TRAINING MODULE FOR THE ELDERLY CARE COMPANION PROGRAM
CREATED BY: LEEGRACE ELIZABETH DOUGHERTY
RE-ENTRY PROGRAM; PEER SUCCESS MENTORING PROGRAM
ALICEVILLE, ALABAMA
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+ Establish who your clients are in your unit or those under your branch of care. Once you have identified the elderly who would like to participate, then you can establish the boundaries and what they need for care.
+ Introduce the Peer Mentor Program and what it is exactly that we do. Explain fully the program and what we can assist with. I have found that most people want to be informed MORE rather than LESS. Answer any questions that they might have, so that they will feel comfortable and safe discussing personal matters and medical conditions.
Once you introduce yourself, you can feel free to give them some background on yourself and what you bring to this program. Whatever you feel is helpful and what will give them a secure feeling. You don’t need to do anything that you are not comfortable doing.
+ Always remember Confidentiality and HIPPA rules apply to any interactions with clients. Don’t share ANY of your clients medical conditions or personal information with anyone, unless you are given informed consent. Make sure the client feels safe confiding in you. Safe Spaces are very important for trust and for your own protection. Don’t be afraid to tell the client “I can’t share any of your information without your PERMISSION” Always maintain an open dialogue so that the client doesn’t feel nervous about the situation at hand. Let them know you are there for them.
+ Once you have greeted the client, then you want to slowly establish what they need for their personal betterment and what they want for themselves in their care plan. Write down what the Care Level is and what they hope to gain from the program.
Sometimes all the client needs is someone to listen to them and provide positive feedback. If they have any questions, then you can assist them with getting an informative answer. Make them feel like they are important and that someone does care about them.
+ Be prepared. Bring paper and pen when needed to write down information that pertains to the client. Bring plenty of cop-outs so that you can fill those out for medical appointments. Write down the information that applies to the client so that you have a record of your daily responsibilities. Notate any medical disabilities or Chronic Care afflictions.
+ Ask them what concerns or issues they are currently having. Write down the major problems first. If it is a secondary issue then you can put that down for a later client meeting. Be a good listener. Be helpful. Do they want a soft-shoe pass and don’t know how to obtain one? Do they need a bottom bunk pass? Do they have an upcoming medical trip that they are nervous about? Sometimes people will project other emotions when they are experiencing a new feeling or situation that makes them uncomfortable. Ask them what is really bothering them. Then you can go from there. Most of all show compassion.
+ Ask them if they are eating daily and drinking ample water. Do they have any current issues with their diet? Do they need to be motivated to work out or get some fresh air? Are they not going outside because of physical pain or an injury? Get to the bottom of the problem before giving advice. Let the client be in charge of their care plan. Don’t insist on anything that they don’t or won’t agree to. We don’t want to be pushy or “bossy” with anyone. If they need an exercise plan, create one that will be simple for them to follow. Start slow. Don’t overwhelm the client with too many decisions.
+Take a break when needed/ if needed. Don’t get overwhelmed. If you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to center yourself and relax. Remember this is a volunteer program so you can be creative in your guidelines.
* Safe Spaces
* Trust
* Client Goals
* Safety First
* Positive Thinking
* Client Education
* Thinking Outside the Box
* Privacy
* Communication
* Health and Wellness
* Personal Empowerment
* Physical Activity
* Independence
(INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OF LEEGRACE ELIZABETH DOUGHERTY) * COPYRIGHTED INFORMATION *
