Client Service Group in the Parramatta Nursing Home - Case Study Example

Report with Client Service Group Introduction Nursing homes for the aged are an important part of our society since they help look after those who cannot be able to look after themselves since they are hindered by age. They are very important because they are obligated to provide quality care to their patients and customers. These homes are very advantageous to many people since time is the main aspect that prevents them from taking care of the elderly in their families. Therefore, resort to nursing homes for the aged where they are well taken care of and their health conditions carefully monitored. These homes are supposed to make the elderly feel comfortable and loved they should be lively with engaging activities that will help keep the aged occupied throughout the day. Most nursing homes strive to achieve these goals but there are usually emerging issues that prove it difficult to attain their objectives (Olson, 1984). These problems have to do with medication and funding but the nursing homes are determined on making sure the aged enrolled in their care will receive quality treatment and care. The Parramatta nursing home for the age care is one successful nursing home that many people love to enroll the aged to due to their reputation. Although they have been providing good services to the people they have issues they have to deal with in order to provide a better job to their patients. The nursing home can be made a better place than it already is by implementing new programs that will help run the facility much better. Programs in nursing homes are meant to help the aged to keep the fit physically as well as mentally. The programs implemented are very important as it keeps the patients in activities they enjoy and it also keeps them healthy. Planning a program for a nursing home takes time as it has to be agreeable o the patients so that it can capture their interest (Kyoko, 1999). Otherwise if one just goes ahead and plans a program without giving it enough consideration it might turn out to be a failure. The residents of the nursing care have to be cooperative in order for the program to emerge successful and beneficial to all parties involved. Problems faced in nursing homes Looking at the Hawe, Degeling Hawe & Briefly the main problem in many nursing homes is the medical condition of the patients. Their health has to be closely monitored and the funding for taking care of the aged appropriately. Therefore with the implementation of activities the nursing homes can be able to improve the physical and mental health of their patients without necessarily having to spend a lot of money. With the economic situation improved health facilities in the nursing home might also improve for the better. Programs implemented in most facilities are games, which is a good choice since they are engaging and at the same time very entertaining to the residents. Here they can be able to test their mental capacity and some games also involve physical processes (Maier, 2007). The games involved are familiar to the residents so that a lot of time is not taken in teaching them how to go about the various games and so that others may not feel left out. Although games are very helpful and involves the participation of all the residents in their own ways, other programs might also be very helpful such as music. Introducing music to the nursing home care Introducing music into the Parramatta nursing health care of the aged would be very beneficial to the residents and would help improve their care and health. Music is very soothing to the years if the right music is played according to an individual’s taste and selection. Music has been proven to be able to improve the situations of patients at hospitals and other health care centers globally (Kyoko, 1999). Before music was only seen as entertainment and as a way of making money but currently music is being put into greater use other than that. The healing power in music is great ad has been proven by many people who have been conducting studies and research programs (Anon., 1999). Soft music is usually recommended in hospitals and facilities with sick patients, this will be able to calm them down incase they are feeling agitated or nervous. When the patients are calmer then treatment process can commence without further disturbances. Music soothes the senses of a person and when one is in a bad state can still feel relaxed and it also encourages cooperation between the patient and official. The sound or rhythm of the music is not the only part that facilitates the healing process but rather the words in the song are equally important. Just because music should be soft does not meant hat it should be sad music, music in care centers should be encouraging and at the same time gentle to the ears. The words in the song should convey an encouraging message and at the same time be entertaining to some extent (Anon. , 1999). The reason why the music played in hospitals is soft and gentle is so that the patients can be able to fall asleep at the required time and to enjoy their rest. Music is also good for the soul at encourages a tranquil and peaceful environment for all the residents (Kirkland & Mcllaven, 1999). This ion turn brings about collaboration and developments in the care center. Effects of music on the residents The music sessions that I plan to introduce to the Parramatta health care for the aging is quite beneficial and involves serious decision making processes. The elderly at Parramatta already have several engaging activities that keep them occupied and busy during certain times of the day. Introducing music to their programs may seem different to them but with time will learn to use it to their own advantage. Music implementation will be done in form of a single program and will take place in various sessions. These sessions will have to take place at times when everybody is relaxed and taking their rest and there will be other sessions when the aged will listen to the music while just relaxing and entertaining themselves. Just because the aged are incapable of performing various tasks by themselves does not mean that they do not like having a good time. The music will make alive the atmosphere in the nursing home and instead of a dull atmosphere which brings about sadness there will be a relaxed and happy atmosphere (Olson, 1984). The elderly may tend to be stubborn at most times and this may prove to be a problem during treatment but attending a music session before treatment may tend to calm their nerves and help them be more cooperative with the officials looking after them. Music sessions in the home The music sessions of the program will have to take place in short hour sessions approximately 1 hour a session and 6 times in a day. Although I understand that there are other activities involved in the home, music can also be very calming to the people and the sessions do not occupy much of their time. If the sessions are fixed right before the patients engage themselves in other activities the more beneficial it is to them and the staff. This is due to the fact that as they move to engage in other activities they are happier and very cooperative as they will be relaxed. The other sessions can be placed in the middle o he day while they are just relaxing and at the end of the day as well so that as they go to sleep they are not anxious and will fall asleep fast and peacefully (Kirkland & Mcllaveen, 1999). The sessions will be very important to them and they are bound to get used to them faster and soon the trend will be followed. If the sessions may seem to be many then they can be reduced to five or some of the sessions can be held while other activities are being conducted. Since they can listen to music as well as engage themselves in other activities designed for them without feeling distracted or as though they are multi tasking. In fact it might even encourage them to work better at whatever activities hey are doing. Music from live bands This project does not only entail music from the radio and other systems but there will also be sessions from live bands that are experienced in entertaining the aged. While they enjoy relaxing musing from records and other sources, they will also have the advantage of getting entertained by live bands. This does not have to include new sessions but can be fixed during their meals or special occasions such as visiting time (Helm & Gill, 1974). This way they can enjoy the music with their loved ones and feel entertained and loved this will brighten up their spirits killing anxiety and helping them get healthier. This will also prove to be beneficial to the relatives visiting as they will find their aged relatives in good spirits and they will all have a good time encouraging them to visit more often which is likely to do more good than harm to the patients. Getting access to live bands will not be a hard task since there are bands whose main objective is to perform for the elderly at the nursing homes. The Heart and Soul organisation main objective is to play in nursing homes and hospitals with the patients as their audience. They invest in entertaining the patients since they know that the soul music is very soothing and entertaining at the same time. When they offer live shoes to the patients they live the place with an aura of happiness and excitement and this is rewarding enough to them (Olson, 1984). If there are bands that charge for their shows, the funding can be collected from the families with patients in the home and even outside the home. Most bands love to play for the patients in charity events and the satisfaction they receive from the patients helps them continue playing for them and other homes as well. The live bands would be the best treat for the patients as it would excite them and help them have a good time and enjoy themselves despite the fact that they are unable to take care of themselves. Implementing music in the daily routine It might prove to be difficult for the program to be implemented in the nursing home because they have already gotten used to a certain routine for their daily activities. Since they follow a particular routine in everything they do, it might be important to introduce the system or program slowly. It might start by introducing two or three short sessions in a day, this way the patients may get time to take in the changes and be able to figure out whether it is suitable or not. The response they receive from the patients in the first session is very important as it will determine whether full implementation of the program into their activities would prove to be a problem or not (Maier, 2007). Therefore, if the residents prove to enjoy the short sessions then the longer sessions will be implemented in the system. Collection of data I will require permission from the supervisor so that I can be able to collect specific data from the residents. The information would be on the choice of music that the residents prefer, this is very important as it would make work easier in selecting the choice of music to be played mostly. The choice of music is very important as the music that I have in mind might not be the type of music that the residents would enjoy listening to. The music most selected by the residents will be the choice often played although even the least selected will be played at convenient times. The music selected would be grouped into different categories to be played during specific times for instance; music played in live bands will not be played during resting hours. It is very important to know the specific details of the taste in residents since their collaboration in implementation of the program is what matters. Music therapy Music involves music therapy which is a very important procedure for patients who are suffering from various diseases and may be very effective in treating them. The procedures are carried out by well qualified therapists whoa are able to locate the cause of the problem by looking at their emotional stability and other factors. The music therapy is efficient especially with patients who suffer from Alzheimer disease, which is very common in the aged generation in nursing homes (Anon. , 1999), thus improving their medical health greatly by implementing music program in the nursing home care. Conclusion In general the Parramatta nursing home care for the aged is a good place where they provide quality treatment for the residents. The only recommendation I would make in the area would be to implement a music program that would help the residents improve their physical as well as their mental health. Since the common problem faced by most nursing homes is the lack of proper health care, the music program would be able to improve their health care by engaging in music therapy. This does not include a lot of money and the residents are usually satisfied by the end product. Implementing the program would take some time and several processes but in the end it would be very beneficial to the residents and the officials looking after them as well. Gardening As much as music is a healthy and relaxing activity to introduce in the home, gardening can also be a suitable therapeutic activity. The elderly can benefit greatly from gardening through various ways. When I mention gardening, I do not necessarily mean the hard and strenuous activity involved but rather gentle gardening such as; window gardening, plants in pots and other areas as well. This is important considering the fact that the old people are not as strong as they used to be and strenuous activity may be bad for their health. Effects of gardening ion the residents Gardening is an activity that can involve other people as well especially family, which is very healthy therapy offered to the old. They need to constantly feel loved and engaged with their loved ones; this would be a really wonderful way to fulfill that wish for them (King, 2009). Not only does it encourage unity but it also has some physical advantage as it is a form of exercise, which is necessary for the aged. It improves on ones self esteem as well and helps them feel they have accomplished something wonderful in their lives and those of others. Encouraging gardening especially of flowers gives the surrounding environment for the aged a beautiful look which in turn brings about a relaxed atmosphere. Doctors have supported the fact that gardening helps the aged by lowering their blood pressure since they create a relaxed atmosphere. Controlling emotional stress is important as it makes work also easier for the people taking care of them greatly (Soderback, et.al. 2004). Improving the physical and mental health of the aged is really important as it makes them more cooperative and healthier. Gardening encourages participation from the other residents and is very relaxing. Implementing gardening sessions The gardening sessions need to be introduced carefully as some of the residents may not have as much enthusiasm as others. Therefore, starting with short sessions just to get the residents used to the idea of gardening would be beneficial. Assigning each a small pot where they could plant some flowers would be nice because then they will feel encouraged to try out wider activities. The short sessions would include about three times a day so that they can be able to keep an eye on their plants and flowers. This will help others participate and feel the need to care for the plants more often (Masukawa, 2009). Then after a while I introduce longer sessions about two hour sessions four times in a day. Short hour sessions will be better because sometimes the sun might be too hot and I would not want the residents to strain themselves whatsoever. I believe introducing gardening sessions will not prove to be difficult since resources are readily available. Starting them off with pots will be easy since the home has already several pots used or unused, I will just have to add a few more pots from a donation program (Maier, 2007). Then incorporating the wider activity will also be easy as there is already a large garden in the home that needs to be worked on a little by other people preparing it for the residents. The tools needed in the activity will also be available as I have already started some donation activity from various companies that are willing to help. The sessions will be placed accordingly in manner that they do not collide with other equally important sessions. Conclusion Gardening is a beautiful activity for the elderly as it is able to improve their health physically and mentally. This is very important as looking out for the health of residents is top priority in the Parramatta home. It encourages participation and helps them have a sense of accomplishment (Riordan & Williams, 1988). This helps them build on their self esteem getting rid of the anxiety and creating a relaxed atmosphere in the home. Therefore, the home should encourage gardening because as much as it is an enjoyable activity, the plants grown may also be used to improve on their health. Reference List American Music Therapy Association, 1999. Frequently asked questions about music therapy. [Online] Available at: http://www.musictherapy.org/faqs.html#WHAT_DO_MUSIC_THERAPISTS_DO [Accessed 20 May 2010]. Helm, j. , & Gill, K. , 1974. An essential; resource for aging: dancing therapy. Dance Research Therapy. [Online] 7(1), 1- 7. Available at: http://www.jstor.org/pss/1478650 [Accessed 4June 4, 2010]. King, M. , 2009. Plants Improve Quality of Life in Caregiver Home. [Online] (Updated September 2009 ) Available at: http://caringforfamilymembers.suite101.com/article.cfm/plants_improve_quality_of _life_ in_caregiver_home [Accessed 4 June 2010]. Kirkland, H. , & Mcllaveen, H. , 1999. Full circle: spiritual therapy for the elderly. New York: Haworth Press. Kyoko, W. , 1999. The Use of Music Therapy for Aged Patient with Dementia. Japanese Bulletin of Arts Theory. [Online], 30(2), 66- 73. Available at: http://sciencelinks.jp/j- east/article/200021/000020002100A0471536.php [Accessed 4 June 4, 2010]. Maier, K. , 2007. Social and productive activities in elderly people. Journal of Ageing Health. [Online], 19, pp. 594- 611. Available at: http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/320/7228/184 [Accessed 4 June 4, 2010]. Masukawa, Y. , 2009. Horticultural Therapy Horticultural Therapy for the Cognitive Functioning of Elderly People Elderly People with Dementia. [Online] (19 June 2009) Available at: http://www.springerlink.com/content/hu8292m1m1300328/ [Accessed 4 June 4, 2010]. Olson, B. , 1984. Player piano music as therapy for the elderly. Journal of Music Therapy. [Online], 21(1), 35- 45. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10267964 [Accessed 4 June 4, 2010]. Riordan, R. , & Williams, C. , 1988. Gardening therapeutics for the elderly. Garland Science. [Online] 12(1), 103- 111. Available at: http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~content=a904825619&db=all [Accessed 4 June 2010]. Soderback, I. et.al. , 2004. Development of Neurorehabilitation. Informa Healthcare. [Online], 7(4), 245- 260. Available at: http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13638490410001711416 [Accessed 4 June 2010] Read More