The Planting Seeds Project is far more than a gesture; it is a mindset, a philosophy and a shared vision. The success of the project lies in addressing core issues related to psychological and emotional well-being that arise when a person is in the transition process into permanent care.
It is essential for people to maintain quality of life as they would see it on an ongoing basis, with a genuine purpose to meet their changing needs as they continue to live in a facility that delivers long-term primary care.
In 1991, Planting Seeds creator Nigel Langes commenced service in the Military lasting almost 7 years. "I know first-hand how the institutionalisation of any person can have a phenomenal impact on their psychological and emotional state of well-being effecting every facet of their life. Now 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."
Nigel has structured The Planting Seeds Project based on several personal, family cultural and professional experiences. This project is committed to breaking down a generalised belief that people in care have little value or a diminished capacity to the outside world based on their physical or cognitive functioning.
"I want to do something basic - encourage the recognition of the individual person in care.
We need to change the perspective firstly amongst staff by eliminating the notion that an aged care facility for example is simply the end of the road putting an end to the stigma and stereotypes that plague the people living in care.
The responsibility should rest with all staff that work at a facility not only nurses and carers to have an active role to deliver holistic care for residents. Our focus should be to learn about these people. By learning to look beyond the disease or limitation, we can greatly enhance the environment so that we support not inhibit the people who live in our care.
This is the essence of change I think needs to happen in the Aged Care Industry.
"From the smallest of seeds, amazing things can grow.
- Nigel Langes
Many significant issues present to a person faced with transition into care. The grief associated with their loss of personal surroundings, independence, autonomy and confidence. This is then escalated by feelings of solitude, depression, defencelessness and living without dignity. Ultimately leading to many residents feeling a deep sense of loss of their self worth and that life is not worth living!
Any person living in care has the right to be treated with dignity. There is a need to understand that people in care feel the same as we do. They need to feel worthwhile in themselves having a purpose and goals that are relevant to them. We should work to improve each persons sense of well-being by encouraging their ongoing pursuits in maintaining a quality of life.
Then, helping them to discover and fulfill their joys and passions by incorporating them into their daily experiences in care. All staff should be encouraged to engage in this personal contact and quality time as part of their professional care delivery.
It is imperative for a person to maintain faith, hope, belief and control when living in care. That is how they can continue to live life with meaning, purpose and with choices that are important to them regardless of the time they have to do it. It is more important to focus on the person emotional, spiritual and psychological well-being, not the limitations of the condition that debilitates them.
I didnt have to let the terms of a disease define me I could define the terms. - Michael .J. Fox
Within each community, it will be possible to improve the perceptions of people living in the local residential facility. In turn, the positive profile of the care industry will increase in the collective view of the public and plant the seed for the community to embrace the people of residential care rather than fear them.
Continued learning should be a lifelong pursuit. It needs to be nurtured in an environment that values the continued growth and development of that person, with an emphasis of purposefully enriching their lifes journey.
The Age Care Industry cannot afford any longer to be identified as somewhere for people to exist in isolation until they die. Placement into care need not be equated with feelings of helplessness, loneliness, boredom and depression when our focus is improving the quality of care and continued life learning for the person living in the full time care environment.
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The "Planting Seeds" Project - The First Aged Care Experience.by nigethejedimaster2,155 views
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