Hi everyone!
I've been reading this forum for the past few weeks in order to get a better insight into dementia and dementia care, after stumbling across it during a Google search. I think this seems like a really welcoming, positive forum, and so I've decided to actually make my own post because I really do need your help!
I've been interested in dementia for a couple of years now, as I found the topics we covered at university fascinating (I have a Psychology and Neuroscience degree), and I've done my own reading into it. I've been applying for support worker jobs since I graduated in 2016, but no joy because of my lack of experience, I think. However!! I've recently been invited to an interview for Dementia Key Worker at a hospital and I'm honestly SO EXCITED yet SO NERVOUS. I really really want this job, and I genuinely think I would be great at it, as I'm very passionate and enthusiastic about helping people.
Now, here's my dilemma... I have to deliver an activity for 30 minutes (the position is mainly as activities coordinator), and they've said this could be to a group of patients or 1 on 1. I've spent hours researching this, trying to find the best activity to impress the panel and to show them the research I've done.
So, here is what I've thought so far, and I'd really love your input for this:
1. First 5-10 minutes: Sitting exercises (from the NHS website, inclusive to those with limited mobility/disabilities, and I can tailor the exercises to suit us all)
2. 10-15 minutes: This will be the main event of my activity, I guess, so it needs to be bulletproof. I've thought of making cue cards, putting them into a little bag/hat and letting people pick in turn. These would be words or phrases which people could tell a story from their past/reminisce about, such as "wedding" or "school" or "my first home". I'm not too sure about this bit. I want to do something that involves us talking and interacting together, and I know that some PWD enjoy reminiscing and it can help them to talk about it. I'm just not sure if this would be 'good enough', or work, or whatever... I'm really not sure!
3. Final 5 minutes - Mindfulness meditation. This can improve mental wellbeing, reduce anxiety, and is something we could do at the end of every session (if I were appointed!) to relax everyone. This is something they could practice at home with carers too, if they like it!
Okay. Sorry about the long post. I'm just very excited, and so eager to hear your thoughts. What do you think - as carers, individuals with dementia, and everyone in between? Do you have any advice, interview tips, or activity ideas? Please get in touch and help me out, I'd appreciate it so much!
Thank you for reading,
Snugglecats
I've been reading this forum for the past few weeks in order to get a better insight into dementia and dementia care, after stumbling across it during a Google search. I think this seems like a really welcoming, positive forum, and so I've decided to actually make my own post because I really do need your help!
I've been interested in dementia for a couple of years now, as I found the topics we covered at university fascinating (I have a Psychology and Neuroscience degree), and I've done my own reading into it. I've been applying for support worker jobs since I graduated in 2016, but no joy because of my lack of experience, I think. However!! I've recently been invited to an interview for Dementia Key Worker at a hospital and I'm honestly SO EXCITED yet SO NERVOUS. I really really want this job, and I genuinely think I would be great at it, as I'm very passionate and enthusiastic about helping people.
Now, here's my dilemma... I have to deliver an activity for 30 minutes (the position is mainly as activities coordinator), and they've said this could be to a group of patients or 1 on 1. I've spent hours researching this, trying to find the best activity to impress the panel and to show them the research I've done.
So, here is what I've thought so far, and I'd really love your input for this:
1. First 5-10 minutes: Sitting exercises (from the NHS website, inclusive to those with limited mobility/disabilities, and I can tailor the exercises to suit us all)
2. 10-15 minutes: This will be the main event of my activity, I guess, so it needs to be bulletproof. I've thought of making cue cards, putting them into a little bag/hat and letting people pick in turn. These would be words or phrases which people could tell a story from their past/reminisce about, such as "wedding" or "school" or "my first home". I'm not too sure about this bit. I want to do something that involves us talking and interacting together, and I know that some PWD enjoy reminiscing and it can help them to talk about it. I'm just not sure if this would be 'good enough', or work, or whatever... I'm really not sure!
3. Final 5 minutes - Mindfulness meditation. This can improve mental wellbeing, reduce anxiety, and is something we could do at the end of every session (if I were appointed!) to relax everyone. This is something they could practice at home with carers too, if they like it!
Okay. Sorry about the long post. I'm just very excited, and so eager to hear your thoughts. What do you think - as carers, individuals with dementia, and everyone in between? Do you have any advice, interview tips, or activity ideas? Please get in touch and help me out, I'd appreciate it so much!
Thank you for reading,
Snugglecats