If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it is the realisation of just how important socialisation is. When it’s insufficient, socialisation impacts both our mental and physical wellbeing. The effect of reduced opportunity for social interaction can be profound and can incite feelings of depression, anxiety, and lack of motivation.
Social activities can have an enormous impact on the enrichment of people we support, especially when they are created with the individual in mind. The impact of social activities is immeasurable and not to be underestimated. The benefits are not solely mental, they can also provide health benefits such as improved mobility and a reduction in falls.
Whatever your care setting, there are ways to encourage social interaction. Whether long or short, it can be both beneficial and meaningful. Conversation starting can be a challenge for some members of your team. It is important to assist your staff to feel comfortable instigating a conversation as well as being insightful enough to know when to stop. This takes patience and time and with practice is an attribute that will develop.
QCS products are designed with these needs in mind, providing resources that help train your staff to become more confident and effective in their social interactions. Practical strategies and tips for starting and sustaining conversations ensure that both staff and service users feel comfortable and engaged. Most people worry about instigating a conversation, there are several factors that many people fear:
- The conversation drying up
- Not enjoying talking with your conversation partner
- Feeling inadequate
Even the most confident individuals have some of these above thoughts, but with time, patience and practice the art of conversation can get easier. As managers it is crucial to develop nourishing connections that benefit the people that we support so that they receive great care and also for our staff so that they stay with us. That’s why we’ve teamed up with NAPA to launch Every Moment Matters – an initiative dedicated to celebrating the incredible work you do every day. We believe that every moment of connection between you and your service users is a chance to show them they are valued and capable. Our mission is to remind care professionals like you just how important these moments are, and to celebrate the impact you make through your compassionate care. Through Every Moment Matters, we’re shining a spotlight on the importance of these connections and offering downloadable activity packs to help you make the most of them. These resources are designed to inspire your team, giving them fresh ideas and practical tools to enrich their interactions with service users. By embracing the Every Moment Matters philosophy, you can encourage your team to approach every conversation and activity with renewed confidence and enthusiasm.
To get the conversation flowing, consider these points:
- Photographs in someone’s room or home that can instigate a conversation
- Notable object in someone’s room or home that can instigate a conversation
- Remember, the other person is likely to be feeling similarly in the beginning Naturally, you will have both service users and staff who are openly outgoing and those who are more reserved. Thus, it takes some time to reflect on who will thrive best in certain social situations. Socialisation does not always have to be a planned activity. Day to day support with personal care offers a massive opportunity to connect with the people supported.
QCS is dedicated to supporting your team with the insights and understanding needed to excel in these areas. Our comprehensive toolkit enables you to add your own resources and materials, tailoring the approach to fit your team’s unique needs and ensuring they are equipped to deliver exceptional care.Providing great care and support means to assisting with the job that needs to be done, satisfying the regulator and following legislation, but unequivocally there is a beyond with that. The beyond is the meaning that is behind the tasks that are accomplished. The nuances that we all have as individuals, that are respected and nurtured, where the people that we support feel, both seen and heard; as well as valued for who they are. The joy that can be shared through supporting someone who needs help and building a good rapport, both caregiver and receiver. It takes special people in the world to do this effectively – it takes your team. Let us help you to drive confidence, explore what QCS has to offer your team to excel.
