Before working in the Aged Care setting, project creator Nigel Langes had served in the Military for almost 7 years. "I know first-hand how institutionalising of any person can have a phenomenal impact on their psychological and emotional state of well-being and every facet of their life. Working in the Aged Care industry, I have come to understand that by its very nature institutionalisation is complex and also indiscriminate to age, gender, social, physical or cognitive status.""
Now working in a small country hospital in rural South Australia as an Enrolled Nurse / D2 and supported by Terry Wilby the EO/DON of the hospital, Nigel has introduced Planting Seeds. Upon the uptake of the project, Terry and Nigel have introduced the only Adaptive Technology Package of its kind in Australia.
Its Never 2 Late (IN2L) is an American based company that has created customized, state-of-the-art computer systems for nursing home communities throughout The United States of America. The system offers tools that assist in providing therapeutic engagements not seen in Australia.
In 2008, Terry Wilby and Nigel Langes invited to join Mr. Jack York,
Co-founder of IN2L in Denver, Colorado to see the system in action.
Daily interactions and experiences can be fun, exciting, interactive, enjoyable, rewarding and are above all therapies. Unfortunately, conditioning had lead many residents of full time care to accept activities such as Bingo because it is the best thing on offer!
Therapists find the system valuable due to the variety of adaptive devices. Therapy interventions include Web cam, touch screens, large adaptive keyboards and programs that have been completely customised to meet the unique personal, therapeutic, social challenges and needs of every one of their clients using the IN2L system.
Research demonstrates that older people in residential care seem more motivated by computer-related therapies than by traditional methods. Therapists can create a personalized presentation with the use of Digital Media to help make therapy more meaningful to the individual.
This facility has incorporated email access into the daily living environment for all of the residents. Now families and friends can email their loved ones anytime, sending letters, e-cards, photos even home videos to a personal email address. Each person in care assisted by specifically trained staff can access, respond to and initiate personal emails in a variety of ways.
One of the most powerful components of this system is the ability to create an Audio Visual Care Plan or Personal History Presentation for each person within our facility. This allows detailing key aspects of their personal life history. It also improves the identification of specific needs and service delivery requirements. It is then possible for the family to receive a Personal History Presentation as a memento at the time their family member in care passes away.
In consultation with the local school, The Planting Seeds Project has school students working with residents. This has encouraged socialising and development opportunities that targets specific objectives assisting the students to gain merit towards their school curriculum. This collaboration works by benefiting the needs of the students as well as the older people in care, yet not overlooking the privilege of sharing in the friendships that may grow.
Supported by many local small business, community groups and clubs, the project involves local community members establishing and fostering relationships with people residing in our Aged Care facility.
Nigel explains that using the IN2L system, we work to broaden our range of interactive, engaging and educational tools and programs. Providing an enjoyable and rewarding experiences for our staff, volunteers and older people living in care who can experience Teaching and Learning with an emphasis of enriching participants daily living.
The potential for the success and replication of the project exists because of the improved compliance with existing industry standards.
This project offers opportunities for all staff in the areas of personal growth, professional learning and culture change. There is a need to attract people towards the Aged Care Sector that is facing the growing crisis regarding recruitment and retention of staff in an ageing and depleting Nursing Industry in both the rural and urban settings.
Loading...
6:28
Warrigal Careby warrigalcare2,534 views
Link to this comment:
All Comments (0)