that relate directly to your role as an AC are-

    Emphasis on well being- Engaging activities  has been proved to impact on mind, body and soul of the residents as well as improving job satisfaction of staff and moral within care home settings.

A focus on prevention: Local authorities (and their partners in health, housing, welfare and employment services) must now take steps to prevent, reduce or delay the need for care and support for all local people. Regular exercise and meaningful activities have been shown to have powerful preventative impact on a range of physical and mental health issues - and consequently on hospital admissions and GP appointments.

I often challenge AC's to think outside the box and would encourage you to work with local agencies and charities and get them involved in what you do, by doing this is creates community spirit and lets people know what your home or organisation does and is also great PR for your home. Have open days, community based events etc. Get involved in making your local town dementia friendly, etc .

For more reading of the Care Act in detail read it here- http://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/Document-library/Standards/Care-Act/learning-and-development/introduction-and-overview/care-act-overview-fact-sheet.pdf

Until next time keep shinning brightly and remember I believe in you!

Love,

Ann Marie x

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