Why It Is Good Practice For AC's To Do A Risk Assessment

How To Do A Risk Assessment 

The continuous thing I see and hear in the AC online groups is that  AC's are expected to know about things like risk assessments, care plans, activity planning etc but no one shows them and they are left with feelings of frustration and overwhelm.
 Risk assessment is something I would recommend AC's do as standard practice for lots of reasons and in this blog I cover the why and do's. Hope it helps you.

A risk assessment is a careful examination of what in your workplace could have the potential to cause harm to people in your care.

It allows you to evaluate if you have taken enough precautions or should do more to prevent harm.

Why You Need To Do A Risk Assessment

 It is a legal requirement under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 to provide a care plan (Which your home manager will do) but under that remit you have to make sure it is centered on the resident's individual needs etc.

 And risk assessments need to be done if doing an activity, such as going out on an outing.
You need to consider two basic things during assessment. Firstly, physical risks, stairs, wheel chair access, mini bus/coach access, floor surface etc. Secondly, procedural risk, you need to consider manual handling, way staff work, staff ratios, resident's attitudes etc.
 Always ensure the risk assessment is signed off and reviewed periodically as stated on the risk assessment.

 Things To Identifying 

Hazard- Identify the potential for harm.

Who's At Risk – State the names on the document.

 Level of Risk- Medium, high,low.

 Precautions- State what needs to be done.

Who will do them- Staff.

When- State when.

 Make sure it is signed and dated.

AC  Action Plan 

Health & Safety: To be responsible for your own Health and Safety and that of anybody else who may be affected by your acts or omissions.

 To complete risk assessments on activities, outings and events as necessary.

 Promote safe working practice in the care home.

 Do you have risk assessments in place for equipment used?

Make a of what equipment you do have and what needs a risk assessment in your home-



Really important to have a risk assessment in place for lots of reasons. From a legal perspective if you’re not there and someone decides to use the parachute for example and someone holds it incorrectly and breaks a finger this can have huge implications on the home.
That’s just one example. it’s good practice and if you write the risk assessment people can have clear written instructions on how to use equipment and avoid negative things from happening as they sign to say they have read it and understood it.

And that way everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet.

Until next time keep shining and remember your worth. Do you like what I have shared?  Let me know and also I have created an online AC Academy that gives you support with all the challenges you face. www.actasticacademy.com.

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

Also I hold a care show every year so please feel free to come on the 24/05/16 at Lancing Parish Halls, South St, Lancing. 10am-4pm. FREE admission.

Until next time, keep shining.
Love,
Ann Marie x

How To deal With Grief in Your AC Job Role

How To Deal With Grief

 It has to be said this is the most difficult part of the job. It is an area that not much support is given to AC's or care staff in general within the care sector. Especially when you work in your role you can't help but get attached and build an emotional bond with the residents you work with, well I am here to tell you it's okay to feel sad when someone passes away.

 But it is important to deal with your grief so you can move on in your own life without it affecting you or your career. I remember one of my first encounters with a death of a resident, I was a carer at the time and remember having to take ten minutes and crying my eyes out but told to pull myself together and carry on with my shift.

 A bit harsh I thought, so from early on you teach yourself to bury your feelings and emotions. Not healthy, as it is important for you to have an outlet of expressing them and remembering the resident who has passed away. 

Also it can be hard to know what to say to the family and residents. Sometimes it's easier to busy ourselves with practical tasks rather than confront our own feelings of sadness and loss.

 Even though you may feel out of your depth talking to family members or other residents about death, in most cases it is usually better to say something. Simply saying, ' I am sorry for your loss, she is greatly missed,' can be enough.

 It can help you move forward and confront your own thoughts about death. It is essential that you have the opportunity to talk about your feelings and acknowledge the death of a resident.

 What You Can Do 

Set up a support group at work. 

Take time out to share special moments about a resident (pin up photos or special anecdotes about a resident in a public space)

 Ensure a resident's death is mentioned in the home's newsletter.

 Hold a memorial service for other residents and family members.

 Make sure all volunteers and friends are informed. 

Set up a grief box for other residents and staff to drop cards and notes of sympathy to the family.

GET MOVING! 

Discuss your feelings after work by taking a quick walk with staff members. 

TALK to a counsellor or someone you trust.

 Everyone will experience grief in their own way. Grief can make us feel sad, angry or confused. 

Talking to someone you trust about how you are feeling early on can be helpful. If feelings of grief seem overwhelming talk to your doctor.

 AC  Action Plan 

Talk about how you feel. 

Acknowledge it. 

If you're struggling in this area speak to your GP. 

Set up something in your work setting to acknowledge the death of a resident that allows everyone to remember them and grieve, if there is nothing like this in place then talk to your manager about it.

Until next time keep shining and remember your worth. Do you like what I have shared?  Let me know and also I have created an online AC Academy that gives you support with all the challenges you face. www.actasticacademy.com.

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

Also I hold a care show every year so please feel free to come on the 24/05/16 at Lancing Parish Halls, South St, Lancing. 10am-4pm. FREE admission.

Until next time, keep shining.
Love,
Ann Marie x

p.s 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

How To Deal With Common Dilemmas AC's Face At Work!

How To Deal With Common Dilemmas AC's Face At Work!

 You will find that most of the time things will go smoothly but on occasion things do go wrong for whatever reason. The thing is not to panic, don't  take anything personally and have a contingency plan for such eventualities. You will always hear me say that for any AC to succeed you have to always have a plan!

 Some dilemmas that may be encountered:

 1. Relatives present or turning up mid-way through the session and constantly talking through the session. In this situation stop the session and politely advise them that you're in a session with all residents and for their privacy they go somewhere else quiet, in order they can chat undisturbed. Alternatively you can invite them to stay and take part in the group activity which is good for the resident and encourages them to participate. 

2. An individual dominates the conversation. This is very common whilst it is a positive for the activity coordinator that individuals find your session interesting if left unchecked it can lead to problems such as other group members feeling left out and numbers dropping. The best way to deal with this is to include another person by asking, for example, ‘Clarice used to work in London, didn’t you Clarice?’ This usually is a great tactic but if the problem persists then it may be better to see this person on a one to one basis.

 3. If an individual heckles you during the group then you must not take it personally and deal with it in a light hearted way. Reassure the other group members and continue with the session, if it persists to a level that it is causing too much disruption then it maybe that the individual would benefit from one to one basis. 

4. If someone has a fall, or some other emergency obtain help immediately and do not attempt to deal with emergency situations without calling for help.

 5. In some groups especially people with dementia if mobile they may well get up and wander or walk in and out of the session, don’t be phased just continue your session but do let staff know so the wellbeing of the resident is monitored.

6. If resident's in the group are hard of hearing get them to sit near you so they can hear.

7. Ensure that if resident's need their glasses or anything else they need , they have it before you start your session.

For the most part if you are aware of any potential issues or conflicts within the group dynamic and you prevent it that will help ensure that your sessions run as smoothly as possible.

If you're new at your AC role, don't despair if things don't always go to plan, it is the nature of the  beast at times.

If necessary you can always stop a session if you feel it is not quite gelling   and do something different or work with a smaller size group.

Until next time keep shining and remember your worth. Do you like what I have shared?  Let me know and also I have created an online AC Academy that gives you support with all the challenges you face. www.actasticacademy.com.

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

Also I hold a care show every year so please feel free to come on the 24/05/16 at Lancing Parish Halls, South St, Lancing. 10am-4pm. FREE admission.

Until next time, keep shining.

Love,

Ann Marie x

 How To Survive A  Bad Day At Work

 Bad days at work do happen from time to time . You can be going through the day and something happens, boom it hits you right in the middle of your eyes and your totally off guard.
 Your self esteem plummets, you feel alone. You need to take five minutes and breathe.

What Can Cause A Bad Day

 1. Difficult residents. 
 2. Unsupportive people around you.
 3. Snotty comments.
 4. Inconsiderate relatives.
 5. Entertainment letting you down.
 6. Drama 
 7. You doubting your ability and sabotaging yourself.

Firstly, do take time out for yourself, remove yourself from the situation if possible. You have to be determined to let it go, leave it behind you.

Don't drag the feelings of negativity into the next day, week or month with you. And if your having to facilitate an activity session don't bring your feelings into the session as it will be difficult for you. 

This quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, sums it up well-

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in,forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.

 I could not have put it better myself, decide to move on. Putting it into context  think about it, will it really matter? What has been said or done in a week's time? A month's time? Probably not.

I recently found out that a company that bought my products from me, actually stole my idea and made their own version of my product. What did I do you may ask. I did nothing, yes nothing. I felt cheesed off about it but I decided not to waste my time, energy or money on it. What goes round comes round. I know when you experience things it can knock you for six, but you have to put it into perspective and especially when you work in the care industry, you HAVE to train yourself not to take things personally. Be strong.

 AC  Plan of Action For You

 1.Be strong and silent in public.
 2.No ranting.
 3.Get on with your life and job. 
 4.Do not post on social media- 
 You could get yourself sacked or have legal action taken against you.  I know of people who  have lost their jobs venting on social media, so don't do it. 
 5.Let it go

Until next time keep shining and remember your worth. Do you like what I have shared?  Let me know and also I have created an online AC Academy that gives you support with all the challenges you face. www.actasticacademy.com.

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

Also I hold a care show every year so please feel free to come on the 24/05/16 at Lancing Parish Halls, South St, Lancing. 10am-4pm. FREE admission.

Until next time, keep shining.
Love,
Ann Marie x

What to do you feel like giving up your AC role................

There is nothing worse than having to deal with issues of conflict in the workplace.

As an AC you are already doing your juggling act , being all things to everyone.   

It maybe that as an activity coordinator you encounter lack of support when arranging an activity from care staff. Someone saying a snarky comment.

A relative that just feels they have to say something demeaning. Or expressing an opinion that you don't do anything at all!

Or people don't understand the full nature of your role as an activity coordinator, they think it is basically playing bingo or doing some colouring with the residents! Or if you were previously in another role for example, a carer or domestic before becoming an activity coordinator people still see you in that role.

Those are common conflicts that AC's have to deal with or being pulled off your Activity Coordinator duties and asked to cover care duties because they're short of staff. It's enough to make you want to explode at times.

Here are my tips on what  you do-

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.

Make sure you create clear boundary lines in your AC role if you were a former carer or other role in the home before being an AC. If necessary speak to your manager about it.

Do ignore those who seek to create negative energy and celebrate what you have done, as it takes guts and hard work to do what you have done for your residents.

Surround yourself with other like minded AC's.

AC Action Plan

You can cope.

Things will get better.

It's more about them then you.

Until next time keep shining and don't be alone, come connect with me and be part of my online community with other fellow AC's from all around the world.

www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup  we offer support, activity ideas and friendship.

Until next time keep shining brightly.

Love,

Ann Marie x

Be Bold and Strong.

At last There is Help For Activity Coordinators Everywhere !!!!

Hello,
Hope you have all now fully recovered from Christmas and ready to get on the very merry go-round of activity organising and facilitating.
I all too often hear the same typical stories from AC's worldwide wishing they could access information to help assist them in their job role and life in general. Well the great news is that I have created  an online academy just for you blessed souls.
It is not just another online place full of activity ideas , I deal with the real life things you face everyday and show you how to deal with them and nurture yourself as well. It's a wonderful tool to have access to.
I cover all you need to know to deal with issues that come up in your role, we go in depth looking at the AC role, We deal with self esteem personally and also look at how you can build your residents self esteem, person centeredness, different activities etc .
Lots of tool's and useful content. I am offering enrollment at £99 for a one off payment with lifetime access or you can pay over 2 months or 3 months.  You can  sign up NOW at www.actasticacademy.co.uk
Alternatively, If you wish to try before you buy you can have a one month pass for just £10.
If this is something of interest to you then you need to email me at lovejoycentre@gmail.com and I will  send you the secret link upon receipt of payment.

The academy is a great tool with lots of offers and support for the AC. I would also like to let you know about AC Awards I do each year. Get your family, friends and  work collegaues to nominate you NOW at www.lovejoycentre.co.uk/2015-awards. Here is a picture of our winners from last year. Worth a vote, winning AC's this year will walking away with some wonderful gifts as two companies are now sponsoring the awards.

I know this blog is about the academy and the awards but these are gifts I have created  for you dear AC and I want people to utilise it more.

Don't be alone come connect with me on facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup

We have a lot of discussions, exclusive offers, lots of activity ideas and downloadables for you all free and showcase our products which are great tools to AC's worldwide and used in hundreds of homes throughout the UK.We also celebrate each others achievements and those of our wonderful residents..

Until next time,keep shining.

Love,

Ann Marie xx

Using Technology With the Elderly And As An Activity Support.

We live in the 21st century and there has never been a greater time when we can use technology to enhance the quality of life for our residents and help them keep in touch with their loved ones.
I am always challenging you to think outside the box and  using technology certainly is thinking outside the box.
I invested in two tablets to use with my groups and individuals I work with. My oldest private client is 101 year old lady, who once I showed her how to use touch screen was well away.
We use the tablet to play games, look at youtube, pictures and also use apps to make dream boards, scrap books etc.

Introduce your residents to the world of the internet, work with those who want to give it ago.

Here are some favourite apps for use with people with dementia

Talking Tom 2

You can talk to Tom and he repeats what you say in his own hilarious voice. You can also  stroke him, poke him, challenge him and earn gold coins in a mini-game. You can dress him in new outfits and play silly mini games. Great for a bit of fun, interaction and contact with a talking virtual pet. Talking Ginger is another similar alternative.

My Reef 3D

This app is great for residents who can interact with the fish, or just sit back and enjoy life on a beautiful reef. Featuring 14 types of vibrant tropical fish, MyReef 3D lite includes species-specific movement and interaction. You can individually select the inhabitants of your aquarium, and even annoy them by tapping on the “glass”. You can also knock on the front “glass” to annoy your fish

Care home residents have loved the realistic appearance of this app and because it’s very gentle and easy to use, it’s ideal for individuals with advanced dementia

Let’s Create! Pottery

With this app, you can touch the screen to make pottery but throwing clay on a virtual wheel. You can smooth the sides of the pots by dragging your finger across the screen and create a collection of pots of different shapes and sizes. This app creates a relaxing, therapeutic experience for individuals with dementia, particularly those who have creative interests

YouTube

YouTube is an enormous collection of short videos which can be easily searched for and played. Everything from film clips to old news reels to pieces of music can be found on YouTube and this allows participants to request what they would like to see. In all of our sessions using YouTube in reminiscence sessions, only once have we not been able to fulfil a participant’s request. Because many people living in care homes have no concept of how easy it is to once again see their favourite films or hear their favourite music, every time we use this app in an activity session it yields great results

FlowerGarden

One of the best things about iPad apps is that they can play a part in bringing back activities which participants have missed from years gone by. FlowerGarden allows you to pick virtual seeds, plant them, water them and watch them grow. This is especially significant for participants who used to enjoy growing plants and are missing their former gardens. iPads are able to provide activities which replicate things which mean a great deal to older people.

Those of your residents who are able can access free internet classes for the elderly that are hosted by Age UK. In fact speak to them direct and see if they offer free training within the care home setting.

Also www.breezie.com offer bespoke tablet set up for use by elderly persons , personalied for them. A very simple touch screen programme.

Also using a projector and a laptop to show Youtube clips can be a really helpful tool to use in reminiscence sessions.

You can use video technology to make a short video with your residents for the homes website, facebook page and for sending to family .

The world of technology really is your oyster. Hope you found this useful and you will begin to implement some of these ideas.

By the way some of these apps can be downloaded onto mobile phones as well. 

Until next time. Keep shining.

Love,

Ann Marie x