I really enjoyed the certification process; it helped me really get to know my residents. I think dependability is helping to bring about a new culture change in our home. Getting to know the persons whole life gives you a whole different perspective on the behaviors that occur later in life. I will talk about my three residents and how it helped me have a better understanding of them.
Using the reading groups to get everyone reading again was fabulous. Getting to know all the residents by doing the W.O.W. assessments, I learned so much.
It helped get a lot of our residents engaged again, the schedules we set up for our residents helped to give them direction for their day. Many of our residents now have their schedules on their walkers and even though they have lost time they read and know they are suppose to be somewhere and this gives them purpose.
Working with DementiAbility and residents families was so rewarding, it actually helped families get to know their loved ones better. I have seen family members cry when mom plays a few keys on the piano, something that she has not done for years.
It helped greatly with our wanderers on nightshift. We now know why they are up. We have set up tables with purposeful activities for them to do when they get up so they are busy and not wandering into rooms and disturbing others so much.
Its overall effect has helped reduce behaviors and falls in our home. Our residents seem more engaged and happier.
Our team of Nurses and PSW’s on the floor seem so much happier. I was so excited when one of our RN’s came back from a conference and told me she talked about DementiAbility and other nurses gathered around her and took notes because they have nothing like it in their homes. The nurse said to me Karen this really works.
When we rolled out for our wing 2 South, the residents all had name tags and were calling each other by name it was so strange at first, I realized they did not know each other’s name but to listen to everyone greet everyone for the first time was amazing.
I think the biggest part for me though was families it was like they got to know their loved ones all over again. I saw lots of tears through the process.
So the whole process of certification has taught me to look at the person as a whole, there are reasons for every behaviour. Once you rule out the basics you have to go deeper for the meaning. I have gotten to know my residents better than ever. I have helped families have a better understanding of their loved ones. DementiAbility is a whole new way of thinking – and a culture change – and I am proud to be part of it. I hope it enhances all the lives of residents in the future.