Risk Assessment Planning Made Easy For When You Take Your Resident's Out

The sun is shining and lots of outdoor excursions are being planned up and down the country by you wonderful AC's.  But do you know it is good practice to do a risk assessment? Read on and I tell you what you need to know.

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.

 This List is what you need to have on your risk assessment document-

 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 list 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.

To make life easier ask your fellow colleagues if they have risk assessment they would be happy to share and you can then just tweak accordingly to suit the identified needs of your residents.

Online FB Group Support

I hear all too often the AC role is isolating so I have built up an online community to help support other AC's worldwide in our little hub.Lots of special promotions, free giveaways  and a great resource of files on activities is available to all members free.

You can join the group here 

-.https://www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup
I also do a monthly newsletter you can sign up here and get my free eBook-

 To get your free copy of our ebook: "10 Top Tips for Engaging and Stimulating Activities With The Elderly"
Please click below:http://eepurl.com/Iw9p1

Until next time,

Keep Shining,

Ann Marie  x

What To Do When Working With Mixed Abilities In A Group

When working with different groups of people it is important to remember that a person's disabilities are more  apparent than their abilities. This is because abilities are not so apparent when based in a care setting as residents develop a learned dependency, they have carers and  nurses managing their day to day needs, they loose their ability to feel motivated and fail to take the initiative to instigate things themselves.

I see this all the time and with gentle persuasion and encouragement they can sum up the courage to feel motivated to participate or do something for themselves.

If these abilities are not nurtured , a person can become very deflated, more dependent on their carer and suffer low self esteem which  can have a knock on affect in all areas in some cases.

Therefore for the AC working with people of all abilities you must identity their ability  , their disability would be documented and you will find that well meaning relatives will offer preconceived opinions of their relatives abilities as well.

I have found it is a matter of trying something and seeing how you  possibly adapt this for them.  For example, I remember one of my postings was in a home with disabled people with varying abilities and disabilities  and their was a gentleman there who we will call Malcolm who had Down-syndrome and he loved to make tea. 

So we devised a safe way for him to make tea instead of saying no he could not.  We would half boil the kettle, place milk in a jug for ease of lifting, and would have a staff member present when he made tea, even if half of it went all the counter the sense of achievement he felt by independently making a cup of tea was phenomenal for him.It was a confidence boost and he began to try things he would of before limited himself to but because he was able to make tea and we would remind him of this ability he would give everything a go. Imagine the flip side of this, if we had had said no it's too dangerous for you to make tea etc, he would of retreated into himself  and not grew in confidence.

I think keeping an open  mind is vital and thinking outside the box is helpful. Look at ways things can be adapted for a person to participate is vital.

In some instances, identifying disabilities  such as  poor vision and deafness are obviously going to cause a problem if you work in a group as the people affected by such disabilities will not be able to fully join in  unless what activity you have  you are able to include them all.So as to meet everyone's needs it is important to get to know what people enjoy.

 So to summarize you need to remember that a person's disabilities are likely to be much more apparent then their abilities. 

Objectively assess potential abilities yourself by trying different things to gauge that and talking to the person involved.

And adapt the sessions to abilities of the groups or individuals you have been working with.  

Online FB Group Support

I hear all too often the AC role is isolating so I have built up an online community to help support other AC's worldwide in our little hub.Lots of special promotions, free giveaways  and a great resource of files on activities is available to all members free.

You can join the group here -.https://www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup
I also do a monthly newsletter you can sign up here and get my free eBook-

 To get your free copy of our ebook: "10 Top Tips for Engaging and Stimulating Activities With The Elderly"
Please click below:http://eepurl.com/Iw9p1

Until next time,

Keep Shining,

Ann Marie Lovejoy Bruce Kerr x

AC's Guide How To Keep Safe In The Event Of A Terrorist Attack

I felt compelled to write a quick guide sheet for my fellow AC's. Britain has had quite a few frequent terrorist attacks of late and it does have an impact on us   as it can happen anytime, anywhere and you could be out and about with a resident or a group of residents and what would you do?

Please continue to take your residents out and about as normal.

It is worth some thought and planning and when you do your risk assessments you should factor this in so everyone knows what to do  to stay safe.  

Factors To Consider-

Contingency Plan- When planning your away days think of places of refuge you can assemble to in the area in case of an emergency. Especially if a lot of residents are in  wheel chair's.

Phone- Always have your phone with you, make sure you all have of  each other's numbers if your are with your colleagues. If you are on your own doing a 121 then stay in contact with the home and emergency services.

Communication- Always let everyone in the group know where you will be with your residents if you all split up in an area. Also plan a meeting place if you get separated.  

Appoint A Coordinator- If anything where to happen appoint someone to be the main point of contact for everyone to contact in the first instance and they then can confirm everyone whereabouts and report it back.

Ratio- Make sure the correct ratio of people are with each person allocated to  help. So for example, one person to 3 residents.

Run-

“Run to a place of safety. This is a far better option than to surrender or negotiate,” Nactso say. 

• Escape if you can
• Consider the safest options
• Is there a safe route? RUN if not HIDE
• Can you get there without exposing yourself to greater danger?
• Insist others leave with you
• Leave belongings behind

Hide-

“It’s better to hide than to confront. Remember to turn your phone to silent and turn off vibrate. Barricade yourself in if you can,” the advice says.

• If you cannot RUN, HIDE
• Find cover from gunfire
• If you can see the attacker, they may be able to see you
• Cover from view does not mean you are safe, bullets go through glass, brick, wood and metal
• Find cover from gunfire e.g. substantial brickwork / heavy reinforced walls
• Be aware of your exits
• Try not to get trapped
• Be quiet, silence your phone and turn off vibrate
• Lock / barricade yourself in
• Move away from the door

Tell-

Tell the police by calling 999.

• Call 999 - What do the police need to know? If you cannot speak or make a noise listen to the instructions given to you by the call taker
• Location - Where are the suspects?
• Direction - Where did you last see the suspects?
• Descriptions – Describe the attacker, numbers, features, clothing, weapons etc.
• Further information – Casualties, type of injury, building information, entrances, exits, hostages etc.
• Stop other people entering the building if it is safe to do so.

Reassurance-

With the constant news feeds this can spread panic and fear among residents so keep it real and allow your residents to share how they feel and reassure them they are kept safe at all times.

You can also download an app that tells you what to do  if you ever found yourself in a situation the link is here-

 

http://citizenaid.org

Online FB Group Support

I hear all too often the AC role is isolating so I have built up an online community to help support other AC's worldwide in our little hub.Lots of special promotions, free giveaways  and a great resource of files on activities is available to all members free.

You can join the group here -.https://www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup
I also do a monthly newsletter you can sign up here and get my free eBook-

 To get your free copy of our ebook: "10 Top Tips for Engaging and Stimulating Activities With The Elderly"
Please click below:http://eepurl.com/Iw9p1


Wishing you all well and until next time keep shining and be safe.
Love,
Ann Marie xxx 

10 Of The Cheapest Activity & Fund Raising Ideas ACs Can Do !

Hi Everyone,
I cannot believe we are already half way through this year. As it is summertime  it is often  a time when lots of fund raising ideas and outdoor activities come into play for you to do with your resident's.
Money can be a big issue for lots of AC's  so in this blog I am going to share what you can do as cheap as chips for you and your residents.

I have compiled a list for you to help with some ideas-

1. Cake Sale-
 Go to Asda  or any other supermarket where you can buy cake mix packets for 20p, yes 20p and all you do is add an egg and you can make sponge cakes to sell and raise money for your residents fund and also get them involved in baking as an activity as well.


2.Reminiscence Ball-

Go to the pound shop and get a blow up beach ball, with a sharpie  write on the ball  conversation prompt questions like, what is your favourite colour? What season do you like? etc.
The idea is to get the ball passed around and whoever's turn it is chooses a question and answers it and then the AC can use it as a discussion point to engage the rest of the group.

3. Bubbles-

Yes, soap bubbles are playful, stimulative and fun. Once again easily bought for a £1 for 3 and this can be used anytime if you decide to have a fun 5 minute activity with your residents, they could try to catch the bubbles whilst singing I am forever blowing bubbles.

4. Balloon Tennis-

Once again Pound shop pack of 30 balloons and a packet of fly swats to use for balloon tennis with your residents.

5. Library-

Either take your residents to  the library or get the mobile library to visit your home when they are in the area. They have cd's, reminiscence resources and talking books so something for everyone.


6. Local Clubs-

Contact local dance schools, colleges, boy scouts, girl guides to come and visit the home and provide free entertainment for your residents.


7. Local Churches and Religious  Groups-

Ask if they have resources for community programmes  that come to visit and provide free entertainment like sing along, musicians , companionship in their groups, you will find this would be free and available and they would be delighted to come along and be a blessing to your home.

8. Local Business-
Approach local business and ask for FREE donations for you to raffle when you do your summer fetes and fairs. People are generous and will donate to you for your home.

9.  Local Nurseries School-
If you have a local nursery near you go speak to them and get an inter generational programme going. Invite the nursery to visit you every month , week or fortnight and this would be so beneficial to your residents and the children.
Set up joint art sessions, sing a along etc each time they come together, the benefits are so amazing on  both sides and it is FREE. 

10. Get Your Frugal On-
Always be on the look out for free resources you can use, British Legion do wonderful FREE packs they send out for Remembrance Sunday, There are resources  that you can subscribe to and get a month's free trail that you use and cancel if you  do not wish to continue at the end of the free trail.
Charity shops have puzzles for £1,local museums have reminiscence boxes to loan  at minimal charges and some will even come out for free to do a talk.


I hope you found this useful. I recently did my annual AC Awards which was lovely ,recognizing AC's for their fabulous work they do and will be having a workshop on the 10/06/17 about reminiscence therapy and freelance AC work.

Here is the link for more information-  www.facebook.com/events/1856335421246836

Online FB Group Support

I hear all too often the AC role is isolating so I have built up an online community to help support other AC's worldwide in our little hub.Lots of special promotions, free giveaways  and a great resource of files on activities is available to all members free.

You can join the group here -.https://www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup
I also do a monthly newsletter you can sign up here and get my free eBook-

 To get your free copy of our ebook: "10 Top Tips for Engaging and Stimulating Activities With The Elderly"
Please click below:http://eepurl.com/Iw9p1


Wishing you all well and until next time keep shining.
Love,
Ann Marie xxx 

 

Remembering It's The Little Things That Make A Big Difference

Hello Everyone,

During my course of work as a freelance AC I have noticed it is the little things,  that matter most of all.
I want to encourage  you that those simple everyday things do matter, in fact they matter a lot and make a lot of difference.
We can get so  carried away worrying  about  arranging activities, getting the schedule done, booking someone, doing this and that and the simple things get left on the side lines and it those things that make the biggest difference at times.

The Little Things List............

Keeping Your Word- If you say you are going to do something for someone keep your word . It means the world to your residents. You are their link to the outside world and they rely on you.

Addressing Someone By Their Name- Use the Elderly person's name every time you speak with them in a conversation. Try to remember that person’s name so that they can feel important and loved.

By always using someone's name it validates them, makes them feel normal and they will engage with you straight away.

Do Actually Listen- Actually take the time to listen to what is being said, allow the person speaking to finish and then respond. I know it sounds so simple but believe me I do see it a lot when a resident is talking and a staff member will cut right across them. This will make the person feel inhibited and cause them to recoil into themselves.

Promote Choice- Ask them to help make decisions about their day-to-day living as much as possible. So instead of making choices for them, ask how they would like to be assisted. 

 Set Them Up To Succeed-Give them a small task that they are able to complete. Even something as basic as folding the flannels or the towels make them feel important. 

 Give Them Choice- Ask them what they used to like doing. Did they like gardening? Or painting? Or maybe sewing. Set up activities that the person is able to take part in and enjoy. You will soon see their self esteem boosted. 

 Be Caring- Show the person you care about their thoughts, opinions and their history. Get involved in their earlier life and share their memories. If they have photos of their life then ask if you can sit and look through the photos together. 

Time- Allow enough time to spend with them. Even if you have to book it in the diary in advance to allocate time for them to do whatever the activity is they want to do.

Respect- Being courteous, saying please and thank you mean so much. 

Smile- A smile speaks a thousands words without being spoken. When you smile you are acknowledging someone and drawing them in and giving them your positive energy.

Special Days- remembering birthdays, anniversaries , special days that mean so much are important. Just acknowledging them will make a difference in a big way to your residents.


I have really seen this fact lately, that it is the little things that mean the most to people, it is not about cost or how much something is worth. They would rather have your time and companionship. 


Online FB Group Support

I hear all too often the AC role is isolating so I have built up an online community to help support other AC's worldwide in our little hub.Lots of special promotions, free giveaways  and a great resource of files on activities is available to all members free.

You can join the group here -.https://www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup
I also do a monthly newsletter you can sign up here and get my free eBook-

 To get your free copy of our ebook: "10 Top Tips for Engaging and Stimulating Activities With The Elderly"
Please click below:http://eepurl.com/Iw9p1


Wishing you all well and until next time keep shining.
Love,
Ann Marie xxx 

Preparing For Your Busy Easter Activity Schedule

At different points in the year it can be incredibly busy for AC's  and with Easter coming up that is no exception.

I am one to encourage you in your role from the side lines and cheer you on to succeed for your own self worth and for your residents.
Lots of you see posts and wonderful things other AC's do and arrange and then feel inadequate or limited because you have no budget or very little budget.
Firstly, work within the remit of what you have and your capabilities and most importantly those of your residents.

 Some AC's do different themed activities on whatever recognized day it is for example, hug a tree day, this kind of activity planning is too busy in my opinion.
I would encourage you to stick to the main cultural themes for your residents, the odd occasional international themed day that you feel is relevant to your residents is okay and can be fun.

Particularly if you are working with dementia residents, keep it simple and relevant and more inclusive of whatever they like to do, and always include those things in  your planning.

Easter Preparation Ideas-

As we have Easter coming up I have listed practical low budget activities you can plan-

Easter Egg Garland- Cut out Easter egg shapes and get the residents to paint them and decorate them and tie them together and hang them up.

Make Pace Eggs- This is a British tradition of boiling normal hen eggs and using food dye to colour them and they where eaten over Easter and given as gifts.

Make Easter Themed Biscuits - Go to the internet, look for a simple recipe and bake and use Easter themed cookie cutters.

Simnel Cake - Make a traditional Easter cake it is a fruit cake and has rolled marzipan  icing on it and 12 balls  of marzipan placed around the top of it and one in the centre to represent Christ and the 12 disciples.

Bake Cup Cakes- Asda do a 25p cake mix all you do is add an egg and mix it and  divide into your cake ups. Once baked let the residents decorate them.

Egg Race- Make your own egg race track and get residents to roll their boiled eggs and see how far they go.

Egg and Spoon Race- Use boiled eggs and a table spoon and create a space that you wheel people up and down to do a race of those who can walk can walk the race.

Easter Egg Hunt- Place eggs around the care home, gardens etc and get the residents and their relatives involved to hunt them out.

Easter Service- Arrange for an Easter Service to be held in the home or arrange for those who can to attend  their local church .

Local Pet Rescue Centre Visit- Ask your local pet rescue centre if they would bring in their rabbits and other animals for a short visit for an Easter treat for your residents.

Easter Cards and Baskets- Make Easter cards and baskets to be given out to friends and loved ones.

Easter Tea Time Party- Invite relatives and friends to come for tea and use your finest china, sing songs together to have a good time. 

Easter Bonnet Competition- Get old hats or visit the pound shop and get ribbons, cut out pictures , etc and make an Easter bonnet and get the manager to judge the best one.

Easter Raffle- Ask for donations from staff, family, local business and do a raffle and raise some money for your resident's fund.  

Reminiscence- Talk about Easter how it was for them when they were growing up and ask everyone to share their experience. Talk about traditions people practiced.

I hope you have found this blog useful and feel inspired to celebrate Easter, it is a wonderful time of the year with nature providing beautiful flowers and the birds nesting etc.

Online FB Group Support

I hear all too often the AC role is isolating so I have built up an online community to help support other AC's worldwide in our little hub.
Lots of special promotions, free giveaways  and a great resource of files on activities is available to all members free.

You can join the group here -
.https://www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup

I also do a monthly newsletter you can sign up here and get my free eBook-
 To get your free copy of our ebook: "10 Top Tips for Engaging and Stimulating Activities With The Elderly"

Please click below:
http://eepurl.com/Iw9p1

Happy Easter in advance.

Wishing you all well and until next time keep shining .

Love,

Ann Marie xxx 

Activity Provision For All In Mixed Groups

 Activity Coordinators are truly amazing people as we have such a mixed bag of things to deal with and one of the biggest issues everyone faces is how to deal with everyone in your groups, make sure everyone is equally included and the how to juggle the disruptions that occur at times in groups.

As you will know  from experience you have different people at different stages of dementia, some people who are only in a care home due to a physical disability but mentally are stable and normal.
And as AC you have to juggle  and meet all  these needs of each resident.

www.lovejoycentre.co.uk

Here is a few things to help you -

  Provision of Meaningful Activities in A Care Setting.

 To begin we need to understand what the definition of activity is and that it is essential to human existence, health and well being.

 It has the potential to restore, maintain and improve physical and mental health. Our individual personality, life history, interests, values and beliefs influence our choice of activity. 

What we do helps to define who we are. The urge to engage in purposeful and meaningful activity is a basic human drive. 

This in-built motivation does not diminish or disappear as people age, but the common effects of aging, such as reduced vision, poor hearing and the increased incidence of arthritis and dementia, can affect an individual’s ability to participate in activities. (Occupational College 2007)



 It is important to consider the following important facts – 

Match the right activity to the correct skill set of the resident.

 Ensuring the activity is age appropriate. 

The activity will have these set components to consider as well

Physical-range of movement, strength, co-ordination, physical endurance and speed. 

Sensory- this enables us to interpret and interact with the world around us. 

Smell, kinaesthetic, touch, sight, hearing and taste. 

Cognitive-memory, problem solving, logical thought processes, ability to organise oneself and time effectively, communication. 

Emotional- Internal drives and belief’s motivate and enable us to do. Borne out of culture, life experiences in turn influence our choice of activities. 

Social interaction- with other people and the development of relationships influences and motivates our selection of and participation in activity. 

Meaningful activities should be enjoyable, and may be linked to hobbies or interests that the person enjoyed before the diagnosis of dementia. 

 Activities such as taking a walk, cooking or painting can help preserve dignity and self-esteem. 

Some of the most beneficial activities can be simple, everyday tasks such as setting the table for a meal or folding clothes. They can help a person with dementia feel connected to normal life and can maximize choice and control.


Online FB Group Support

I hear all too often the AC role is isolating so I have built up an online community to help support other AC's worldwide in our little hub.
Lots of special promotions, free giveaways  and a great resource of files on activities is available to all members free.

You can join the group here -
.https://www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup

I also do a monthly newsletter you can sign up here and get my free eBook-
 To get your free copy of our ebook: "10 Top Tips for Engaging and Stimulating Activities With The Elderly"

Please click below:
http://eepurl.com/Iw9p1

Did you know I do AC Awards each year? It's oopen to anyone who is an AC here is the link to vote 

http://lovejoycentre.co.uk/nomination-form

Wishing you all well and until next time keep shining.

Love,

Ann Marie xxx