Solange

Great games Lydia. Thank you for sharing.

Hi Robin, It is important to consult families to provide the best of care: What is most important to the person: desire, values, family situations. Finding out ways to help clients to manage their own health. Providing emotional support. Learning how to make clients physically comfortable and safe. Working together to improve communication, information and education.

Hi Marianne, Music Bingo is so much fun. You don’t necessarily need a musician; just a good selection of music, either from YouTube or CDs. The first thing to do is to choose the genre: country, pop, rock n’ roll. Then make cards including the names of songs and artists/bands. Buy Top 40 CDs or look on YouTube selection for Hits of the 1060s, 1970s or 1980s. Also, any Top Hundred hits will give dozens of well-known songs to play Music Bingo.

Hi Brenda, Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done. If her chewing is hurting her mouth, a doctor may prescribe a sedative. You could try a baby natural rubber soother, the teething ring that babies hold in their hands to alleviate gum discomfort (nothing too small that the client may gag or swallow). All the best.

Hi Victoria, the following suggestions can be made by some clients and watched by others, all in the spirit of Christmas. Make paper angels – Eggnog to share – Wrapping token presents to place under the tree - Making paper boxes – Creating an Advent calendar - Make a poster ’25 Days of Christmas Acts of Kindness’ – Make a garland of flags from countries your residents come from; and decorate the garland with tinsels for a festive look.

Hi Noam, thank you for sharing, great idea for a multi-cultural care facility. You may add to your repertoire Buster Keaton, Marx’s brothers and Laurel and Hardy. There are some excellent YouTube shorts movies available. All the best!

Hi Matylda, thank you for your feedback. It is very much appreciated. All the best.

Hi Lalaine, it is very disturbing that some facilities continue to employ staff without a minimum of training and qualifications. It is such a lack of respect for our elders. It amazes me that these care facilities keep on passing audits inspections. Sure the accreditation process is not picking up the issues as it should.
Having said that, I must say there are many good care facilities out there amid the bad ones.

Hi Rachel, I identify with your dilemma, I have also been in this position. It is so sad that some facilities allow people totally inexperienced in lifestyle work to do the job. It is not their fault; carers are usually told by superiors or management to 'help out'. It may harm the facility's reputation if residents' relatives notice the lack of professionalism of the staff. I am afraid I don't have the answer. You could try and bring the subject up at your next staff meeting. Don't lose heart, all the best of luck.

I love the Thanksgiving food song!
How creative!