The leisure department of our aged care home is currently run on a functional benefits model. Evidence shows that this is not the optimum leisure model and I propose we move to a relational care approach incorporating citizenship model approaches. In order to do this we will have to change the way we assess individuals, provide more staff training and involve more family and volunteers in order to embrace a more diverse leisure environment.
To begin with let us look at our facility, our facility currently works off a functional model with many similarities to the model used by Stumbo. Stumbo's model is largely based on a medical model. We start a care plan with an initial assessment the purpose of which is a research tool, in which questions…show more content… A relational model is a social model focusing on emotional and social needs. This model covers a collaborative care plan which is constantly evolving and the development of multidirectional relationships within the facility which are based on compassion. This model acknowledges the need for a positive psychosocial and emotional environment which focuses on the individual, their past, wants, values, motivations and opportunities, as well their emotional and life experiences being affirmed and validated. Using these as a base the professional then works with the individual to create a leisure plan which is constantly evolving and is based on the person's leisure identity. The power to create the program is shared between the individual and the professional, exploring leisure opportunities together (Sheahan, M 2008). Part of the effectiveness of these activities is the emotional connection, which forms between the residents and staff from a base of compassion leading to a more meaningful…show more content… This assessment allows them to tell their story and interact with the assessor at their own pace, while making us aware of needs and wants that may not be in their medical records. This is required in order to make a collaborative care plan. It is this sort of relational knowledge which will help us to deliver high quality care. While it is important for residents, staff and families to shape the way things are done together, in some situations this may require compromise. Compromise is a good way of getting individuals to recognise their limits and by doing so help them find a better solution based on collaboration. If one resident has an activity they enjoy such as reading but can no longer read, then a compromise could be reached by having audio books made available or having someone come into the facility to read to them. Another example of the need to compromise is personal space, personal space is important, everyone needs a space that is their own to personalise, this can be hard if they are sharing a room with a stranger. A Compromise could be to have a variety of items that are important to them on their side of the room, such as photos or mementos, which would allow them to see that this space inherently belongs to them. However, this could be difficult in a dementia ward where residents are prone to wandering into others rooms and
