The Importance of Life Story Work in the Role of An Activity Coordinator

The Importance of Life Story Work in the Role of An Activity Coordinator


The importance of life story work is a massive tool that should be used for each resident you work with as an AC.

It is of such importance that it allows you to get to know and understand each person you work with and also it is a wonderful reminiscence tool for the person whose life story book it is, it also testament to the legacy of the life who it represents and a wonderful gift to the family when the person passes on.

As usual it is something  AC's are expected to know about and produce like a rabbit out of a magician hat. 
Often AC's have no training of knowledge of this, hence this  is why I write these blogs to inform you and help  my fellow AC's.

Where to Begin

A life story book is a homemade book complied to capture memories and stories about a person's life.

It is a wonderful way to spend time with a person and compile all their stories together, a valuable tool for fellow care workers who work with the person's whose book it is and even something family and friends can add to and get involved in.

There is no standard format of how to compile it , it should be visibly attractive, filled with pictures and a paragraph or so  describing the story.

I have had the do a number of these books with people and personally find a nice photo album with plastic sticky pages are good. 

It's good to start with a timeline, so initially get a piece of paper and draw a  vertical line in the centre of the paper. On one side write time periods or subjects;childhood,young adulthood,work, hobbies.

On the other write key events and memories such as, place of birth,first school,birth of siblings, getting a job and getting married etc. Use these as indicators as you work your way through each one and compile notes capturing details as you go along.

Remember dates are not always important, the fact a main memory is remembered or event is what is key.

Looking at photographs together can be a great way to get started and help trigger stories about main events.

The use of maps is also good and can be used show a person's life journey of where they were born, to places they lived and visited.

They key is make it an enjoyable experience, it will benefit the residents and increase their self esteem and well being.

Themes

Personal details : place of birth,siblings, family memories, childhood memories,first job,getting married, career,children and significant family events.

Other general themes : places lived in and visited,clothing, hobbies,cars owned, holidays, favourite food and drink, films and favourite books.

Key Points

These are just a few examples, the essence of the exercise is that you work at a pace everyone is happy with, it can take weeks at times.

Be patient.

Remember the book is the property of the it is about and should be taken and passed around with out permission from the owner of the book.

Be a good listener.

Always support the person and respect their wishes.

If you are a member of my online academy you can access the templates  for life story work alternatively use this one http://www.nhsaaa.net/media/224617/lifestory.pdf 

I do hope this has been useful to you. Do you like what I have shared?  Let me know.

 I have created an online AC Academy that gives you support with all the challenges you face. Why don't you take a look and join 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

Until next time keep shining and remember your worth.

Love,
Ann Marie x

The Butterfly Approach in Dementia Activity Provision

When we work as AC's with the elderly  we must always remember to see the PERSON  with  the dementia and not the person with the DEMENTIA.
The Butterfly Approach is often over looked and we encounter it regularly in our job roles, and interaction with our residents. 
Butterfly moments are fleeting moments of engagement with you. With a 'moment' you can touch a person's life and change a day doing small things.
It makes all the difference to the well being of the resident and  is a bridge you can both meet on to create more butterfly moments.

It's based on a model created by David Sheard in 1995, called Feelings Matter Most.The Feelings Matter Most model centres on eight key components:

BEING person centred involves helping staff to shift their focus from only doing ‘tasks’ to being able to reach people on the inside.

ENABLING quality of life starts with really seeing, hearing, feeling the lived experience of people. This also involves measuring the minute by minute experiences of people and being determined to improve the moment.

 INSPIRING leadership means guiding people away from detached management to a new professionalism of attached leadership. Attached leadership is where people lead from the heart and not just by the hand.

NURTURING staffs emotions in dementia care, recognises the need to support peoples emotional labour. This centers on fostering positive team relationships whilst requiring the development of an emotion led organisational strategy.

GROWING training that works signals a move away from tick-box courses and awareness level competency training. The new focus is on the development of peoples emotional intelligence through reflection, modelling and coaching. 

ACHIEVING real outcomes is all about focusing on policies, procedures and systems as the secondary focus. Balancing and measuring quality of service and quality of life as the primary goal becomes the new focus.

SUPPORTING nurses in dementia care to modernise and to restore compassionate cultures of care is critical. This involves nurses being developed to merge clinical best practice with the new focus of nurses knowing how to lead and personally model person centred care and relationship focused support.

 MATTERING in a dementia care home involves centering on the core skills in staff of Feel, Look, Connect and Occupy whilst creating culture change through developing a community based on Share, Reach, Relax and Matter.


As an AC I do believe in the main part that we naturally do a lot of the above as we have the time in our interaction with our residents but it is a cultural shift in a care home that has to happen .

But if we can focus on the butterfly moments of engagement we encounter, record them and build on them, we will enrich our resident's life for the better. 

Butterfly moments matter! It can be anything from a squeeze of a hand to sharing poignant moments doing a life story book. If you get the minimal engagement , you have had a butterfly moment and have done your  job well. 
I want you to know no matter how small, it all counts to the welfare and well being of the person who expressed it!Record them. 

And those who have now entered the later stages of dementia using  'coma work' , this can help you create butterfly moments with them.
Coma Work  is an approach to working with people in withdrawn states, such as coma to people in later stages of  dementia.The approach requires you to pay particular attention to the non-verbal aspects of a person's communication: their breathing,their eye movement,vocalizations such as repeated noises and the general atmosphere and mood surrounding the person. The key thing is to watch for any signs of any kind of activity from the person with dementia and be led by these rather then taking over and dominating communication themselves.
One lady who cared for her mother did this and found her mother began to speak more.

I do hope this has been useful to you.. Do you like what I have shared?  Let me know.

 I have created an online AC Academy that gives you support with all the challenges you face. Why don't you take a look and join 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

Until next time keep shining and remember your worth.

Love,
Ann Marie x

How To Get Your Mojo Back

 It happens to all of us. Your going along with your day and then something happens to knock your confidence and can leave you feeling very depleted and close to tears. It can happen in various ways-

Feedback from a supervision. 
Put downs.
Coming back to work  after having a baby. 
Hormones and emotions. 
It all goes horribly wrong. 
Bad CQC Report. 
Lack of participation in your sessions.
Being the target of someone's anger.
Insensitive relatives passing comments.
Colleagues belittling your efforts and work.  

When things go wrong you will feel floored, feel like the wind has been taken out of your sails, you feel flat, inadequate, worthless , want to run away and never show your face again.
 It is natural to feel this way but you need to put things into perspective and know it is not the end of world. 

 Start by being kind to yourself, think of it this way, if someone you love came to you upset how would you treat them? With kindness of course. So you must do the same to yourself as well. 

Quick Remedy List 

Look after you.
Have a cuppa. 
Have some you time. 
You need time to regroup. 
You need time to process. 

Understanding It 

People are always going to be people. Why it went wrong. Why you feel like this. Take the emotion out of it. See it objectively. Don't respond or react until you have processed it all. 

What YOU need to do now- 

 You need to see it for what it is, what is the worse that can happen? 
 I have experienced this scenario when I had to whistle blow it cost me my job at the time, the worse case scenario happened, but guess what?  I survived and thrived. 
And that experience made me who I am today and allows me to share my expertise and experience. I got my mojo back !
 And more importantly the residents who needed proper help got it! I promise you can cope with this.

 Action List 
 Remember who you're doing your work for – your residents. 
Be objective. 
And be kind to yourself- allocate yourself a kindness day just for you. 

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

Until next time, keep shining.

Love,
Ann Marie x

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" 

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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