life is a mirid of patterns, a constant swallowing and devouring of routines, recipes and algorithms. From birth we develope the basic algorithms to help us achieve our needs, a cry for food, arms outstretched will bring a cuddle, a smile and the world will smile with you. As we grow, we start to grasps the patterns in life that bring us happiness or pain, joy or grief. We take steps to understand these patterns, harness them, build them, or even formulate them. We take pains to understand the patterns that make us smarter, more resilient, and essentially happy. It could be as simple as buying flowers for a partner in Valentine’s Day or in a more complex scenario develope an understanding of their tone of voice or body language to decipher a feeling and develope an appropriate resonate to bring happiness to another. We learn to understand the patterns to empower and enable us. To enhance our lives and the lives of others. We learn because we can, and we should learn because we must.
By understanding the patterns around us of the people we care for, we reinforce the fact that their happiness is important to us and we give a damn. We mustn’t forget that happiness and positivity is as contagious as negativity.
By learning and understanding patterns and routines of the people we care for, we are creating an understanding and caring environment not just for our clients, residents and staff, but for ourselves. Memorising patterns will help keep your mind sharp, and keep your heart filled with kindness and your emotions bursting with positivity.
So do your head, heart and your health a favour and start building a positive and kind workplace. Build ribbons of patterns in your mind, patterns and routine of the people you care for. After all, when your partner knows exactly what flowers you love, and your barista gets your coffee exactly how you want it, even before you utter a word? You can’t help but smile!
Some Millennials may not get this but the generation X, Y and baby boomers will. Be kind, get with the program and rewind.
References:
Barber, S., Forster, A., & Birch, K. (2015). Levels and Patterns of Daily Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Measured Objectively in Older Care Home Residents in the United Kingdom. Journal Of Aging & Physical Activity, 23(1), 133.
Chenoweth, L., Merlyn, T., Jeon, Y., Tait, F., & Duffield, C. (2014). Attracting and retaining qualified nurses in aged and dementia care: outcomes from an Australian study. Journal Of Nursing Management, 22(2), 234-247.
Crowther, J., Wilson, K., Horton, S., & Lloyd-Williams, M. (n.d). Compassion in healthcare – lessons from a qualitative study of the end of life care of people with dementia. Journal Of The Royal Society Of Medicine, 106(12), 492-497.
Edvardsson, D., Fetherstonhaugh, D., & Nay, R. (2010). Promoting a continuation of self and normality: person-centred care as described by people with dementia, their family members and aged care staff. Journal Of Clinical Nursing, 19(17/18), 2611-2618.
Lyons, S., Brunero, S., & Lamont, S. (2015). A return to nursing rounds – person centred or a task too far?. Australian Nursing & Midwifery Journal, 22(9), 30-33.
Smith, D., & Carey, E. (2013). Person-centred care planning for clients with complex needs. Learning Disability Practice, 16(10), 20-23.
Song, Y., Dowling, G., Wallhagen, M., Lee, K., Strawbridge, W., & Hubbard, E. (2009). Rest-activity patterns in institutionalized Korean older adults with dementia. Journal Of Gerontological Nursing, 35(12), 20-28.
Designing for Aged Care 