Remember when you first started working at your facility? How you learned the ropes and paid attention to every little thing you did, making sure you did it correctly? How you were introduced or introduced yourself to the elders, establishing trust between you? Now, do you really think about the things you are doing? Do you take that trust for granted? Do you assume that because the elders are fed, bathed, dressed etc that they feel cared for? It’s OK. We all do it in all areas of our lives. Who doesn’t multi-task?

It’s OK because it doesn’t mean you are a terrible person and it can be remedied. When you say “Hello Ester. How are you?” stop what you are doing, look her in the face and really listen to the answer. When you are helping an elder with something, be focused on that task, not what you have to do next, not having a conversation with another staff member as if the elder was not there. If you let mindfulness into your life outside the facility as well, it too will become a habit. It will be the-way-things-are-done. Get started with this free handout and exercise on mindfulness.

posted by Steph Kilen at 10:01 AM