So obviously I have been MIA for a few weeks. Sorry for that. I have been so exhausted.
After my last post about working in a new environment, under new and uncertain circumstances, things have gotten...better. I guess.
I have been posted to 1 unit now; no more rotating between units every other day. Because of this, I have been able to make true connections with many of the residents on my unit. I see the same 30 (ish) residents every day; alternating who I spend 1-1 time with.
There are a few that demand attention daily, such as my 2 ladies that could EASILY be members of any 'Real Housewives' T.V. series as they know the details and secrets of everyone else. I see them every morning and every afternoon to make their Keurig coffee with a cookie. I always get the gossip of who's not talking to who, which PSW and nursing staff are working that day etc.
I have also been working well with the staff; creating a friendly environment amongst the others working during this pandemic. I honestly believe I lucked out 10000x with the unit I am working on.
To pass the days and hours at work and to help ease the stress off the residents I have been playing Bingo with them. Now before you get all "OMG you can't play bingo! That's a group game and that's not safe and not following social distancing BLAH BLAH BLAH" Let me tell you that ITS NOT A GROUP GAME!!!
So, I set up a station in the activity room on my unit and every day at 11am (when I get to work and get settled) I post 5 new numbers (changing the date on the board accordingly). Each resident has 1 Bingo sheet and is responsible for checking the board every day. First to get 1 line, 2 lines, Full Card wins a wheel spin! We have a big Wheel Spin thing that lets you dry erase the prizes. New games start after 3 winners (or more) bring me their sheets. I ran just a 1 line game this last week and it went really well. As I am off today, I was going to post a new game on Monday, but a friend of mine on the floor offered to post the numbers while she was working this weekend. Bless her <3 (Side note: Yes I will be posting the Bingo 'kits' this week)
So things I guess are looking up. Now don't get me wrong, I am exhausted, stressed out and over this entire set up. BUT I am still making a positive impact on lives that matter. I am helping reduce someone else's stress, increase positive behaviours and decrease frequency and severity of negative behaviours and I am providing joy and laughter to those in long term care that have no visitors.
So I am content at this moment. I am living through this change in the world the best I can and I am trying to stay positive.
Hopefully, I will be able to post new programs that follow the social distancing and virtual group settings enforced by our government at the moment.
For now, Stay safe, wash your hands and stay positive!
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