In our Autumn competition, we asked you what imaginative ways you have been carrying out your important work during lockdown. Covid has presented an extremely challenging situation to everyone in care homes, so we were keen to find out what activities you have been doing, how you have helped residents keep in touch with their loved ones, and what advice you would give to a carer or activity coordinator facing another lockdown.
We were bowled over by the response we had to this competition. The effort and creativity you have all been putting in to supporting your residents and co-workers during this time is truly incredible! The variety of entries was so good we’ve compiled them into sets of tips and ideas here. This week: Your Advice for Each Other.
IN IT TOGETHER
“Keep smiling – you are doing a vital role – you are a hero!”
Chris Bourne, Sandfields
We loved this collection of thoughtful and inspiring words of support and motivation from other activity coordinators. We really are all in it together, and this round-up really shows that.
“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory, so take one day at a time and don’t forget to enjoy it in good company!”
“Plan for the best but be prepared for the worst. Every plan must have a backup as things change so quickly. Your response to that needs to be upbeat and professional.”
“Keep residents and yourself smiling, and think about what each resident enjoys individually. We aim to host activities in a way that does not make anyone in isolation feel different.”
“Accept things are different, don’t criticise yourself, and believe you GENUINELY make a difference every day.”
“Being kind not only has a direct effect on others, but it has a positive impact on yourself as well.”
“Be kind, take time to listen, be aware of others’ roles, be helpful and smile.”
“Keep doing your best in working as a team.”
“You can do this! Remember, this is more difficult for our residents than us! Keep smiling, keep shining! Walk through a room dressed as a clown, pirate, anything! This will always make people laugh. Keep going, you’re amazing!”
“Our advice facing another lockdown would be to turn it into a positive. It’s an opportunity to deliver person-centred care, be creative, and most importantly, be a friend.”
“Don’t try to do too much. Quality rather than quantity. A quality activity is better than a rushed one.”
“Don’t worry, we are all together in this and we will all come out of this together.”
“My advice for care workers during lockdown is to find the joy in the small things – singing a resident’s favourite song together can bring light into a dark day. The best advice I can give, however, is to take a minute and breathe… you can do this… remember there is always a light at the end of every tunnel, no matter how dark it may seem.”
“The advice I would give to carers and activity coordinators is to remain as normal as possible for residents; keeping up with things that matter to them, whilst maintaining social distance and following guidelines; keeping them involved in day-to-day news on changes that affect them; and maintaining wellbeing.”
“My advice for anyone if we face another lockdown is to try your hardest to get the residents involved in activities. I noticed a drop in residents wanting to take part when families stopped coming in. These are the people I went to and did 1-2-1 with as I felt it was really important for their mental health to spend the time with them which they would usually spend with family. Even if it was just a game of dominoes or a half-hour conversation, it makes a difference to them.”
“Plan ahead, keep your spirits up and smile, because if you smile, they do too.”
“Stay calm, be vigilant and make it fun!”
“Times are really tough right now, but you are not alone. Keep going and just don’t give up. Times will get easier and we will all get through this together.”
“Get creative, you’ll be surprised how much you can do when in a lockdown. Support and trust each other, we are all in the same boat and need this support more than ever.”
“Don’t stress – just enjoy time with the resident.”
“I would highly recommend taking your time to arrange a lot more personalised 1-2-1’s as this keeps us all closer together as a family unit. Remember, NOT all residents like to participate in daily activities. 1-2-1’s can be magical to people.”
