Solange

Hi Jane, that is debatable unless there is a new law I am not aware of. I only have the first year of Aromatherapy certification, yet I was in charge of the aroma therapy activities for seven years. I think it depends on the manager you have, your experience and some common sense.

As far I understand Leisure staff may:
- Mix their own massage oil according to safe recipes which you can obtain from an Aroma therapy book or online from qualified people.

- Take some precaution by asking clinical staff if the recipient has any allergies.

- Delve in hand/feet and shoulder massage only.

- Regarding massage strokes you may learn it online from qualified people or by instructions from someone experienced.

In my experience, very few care facilities hire Aroma Therapists. If your facility has one, great, leave it to her/him. If not, we have to do what we can; massage with essential oils is very soothing and may affect mood, and cognitive function.

I am not proposing you start ‘treating’ medical conditions. By the way research on the efficacy of aroma therapy is still in its infancy.
Enquire with your manager whether you may take on this activity.

Best wishes.

Hi Susan, what a great adaptation for the game. Congratulations!

Hi Amanda, elder people have an increased need for nurturing and touch is high on the agenda of needs. It helps build relationships, and convey love, reassurance and hope. The comfort you gave this gentleman won't be forgotten.

Hi Melanie,
You may try sensory blankets, individual balloon game, singing, sensory boxes, and poems reading. If your clients have severe communication deficit you may try to hang hand-made mobiles in their rooms with pictures of animals, flowers, children, scenery. Change the mobile every week. Also you could try to place a tall plant in their bedrooms in full view of the client. Good luck!

I am glad it worked well for you Amanda. Theses social functions are well worth the effort, bringing immense joy and wellbeing for all concerned.

Hi Sally,

Volunteers usually keep their hours for a few reasons. For the volunteer, it can add a nice dimension to their 'Curriculum Vitae' when looking for a job. For the Volunteers' Coordinator the keeping of record provides accountability; is the volunteer program working? Is the turnover of volunteers excessive? What could be done to improve the volunteer's program? For the facility, it goes along with the 'Continuous improvement' efforts to raise a residential aged care facility's performance as per Accreditation Standards Agency's requirements.

I hope this can help.

Hi Judy,

It depends on the abilities and capabilities of your clients. Golden Carers has easy crafts and more intricate crafts. Also I would recommend you pick a theme or a date to celebrate; it is easier to organize, here are a few suggestions:

Christmas in July - Paper Stained Glass - Colouring Christmas Angel - Popsicle Christmas Star - Recycled jigsaw
June Celebrations - World Ocean Day Poster - Recycled Fish Mobile
July Celebrations - Preserved Fall leaves
Themes - World Cup - Brazilian art templates

Cheers.

The salt bottles take a few hours to dry. You may place them in the sun to dry faster. When it is thoroughly dried there is very little droppings.
I hope you enjoyed the experience.

Hi Carol, thank you for your feedback. Spotify is in fact very good to play this game because it allows you to pause at any time. Best wishes.

Hi Wendy,

Thank you for your feedback. I am sorry about your mum's illness. Your mum's generation did not have a lot of support to deal with traumas; they coped the best way they could.
You are quite right "Life Review' most likely will help your mum. Processing traumatic feelings and grief may help memories become part of normal recollections rather than something that is forever hurting. Best wishes

Solange