When it comes to helping older adults remain in their homes, bathing can be a challenging issue. But Tessa Lamb of Home Instead Senior Care of Manassas and Herndon has found those concerns can be overcome with the right combination of compassion and experience.
Lamb has been working with seniors since 1996, as long as she’s been a licensed practical nurse. During that time, she realized there are identifiable, key issues that impact bath time. By recognizing and addressing these concerns, home care providers can help their clients age with greater hope and success.
Respecting privacy and independence
Over the years, Lamb has worked with seniors aged 65 up to “the beautiful young age” of 96 who wanted to age in place. That taught her the value of having a good relationship with her clients, she said.
“They all cherish their independence,” she said. “Getting into and out of a shower can be difficult as we age and become less flexible. Many times requiring the standby assistance of a home health aid can be very daunting.”
At the same time, privacy is a key concern for clients. “They have been taking care of themselves for over 60 or more years and now someone needs to help them shower,” she explained. “This can be both frustrating and embarrassing.”
Neither giving nor receiving this kind of care is easy. That’s why cultivating a positive relationship is crucial to protect the dignity of those receiving care, as well as to enhance the quality of life for both seniors and their families throughout the caregiving experience.
Recognizing changes in sensory perception
As people age, the acuteness of the senses decreases, and that can have ramifications for both the person who is bathing and the person who is helping with the process. For example, Lamb pointed out, the ears serve two purposes – hearing and maintaining balance – so the loss of sensitivity affects balance as well as hearing. That can have a significant impact when it comes to bath time.
“If your balance is off, you are not going to want to go onto a wet, slippery surface,” she said.
The same holds true when it comes to vision loss. “The bathroom is a major fall risk area, and thus a very scary place for seniors,” Lamb explained.
Other senses also come into play. When the sense of touch changes, it can result in decreased temperature sensitivity. That means it can be difficult to tell the difference between water that is cool or cold and water that is hot or warm.
When the sense of smell is lessened, seniors might not be able to smell the odor of their body when they have not taken a shower in several days or weeks. Understanding these changes in sensory perception and how they affect a person’s ability or willingness to bathe can help offset concerns a senior may have when it comes to bath time.
Accounting for fatigue or dementia
Another factor that can impact the bathing process is the fatigue that can accompany many of the medical conditions or illnesses that seniors may develop. Even medications can cause people to become tired easily.
Helping bathe clients with dementia and memory impairment requires particular care, Lamb said. “It is very, very important to establish a rapport, trust and a relationship with them before any major task can be performed,” she explained. “Consistency is also key because of the short-term memory loss.”
In Lamb’s experience, a little bit of empathy goes a long way when it comes to overcoming the challenges surrounding bath time. “I recommend that you show seniors love, kindness, patience, respect – and allow them time,” she said. “Give them choices.”
Perhaps a client isn’t up to a bath at a particular moment. That’s when a caregiver should offer alternatives, such as a sponge bath, a warm face cloth, a chair bath or even a bed bath. The bottom line is that there are many options. A good caregiver will understand and offer alternatives, while also respecting the client’s concerns.
“There is also the option of ‘just not today,’” Lamb said. “It is more important to establish a relationship and build trust first than try to obtain the goal of a bath.”
For more information on Home Instead Senior Care in Manassas and to sign up for their newsletter with other helpful articles, visit their website.
From an email:
Manassas, VA– The Prince William Chamber of Commerce will host their annual Cuisine de Commerce on Thursday, November 2 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. in the parking lot of the Chamber’s building at 9720 Capital Court near the Manassas Airport.
This year the event transforms from a luncheon into an outdoor food festival; complete with live music by classic rock cover band Type A, cornhole boards and all-you-can-eat samples from the area’s best restaurants, caterers and food trucks. Those attending should bring a donation of non-perishable foods. Burke & Herbert Bank is sponsoring a food drive at Cuisine de Commerce with donations benefitting the ACTS food pantry in Dumfries. Read More
From Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative:
MANASSAS, Va. – Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative’s group of employee volunteers, NOVEC HELPS, will hold its 7th annual Texas Hold’em fundraising poker tournament on Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Prince William County Police Association Hall, 14288 Independent Hill Drive, Manassas. Registration starts at 5:30 p.m. Games start at 6:30 p.m. The top 10 players will win prizes and other participants will win door prizes. Fee: $50 per player if registered before Oct. 20; $60 at the door.
NOVEC HELPS will give net proceeds to charitable, community, and school organizations supported by HELPS. Groups include: the American Red Cross, Easter Seals, ACTS, Northern Virginia Family Service, Britepath, and Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center. Read More
From Puzzle Palooza:
We are very excited to be opening our second location in Manassas at 9411 Main St. Suite 101, the Trusler Hall Building, next to Philly Tavern. Our goal is to be open at 10 AM Monday morning November 13. We will be spending the entire weekend moving in and setting up shop. We will be open seven days a week starting at 10 AM till 7 pm M-F, with later hours in the evening on weekends.
As with their initial space, we will be featuring Puzzles and Puzzle accessories, books, brain teasers and puzzle games from four pieces to 40,000 pieces ranging from ages toddler to elderly. We started our first location in Occoquan 2013 and have watched it grow over the past five years into our own little empire.
We are listed as # 1 in “Things to Do in Occoquan” on Trip Advisor and feel honored and proud of the support from customers and the community. Puzzle building Is a common hobby/love for us since childhood and after visiting several out-of-state Puzzle/hobby shops, we knew that it was what we wanted to do. We quickly learned that it reconstituted the ideal framework of “family fun” and supported longtime traditions.
We considered branching out for the past six months to cover more territory to other cities that weren’t close to Occoquan. When we found the Manassas location, we knew it was the right thing to do.
We are very excited to be starting this as we enter the holiday season and hope everyone that visits finds that perfect gift!
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From Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department:
Woodbridge, VA September 12, 2017 —In September 1938, the Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department was officially incorporated. It was two years of hard work for a group of concerned citizens who recognized the need for a Fire Department in the area. Many of them put up personal property and their own money to secure loans to build a building to house the apparatus and start the department. Sometimes they had to “pass the hat” to pay electric and other bills monthly.
Before OWL VFD the closest Fire Departments were in Alexandria, Manassas and Fredericksburg. The first OWL VFD station was in the Town of Occoquan on the corner of Washington and Mill Street, Station 2 in PWC. From there they built a building that is now the VFW in Occoquan. In 1958 they opened a second Station on Route 1, Station 12 (later relocated to Montgomery Avenue.) From there, OWL moved from the Town of Occoquan to the current Station 2 on F Street, and opened up Lake Ridge Station 14. Read More
The fall season conjures scenarios of bountiful baskets of freshly picked apples, pumpkins, and enchanting autumn foliage! It also brings a whole batch of new classes here at the Manassas Park Community Center, including the Road to Wellness, Focused Awareness Meditation, Bollywood and Classical Indian Dance, and Outdoor Yoga! Also, there are several music classes for the music lovers too!
These new classes focus on all types of music, dance, and whole-body wellness. One thing we all have in common as residents of Northern Virginia is that we are all under a lot of stress. Regardless of the reasons for that stress, we all need to find something to help us reduce it.
Several new classes here at the Community Center to help you better handle your stress include Focused Awareness Meditation and the Road to Wellness. Taught by Karen David of Live Life Well, LLC, and using her years of experience as a registered nurse, she uses her medical experience to help people change their lives! She says that when you believe in you, you will have the ability to not only believe in something but to reach optimal wellness through daily personal wellness habits.
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From a press release:
The Fall Occoquan Arts and Crafts Show will be held rain or shine on Saturday, September 23, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, September 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Historic Occoquan. A 48-year tradition, this award-winning outdoor street festival features more than 300 artisans and crafters, fun interactive activities for the kids, live entertainment and great food! Be sure to stop by Mamie Davis Park to listen to live music.
ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE
Saturday, September 23, 2017All Day: DJ John Coulter Mamie Davis Park
10 a.m.-11 a.m.: Manassas Ballet Theatre Mamie Davis Park
12 p.m.-1 p.m.: The Amazing Kevin (Kids’ Magic Show) Mamie Davis Park
2 p.m.-4 p.m.: Most Savage Gentlemen (Rock/Pop) Mamie Davis Park
All Day: Fairy Jennabelle Face Painting Mill House Museum
All Day: Law Enforcement United Dunk Tank Mill House Museum
All Day: Touch-a-Truck Mill House Museum Read More
Good Morning Prince William – September is National Preparedness Month! In light of recent disasters such as wildfires, Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma, please take some time to prepare for emergencies before they happen. Remember, disasters don’t plan ahead, but You Can! Please visit ready.gov/September for great information on how you can prepare an emergency kit for your family and pets.
· Please join us in Manassas Park on September 16 at the Emergency Preparedness Fair 10am-2pm at the Fire Rescue Department, 9080 Manassas Drive in Manassas Park. For more information, please call (703) 335-8845. Also, the wonderful folks in City of Manassas are hosting their Preparedness Month Fun Fair on September 23, 9am-1pm at the Manassas Farmer’s Market on Prince William Street, across from Baldwin Elementary School. Emergency kits, kid activities, emergency vehicles and lots of important emergency preparedness information will be available at both events.
· The Manassas, Bull Run Rotary Clubs supporting the great work at SERVE needs tons of volunteers for the Lou Maroon Golf Tournament on Wednesday, September 13th at the Evergreen Country Club. Jobs include check-in of teams, run the putting contest, sell raffle tickets, take photos and greet golfers as they tee off. Volunteers need to be at least 18 years old and be able to stand for the 2-3 hour shift. Shifts are 9 a.m. -12pm, 12-2:30 p.m. and 2:30-5pm. come join the fun for a fabulous cause. Please call Navara at (571) 748-2536 to learn more. Read More
Editors note: This sponsored post is the first in a monthly series written by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Potomac Local.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY -- An insurance company headquartered in Prince William County encourages young professionals to write on the walls.
This is not your typical coverage provider.
Started in a warehouse in Manassas in 2006, tech firm BerkleyNet is a leader in forward-thinking business growth in Prince William County. BerkleyNet is a member company of W. R. Berkley Corporation, a Fortune 500 company.
Headquartered in Innovation Technology Park in Prince William County, their business is entirely online, a unique concept for a firm that provides workers compensation insurance.
In just 11 years they have grown from six to over 200 employees. The majority are headquartered in Prince William County, with satellite offices in places like Minneapolis, Nashville, Tenn. and Las Vegas.
John Goldwater, BerkleyNet’s former President, and CEO, has gone on to become an Executive Vice President of W. R. Berkley Corporation. Five founding employees remain on BerkleyNet’s senior leadership team.
The most unique aspect of their business growth? They hire curious problem-solvers, encourage ownership and invest in their employees.
It has allowed the company to maintain their highly coveted population of talented employees.
Attracting and retaining young professionals
Prince William County features a highly educated and younger than average workforce, according to Prince William County Economic Development. The median age of a BerkleyNet team member in the Manassas office is about 27.
Their human resources department focuses much of their efforts on college recruiting, partnering with local universities to discover talent. It helps that the Science and Technology Campus of George Mason University is across the street.
Hiring young people right out of college means being able to grow and develop employees into the company culture. That includes a casual dress code, a focus on maintaining work-life balance and instilling a sense of ownership.
BerkleyNet encourages communication and ownership across the whole organization. Even their offices are designed that way, as cubicles and meeting spaces have dry erase walls to better share ideas.
Teams are mixed, so there's no "claims floor," or an "IT floor" commonly found in other insurance operations. When the president of the company walks down the hall, even the newest employees know that they can say “hello” or share an idea and that that kind of communication will be well-received.
When hiring, BerkleyNet focuses on finding curious, highly-motivated individuals. Many new hires have little to no insurance-specific experience but possess a broad range of skills that can be applied to the company’s needs.
“We can teach them the insurance side of things,” said BerkleyNet AVP of Human
Resources Maria Liappis. “But you can’t teach some of the innate qualities we look for in an employee.”
Once hired, employees are expected to "own" their work, ideas and time. That includes finding unique ways to balance the requirements of their personal lives with their responsibilities at BerkleyNet.
BerkleyNet Marketing and Brand Manager McKenzie Holmes noted that when she had her first baby, her company was accommodating.
“BerkleyNet allowed me the flexibility to get the job done in a way that worked for me.
You don’t see that in a lot of organizations,” said Holmes.
Holmes has been with the company for over four years.
Ownership in the Workplace
The word "ownership" is tossed around quite a bit at BerkleyNet. According to Claims Manager Natasha Sumter, that means that some of their best projects and ideas have come from employees, and the same workers are challenged to then identify the potential impacts and see things through.
“Today’s workforce feels a strong need to own things. Whether that’s being an important part of a project team or restocking the coffee because you notice it’s getting low, everyone here is empowered to do what is necessary without having to navigate unnecessary bureaucracy,” said Sumter.
That culture of ownership extends to team-building activities, many of which are not planned by the human resources or marketing teams.
Earlier this year a group of employees planned a kickball tournament. About 60 co-workers participated. On a recent “Bring-Your-Own-Meat-Friday,” a grill is provided for employee use-- a small group engaged in a steak-eating contest. The winner ate two pounds of red meat.
Activities like this solidify the team environment that allows BerkleyNet to better able to ride out the ebbs and flows of business growth—a key factor in maintaining a strong and committed workforce.
By cultivating a sense of ownership in their team, combined with the freedom to make work fun, BerkleyNet hopes to retain their workers long-term. Many referrals to fill open positions come from within.
Likewise, employees are encouraged to make lateral moves within the company. While they may start in one department, their strengths and skill sets may lead them into a different part of the organization.
“There’s a very real sense around here that our senior leadership has been where we are now," said Natasha, who's worked for the company for more than five years. "Everyone unloads the dishwasher in the break room. Everyone makes the coffee."
Investing in your workers
BerkleyNet also strives to invest in their people in unconventional ways.
When they outgrew their Woodbridge headquarters, the team strategically looked for a new location that would be centrally located for their team while providing many nearby amenities in an up and coming area. They landed on Innovation Technology Park and moved in earlier this spring.
Unlike other insurance providers, there is no traditional call center at BerkleyNet. Instead, the product management team spends part of their day answering the phones to handle customer issues and questions. The remainder of the day is utilized for other aspects of the business so that they will learn and grow professionally.
According to Liappis, this type of cross training allows BerkleyNet to run a lean and efficient operation that is focused on flexibility, no matter the business climate.
“To us, part of our success is being able to respond to a variety of opportunities in the market because we already have the right team in place,” she said.
She also noted that their hiring practices are atypical, choosing not to hire just because there is a job opening.
“If we find great talent, we figure out a way to add them,” she added.
