- amongst the angst his visits and engagement with several care homes provoked Sir Gerry highlighted the need for a moral compass and compassion. The themes I expected to find were there: the need for person-centered care, knowledge of the clients and their backgrounds, being occupied and having access to a secure environment when the weather permits, staff morale and the level of staff training and competence. Although not necessarily 'enjoyable' viewing the program was very good in raising awareness and included either directly or indirectly:
| person-centered care, attitude, memory loss, vulnerable individuals, training, risk, assessment, review, motivation to change, interpersonal skills, motivation, listening, life skills, knowledge and skills, feedback, aggression, agitation, change, measures, rapport, empathy, +ve care, boredom, diurnal variation of mood, personal choice & autonomy | physical environment, colour, decor, noise, outside access, physical security, nutrition, tasks, processes, measures 'dementia care mapping', routine, meal times, time, physical risk - falls, mobility, assessment, care files (paper!), bed occupancy, staffing : resident ratios, models of care |
| the residents, visitors, family, love, social attitudes, dignity and respect, relationships, social values, personal-social history, engaged activities, involvement, 'social' norms, inclusion, community - institution, being valued by others, distraction | records, freedom, care funding costs / weekly charges, funding, inspection, consultancy, audit, legislation, rules (meals), pay, investment, business, staff morale, recruitment and retention, financial risk, confidentiality, plans and initiatives, management style, qualifications, standards |
If you missed it there is an opportunity to watch the program on BBC iPlayer.
Today 10 December 2009 is also International Human Rights Day. To many people elderly care issues in a Western democracy may seem a world away from 'human rights' as per:
- false imprisonment
- denial of justice, law and order
- political repression
- freedom of expression
- education and health for all
- discrimination
- ....
- Mental capacity
- Consent
- Physical restraint
- Mental health law
- Environmental health law
- Conscientious objection
- Medicine and nursing in the armed forces
- Equity and equality
- Accessibility
- ....
Hodges' model can provide a compass.A compass to help navigate open waters, new coastlines and the uncharted corners and recesses of human nature.
*Please pardon the deliberate name-dropping (and not for the 1st time!).
Additional links: Amnesty International
BloggersUnite: Human Rights Day
POLITICAL care domain resources
Compass image: http://clipart-for-free.blogspot.com/2008/07/compass-rose-clipart.html
