At Bunkers we wanted to mark Dignity Action Day in a special way. To raise awareness of the issue fo dignity both staff and residents took part in activities. Staff were made to be residents and experience what it is like to receive care. Staff were asked to sit in a wheel chair, blindfolded, whilst they were washed, fed and pushed by another staff member or resident.
Many staff took part. We got them to share their thoughts about their experiences on the day.
Antonia (staff) had the blindfolded ride in the wheelchair. She said “it was scary, daunting, it makes you realise how it feels for some residents and puts things into perspective”
Micheal who also did the same task said ‘I’ve worked in this job 10 years and never done that, it’s a real eye opener’
Maria Stephanyan said ‘it’s good to be reminded what it’s like for the residents’
Laura said it made her feel ‘nervous and anxious’ as she was blindfolded and washed by a resident.
Residents enjoyed playing their role. There was a lot of laughter alongside recognising the seriousness and importance of the dignity issue.
We hope that the exercise brought staff and residents closer together and gave both a better understanding of the other’s perspective.