Caregivers have a thirst for knowledge that we don't often recognise

Having run two caregiver training courses this week it just never ceases to amaze me of the knowledge they have and the new knowledge they seek.

Firstly Observing Recording and Reporting. Having gained some understanding of the importance of reporting what they see, hear, feel, and writing in a factual way using what where when and how empowered left them buzzing.

At Medications for caregivers with Gigi Lim I was astounded at the questions they asked. They are more highly skilled than we sometimes give them credit for. Some of those who attended had been to 3 of Gigi's classes. That shows a real thirst for knowledge.

Next year there will be more information on specific medications for them to empower them further.

Lets not underestimate the abilities of these caregivers and thank you to the facilities/organisations that supported them in their endeavours.
You and your residents/clients are the winners here.

The integration and transition of home to residential care

It is pleasing to see there is now a move to look more closely at this. A conference coming up in September is taking a good look at this. If you want to find out more about it go to
http://www.insitenewspaper.co.nz/pages/section/article.php?s=Management&idArticle=16289

Did you know??

That cultural safety has been in place in New Zealand for over 20 years and Irihapeti Merenia Ramsden one of the instigators of this. If you are interested in finding out more about the history of Cultural Safety in New Zealand, which has a strong bias for indiginous people then take a look at this article http://culturalsafety.massey.ac.nz/

If you think you alone cant make a difference, just look at what Irihapeti did. She has moved mountains. Now it is time for us continue her good work but to include all cultures, including pakeha New Zealanders. We have our own culture too that needs to be recognised.

The value of training - is it an expense or an investment

With budgets being squeezed, training seems to be the poor relation. Yet some people still find the value in training. This article in Insite outlies the Oceania Living experience on training and how targeted training has save $$$ in ACC levies and reduced attrition.

Well worth a read. Go to http://www.insitenewspaper.co.nz/pages/section/article.php?s=Education+%26+Training&idArticle=16284

What are the benefits of training staff

According to Oceania Group National Training Manager, Mike Knowles, they have reduced the accident rate through a targeted Occupational Health and Safety training strategy. They used to face $20,000 per months in ACC claims and it has now dropped to $5000 per month. So if you think training is a cost, it is actually a saving when looking at figures like this.
This article in Insite is well worth a read.
Go to http://www.insitenewspaper.co.nz/pages/section/article.php?s=Education+%26+Training&idArticle=16284 .

Where do you come from

The Maori people define themselves by there iwi. Where they have come from. This is not where they live. I fell into this trap when I was asked where I came from, and I said West Auckland but the person wasnt asking me that. They were asking me what my heritage was. While I have a strong Irish ancestory from both sides of my parents, i do not identify myself with being Irish. I am a New Zealander and being a Pakeha New Zealander, I have a unique identity. How do you defien your uniqueness?

Who is a Kiwi?

Pakeha New Zealanders have done such a wonderful job of learning to understand other cultures that we are at risk of loosing ourselves. We have apolgised to the Maori for what we our forefathers have done, and so we should. It wasn't right. The Maori people have done a great job of getting back their heritage and claiming who they are. We have welcomed all other cultures to our shores to make us a rich and diverse culture. It is now up to us to claim back who we are and start telling people who we are as a people. If we don't invest time in explaining who and what is a Pakeha New Zealander, then we will be come embittered and unhappy, forever winging about the bad care we get. Lets stand up for ourselves and claim our space and tell our carers just how to care for us or we are going to continue to get more of what we dont want..