Aged care workers play a critical role in the care experienced for older citizens, so finding the right employee is imperative.  The following are some tips on how to attract the ideal candidate and what to look for in a potential employee.
 
Attracting applicants
The backbone of a successful aged care facility with a high standard of care is having high quality, passionate staff.  The challenge many facilities are facing is where to find such candidates.  One way to optimize the potential to find the right fit for your facility is to align yourself with a training provider.  There are three main recruitment approaches that could result in excellent outcomes through this partnership:

1. Aligning your facility with a training provider may allow you to gain access to recent graduates who are suitably qualified and eager to start in the industry.
2. Offering traineeship programs through the training provider has various benefits for both the trainee and employer.  The trainee will have the opportunity to earn as they learn the practical hands-on skills required to work in aged care while the employer will increase staff ratios, train prospective employees to the standards and culture of the facility and observe if the trainee would be a good fit before going through the formal recruitment process.
3. Becoming a practical placement provider can also increase the level of care your facility offers by increasing staff numbers while helping to educate the future of the sector at the same time. This can also be another great way to discover potential employees to permanently join your team.

Once you have implemented one or perhaps all these processes with the goal to find suitable candidates for long term employment, it is important to remember what it is that will make an exceptional member to your staff. 

Quality and skills
Regardless of the method used to find an applicant, it is useful to know what quality and skills you are looking for to make the right recruitment choices.

​
Soft skills are highly regarded in the aged care sector and any new job applicant should be able to demonstrate that they possess these skills.  Examples of soft skills include patience, compassion, empathy, communication, emotional intelligence and problem-solving.  There are various soft skills that make an applicant more suitable to an aged carer’s role, so selecting and outlining which are of the highest value for your facility could help save time in the recruitment process.

Soft skills are often characteristic of those who are particularly interested in caring for others.  The possession of these skills is part of what makes an exceptional aged care worker and will in turn improve the overall level of care that your facility provides.
 
While formal education is important when considering prospective employees, some educational gaps are not necessarily problematic when on the job training can be provided.  In fact, an advantage for an applicant who has had extensive formal training is to also have had practical hands-on experience where theory was applied to real life situations.
 
Aligning values
Each aged care facility will have its unique values and it’s important to find employees who can align themselves with the values of your facility.  Often people are attracted to caring for others for altruistic reasons, so outlining the morals and values that your facility holds in high regard may assist in finding the right candidate.  Employment in a rewarding role and in an environment that reflects your morals and values will contribute to staff wanting to remain in the position long term.
 
Elderly residents and staff in aged care are often from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.  To provide the highest most comprehensive care for an increasingly diverse population, it’s crucial to consider the applicant’s ability to ensure every individual is treated with dignity and respect, and their identity, culture and diversity is valued.  
 
Members of staff with practical capacities, compassion and understanding will support your facility to become more culturally competent and it will consequently meet the needs of the residents and staff more holistically.

Dispelling myths
The range of misconceptions about working in aged care propagated by the media are well-known myths that have led to negative views of the industry and have contributed to shortage of aged care workers.  These inaccurate descriptions ignore the positive influence aged care workers have on the lives of elderly people who are unable to live on their own.  Staff in aged care communities often find it an extremely rewarding career, one that is not limited to personal care of the elderly but includes undertaking advanced care and treatment such as rehabilitation, mental health support, and activity management.

Addressing these more realistic points in an interview and communicating the important and positive aspects of working in aged care can alleviate an applicant’s concerns, especially for those just entering the field.  This is a good opportunity to highlight the supportive culture that your facility fosters for the health and wellbeing of the staff.
 
Finding the right person to join your aged care team may be time consuming, but taking the right steps is important. By aligning your facility with a training provider to attract job seekers and having a clear idea of what you will look for in a candidate are important parts of the process. Following these ideas may save you both time and money in attracting and hiring the right person for the job.

​In a paper published in the journal Annals of Neurology, German and US researchers report that cognitive decline could be delayed by up to two and a half years in elderly people who eat more of the flavonoid-rich berries.
 
Flavonoids are compounds found in fruits, nuts and vegetables that have been linked to disease prevention through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  Berries are particularly high in a type of flavonoid called anthocyanidins, which can cross the blood-brain barrier to areas of learning and memory.
 
The research team used data from the Nurses’ Health Study, which has collected information about the diet of 121,700 female, registered nurses since 1980.  Between 1995 and 2001, the team measured cognitive function in 16,010 women over the age of 70, at two-year intervals.
 
Those who ate more berries experienced a delayed cognitive decline by up to two and a half years.  But the authors stressed that while they did control for health factors in the modelling, they could not exclude the possibility that participants with preserved cognition may also have been affected by lifestyle choices, such as exercise.
 
Study leader Elizabeth Devore, from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, said that because the US population was ageing, understanding the health issues facing the elderly was vital. “Our findings have significant public health implications as increasing berry intake is a fairly simple dietary modification to test cognition protection in older adults,” Dr Devore said.
 
Bryce Vissel, Head of Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Sydney, said the public policy implications of the research were “sufficiently important to merit further study. However, the implications are further reaching, as they show that research offers the possibility to identify ways to slow dementia.  Most importantly, if research can show that lifestyle affects cognitive decline, then it seems logical to suggest that research will also deliver effective treatments that slow cognitive decline, given the chance.”
 
Dr Vissel added: “The potential implications of this type of research are that simple berries could potentially reduce the time before elderly people may need care.  However, the broader point is that more research is needed, and it is needed urgently.”
 
Flavonoids appeared not only to influence cognitive function but also visual function, said Peter Howe, a Research Professor in Nutritional Physiology at the University of South Australia.

​ “What I think is happening here, which is not considered in this paper, is that the flavonoids are acting on the blood vessels in the brain and the eyes to improve the circulation. We’re conducting research at the Nutritional Physiology Research Centre looking at how foods rich in flavonoids, like the ones present in these berries, are able to improve blood flow in the brain, because that may be the key to their cognitive benefits.”
 
Shawn Somerset, an Associate Professor of Public Health at the Australian Catholic University in Brisbane, said that in elderly Australians the most likely source of flavonoids was wine. Berries were expensive, he said and there were other good sources of anthocyanidins, such as aubergine. “Australians intake of vegetables is inferior to fruit, therefore vegetable consumption needs to be promoted above fruit consumption.”
 
“The most sensible advice is to consume a wide range of flavonoids, rather than large amounts of specific ones, since excessive amounts of some are problematic. This translates to consuming a range of vegetables and fruits, not just one type.”
 
Author: Justin Norrie
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence.  Read the original article here: theconversation.com/blueberries-and-strawberries-slow-cognitive-decline-6684
 
Reference: Aged Care NZ Issue 02 2022

​Simple yet effective, the weighted blanket is an impressive innovation in relieving anxiety and symptoms of other conditions.  The idea behind it is simple: the pressure of the blanket simulates the feeling of receiving a hug.  For many weighted blanket users, this leads to relief and calmness.
 
But this innovation is far from new.  In the 1980s, Temple Grandin, a scientist and animal behaviourist, discovered the benefits of pressure sensation. To make the beef industry more humane, Grandin observed that frightened cows would regain calm after being pushed tightly into a squeeze chute, for example.  From these observations, she went on to develop  a hug machine that duplicated this calming pressure.  This was the first developed to ease the symptoms of autism, a diagnosis that Temple Grandin shares.  Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in this sensory therapy modality, with weighted blankets becoming popular in the mainstream.

​Let’s look at everything you need to know about weighted blankets – and if you could benefit from using one.
 
What is a weighted blanket?
​A weighted blanket is a therapeutic tool similar to a conventional blanket in all but its weight.  Often, they weigh anywhere from 2kg to 13kg.  The blanket is often filled with glass beads or plastic pallets.  The concept?  The blanket is heavy enough to exert pressure on you much like getting a long-lasting hug after a rough day.

Who can use a weighted blanket?
 
The short answer? Anyone can use a weighted blanket.  Regarding more specific use cases, occupational therapists who work with kids tend to use weighted blankets as a treatment option for sensory activities.  This can include various conditions such as autism or attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). This easy-to-use tool may also help with the following:

• Chronic pain
• Anxiety
• Restless leg syndrome (RLS)
• Depression and mood disorders
• Fibromyalgia
• Insomnia and other sleep disorders 

How do weighted blankets work?
 
Recent research efforts have focused on better understanding the mechanism of weighted blanket therapy for relieving the symptoms of the conditions mentioned above.  In 2020, Swedish researchers conducted a study to determine facets of that effectiveness. They found that weighted blankets improved sleep among people with ADHD, generalised anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and depressive disorder.
 
So how do they work?  The mechanism of how weighted blankets work is not well studied or understood currently.  Weighted blankets are used in therapy as part of the sensory integration therapy model.  This model is based on integrating inputs from two systems:

• The limbic system, which controls emotional and behavioural responses
• The proprioceptive system, which senses the pressures exerted on our bodies to determine our location in space.  Weighted blankets may work by acting upon our proprioceptive system to provide different sensory input, which may then be integrated with different emotional responses.

 
The main benefits of using a weighted blanket provide security and comfort
 
Swaddling a newborn baby helps them sleep soundly at night, and this is because of the sense of security the tight swaddle provides. A weighted blanket works under a similar principle, helping you sleep securely and comfortably throughout the night.
 
Reduce stress and anxiety levels
 
Stress and anxiety are the most significant contributors to interrupted sleep.  Constant worry and fear make it hard to fall asleep during the night. In turn, sleep deprivation can aggravate an individual’s anxiety levels – so it’s essentially a vicious cycle. A weighted blanket helps by applying pressure to soothe your anxiety and help you rest.

​Improve sleep quality
 
Some research studies have demonstrated the benefit of weighted blankets on improving sleep and reducing the impact of insomnia. The mechanism behind this is not yet known. However, it is thought to be mediated by serotonin, cortisol, and melatonin hormones. The pressure created by the blanket’s weight can go a long way toward improving your overall sleep quality.

Calm the nervous system
 
Weighted blankets help restore calm in your nervous system by applying even pressure on your body. Sleeping with an overactive nervous system can be challenging. Luckily, weighted blankets are a quick and effective means of overcoming this hurdle.  According to a study, 63 per cent of participants stated that heavy blankets helped lower their anxiety levels after just five minutes of use.
 
How to choose the best weighted blanket for you.
 
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, stress and anxiety are still taking centre stage, causing many of us to revisit our mental health. That said, a weighted blanket might be a great tool for you.
 
So, how do you pick the best option?  Consider the following factors.
 
Blanket weight
 
The average weight of weighted blankets ranges from 2kg to 13kg. You should select a weighted blanket that weighs no more than 10 percent of your body weight.
 
Weighted blankets for children weigh close to 2kg, and adult blankets range from 2kg to 13kg. Consider getting a lighter blanket for users with mobility issues. Although the pressure of the blanket has its benefits, it can be unsafe to apply too much pressure with a weighted blanket that is too heavy. That’s why the 10 per cent rule is recommended.  If you have any concerns or questions about which weight is right for you, speak with your doctor or ask to be referred to a therapist who specialises in sensory integration therapy.
 
Weighted blanket material

Weighted blankets are filled with two types of material: plastic pellets or glass beads.

​Weighted blanket material

Weighted blankets are filled with two types of material: plastic pellets or glass beads.
​
Glass beads are smaller – but heavier than plastic pallets. That small size has an advantage in that the blanket appears thinner.  In contrast, plastic pellets are bigger, making the blanket a bit bulkier.  However, blankets with plastic pallets are considerably cheaper since plastic is inexpensive compared to glass. Some weighted blankets come with other materials, such as polyester fibrefill or fleece lining, for an extra layer of warmth. If you’re planning to use the blanket during the cold winter months, this might be a nice perk.
 
Removable cover
 
Due to the weight of the blankets, they are bulky and hard to wash, which means a removeable cover is ideal. Cotton covers make for cool, breathable blankets, while other fabrics may best suit that warm and cosy feel. Sometimes, sellers will price covers as an add-on, so never assume your blanket comes with a removable cover.
 
Adapted from an article by Esteban Vaquera. Medically reviewed by Brittany Stopa, MPH. Available at: www.symptomfind.com

How good design can make aged care facilities feel more like home 
The stark difference between an aged care ‘home’ and a real home has been
laid bare by the Covid pandemic
from Aged Care New Zealand Issue 2 2022

Residential aged care buildings are often institutionally designed even if they have the appearance of a hotel.  Think long corridors, vast dining rooms, nursing stations and bland corporate furnishings.
 
These design choices support a model of care underpinned by cost efficiencies rather than real people’s rhythms of daily life.
 
So, how can we make aged care facilities feel more like home, while keeping them pandemic safe?
 
More like a ‘container’ than a home
 
Residential aged care facilities are deeply restrictive environments. Some have compared them to prisons.
​
​During the pandemic, things were made worse as residents were denied the right to leave their rooms or have visitors.  For many residents, it must feel like prevention is worse than the disease, as physical and psychological health declines markedly in imposed isolation.
 
Hotel like residential aged care rooms are no place for long periods without the company of others.  Some residential aged care centres may look like luxury resorts, but residents are still incarcerated.
 
Often residential aged care centres are more like a ‘container’ than a home; a container that dispenses shelter, food and medical care.
 
So what might we do differently in the post-pandemic era?
 
To try to answer this question, we held a collaborative design workshop involving architects and stakeholders, including managers from the residential aged care sector.  We sought to visualise design ideas using three existing not for profit residential aged care sites as testing grounds.

We asked the group to ponder:  what makes a home ‘home like’? And how does that differ from the environment at an aged care centre?
 
Three key ideas emerged, all of which could help a facility feel more like a ‘container’ than a home while also reducing the impact of future pandemics.

1. Make aged care facilities indistinguishable from their surrounding neighbourhoods

 
Residential aged care facilities are often walled and gated enclaves set apart from the surrounding community. Residents are secluded in wards and aren’t part of the natural ebb and flow of the community.
 
A home, on the other hand, is usually directly connected to the outside world.
 
Embedding indistinguishable residential care households in the heart of an active community would add to the broader social and physical fabric and build support networks.
 
In practice, this could mean opting for smaller buildings that look similar to surrounding  buildings, rather than large and imposing structures.
 
It could mean offering a wide range of housing choices from houses to apartments, and softening wall and gate barriers so residents easily connect with everyday community life.

1. Ageless communities and support networks without moving house

 
Our group took inspiration from the urban design concept known as the ‘five-minute community’ where everything is a short walk away.
 
We imagined designs that allow for self-sufficient small households of up to eight residents, with different generations also located in the same street.  ‘Ageless’ communities like this allow for different generations to interact (either incidentally or deliberately).
 
Residents could easily adjust the level of support needed (up and down) over time, while staying at home.  Intensive rehabilitation could be delivered in the home or nearby.   For example, people who have had a fall could access rehabilitation and restorative services in the local area. 
 
We also looked for ways to take advantage of existing spaces in the community rather than constructing new aged care facilities that are set apart.

1. Designed - in respiratory infection prevention measures

 
Big isn’t always better.
 
Small home models deliver an antidote to isolation and the spread of airborne respiratory infection.
 
Smaller stand-alone buildings are less reliant on centralised air-circulation systems and can deliver strategies to reduce infection transmission by ensuring all rooms have access to fresh air and natural ventilation.
 
Smaller households can quarantine without the need to lock down a large facility.
 
Community participation and engagement built into the design
 
Entrenched approaches to residential aged care design assumes residents can do little independently. An unquestioning focus on inabilities further disempowers: ‘care’ is done ‘to’ or ‘for’ a resident in a ‘facility’.

​For example, residential aged care meals are generally pre-prepared and eaten in a large-scale room with many others (including strangers).
 
At home, by contrast, people decide what, when and where to eat.  The small home approach in five-minute communities would allow, for instance, people of different generations to cook together or for a younger person to cook for an older person while learning new skills.
 
Designs that acknowledge older people have knowledge and skills to contribute allow for such interactions to occur.
 
When workshop participants challenged their own expectations, they envisioned design concepts emphasising living, not just existing, until end of life. 
 
The residential aged care crisis is escalating, and structural and cultural change is desperately needed.
 
It’s time to rethink these physical environments with  peoples’ fundamental human needs at the heart of design.
 
Authors;
 
Rosemary Kennedy Adjunct Professor of Architecture and Urban Design, Queensland University of Technology.
 
Laura Buys, Honorary Professor, The University of Queensland
 
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.  Read the original article here:   theconversation.com//how-good-design-can-make-aged-care-facilities-feel-more like-home-176-465