Module six Looking after yourself

This section covers:6.1 Impact of our emotions

at work

6.2 Self care strategies, boundaries and

looking after ourselves

6. Looking after yourself

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At the end of this session you

will be able to:

• Define the term ‘boundaries’

• State two examples of ‘boundaries’ in everyday work

• List four impacts on care workers

• Describe three ways you ‘look after yourself’

Learning outcomes

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• working in aged care services is an emotional business – often more emotional than physical

• one of the most effective tools you have is your relationship

• tension – putting into practice a model of care which is ‘person-centred’ and has a ‘relationship focus’

versus ‘protect yourself’ by ‘keeping professional’ and put person with

dementia ‘at an arm’s length’.

6.1 Impact of our emotions at work

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The impact of caring on you

Being AWARE helps us to COPE & PREPARE!

Physical What is happening to my state of health & well being?

Emotional How do I feel during and when I finish work?

Perceptions How do I make sense of work experiences?

Can knowledge help me to cope?

Activities Do I balance my work / lifestyle?

Relationships Has work impacted on my relationships

(family, friends)

Expertise What am I learning as a care worker?

How do you feel?

• How do you feel when a person

with dementia ‘spits’ at you

or swears at you?

• We know not to take it personally but does it effect our emotions?

• How do you feel when you cannot meet the person’s needs or the service cannot meet the person’s needs – a failure?

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6.2 Self care strategies - using boundaries

‘Boundaries’ = the limits of

Appropriate behaviour in our

personal and caring relationships.

Appropriate boundaries allow us to understand our role, the needs of

people with dementia, and workload of colleagues.

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Purpose of boundaries

The purpose of having boundaries is twofold: protect people we are assisting take care of ourselves.

Boundaries define our limits !

Being aware of your stress levels and using self care strategies will help us

to keep our boundaries!8

Case Study

“I have been providing respite to the wife of my client for one year. She is isolated and lonely and often tells me I am her only friend. Last week she gave me a gold watch that once belonged to her husband (my client) because he can no longer tell the time. She also asked me to attend his 80th birthday party. I love being able to support her and she makes me feel so good about being able to help … but I don’t know whether I should go?”

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Boundaries of care

• Know what is expected of you in your role

• Be clear about your role from the beginning

• Be self aware – trust your ‘gut’ reaction!

• Talk to your team leader/ manager

• Refer when necessary

• Support your colleagues and seek support

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Look after yourself and your emotions

Manage your emotions and feelings

• Identify sources of stress

• Awareness, Balance and Control

• Regain balance – you can do

something about it with self care strategies11

Looking after yourself

The use of reflection to lookafter yourselfSelf talk - address your expectations & be kind to yourself.

The most vulnerable people are the people we employ because they are kind & passionate.

A different perspective.

The practice of reflection

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