Sheree

Ich LIEBE dich

Great ideas - Thanks so much!

John I think you're right about people thinking 'touch' is not the done thing but I say 'Pah!'. Humans NEED physical connection with other humans - especially in care where the most likely human touch they receive is getting bums wiped and assistance with bathing! I am always hugging my participants, I squeeze their hands, put my arms around them and tell them I love them. I often kiss them goodbye and shake hands when we finish a session. It is pure affection and they respond to it well. I have had the most amazing responses from this approach - including reduced 'challenging behaviour'. I think it's all about sharing love and we should do more of it.

Susan & Karen - can you email me at: [email protected]
I'd really like to make contact with some UK activities people.
Thanks!
Sheree

Hello Sue - I am also in the UK - which area do you work in? Maybe we could make contact and support each other?
Sherry

And when you've done the research, Kym, please could you share it with us? Thank You!

What a lovely idea!

Cassie - when you print out the templates, it says what the symbols mean e.g. Luck, Dragon, Health

Margaret - I'm sorry but I don't agree with your comment to Patricia 'You should enjoy it so much you can't help yourself'. It's not a requirement for anyone to be unpaid in their employment whether they love it or not. I'm sure most people are happy to put in a little extra time but not if it becomes an expectation - that just devolves responsibility away from the employer. No I don't think she has burn out either, I just think she's being assertive and standing up for her employment rights. I wish more people were like her and then this 'profession' would get the salary and status it deserves.

I work in the UK and the attitude of management is pretty much the same. I have worked in many environments and generally there is the expectation that you'll 'volunteer' your time when needed (rather than management putting on extra staff or paying for longer hours). I love this work but the pay and conditions are terrible!