John I think you're right about people thinking 'touch' is not the done thing but I say 'Pah!'. Humans NEED physical connection with other humans - especially in care where the most likely human touch they receive is getting bums wiped and assistance with bathing! I am always hugging my participants, I squeeze their hands, put my arms around them and tell them I love them. I often kiss them goodbye and shake hands when we finish a session. It is pure affection and they respond to it well. I have had the most amazing responses from this approach - including reduced 'challenging behaviour'. I think it's all about sharing love and we should do more of it.
Margaret - I'm sorry but I don't agree with your comment to Patricia 'You should enjoy it so much you can't help yourself'. It's not a requirement for anyone to be unpaid in their employment whether they love it or not. I'm sure most people are happy to put in a little extra time but not if it becomes an expectation - that just devolves responsibility away from the employer. No I don't think she has burn out either, I just think she's being assertive and standing up for her employment rights. I wish more people were like her and then this 'profession' would get the salary and status it deserves.
I work in the UK and the attitude of management is pretty much the same. I have worked in many environments and generally there is the expectation that you'll 'volunteer' your time when needed (rather than management putting on extra staff or paying for longer hours). I love this work but the pay and conditions are terrible!
I co-own and operate a small assisted living home in Pittsfield, NH (U.S.A.). We consistently seek ways to improve upon our senior activity program, providing a diversified balance of a purposeful and enjoyable time of recreation, crafting, exercise and others to reach all of our residents. I must say, it's been a challenge. This past October I began researching options online and came across your site, subscribing for a year to see what you were all about. Let me tell you, you have not disappointed! Your site is a priceless resource that we are extremely thankful for. We find a significant increase in resident participation and look forward to the new ideas that each month brings. Our residents love the changes!
I Love You in different languages