Social Activities co-ordinator Review

I was doing my work experience in a dementia care home. My daily duties consisted of organising activities for the residents, encouraging them to communicate and participate, assisting with feeding and mealtimes, carrying out risk assessments and participating in as much of the "goings-on" of the care facility as possible.

I learned many skills during this placement, but a lot of it was really reinforcing what I already knew. For example, how to be empathetic, considerate and how to properly care for the individuals that I am working with. It also encouraged me to work as a team player more, as I tend to err on the side of working by myself.

Truthfully speaking, I absolutely adored it. There were some aspects of the role that I did not enjoy particularly, but I believe that happens in any role. But I loved spending time with the elderly residents as they had so many fascinating stories to tell, were wonderful company and they really appreciated everything that you did which made you want to go the extra mile to make them even happier.

Like I stated in the last question, by the residents it was an experience that I will never forget due to the fact that the appreciation that they showed (whether verbal or in their own way of communicating) was amazing. Some of the staff members weren't so much in the way of valuing people, but at the end of the day it's a very hard job and they've got more important things to do than giving praise.

It wasn't particularly organised in the sense that I wasn't often given specific tasks to do, however it was good anyway because it gave me a lot of opportunity to use my initiative.

The support I received was actually really good. I had lunch with my training provider pretty much every day, and during that time I spoke about my experiences and they listened and changed things where appropriate.

Employer and training provider were the same.

The work experience that I completed was on a voluntary basis, however travel costs and food were covered.

I don't fully understand the question.

Yes

I had an amazing experience and would do it again 10x over.

Make sure that you have the aspect of your personality that cares enough to go above and beyond what is normally expected. This is not just a job. This is having an impact on the lives of the individuals that you are caring for, and doing a great job can make the difference between them having a wonderful life or not living it to the fullest.