So, you’ve got a job working in an assisted living facility and think it will be a cakewalk. As much as such a setting seems, in theory, to be a tranquil haven for older adults, that is rarely the case.
As any nurse, support worker, or doctor who has worked with older people will tell you, they can be live wires! Much like younger people, in some cases, they will have arguments, have days when they are not feeling well, and may simply just not like each other.
Assisted living homes are intended to provide a peaceful and comfortable environment for residents. As a result, staff members must ensure that the atmosphere is calm and serene. Here are five ways staff can promote serenity in an assisted living home.
Create a Relaxing Environment
Staff members can make sure the environment is soothing by creating a relaxed atmosphere. This includes playing soft music, using soft lighting, and keeping the temperature comfortable. The use of natural elements such as plants and flowers can also add to the peaceful atmosphere. Indeed, many Signature care homes near Reading are proud of their decor, and if you are aiming to work in such a place, your attitude and conduct will need to match!
Encourage Residents to Participate in Calming Activities
People of all ages are more likely to get into scraps if they are bored or under-stimulated. So, staff members can encourage residents to engage in calming, therapeutic activities such as yoga, meditation, and tai chi. These activities can help reduce stress and promote relaxation while also offering a social element to those who are living in the complex.
Practice Mindfulness
Staff members can practice mindfulness themselves and encourage residents to do the same. This involves being present in the moment and focusing on the present, which can be beneficial to the people they are caring for and themselves. This can help you to manage your mental health in a more productive way and will have a beneficial impact on your physical health too. Of course, mindfulness can be a tricky skill to master, so aim to look into online courses to help you in your spare time.
Foster Positive Social Interactions
Staff members can foster positive social interactions among residents by organizing social events and encouraging residents to interact with one another. This can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can contribute to stress and anxiety. Also, when it comes to working with your fellow staff members, you will need to (as much as you can) work together and aim to keep things civil. After all, it will be hard to foster feelings of cooperation in an assisted living home if you and your colleagues are attacking each other!
Provide Adequate Support
Staff members can provide adequate support to residents to ensure that their physical, emotional, and social needs are met. This includes providing assistance with daily living activities, providing emotional support when needed, and ensuring that residents have access to appropriate medical care. When residents feel cared for and supported, they are more likely to feel calm and serene. Of course, there are only so many hours in a day, so it may be worth exploring having volunteers come in to help with the support of those living under your care.
Picking the perfect gift for a new baby