Occupation
Hobbies, leisure activities and physical exercise may be carried out alone or with others. They benefit the older person because they are relaxing, relieve stress and give pleasure. When carried out with others they fulfill the person’s need to socialise, to communicate, share thoughts and ideas and reminisce. Such activities assist in maintaining physical health as they lead to a sense of contentment and they play a part in keeping the mind alert. The residential centre which has a rota of chores that residents can carry out is meeting the needs of the older person to have a sense of belonging/ownership and dignity.
Tasks such as setting and clearing tables, arranging flowers, folding clean linen, keeping a noticeboard up to date, making tea for visitors, supervised baking and much more, would free up staff in a residence and help to give the residents a sense of dignity and belonging. Only those who wish to should participate in these activities and with their or their families signed agreement. Health and Safety regulations have deprived us of many of the simple tasks in life for fear of being sued.
When an older person moves into residential care they may experience some or all the following:
- Loss of identity as a productive member of a family and community
- Loss of possessions -home, household items, care, and so on
- Loss of independence
- Loss of real-world experiences – shopping, traveling, cooking, driving, hobbies, etc.
- Loss of health and mobility
The person may feel useless, powerless and hopeless.” (Mosby 2017, P150)
Reference
Sorrentino and Remmert, Mosby’s Textbook for Nursing Assistants 2017, Missouri, Elesevier