Solange

Hi Kathryn,look into 'How to Start an Aromatherapy Program' in the website for guidance.

Hi Heather, yes I believe you.The Chicken Pen Care Plan must stipulate who buys the food, who feeds the chickens, who places clean fresh water every day in the pen, who would be in charge to take them to the veterinary when needed, who would be in charge to chase them if it scapes, who administer medication when needed. The good thing is, once the Care Plan is ready and you give each person a copy, there is no 'pass the bucket', or 'not me' or 'I forgot'. Remember, to 'harvest' the eggs it should be always the residents (accompanied by staff).

I am afraid we are all very poorly paid. I believe that in the United States and New Zealand it is the same. In Australia we have an award system that indicates how much we earn.However private organizations use their discretion; sometimes paying well and sometimes paying poorly.

Thank you Julie, you are quite right, the salt dough items should be sprayed with varnish for endurance.

Hi Julie, It is really sad that there are still people with this sort of attitude. We are a vital part of the various disciplines required to deliver optimal health care in hostels and nursing homes. People often forget that our elders are going through major changes in their lives where confidence and stamina are often low. Can you imagine if the spiritual, emotional and recreation assistance we provide would be taken away? The results could well be further social isolation, depression and other ills. I am glad to hear management is supportive. Perhaps if you could involve the staff in some activities so they would realise it is not as easy as they think. I often invite staff to participate in all theme parties, festivals, karaoke, singing duos on Valentines, Christmas carols, horse race and hat parade on Melbourne cup, limbo rock on Hawaiian Luau, etc. Good luck!

Hi Jenny,

I worked in an RSL Hostel which was considered 'low care' at the time. All residents could move without aids and most had good cognition. We took them on community trip twice a month. The bus fitted sixteen people so we had 14 residents and two staff members. We also had a wonderful driver who gave us a hand whenever needed. These days I work in a high care facility and our bus takes twelve people and 4 wheelchairs. However we only take 5 or 6 residents and only two wheelchairs. The ratio is two staff members but we always try to involve some of the residents relatives to accompany us. This makes a big difference because they can look after their loved ones and also give us a hand if necessary. Again, we have a wonderful bus driver who helps a lot; which makes three (four, if we can persuade a relative to go) of us to look after 7 or 8 residents. It is not easy, I know. I often have a headache from stress when I go on community buses. The responsibility is enormous.
Every facility has their own policies, this is an example only from places I worked before. I hope this can help you.

Cheers,


Solange

Here is the link to the group membership form:
https://www.goldencarers.com/group-membership.pdf

H Nicole, you and your residents ought to be congratulated!

You can also use badminton rackets as long as you leave enough space between players. Good idea with coat hangers and stockings!

Hi, Julie, congratulations on your promotion to Life Style Coordinator.Good luck!