Sunday 30 September 2012
CARERS STORECUPBOARD
A quickie....! Just to let you know that the CARERS STORECUPBOARD page has been updated. I love seeing all the gadgets available and (as a bookworm) all the relevant books available.Its a little goldmine, even if I do say so myself!!!
...CARE IS NEEDED NOW!
Wow. Have a read of the following link...It certainly pulled at a few heartstrings and at times I felt a little uncomfortable reading it. Yet, it brings to light the situation care can be in without the right funding and cut backs.It also highlights what a true carer is like,its all in the name...carer.
The question is....as a careworker, have you ever felt that no matter how often you report back the reality of a situation nothing seems to get done or it takes longer than it should? It is frustrating and then there is all the 'we have to pass it onto...' who isn't in the office and when they do get to deal with it a few days later you find out they have had to pass it on to some else and so on ,and so on...! You get the picture. Just to end my little rant....These are peoples lives you have the privilege to be a part of, they are NOT a number,they are NOT a file,they are NOT a statistic. Care is needed NOW, not when there is a WINDOW in the diary.
Uncaring Britain: One despairing care worker's account of this country's ...
Daily Mail
Carers like me visit once or several times a day to provide help with dressing, washing, meals, cleaning, shopping and medical care, enabling the frail and the needy to retain their last bit of independence by keeping them out of care homes for as long ...
The question is....as a careworker, have you ever felt that no matter how often you report back the reality of a situation nothing seems to get done or it takes longer than it should? It is frustrating and then there is all the 'we have to pass it onto...' who isn't in the office and when they do get to deal with it a few days later you find out they have had to pass it on to some else and so on ,and so on...! You get the picture. Just to end my little rant....These are peoples lives you have the privilege to be a part of, they are NOT a number,they are NOT a file,they are NOT a statistic. Care is needed NOW, not when there is a WINDOW in the diary.
Uncaring Britain: One despairing care worker's account of this country's ...
Daily Mail
Carers like me visit once or several times a day to provide help with dressing, washing, meals, cleaning, shopping and medical care, enabling the frail and the needy to retain their last bit of independence by keeping them out of care homes for as long ...
Friday 28 September 2012
STRESS MANAGEMENT
I have come across these great tips for managing stress through the following link
http://www.howtoee.com/20-stress-management-tips-that-give-results/
Take a look and see what you think.
I recognise a lot of the 'tools' which I have used over the years and very often not aware at the time of what I am doing!!! They have helped.
One of my affirmations each day when Im particularly low and anxious is,'God,nothing is going to happen today, that You and I can't handle together.'
A snippet of the tips suggested to use on http://www.howtoee.com/20-stress-management-tips-that-give-results/
1) Focus on your breathing
2) Use the power of visualisation
3) Take a break from your hectic schedule and find time for yourself.
4) Smile a lot
5) Get some physical exercise on a regular basis.
6) Go out there and spend some quality time with nature.
7) Grow self-awareness
8) Pay attention to what you’re thinking about and how it is affecting you.
9) Spend more time with your family and friends.
10) Go ahead and play indoor or outdoor games that interest you
11) Try out affirmations as they are great to make you feel positive from the inside out.
12) Stop complaining and start fighting what’s bothering you.
13) Empty your thoughts on paper.
14) Learn to say “no”
15) If you’re worrying about taking a decision which is bringing in stress then simply ask yourself – what’s the worse that could happen?
16) Get more organized
17) Make sure you’re getting ample amount of sleep
18) Know who you are and value your uniqueness, your individuality.
19) Prepare for what’s going to come.
20) Become good at time management
Give yourself five minutes to have a look!
http://www.howtoee.com/20-stress-management-tips-that-give-results/
Take a look and see what you think.
I recognise a lot of the 'tools' which I have used over the years and very often not aware at the time of what I am doing!!! They have helped.
One of my affirmations each day when Im particularly low and anxious is,'God,nothing is going to happen today, that You and I can't handle together.'
A snippet of the tips suggested to use on http://www.howtoee.com/20-stress-management-tips-that-give-results/
1) Focus on your breathing
2) Use the power of visualisation
3) Take a break from your hectic schedule and find time for yourself.
4) Smile a lot
5) Get some physical exercise on a regular basis.
6) Go out there and spend some quality time with nature.
7) Grow self-awareness
8) Pay attention to what you’re thinking about and how it is affecting you.
9) Spend more time with your family and friends.
10) Go ahead and play indoor or outdoor games that interest you
11) Try out affirmations as they are great to make you feel positive from the inside out.
12) Stop complaining and start fighting what’s bothering you.
13) Empty your thoughts on paper.
14) Learn to say “no”
15) If you’re worrying about taking a decision which is bringing in stress then simply ask yourself – what’s the worse that could happen?
16) Get more organized
17) Make sure you’re getting ample amount of sleep
18) Know who you are and value your uniqueness, your individuality.
19) Prepare for what’s going to come.
20) Become good at time management
Give yourself five minutes to have a look!
Tuesday 25 September 2012
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT
News of bereavement support that may be of interest to you...
Rocky Mountain Hospice bereavement support groups - The ...
No one should grieve alone and that is why Rocky Mountain Hospice offers bereavement support groups for those in the community who are grieving the loss of ...
www.bozemandailychronicle.com/
Amy Zachary LCSW, MA and Paula Peterson LCSW, MSC, experienced therapists and facilitators, will lead the bereavement group. Each has a unique ...
www.hamptons.com/cal_detail.
Jeff's Place bereavement support moves offices to Framingham
MetroWest Daily News
Jeff's Place, a community-based program that provides support and services for children and teens (and their caregivers) coping with a family member's or friend's death, recently moved its offices to Deloss Street in Framingham, although support groups ...
Ground-Breaking Conference Unites Bereavement Services
AboutMyArea
An exhibition incorporating organisations speaking on the day as well as Cruse Bereavement Care, Help in Bereavement, Simon Says, Off the Record and Victim Support will add to the programme of speakers. The 'Working with the bereaved in Portsmouth' ...
Fundraisers go over the top to help bereavement charity
This is Plymouth
A GROUP of brave charity fundraisers conquered their fears to bag around £2,500 for children dealing with the loss of a loved one. Twenty-seven people, from nine to 63 years old, took part in an abseil on Saturday for Plymouth-based charity Jeremiah's ...
| ||
| Support group to help with loss of parent Newcanaannewsonline Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County will offer an eight-week bereavement support group to help adults cope with loss following the death of a parent. The group will meet Wednesday afternoons from 4 to 5:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 26 and will ... See all stories on this topic » | ||
| Bulletin Board Sun-Sentinel Free. Call 561-707-0600. Bereavement issues support group, for those in later bereavement, group meets every Tuesday, 12:30-2 p.m., Weisman Delray Community Center, 7091 Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. Free. Call 561-558-2100 to reserve a spot. See all stories on this topic » |
| ||
| Support group to help with loss of parent Newcanaannewsonline Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County will offer an eight-week bereavement support group to help adults cope with loss following the death of a parent. The group will meet Wednesday afternoons from 4 to 5:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 26 and will ... See all stories on this topic » | ||
| Bulletin Board Sun-Sentinel Free. Call 561-707-0600. Bereavement issues support group, for those in later bereavement, group meets every Tuesday, 12:30-2 p.m., Weisman Delray Community Center, 7091 Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. Free. Call 561-558-2100 to reserve a spot. See all stories on this topic » |
Monday 24 September 2012
NEWS ROUND UP!!!!
Thought this may be of interest to you.Its good to know whats going on all over the place!!!!!!
Click on the links below for the full stories....
Charity launches new carers' respite service
Click on the links below for the full stories....
Friday 21 September 2012
Understanding ALZHEIMERS
I don't know about you but during my time I think it was always assumed that as a carer you know everything about everything!!!!
You probably know where this is going don't you? No matter what situation we were walking into very rarely were we told; beforehand; this gentleman/lady has......It seemed we were just sent in and had to learn as we went along. (Of course,where equipment was concerned there was training provided for each individual before the first visit.)
So, I thought isn't this a good opportunity to put together at least the basics(again,each person is unique) to begin to understand what is going on for the person we are caring for, as well as their families.
It is a mxiture of own experience(sometimes alot closer to the heart) and what has been visited on lifes great journey.Oh and of course I will add in links for relevant sites that will go more in depth with each condition.
As September is Alzheimers month I feel it fitting for this to be the first step.(And I dedicate it to my grandad.x)
ALZHEIMERS
http://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/symptoms/
The speed of change varies between people and also between different diseases, but in most dementias symptoms progress slowly over several years.
Everybody is unique and is affected in their own way. As dementia progresses:
So; this I hope ;gives you an idea of what it is about. In reality, for families of those caring for a loved one it can be heartbreaking and frustrating to grasp why this person you love no longer remembers you,or can't communicate in any way. Its heartbreaking to see this happen for many years on end.
Its hard to grasp that their'knowing' seems to have disappeared....or has it?
I remember reading somewhere that the 'eyes are the windows to the soul'...think about it. next time you look into a mirror, take a close look into your own soul and get to know yourself. Its quite powerful and it has been something I used in the past during many visits.
I can remember helping someone many years ago by singing the 'Archers' tune to motivate them to move and guide to the bathroom. On route, a towel or mat would be placed over carpet grips in each doorway(apparently it would be seen as an obstacle if left uncovered and they would come to a halt), These things are what you pick up as you go along and as I keep saying we are all individual,what works for one may not work for another.
I have come across a very interesting piece found on the Dementia UK website which looks at 'life story work'.... This framework is used by staff to collect information about the people they are working with in order to help them understand more about them and to provide information, which can help them to deliver person centred care. This is a collaborative process with family members and friends and emphasis is placed on using images and photographs to bring the life story book ‘to life'. The template can be adapted and updated according to individual needs or preferences and a copy can be stored electronically in case of loss or damage.'
http://www.dementiauk.org/information-support/life-story-work/
I urge you to take a look.It seems to me, to be something which would be of great help and a 'tool' which would work in all aspects of care!
You probably know where this is going don't you? No matter what situation we were walking into very rarely were we told; beforehand; this gentleman/lady has......It seemed we were just sent in and had to learn as we went along. (Of course,where equipment was concerned there was training provided for each individual before the first visit.)
So, I thought isn't this a good opportunity to put together at least the basics(again,each person is unique) to begin to understand what is going on for the person we are caring for, as well as their families.
It is a mxiture of own experience(sometimes alot closer to the heart) and what has been visited on lifes great journey.Oh and of course I will add in links for relevant sites that will go more in depth with each condition.
As September is Alzheimers month I feel it fitting for this to be the first step.(And I dedicate it to my grandad.x)
ALZHEIMERS
http://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/symptoms/
The speed of change varies between people and also between different diseases, but in most dementias symptoms progress slowly over several years.
Everybody is unique and is affected in their own way. As dementia progresses:
- People may find that their ability to remember, think and make decisions worsens.
- Communication and language often become more difficult.
- A person’s behaviour may change and some people can become sad or demoralised.
- Anxieties or phobias are quite common.
- Problems with time perception may cause problems with sleeping and restlessness at night.
- Anger or agitation is common in the later stages of dementia.
- It is common for people to be unsteady on their feet and fall more often.
- Gradually people require more help with daily activities like dressing, toileting and eating.
So; this I hope ;gives you an idea of what it is about. In reality, for families of those caring for a loved one it can be heartbreaking and frustrating to grasp why this person you love no longer remembers you,or can't communicate in any way. Its heartbreaking to see this happen for many years on end.
Its hard to grasp that their'knowing' seems to have disappeared....or has it?
I remember reading somewhere that the 'eyes are the windows to the soul'...think about it. next time you look into a mirror, take a close look into your own soul and get to know yourself. Its quite powerful and it has been something I used in the past during many visits.
I can remember helping someone many years ago by singing the 'Archers' tune to motivate them to move and guide to the bathroom. On route, a towel or mat would be placed over carpet grips in each doorway(apparently it would be seen as an obstacle if left uncovered and they would come to a halt), These things are what you pick up as you go along and as I keep saying we are all individual,what works for one may not work for another.
I have come across a very interesting piece found on the Dementia UK website which looks at 'life story work'.... This framework is used by staff to collect information about the people they are working with in order to help them understand more about them and to provide information, which can help them to deliver person centred care. This is a collaborative process with family members and friends and emphasis is placed on using images and photographs to bring the life story book ‘to life'. The template can be adapted and updated according to individual needs or preferences and a copy can be stored electronically in case of loss or damage.'
http://www.dementiauk.org/information-support/life-story-work/
I urge you to take a look.It seems to me, to be something which would be of great help and a 'tool' which would work in all aspects of care!
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