In this week’s episode, join us for an insightful and heartfelt episode with Kristen Leal, Director of Programs at peopleCare Delhi LTC and Anita Friesen, whose mom is a resident and has been living at peopleCare Delhi LTC since October of 2022.
This conversation was so heartwarming, and you can feel the care and respect Kristen and Anita have as partners in care.
Together, we explore the power of empathy and understanding in seniors care, from the challenges of cognitive decline to the impact of community-building initiatives like Kristen’s Now What? book club.
Through personal stories and shared experiences, we uncover the importance of building relationships between staff and families, breaking down misconceptions about long-term care, and creating supportive environments where everyone feels valued and connected in their long-term care homes.
Tune in as we celebrate the resilience, compassion, and dedication of caregivers and families in the journey of senior living.
Learn more about peopleCare Communities by visiting peopleCare.ca.
I See What You Do by Anita Friesen
To all the Staff at peopleCare Delhi LTC
It has become apparent to me that
YOU NEED TO BE TOLD . . . I SEE WHAT YOU DO!
When I come for a visit and step inside.
You greet me with a smile.
I SEE WHAT YOU DO!
When I walk down the halls.
You work with such passion. I’ve seen it from you before.
I SEE WHAT YOU DO!
Your hours are long.
You’re always on your feet.
You must be exhausted.
I SEE WHAT YOU DO!
You come to your job.
Leave your problems behind.
Become part of a new family.
I SEE WHAT YOU DO!
The residents are dressed, bathed and fed.
I SEE WHAT YOU DO!
When someone is blue.
I see you put your hand on their arm.
You whisper or tell them a joke.
They are no longer blue.
I SEE WHAT YOU DO!
You know all their names.
Their likes and dislikes.
I SEE WHAT YOU DO!
A calendar listing all the events.
Entertainment for residents, family and friends.
I SEE WHAT YOU DO!
Meals are prepared three times a day.
The dishes are endless and don’t stop all day.
I SEE WHAT YOU DO!
The laundry is washed it’s dried and then sorted.
A sock may be lost . . . there’s nothing you can do.
Cause just like the dishes it’s endless too.
I SEE WHAT YOU DO!
The meds are dispensed with accuracy and care.
I can see that when I am there.
I SEE WHAT YOU DO!
The cleaning is done.
And the maintenance too.
I SEE WHAT YOU DO!
So this is why I have to say, I truly appreciate everything you do
and YOU NEED TO BE TOLD . . . I SEE WHAT YOU DO!
Love You All
Anita Friesen (daughter of Godelieve VanMaele)
What is The Relational Approach: In Seniors' Care?
Let’s face it – Senior's Care is a complex business that provides a much-needed service to residents and families during a tough chapter in their lives. The beginning of this key relationship can be filled with anxiety, stress and worry and yet, there is a better way to bring residents, families and staff together.
Staff and leadership of Senior Care Facilities need an incredible amount of support when it comes to managing residents/seniors and their family relationships. This podcast will provide a framework and open up discussions around The Relational Approach™.
The Relational Approach™ System is a practical and easy-to-use framework for leaders and staff in Senior Care Homes to build stronger connections with families. It’s based on three guiding principles that focus on trust, respect, and working together as partners in care. The system also helps raise awareness of six common relational roadblocks that can cause tension. Once these roadblocks are identified, simple strategies can be used to close the gaps.
This process guides staff from learning and understanding to fully integrating and transforming their relationships with families. As a result, it reduces friction, frustration, and stress, allowing teams to avoid problems before they escalate. The goal is to move away from a transactional approach and create a more relational, empathetic, and human connection between staff and families.
Join host Deborah Bakti – a former executive in seniors care for 11 years, and a family member three times over, with her dad, mom, and husband all having lived as residents. She’s seen what it’s like on both sides.
In each episode, we'll explore both the family and staff perspectives, shedding light on the emotions, expectations, and sometimes the disappointments that arise from the friction in these relationships. Through heartfelt conversations, personal anecdotes, and expert insights, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the diverse perspectives that shape senior care environments.
Tune in to gain valuable insights, and cultivate a better approach. Together, let's create a community where understanding thrives and where the journey of aging is met with compassion and empathy.