Support independence

1. Understand principles for supporting independence in the tasks of daily living:

1.1 explain how indiv. Can benefit from being as independent as possible in the tasks of living

Since Dementia take away slowly and gradualy all you are, ( in eyes of client and famillies) to be independent as much as possible is the most important thing left:

– client wants to continue live normal live as long as possible and as much as possible.

– client does not want to be seen/ viewed by anynone as wonrluable of baren ( helps create feeling ” I am still ok”)

– helps to keep body and mind sharp for as long as possible

– improves mood ( by taken away hoplesness and replacing it by new discoveries- “oh, can use wheel chair to continue going to cinema”)

– can help to promote furthure socializing rather that become isolated in depression

1.2 Expl. How active participation promotes independence in tasks of dalily living.

– doing quises in comunity- promotes and trains brain fuctions, helps to slow progress of illness, keeps moind sharp and keeping touch with other people- eliminates isolation

– Assisting with daily tasks- helping carer to do/ finish tasks ( lift up leg when puttin on socks- give feeling of independnce and usefulness) , supporting/ keeping dignity

– Physical exercises/ outdoor activ.

- keeps mind in positive set, give feeling of freedom and life ( Not being ” locked up/ unwanted”) , keeps muscles exercised and incuorages blood flow.

– intressted in support organisation- learning, about all options available to client, taking part in them,using them, learning he is not alone, getting best support/ right support he can possibly can

1.3 describe how daily living tasks may be affected by an individual’s culture or background:

Exhample: Muslim will find hard to give up not to go to mosk ( if he is in care home with severe dementia) there for he may have to be satisfied with muslim priest visiting him.

Also daily pray on the carpet/ floor may be an issue so soft air matrace may be provided. If family cannot care for client, carer form Muslim comunity/ or someone who knows tradition well should

Somebody who is use to open space and due his stage of Dementia cannot go out, ( in forest feald ect) would have to be happy with stay in small garden under supervision.

The background, culture, faith or sexuality of the person you care for may be different from your own. These factors may influence how they want to be cared for. You’ll need to consider these factors, particularly if they are to live in a care home or be looked after by care workers. The care home or home care staff should be aware of the person’s needs. If the person you care for has a different culture or faith from yours, you’ll need to consider how they worship or pray, their personal routine and the importance of objects or symbols to them If you’re unfamiliar with their customs, traditions, rituals or needs, it may be useful to do some research.

In some cultures, caring is traditionally kept in the family or between close family friends. While this should be respected, it’s important that people know what help is available to them. Local social services and carers’ groups can help and offer advice. If the person you care for has a different background from your own, it’s important not to impose your views on them, as this could create tension and conflict.

1.4 explain the importance of providing support that respects the individual’s culture and preference:

Everyone is an individual and unique brought up from various backrounds, countries or religion. Since dementia slowly takes slowly all of who you are, your believes are mostly last things left.

It is there for the most important thing in the world. It keeps client going, motivates, keep afloat in bad times.

By providing support client need and as according his wishes helps client realised, that he is not alone, has great impact on in in any way possible, also helps carers, comunities and support organisation to suppot client as best as they can.

It helps create special realtionship between carer and client where client is more comfortable regainging his dignity and part of himself as well as gainig friend who understands on all levels possible and carer is getting better co-operation and comunication from client so he can provide best care possible. ( examples: Catholig don’t eat meat on sunday, muslims don’t eat pork, muslim women will have hair covered, may expect the same form female carers)

These principle are also guarenteed and protected by law.

1.5 describe ho to indentify suitable opportunities for an indiv. To learn or practise skills for daily living:

– speaking to people who know the client, learn about his past, present, likes dislikes, illness

– meet the client, spend some time with him have a chat observe body language and behaviour.

– find the best time/ moment for client to do task which is ussualy very hard for client/ or is ussually not willing to do. Also find the ways/ impulses to promote the action.

– keep incouriging any activities and concentrate on all positives of clients achievements, disminss failiours/ make them sound ” neaningless”. Also help to create an mind set where ” he can do it.” ( you can stand up, we have done it few times already, just take your time)

1.6 Explain why it is important to establish roles and resposibilities for providing support :

Key and simple structure is very important and benefits everyone involved:

mangement – creating budget and finding best solution for client

RGN/ doctors- providing best medical care possible also ensuring right dose of medicaton and other

HCA- providing full support to client as well as providing real picture to RGN/ Doctors to keep data up to date.

One cannot exist without the other if there is a best interesst of client taken in consideration. By establishing clear structure and role with specifis duties, everyone involved will know exactly what can/ cannot do, how and whom to speak to should problem arrived.

Very important part of all of this is family, but there are only informal part of care.

2. Be able to establish what support is required for daily living tasks:

2.1 Access information about support for daily living tasks, using an individual’s care plan and agreed ways of working.:
This can be done by pop in to RGN office where clients files are kept and just ask to see them or some Care homes keeping them in rooms so everyone who provide care to the client can access all information needed and act on it.

2.2 Clarify with the individual and other the requirements for supporting an individual’s independence in daily living tasks: before starting any task required, would make sure that I do exactly as according to client’s needs and requirements ( meaning John can dress himself, but sometimes needs help- solution “ Hello John, are you all right to dress yourself up or do you need help today?” “ no, Thank you” “ all right but let me know if needed”.

2.3 Describe how and when to access additional guidance to resolve any difficulties or concerns about support for daily living tasks: If client would get broses very easily due his skin condition and I would be given task to bed wash the client, I would ask the RGN or senior HCA how do they perform the task safety, what to look out for and also ask for help or supervision to ensure clients safety and to avoid possible problems.

3. be able to provide support for planning and preparing meals:

3.1 Support the individual to plan meals that contribute to a healthy diet and reflect the individual’s culture and preferences: Would ask client what he usually eats, his likes dislikes, took in count his religion, nationality and culture and than tried to create menu which would be suitable to him, close to his wishes and preferences as well as nutritional.

3.2 Support the individual to store food safely:
Would help client to put dry food/ coffee/ tea in cupboard and dairy/ meet product in fridge making sure, that client fully understands why is that.

3.3 Support the individual to prepare food in a way that promotes active participation and safety:
Would make sure, that clients has all he needs for the food preparation ready near by and that his tools and surfaces are clean and safe to use. Client would also wear protective apron. Would provide simple instruction and advice if needed in order ot ensure clients safely. When cooking would make sure that no burn or other injury would occur and when meal done make sure that it is well cooked to avoid food poisoning.

4. Be able to provide support for buying and using household and personal items:

4.1 identify different ways of buying household and
personal items:
– Online- with delivery or self pick up service

– in store- visiting store in person alone or with assistance

– using third party- making shopping list and ask someone to do shopping for you

4.2 work with the individual to identify household and personal items that are needed:  would check bathroom, kitchen ect to analyse what needs to be re-filled to bought, discussing it with client as well as writing in down on to shopping list.

4.3 support the individual to buy items in their preferred way:

Would ask client when and how he does shopping to analyse his way of doing things as well as analyse the potential risks and than would go with him to do shopping just shadowing so he can do things his way.

Also would explore any other option. Would help client with online shopping, browse thou all possible online shops ( food, clothing or general, online Tesco, aldi or Ebay) helping and navigating trou website to ensure client’s safety as well as getting what he wants/ needs.

TV channels are also great to spend some time and do more comfortable shopping. Most TV channel even demonstrate how various goods work so client can make decision more easily.

Various catalogues can be ordered to be delivered home so client can make comfortable choices for himself and also do shopping himself.

4.4 Support the individual to store items safely:
Would make sure that chemicals, hygiene staff and food are stored separately and safely( no chance of leaks, all put well in shelf/ cupboard avoiding falling down) by putting things myself in to places or just by doing shadow check.

4.5 Support the individual to use items safely:
If needed would read the instruction of use and than based on them would provide client with simple guidance. When dealing with daily used items ( razors) would either offer to do the task of would make client aware of danger (“ careful when you shave, the blade are sharp you mind cut yourself.”)

5. Be able to provide support for keeping the home clean and secure:

5.1 Support the individual to keep their home clean in a way that promotes active participation and safety:

example: mopping floor. Would pour chemical bucked myself but would leave client to slowly fill it up. Then would help client to get away all obstetrical ( chairs up) and let him do the task under supervision to ensure clients safety and participation.

Also some help book can be made were specific simple instructions are written based on task which client is going to perform. The Cleaning product would be photographed and put in to book to ensure that client is using right item. Pictographic instructions could be also great help. ( can understand better)

Doing tasks with client together can encourage to do more for himself as well to be great fun and usefully spend time.

5.2 Describe different risks to home security that may need to be addressed:

risk of falls- items scattered on the floor can be hazards and can create risk of falls

Fire- lit up candle kept without supervision can ignite a house fire and burn place down.

Electricity overload- Too much plugged in to one socket can create surge which can be cause of fire

Unlocked door- during a night time any intruder can enter and do harm to vulnerable client or to do the theft.

Smoking- Client left unattended when smoking can fall in to sleep and cigarette can start the house fire.

In domicilary care the client may spend most of time alone in his home. There for an extra safety meassures regarding entry to the property should be made.

– Clients family should have keys on their own. So they could enter easily and client would know who every is going in is safe.

– locking doors always after someone leaving client home.

– have written on paper put near door what someone should come ( if care comes at 3pm according to paper and door bell rings, client can check on paper who is it. If reply is carer, than it is safe to open door).

– always keep key on near by hook not in lock in case of emergency entry

– do not open door after certain night hour.

– client can also have instoled new door bell with camera so he can see who is by the door.

5.3 Support the individual to use agreed security measures:

Explaining to client hazards, their consequences and how to avoid them, make simple note board by every point where needed ( example by the door “ keep locked and keep key on hook near by ) so client would be constantly reminded of the dangers as well to know how to prevent them. When with client warn him about dangers “ dry your hands before you plug TV in to socket so you don’t get harmed”

– Assist client to make all necessary adjustments ( 5.2 door section)

– visitors book should be given to the client so it is known who came in/ out
who was in house and what time or day so if needed it can be backtracked

– make clients aware about the dangers provide them with number to call if needed.

– Before Carers visit, client will receive call that carer Linda is on her way to him by phone called by care providing company or carer herself.

6. Be able to identify and respond to changes needed in support for daily living tasks:

6.1 enable the individual express views about the support provided to increase independence in daily living tasks:

When working with PM I do always offer choices ( clothing, what to do ect) I do also try to get PM to do as much as possible by himself. ( by practical his own doing or by my advice how to do things easy for him.)

My work with PM in on bases ” working together/ we need each other help” this gives PM chance to express himself in all levels ( likes dislikes, wants/ not wants ect), make sugesstions ask for advice, stay independent as much as possible, descovering that he can still live good life.

Example: PM likes walking, however he does not uses walking frame properly ( too far from it, which may result in him falling down or damaged back. He does not like to be mothered neither be instructed too much) so when PM is too far away from frame I just politely remind him to get closer to frame cos: – it will be easier for him to manage it

– will prevent falls
– keep his back safe
I do note that is his choice but I would not walk like that, because I ” love myself”

this language used and approach has great infulence and works well for both
of us.

6.2 Record changes in the individual’s circumstances that may affect the type or level of support required:

All clients I have been working with are never same every day. There are good days there are bad day. I do there for record all changes of mobility, behaviour health ect. Is is also policy of all Care homes I have worked with to ensure as hight standard of care as possible it also helps prevent any accidnents, wrongs or worse. All records of daily living are recorded on daily sheets and act on them. All care staff, RGNs and doctors have access to them.

Example: when working with H.C. one week his mobility got worse, have notited this change in to his daily log including full description of problems as well as reported it all to senior HCA. Next day H.C. was provided with wheel chair to be used on bad mobility days.

6.3 Adapt support in agreed ways to address concerns achanges or increased independence:
Every care has right as well as duty to do so. All records including stated above are written in daily logs as well as reported to senior HCA or RGN asap so decissions can be taken asap as well as actions. It is policy of every care home as well as Nurse plus to put client first- his health ( mental or physical)

– keep client safe
– look after his best interesst
-promote independence and rights and choices as much as possible

Example when working with H.C. one week his mobility got worse, have notited this change in to his daily log including full description of problems as well as reported it all to senior HCA. Next day H.C. was provided with wheel chair to be used on bad mobility days. However, to keep his ussual mobility active as long as possible was given to be priority.