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How much do you value your freedom?

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We have all had a taste of what it is like not to be able to do what we want when we want and for many it took a bit of getting used to. Freedom is something that we take for granted in New Zealand. It’s something that is not so readily available for many other countries so having a taste of being restricted is not such a bad thing for us. Have you ever wonder what is freedom to you?

I know for myself I had never thought about not being able to hop in the car and go wherever I wanted. I have been driving since I was 15 so it is part of who I am.  Having to stay home in my own little haven, was at times a bit challenging but I learnt other ways to keep in contact with my friends and family.  I no longer take others for granted and I now will pick up the phone to talk to my friends more. While I do spend a considerable amount of time on the phone talking to owners and managers of facilities and organisations about Care Training Online, I have been a bit less forthcoming on picking up the phone to call others or find other ways to connect with friends and family. 

So, over this time, I have joined House Party which is a face to face social networking AP. It is a great way to talk to a group of people. I now can talk regularly to my sisters together, so I don’t have to make individual calls – and we can see each other too.

I have learnt to use Zoom which is another networking tool used by many businesses to keep in contact with clients and staff who work remotely or at home. I use it for business, for Rotary and for other networking groups.  Being able to see people face to face you get all the facial expression that are missed by phone or email really enhances communication.

I have also learnt to use Messenger for calls and for video groups.  This is a way I keep in contact with another group of people.  And of course, there is also Facetime. So many options to choose from. So being in lockdown has taught me to find other more effective ways to communicate.  I have mentioned some of these in this newsletter  but check our this video on ways people kept in communication with others during lockdown.

I’ve heard that many facilities were able to use some of these mediums to keep the families connected with their loved ones. This is what is so amazing about the people who choose to work in residential care be it with the elderly or disability sector; so many of you go beyond the call of duty to make sure your residents and their families are kept up to date with their loved ones and this is in addition to your normal workload. This is what caring is all about.

Now while many of you have felt overloaded and underappreciated, certainly in the past, I do hope you are not saying that now. The whole country and families now see the value you add to their lives and their loved ones. If you troll through Facebook, there are many positive comments about how well you all did to keep everyone safe not to mention the wonderful photos and videos you  posted of your team at work making people happy. 

Sure, there was some negative comments, but you cannot take those one board. There are always people who keep their glasses half empty. Even though man of us learnt to focus on the negative rather than the positive in our school system, it is not too hard to change the way you think. How many of you focused on the red crosses in our tests – the incorrect answer, rather than the blue ticks that were correct. You have to shift away from that.  It serves no purpose for you or anyone else.

So negative comments or red crosses are actually learning experiences. That is all. Just like failing in anything, it is an opportunity to do better or do something different. Why don’t you count the number of learning experiences you had each day, rather than the number of things you did wrong or got wrong.

So today my message is this. Everything you do in life is good – be it correct or incorrect in the eyes of others because each you learn from what you do.  You keep repeating what you do well and get congratulated for and you stop repeating what was done incorrectly. Both have their rewards. It’s just the way you look at it. If you listen to this video about turning failure into success, the message is very clear – there is no such thing is failure but you do need to be your authentic self.  

On to the next phase of recovery

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This last month has certainly tested us all. Firstly, I would like to send my sincere condolences to Rosewood and St Margarets Hospital for the loss of residents’ due to Covid-19. The situation unfolded before you through no fault of your own and I am sure the whole of New Zealand’s thoughts has been with you over this time. I do hope, that with a shift to Level 3 and hopefully soon to Level 2, you will feel some sense of normality, what ever normality is for you. It would not have been an easy job looking after older people, especially those with dementia, who would not doubt have developed a delirium. Couple this with them not being able to understand why you are all gowned up. It must have been terrifying for them – and you as well.

While we will never forget this time, when we look back in 6 months, it will be seen in a different light and you will be congratulating yourselves on how you all got through it. I think the greatest testament to the whole aged care industry is that so many of you kept the virus out of your facilities.  WELL DONE.  Your systems and processes are working.

So, in order to move forward, we have to start looking for ways in which to do this. One of the recognized ways is gratitude. What can you be grateful for over this time? What have you learned from it?  What wonderful things happened to you as a result? Did you find an inner strength you didn’t know you had?  Did your family come to the fore and show you the true strength of unity? Is all the work you put into your family coming back to show you what a wonderful job you have done?  Have there been some people who have surprised you with the support you have been given?  What extra ordinary things have arisen to give you hope and be grateful for.

It is so easy to focus on the terrible things that happen to us and around us, yet there will more good things than you realise. Complaining about your our boss, colleagues, children, partner or the governing bodies serves no purpose.  We should be looking at more positive things in life, because believe you me, there are many positive things in life to be grateful for. Did you know the average person spends 10 hours a month complaining!  What a waste of energy.  Just think about what you could do that was more beneficial to you or others with those 10 hours. Don’t believe me? Well check out his article.

Pop Psychology really has so many worthwhile benefits. When you stop complaining, you find you no longer need the buzz that adrenalin gives you to get all fired up. You channel your energy in much more worthwhile directions and the surprising thing once you start this, you get to like people. They no longer fire you up in a negative way.  I have heard of instances when couples were on the verge of divorce but when they stopped complaining or griping about each other, they fell in love with each other again.  So, you see when you stop complaining, you are more at peace inside and with the world around you. It is very easy to feed this addiction, because that is what it is. We often unwittingly get drawn into the a gripe session – it is like a magnet and we jump on the bandwagon. Social media is a breeding ground for gripers. Don’t be tempted to get drawn into it so you can feel vindicated. Does a gripe session gain anything? How much satisfaction does it give you and how long does the satisfaction last?  So, over the next month, stop griping about people, work, the effect Covid-19 or anything else that has had a negative effect on or around you, and think and talk about the great things that have come out of it. It will amaze you when you shift away from complaining tbeing grateful how many positives you will see from this time.

Human kindness is another important factor at this time.  Being kind to others is another positive stream to lowering your stress levels. Being kind to others doesn’t cost you anything but it does help you build up your bank of happiness which makes you feel good.

So how does this work?  Well, being kind boosts oxytocin which is the love hormone.  It also releases dopamine which is a chemical messenger which gives you a high and makes you feel good. It also releases serotonin which are neurotransmitters that regulates your mood. So, the more you are kind, the more you build up you bank of happiness. Don’t believe me? Well take a look at this.

So, what’s my message this month?  Yes, its been a hard month for everyone but you have come through it.  Be grateful you still have a job, colleagues, a purpose in life, something to get up for in the morning and you are not alone.  Be grateful we have a compassionate leader that has been thinking of you at this time regardless of your political views.  Be grateful that most of your residents didn’t get Covid-19 thanks to the care they received from you.  And finally, be kind to each other and use your energy for good. Remember, what can you do with the extra 10 hours a month you gain by not griping? 

Food for thought.

What will we learn from this time in history?

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There have and always will be defining moments in our lives as there has been throughout history.  Like after the second world war, and I am old enough to remember this time, there was a huge period of growth. Things were not the same for anyone.  Many families were left without their bread winner and mothers and fathers without their sons but through all this, the world survive and prospered through this time with a huge amount of growth and prosperity. 

It was such a productive time.  New jobs emerged, new ideas grew, and life developed a new normal.  But like in any war or catastrophe, we found out the good in people in the community.  People started taking care of each other. They started valuing their children and families. They started talking to each other and smiling at people they didn’t know or waving out to a stranger. They were taking the time to see what is around. They treasured their freedom, something that is not a given in so many places around the world. They got to appreciate each other. Just like after the Canterbury earthquakes, people gathered together, thought about each other more and got in and helped.

The same is going to happen now. Many people will start to think about their lives, what it means and how can they make changes. Many will realise they have been chasing their tails, going around in circles, doing a job they don’t like and will be looking for a change.  People are now starting to appreciate and acknowledge others with a smile and eye contact.  Something that had been lost.

However, that will not be the case for your industry. While you are lucky to have ongoing guaranteed employment and income something denied so many at present, I am hearing the stress of the managers.  I only handful of people last week, basically to see how they are going. Everyone is so busy, and unlike those who are having the time to sit and reflect, play with their children, and watch all those TV programmes they have longed to watch, it is not a luxury you have. You still have the residents, their families and colleagues to think about not to mention your own families and keeping yourself safe and healthy.  But you do have an income. 

I wish there was a way in which I could help you, but I can’t. All I can say is I take my hat off to you and salute you. You are the backbone and stability that all those in your care so appreciate.  It is, at times, backbreaking but it is also, at times, joyous and rewarding. The country is very lucky to have you all and with so many people now being out of work, it may well be that people now look for a career change and consider becoming a support worker or caregiver. 

My thoughts are with you. Stay safe. Stay well and in all of this do take care of yourself as well as others. You do matter.

I would like to finish with this article written by a very respected New Zealander – Mike Hutchison.  He has some very wise words here. “Let’s not say we are too small. Let’s be the mouse that roars”.  Opportunities await for the brave and the bold. 

It’s the little things that count.

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Having just spent time in hospital with a fractured pelvis, I am reminded again of the little things that make recovery easier. While I can’t fault the care, it is the little niceties that make it more bearable. I’m talking about somewhere to put your little bits of rubbish that accumulate around you.  Easily solved by putting a rubbish bag attached to your nightingale. Like pain relief being given on time so you can at least be more comfortable. When receiving care, have it all completed before the nurse goes on to the next person. Having to sit and wait to have your morning cares does not make the morning start well.

I have to say I am very impressed with the new grads too. The standard of care they delivered was exceptional. They were well organised in their day too which was very pleasing to see.

However, a lot has happened in a week hasn’t it with the World Wide Pandemic being declared. But again, it is the little things that count – like handwashing. Being sloppy around this very basic of practices is what can cause the harm. For those using Care Training Online, I have posted some updated videos on Virus’, what they are and how to combat them on the Infection Control topic.  I have also updated some videos on the Pandemic planning topic as well.

Back to the little things again. It is these that will keep you all safe. The gold standard for hand hygiene is soap and water. While many think that hand sanitisers will protect them, some pointers to remember are:

  1. Not all hand sanitisers are equal. They need to be at least 60% alcohol to be effective
  2. Hands need to be clean in the first place for hand sanitisers to work
  3. Even if using hand sanitiser, if you pick up the container, you are contaminating it as is everyone else who picks it up so it less likely to be effective.  On top of this hands needs to be washed frequently with warm water and soap as well, so soap and water is the best defence against cross infections.

So, nothing beats hand washing with soap and warm water, not cold water.  This article will explain more.

So how are you going to prevent the virus from getting into the facility or your home in the first place? Have some form of soap and water hand washing at your door. While warm water may be a bit difficult to provide in these circumstances, I am reminded of Ignaz Semmelweis, the father of Infection Control, who prevented postpartum woman from dying by having buckets of water and chlorinated lime in the wards. All his medical students had to wash their hands before they examined any women in labour and dropped the death rate to as little as .85%.  It worked in the 1800s, and it still works today so let us not be resistant to the importance of using soap and water and when not available, use hand sanitiser with a high alcohol content. 

Does having a lot of friends on social media actually build friendships?

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Very few people these days are not on some form of social media either as a really active user, an occasional user or an observer – you know someone who just scrolls down to see what is going on in the world or for their friends and family.  Some people use it as a way to promote products and services.  Some people use it as a way to promote social change but even then, there are consequences. Just look at this clip and you will see what I mean.

Now many people I know these days, are fed up with social media.  There is a lot of rubbish on it, especially the inane comments people make to something really serious. For example, someone may put up in a local page “Did anyone else hear that bang?” and then stupid replies come back that have absolutely no relevance to the question asked, “like my husband just farted!!” Now I know that is a bit crass, but this is what I talk about when I say people make these throw away comments. Something you might make in a group of friends but now has to be written and has now relevance or place on Facebook.

Like you probably, I frequently get friend requests on personal Facebook, but for me, I need to know someone well and want to share some of the things that happen in my life and in my family. However, it appears that some people want to build up a huge data base of friends but in the real world, how many friends can you actually maintain as friends? Well it turns out that research has broken it down and the number is 150. This predication “has been based on an equation that related to social group size of monkeys and apes to brain size’ according to Professor Robin Dunbar.  Listen to Kim Hills interview with Professor Dunbar.

While Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and other social media platforms do have their place, they can also do a lot of harm. Now most people use it in a genuine way to communicate with people however there are some who don’t – they use it for illicit purposes or to create drama as a way to spice up a very mundane life. Few people even think about what may happen when they put up a post. They unconsciously write a response. 

However whichever way you look at it on the positive side, it is a great way to communicate with people. It enables you to get to a lot of people in a very short time and people can choose or not to look at what you post. I use it to promote the Clinical Update workshops and Care Training Online.

While it is a great tool, you do need to decide who you want to communicate with because whatever you put up on a Social Media site is there forever. Even if you delete a post, it is still there and can be found and used by someone who may not necessarily have well intentioned motives.

So be very selective on what you put up and never put anything up as a way of venting your frustration. While you may be angry at a person or situation, don’t put it up – you never know who may see it and what the repercussion may be! 

Also never post anything which you think might be funny, smart or clever to you – you know a throw away comment I mentioned before. You may live to regret your behaviour because there is a cost shame. Your actions, be it on social media, or within friendships, or in public life, there is a price to pay. Listen to Monica Lewinsky on the price she paid for her behaviour at the age of 23. The more public it is, the bigger the price but there is always a price. Follow how this happened on this clip.

So, here are some tips or don’ts if you like

  • Never write anything about anyone that you wouldn’t say to their face. The receiver of the written word will always put their interpretation on what is written. The message you intended may not be the message received.
  • Never upload anything about your employer. Why? Because many employers search Social Media to see what type of person you are. If you put negative posts about your current employer, do you think a prospective employer would consider employing you? I doubt it.  What if your current employer sees it? At the worst it could result in disciplinary action. You never know how people are going to see or react to a post
  • Never put up anything that could put your job at risk or have a negative impact on your current job. Just see what happens when online shame goes too far. 
  • Never upload any photos or comments about your residents.  I know a lot of great things happen in facilities these days, but you are actually breaching privacy by posting photos of your residents – no matter how positive the post may be. Some people do not want to have their photo on the web for everyone to see. While you may consider it a positive statement or marketing tool, permission does need to be gained first and then be careful because families may not like it.
  • Never upload anything about your colleagues unless you have permission and then be careful. While I don’t mind people seeing me on social media many of my friends are adamant, they don’t want to be. You have to respect this.
  • Be careful about posting snapshots of you on holiday.  It is not unusual for an unscrupulous person to find out where you live or know you and break and enter you home stealing from you. While it is great to share your stories with people and it is fun, just be careful as it may come back to bite you.

Finally, Social Media is a wonderful tool but be careful what you post. Check in to see if you are violating someone rights by posting it? Have you breached Privacy Law? Will what you post potentially affect future work prospects for work? Is what you post good for all? Is what you post the truth? Think before you post. Does it really need to go on for the world to see or do you really need to make that comment. Remember more is not best.  You can only keep up with a maximum of 150 friends and of course close friends are a lot less. Treasure your true friends. Invest time in them one to one, not as a faceless person, and they will invest time in you. It only takes 6 weeks for a friendship to lose traction. If you don’t keep in touch, you will be forgotten. It is a simple as that.

So, let’s use social media for good. Remember not all on social media is the truth and can do more harm than good.  Just take a look at this. So think before you post. What impact will it have on other people and their lives.  No satisfaction can be gained by destroying a person’s life.  It is as simple as that.

The Benefits Of Taking A Break

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This may be silly topic to start the year off with, but I am sure many of you are now experiencing the benefits of taking a break, albeit a short one, over the Christmas period.  It is very easy to just keep pushing yourself and wait for the “right time” to take a break, so as a reminder, I would recommend that the right time is to plan ahead to take regular breaks throughout the year so you prepare your body for a break. Stress has a nasty habit of creeping up on you as some of you will know. If you don’t take regular breaks, your stressed body will force you to take a break with illness. So in 2020 take care of you first.

Look for more helpful videos on stress “Tit bits and other useful or useless information”.

I think the first time I really became aware of this situation was when I was a Charge Nurse and had clients in for respite care. Without fail, the person would come into care for a couple of weeks to give the home carer a break, but the home carer would become so unwell they couldn’t enjoy the break. More often than not it was usually with some viral infection, but it often rendered them incapable of being able to visit their loved one. They were forced to take a rest. 

You see soldiering on for long periods of time does not serve you. Being a martyr has few rewards, if any, because in the end your body, or should I say your emotions, are in charge and will force your body to rest. You see, everyone has a susceptibility to certain conditions: a tipping point within your body so this year, see how can you protect yourself from the susceptibility of certain conditions?

You see everything you do today, affects your DNA and has an impact on you at some stage later in life. Also, as you age, you become more susceptible to certain conditions. For instance, dry skin and orifices make it easier for bacteria and virus’ to enter the body. This is why moisturising the skin, nasal passages and eyes is so important. It helps to protect your body. Have a look at this research on chronic stress and the effects on longevity:

Have you ever been overseas on a wonderful holiday only to find you become sick either when you get there or when you get home? One article I read claimed that the quick turnaround of planes has led to substandard cleaning of the planes, so virus’ and bacteria stay on the surfaces, tray tables and arm rests. Having had one bad experience with being ill overseas, I now combat that by wiping down my tray table and arm rests as soon as I get into my seat. I then use a moisturising nasal spray and eye drops throughout the flight as well as drinking as much water as I can. So, keeping the skin, and mucous membrane in the mouth, nose and eyes does offer protection. You can read more in this article…

Now there is very good reason to keep your skin and mucous membrane hydrated all of the time to help protect your body against the many bacteria and virus’ that cohabit with us.  They are not going to go away. They have just as much right to be in this world as we do, and we need them. They are not all harmful to us but if we provide the right environment then of course they are going to make us unwell.

So let’s talk about some things that can help you to remain balanced and free from sickness.

  • Obviously the first thing is to take regular breaks throughout the year. While it may be desirable to take one long break, the reality is that you have to wait a long time to get that break. Taking shorter breaks more often, with at least one of them a 2 week break, will help.
  • Keep your skin and mucous membrane moist and well hydrated so drink lots of water, use nasal clear sprays and eye drops especially when flying but all year round too. As I said earlier, definitely more important as you get older.
  • Get plenty of sleep and rest. While I know sleep can elude many the body needs to replenish itself from the daily activities you conduct. If you cannot sleep, learn to meditate or study mindfulness techniques
  • Nourish your body with food that supports your body. Avoid take away foods that are loaded in salt, fat and who know what other additives. Add some raw food like salads to your diet.
  • Get some exercise.  Remember exercise is cumulative.  You don’t have to go out for an hours walk or pump away at a gym to get the benefits.  Three x 10 minute walks will do as much good as one 30 minute walk.  When you go shopping, park as far away as you can from where you are going to go and get your walk in that way.
  • Don’t let your inner voice run away with you. The quality of your self-talk will determine the outcome of your day. If you think of every day as being a blessing, and that all things that happen are just an event that will pass, then it will lower your stress levels. In essence don’t allow yourself to over-react to any situation. 

  • Take some time for yourself each day. Whether it is to read a book, sit in the sun, meet up with friends or meditate. This will rejuvenate you.  You know housework and other things we think are important will wait until you are ready.

Now with tongue in cheek, I have put this video up for you to see. The images I hope will give you a laugh – hardly appropriate to you no doubt, but the messages are good. So read the captions and smile!

So, take care of yourself. Don’t put your own health at risk by neglecting yourself. You are important. If your job is too stressful, then change it and find something else or get some support. You do not want to subject yourself to some long-term health condition because you put yourself last.

When fractured families make life difficult for parents

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This very common occurrence can cause major distress for many families.  It is difficult to understand why a loving family can sometimes turn on those that love them, but it is unbelievably common. This all becomes more apparent around Christmas time. Being isolated or forgotten at Christmas is all to common an occurrence and causes sadness, heightens loneliness and increases anxiety especially among the elderly.

While it is rare for all family members to be involved in the discourse, but the power of one person can cause immense stress to many.  Often the reason the fracture has occurred gets distorted over time with the original cause of the discourse forgotten but this impasse continues. The passage of time does not heal, it just festers all the more. 

However, for the parent, this is very distressing and very difficult to deal with. They often have to bear this on their own or they may discuss it with other family members to try and get some sense of the situation and achieve some sense of understanding. Either way, the effect on the parent’s health is insurmountable.

While the study of pyscho-immunolgy, or the effect of stress on the immune system, is a relatively new science, there is no doubt the prolonged emotional stress of family discord will impact significantly on the physical body eventually.  You can see more on the effects of stress on the body here.

Now it used to be considered that older people suffered less from anxiety and depression, but this is now known to be untrue. Anxiety disorders are the most common form of mental illness in USA, affecting an estimated 40+million people. 

While traumatic events like falls or acute illness may often trigger anxiety, the effects of long-term family discord will always lead to conditions or situation which may even lead to the fall or acute illness in a person.  So, the effects of prolonged stress do affect the person’s ability to remain healthy and active. See more here.

So, what are the signs of anxiety and distress in the elderly? Well there are the common things like withdrawing from society, crying, insomnia, anger and so forth but for more information on the symptoms.

If your parent is showing any of the symptoms, look at what is happening or has happened in their life especially within the family.  You see, a parent will do anything for their child, no matter how old that child is.  It is something they never let go of.  Yes, they may not have been a perfect parent in the eyes of the child, but it is important to recognise they did the best they could with the skill set that they had.

When a child marries or takes a partner another dynamic is thrown into the mix.  The partner may or may not have grown up with the same values and beliefs, but it is important that this partner does not make the parent wrong.  What does need to happen though is the adult child must always remember whatever the parent has done they have done out of love.  Rarely is their malice intended and the partner also needs to consider the “other family” as well as their own. 

The role of adult child is to protect and speak up for on behalf of the parent as the parent no doubt did for them when they were a child. You see for most people, when you were a child you adored your parent.  You didn’t see their short comings, just the love they had for you and the way they guided you.

When you become a teenager, you hated your parent. They were unreasonable in your eyes when they were only guiding and protecting you to be safe and to enter the world of adult hood.

As an adult your parent had prepared you for life and you wanted to make it on your own. Your parent became less important in your life and, dare I say it, a little bit irritating as by this time you were able to think for yourself and objected to any influence they had on your life. The parent had done their job, but they may not always know it, because you are still their child and they want to continue to love you, guide you and protect you.

When they are old and frail they may become a burden on you, your life and your family but one thing is for sure, when they are gone, you will miss them. 

So, it is Christmas time now. While this should be a time of families getting together, for many it is not. All they are left with is their memories. They are often at the bottom of the list of importance in their child’s life – they have their own family(s) and Mum, or Dad are not so important now. They get fitted in to their child’s time schedule unaware of the impact of not seeing them or joining in Christmas celebrations has on their parent. 

So, have some compassion for your parents. Mend the rifts that may be plaguing your family so when the time comes to say goodbye you will be free from any regrets. Be proud that you did not contribute to your parents decline through sickness caused by stress and anxiety.  Help them to be the best they can be by giving back to them what they gave you – love.  Be a good example to your children and show them how to be a good child as an adult because you never know how your children, or their partners, will treat you. 

Also have some compassion for those in your care who are alone with only their memories at Christmas and remember it is not a joyous time for everyone.

Now it is not all doom and gloom. If you can find 13 minutes to listen to this wonderful video on 3 centenarians and even show it to those who are feeling sad at Christmas it might uplift them. Very inspiring.

Learning Styles Across Cultures

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I came across an article in a Training & Development Magazine. It is written by Sean O’Tool who works with Australia’s largest employer of Aboriginal people and it is about understanding the difference between traditional culture learning and mainstream western culture learning. He received a Churchill Scholarship to investigate best practices of teaching indigenous people in New Zealand, Canada and USA. 

Indigenous people around the world share many common learning styles which can be in conflict with the way most of our teaching is done in western culture where we use the expert-novice model. Those of us who work with many ethnicities, know that not every body learns the same way and unless we look at providing a variety of learning options, teaching staff to provide the care the way we expect them to will result in varying results.  “A common learning style for indigenous people is to see a demonstration and go away and practice privately until they master the skill” he says.  How many times do we actually nurture or respect this way of learning?

In the article there is a comparative table of the learning styles of indigenous and non-indigenous people. It was developed by the Aboriginal Human Resource Council of Canada (2007).  I hope you find it interesting

TRADITIONAL CULTURE             MAINSTREAM WESTERN CULTURE
Community is the foremost of all values Individualism is the foremost value
The future tense is dominant Tradition of printing and literacy
The world is understood mythically The present is the dominant tense
Goals are met with patience   The world is understood scientifically
Ownership is often communal  Goals are met with aggressive effort
Gifts are regarded as social glue   Ownership is reward for hard work
Work is often motivated by group need Gifts are regarded as holiday issues
Aging is a source of wisdom  Work is motivated by ambition
Eye contact is thought over-assertive Aging is decay and loss
Silences are acceptable anywhere Eye contact is part of conversation
Assertiveness is non-communal  Silences are a waste of time
Listening skills are prized Assertiveness is a basic social skill
Soft spoken words carry farthest Communication skills are prized
Nodding signifies understanding Emphasis carries the day
Handshake is soft, signalling no threat Nodding signifies agreement
Collective decisions are consensual   Handshake is firm, assertive
A faith in harmony with nature Collective decisions are put to a vote
Family is extended family A faith in scientific control of nature
Responds to praise of the group  Family is nuclear family
Responds to praise of the individual

A Caregiver’s Guide To Preventing PTSD

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Can you get PTSD from caregiving? If so, how do you minimize the risk of becoming affected by this disorder?

Did you ever think you would be at risk of post traumatic stress disorder just by being the caregiver for a loved one? I bet it didn’t even enter your mind when you took over the role, especially if it was something that you really wanted to do.

In most cases, caregiving should be a peaceful process where the one in care gets to enjoy quality time with his loved ones at the dawn of life. This is the ideal scenario right?

But for a lot of people, depending on the conditions of the one in care, caregiving can be an excruciating and stressful process. The aftermath of which can leave the caregiver in a state of prolonged stress that can border on PTSD or prolonged grief disorder (PGD).

Although there is little research about the post-traumatic stress that may follow after caring for a loved one, several experts (such as Christine Sanderson of Cavalry Health Care in Sydney) have acknowledged that it does exist.

Why Is This Different?

A lot of people tend to think that caring for their loved one shouldn’t be as different as caring for small children. After all, they are both 24/7 jobs that require them to look after someone. If they succeeded at the former, wouldn’t that mean they are prepared for the latter?

Well, quite simply, children grow up and gradually learn to do things for themselves. Each little milestone is usually celebrated as their parents know they’re on their path to independence.

However, looking after a loved one, be it a parent, partner or spouse, is a whole new ball game. If the person has a terminal condition, they are only going to get worse, not better.

If they have had an injury, they may get better but not necessarily back to their pre-accident self. You will probably not be celebrating each milestone they pass through.

A Potential Source Of Trauma

So, as you can see, caregiving for a senior citizen is dealing with a whole new set of emotions. A lot of people are not prepared for this and that is what may lead to them feeling trapped.

Imagine, you may be going along nicely without any problems apart from perhaps lack of sleep and pure tiredness. But the combination of those things, along with the stress of seeing a loved one in constant discomfort, can build up over time.

Then you may feel as though you can’t cope any longer. Feelings of guilt may begin to rise up, as well as dread from not knowing who will take over your role as the principal caregiver if you were to suddenly desist.

Preventing PTSD As A Caregiver

These are the dilemmas you are likely to encounter. So the important thing is to be able to acknowledge them while they occur, rather than suppressing them and waiting for them to emerge once your caregiving duties are over.

If you feel like it’s all too much to handle and you start to crave for your own life back, even something as simple as being able to sit down and enjoy some peace and quiet, you need to know that it’s not because of selfishness.

I’ll say it again. You are not selfish, you are normal. You are not losing your mind either. You have a right to a life and some downtime once in awhile.

The problem is that you probably haven’t planned ahead in order to anticipate this situation.

The Secret Lies In Anticipation

So how can you overcome this guilt?  How can you overcome the risk of PTSD so you don’t become dysfunctional yourself?

First, anticipate that you may reach a time when it’s all too much for you. Then you can lay certain things on the table for your loved one, close friends and family to be on the same page.

For example, arrange to have regular breaks for you to replenish yourself. Have someone else fill in for you every now and then so you can stay healthy and on top of things.

Also, avoid wasting time on feeling guilty because you are tired and worn out and can’t or, dare I say it, don’t want to continue in this role.

Remember that you matter too, so think about your own needs from the very beginning. Plan ahead so you can continue caring and avoid the guilt and exhaustion that can and does come with being a full-time caregiver.

Leveling With Others

A big part of this, as mentioned above, is telling yourself and your loved one that you will fulfill the caregiving role for as long as you can and when you can no longer do it, an alternative will be put in place.

If you do this from the beginning you will feel less guilty when the time comes and then you will be much happier letting go in order to preserve yourself and minimize the risk of any post-traumatic disorder in the long run.

Consider that there is no point in having two people sick and disabled because of one person being unwell. No point in having to work to overcome PTSD in the future either, not when you could prevent it in the first place.

That being said, it is worth mentioning that if you have concluded a period of caring for a loved one and are experiencing symptoms of PTSD, no one can determine if you are actually affected by the disorder but an expert on the matter. Be sure to seek proper guidance.

Have a parent that’s causing you stress?

Download our free Challenging Behaviors Guide to discover how you can figure out what’s going on, maintain your relationship and de-stress each day.

Is Keeping A Loved One At Home The Best Option?

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There are many options available for providing care to a loved one, even if you decide to care for them at home.

But a lot of people get caught up with the idea that having them at home is just too much work. They think that if they don’t have the time themselves, nobody will care appropriately for their loved one.

So they turn to caregiving facilities or retirement homes instead of considering the services that could make keeping a loved one at home a reality.

On the other hand, others become fixated with the idea of keeping them at home when their needs require far more professional assistance.

In this blog post we’ll take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of keeping a loved one at home. We’ll also take a look at some of the resources for In-Home Care that could be available to you, and how you should go about deciding what’s best.

The Advantages Of In-Home Care

These are the general upsides to in-home caring. Of course, they may vary according to your particular situation, but they should help you make an informed decision.

  • No Adjustment Stage: Your loved one can stay in their own home, within surroundings they are familiar with. This is a great option for people who have cognitive issues and get lost in unfamiliar places or those with vision impairment, as going to a new place can be quite difficult for them.
  • Less Expenses: The drain on their finances will be reduced as they will have to spend a minimum amount of money on reduced care hours.
  • More Self-Sufficiency: If they are able to, they would have the option to prepare their own meals, even if it’s just heating up things on their own.
  • Family Involvement: You do not have to completely hand over the care to someone else – you can have more involvement in their care (if you have the time).
  • More Visits: It can be easier to visit them, since you probably can come and go more freely than on a facility. They can also be closer to your kids or other family members.

Have a parent that’s causing you stress?

Download our free Challenging Behaviors Guide to discover how you can figure out what’s going on and maintain your relationship, and de-stress each day.

Resources For In-Home Care

There are a wide variety of services that can intensify these advantages. For example Meals on Wheels is a service that home delivers nutritious meals on a daily basis to people in care.

They are available in several countries so it’s only a matter of seeing if they have operations where you are. Otherwise, they might be a similar service being carried out by a similar enterprise near you. It’s only a matter of researching or asking around.

You can also turn to outside help like with Companion Care Services or Personal Care Assistants. These are hired professionals that can either provide professional nursing or companionship. The latter is great when your loved one requires light assistance but is maybe alone most of the day because family members have other activities.

As with most services, the availability and even naming of this will vary by country, but know that there are options out there. As an example, Here’s a comprehensive list of the services in America.

Downsides Of In-Home Care

However, even if you find a combination of hired services and your own efforts that could work for your loved one, there are always some disadvantages that we must consider.

Remember, this is about weighing out all the options in order to find out what is best for everyone involved. So let’s take a look at the cons:

  • New Faces, Constant Adjusting: The people that you hire to care or assist your loved one may change frequently. If you can get the same person all the time, that’s great. But the reality is, businesses often change staff and people move on to new opportunities even if they’re free agents. With every new person, your loved one will have to start all over again and there’s no telling if he or she will like every one of them.
  • Services May Fall Short: With some services, the person coming in to help may only be there for a short time and only to do specific tasks like prepare a meal, do some household chores, attend to hygiene needs or whatever has been agreed. Finding if this is enough and there are family members willing to fill the gap can be a tricky ordeal.
  • Keeping Track Of Expenses: We mentioned above that in-home care could be more cost-effective, but you should always consider that someone will have to stay on top of all the bills and make sure every service is paid for in due time. Even if no services are hired, someone will have to look over your loved one’s monthly expenses and maybe even the cost of opportunity if you are working less in order to care for them yourself.
  • Pressure: In-Home Care is also likely to put more pressure on you to go and check on your loved one to ensure they are safe and well cared for, since you’re basically supervising everything.
  • Loneliness: Extended periods of time on their own can increase the likelihood of social isolation, even if they are with a hired professional, it’s hard to replace the company of family members they’ve known for years or other groups of seniors they may empathize with. In turn, this can increase the risk of mental health issues like depression or even physical issues like the risk of falls or accidents when they are by themselves.

Assessing Your Own Situation

This list is only a simple glance. We provided the same number of upsides than downsides but the situation will always vary on a case by case basis. There is simply no “one-size-fits-all” solution when it comes to care.

One important thing to consider though, is being open towards the best possible solution. Otherwise, the consequences of holding on to just one option could be dire.

For example, keeping a person who is becoming frail at home at all costs may do more harm than good. A lot of this will fall on the families’ shoulders and, from my experience, there is usually one person who bears the brunt of this role.

Often the cost for this person can be really high, and even higher if that person is also holding down a full time job. It is hard enough to manage one household and a full time job, but managing two may be enough to push someone over the edge.

Love Doesn’t Need To Be Irrational

I completely understand wanting to take the caregiving role after everything your loved ones have done for you in the past.

If you are in this situation, and weighing up what to do, think very carefully before you commit yourself to the caring role. Plan ahead and do a risk assessment of the situation.

If you do decide to keep your loved one at home, don’t do it out of duty. Do it out of love and with full knowledge of being able to do it.

Share The Decision

Lastly, whether you choose to care for them yourself, hire people to come into their home occasionally, or fully taking them to a retirement home, remember that it should be, if possible, a decision you make with them.

Lay it all out in front of your loved one and involve them in how you came to the idea you have and why you think it’s the best option.

If your loved one becomes unreasonable about it, then you may have to risk their wrath. Just make sure whatever you propose, that you do it for the right reasons.

If you’ve made it this way, you do not have to justify to anyone why the decision was made either way.

Have a parent that’s causing you stress? Download our free Challenging Behaviors Guide to discover how you can figure out what’s going on, maintain your relationship and de-stress each day.