How To Keep Your Residents Active During Lock Down

Hello Everyone, I do hope you are safe and well. Let me first of all share my appreciation and love for you all in the front-line whilst we are gripped in the hold of this Cov-19 Pandemic. YOU ARE ALL AMAZING.
All homes are in lock down and your dear residents are feeling it not being able to see their loved ones so thats more pressure on you to deliver in your AC role.



In this blog I am going to give you ideas of things you can do to keep your residents amused -

Technology- This is one of the areas CQC look at the use of in activity provision so in this current climate you will be able to have a big tick against this box. Use mobile for face  time for residents to contact loved ones, use Skype to contact the outside world. You could even get your entertainers to do a live show for your residents so they still can enjoy their favourite singers and entertainers.
Create a schedule to do this frequently so relatives can see their loved ones as well and this will be so beneficial to all involved.

Face Book Live- You could host a FB live party with your residents and have cocktails and games and get their relatives involved online to make it an event.

Email- Set up a email address and send emails to other care homes so a sort of online pen-pal.

Write letters- Get all residents  to reinstate the good old fashioned art of letter writing to their families and other social groups. Obviously you can assist them. It's always precious to see the reaction of residents when they get something in the post.

Reading Out Aloud - Often over looked but daily reading of the newspapers, discussion implemented keeps the residents up to date and encourages discussion on current topics.

Start A Book Club- Again you could have a group that reads books online or can listen to them audibly and meet regularly to review and discuss. Very good and intellectual activity which is good for the brain.

Sign Up For NetFlix- Get your home to sign up for Netflix and this would a great asset so films on demand can be watched and keep the residents entertained.

Use the Budget For Resources- Since no one is allowed in that means the budget for entertainment is available . Ask your manager if the budget can be used to buy things you know your residents enjoy.

Utilise the Garden- With the weather turning warmer host activities outside in the garden so they residents get a bit of a state change and you can do lots of activities outside like potting plants around a table, spotting different wild life in the garden, especially now the birds are nesting.

Exercise- Encourage your residents to move more play balloon tennis, ball games, parachute , chiffon scarves for movement.

Contingency Plans- Ensure you allow the carers to know how to do activities in case you have to go into self isolation because of Cov19 and if you are not there its good they are in know so they can step in.

Internet- There are so many free resources you can download and use so do so.

Finally remember YOU- Yes, you. Your important and you have to pace yourself and  make sure you  make time for yourself and do not put unnecessary pressure and expectations on yourself.  Keep yourself as fit and healthy as you can. Do not take any risks with your own mental and physical well being and health.

Until next time keep shining and remember your worth. Do you like what I have shared? Don't Be Alone!Come connect with me on FB and be part of my online community of fellow AC's at  www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup

Sign up  to go on my mailing list and get my FREE  ebook: "10 Top Tips for Engaging and Stimulating Activities With The Elderly" 
Please click below:http://eepurl.com/Iw9p1
Until next time, keep shining.

Love,

Ann Marie x

You & The Coronavirus- How To Prepare For The Impact In Your AC Role

 The Corona-virus is certainly impacting us globally  and is now reaching to a pandemic level. It is already impacting business' to think  differently and take precautions.

About the Coronavirus

There is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, NHS always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
 • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
 • Stay home when you are sick.
 • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
 • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
 Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

•If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.


So as a AC if you are in a post in a care home or if you are a freelancer like me I want to give you some tips on things you need to consider in case the country goes into lock down mode which could be for a period of 3-4 weeks and will have a serious impact on you and your residents.










Things to Consider-

Stock on arts and crafts- If for any reason we go into lock down you will probably use up your arts and crafts supplies more with your residents. So check and see what your low on  and order it in.

Restriction on outside entertainment- One of my homes I work in has already implemented this . They are not allowing any outside entertainment in for a month in order to protect their residents so if you are a freelancer this can impact your finances, I would suggest if you can provide extra activities with your other clients to make up for any shortfall do so .

Outstanding Invoices- If you are a freelancer chase up your invoices with determination because if we go into lock down accounts departments will not be operational in some parts of the care sector or it can be used as an excuse to delay paying you! So insist your outstanding invoices are paid straight away.

Home based AC's- If you are an AC based in a care home setting then you may need to prepare a in house based activity schedule that even the carers can do with the residents. If we go into lock  down or your home restricts outsiders coming in then you have to look at long term activity provision to keep your residents occupied. Also if staff are not able to get in leave activities that easy and enjoyable for other staff members to be able to do. 


Technology-  If you work with a network of homes in your group or  have sister homes  why not consider using Skype to play quizzes against each other and also for residents to chat face to face with other residents to break up the boredom of being in lock down and enabling them to see other people safely.
Use the internet for activity provision, music, google earth to look up places where people use to live.


Infection control procedure- We are all aware of our in house infection control procedures but our lovely residents are not! They blow their noses and leave the tissues all over place, they sneeze and cough without covering  their nose or mouth.  You need to step up a gear  and gently remind your residents to use tissues and throw them away in the bin, clean surfaces down and equipment used in activities with antibacterial wipes or spray, clean surfaces regularly. Wash your hands, use hand gel with your residents after activities to help keep the spread of infection to a minimum.

 Finally remember YOU- Yes, you. Your important and you have to pace yourself and  make sure you  make time for yourself and do not put unnecessary pressure and expectations on yourself.  Keep yourself as fit and healthy as you can. Do not take any risks with your own mental and physical well being and health.

Until next time keep shining and remember your worth. Do you like what I have shared? Don't Be Alone!Come connect with me on FB and be part of my online community of fellow AC's at  www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup

Sign up  to go on my mailing list and get my FREE  ebook: "10 Top Tips for Engaging and Stimulating Activities With The Elderly" 
Please click below:http://eepurl.com/Iw9p1
Until next time, keep shining.Love,Ann Marie x