Today was my first day of placement, where I was assigned to clear the backyard of overgrown weeds and leaves to reduce fire risk and improve accessibility. Initially, I saw this as a straightforward task, but I soon realised its broader significance in ensuring a safe and functional environment for clients like Client A.

Through this task, I developed practical skills in using tools such as a whipper snipper, loppers, and a leaf blower, as well as managing physical labour efficiently. More importantly, I gained an appreciation for how even routine maintenance can significantly impact client safety and quality of life. I also learned the importance of planning regular upkeep to prevent issues from escalating and how clear pathways can enhance independence and accessibility for clients.

Client A declined to participate, but the experience taught me the value of offering involvement—it helps build trust and demonstrates respect, regardless of the outcome. This reinforced my understanding of client-centred care and the importance of communication and empowerment in my work.

Future Goals:

• Improve my ability to identify and act on tasks that promote safety and accessibility in client environments.

• Build on client engagement strategies to foster greater trust and inclusivity.

  
  

This experience has shown me that even seemingly small tasks are opportunities for learning and growth. Moving forward, I aim to apply these insights to deliver meaningful contributions in my role.

Today, I managed a challenging situation with a client during a smoke break near the MilkBar on Crevelli St. The incident began with a miscommunication about the music the client wanted to hear, which triggered aggressive behaviour, including verbal intimidation and threats.

To manage the situation, I removed myself from the immediate environment and redirected the client to leave the MilkBar and return to the Lodge. This approach helped de-escalate the situation, giving the client time to calm down and return to baseline behaviour, where they were able to communicate more reasonably.

Key Learning and Skills Developed:

• Learned the importance of staying calm and composed in high-pressure situations.

• Applied effective de-escalation strategies by redirecting the client and providing space to cool off.

• Gained a better understanding of how miscommunication can escalate behaviour and the need for clearer communication.

Goals for the Future:

• Improve communication skills to minimise misunderstandings.

• Continue building confidence in handling challenging behaviours.

• Collaborate with colleagues to strengthen strategies for de-escalating similar situations.

Morning Support:
I conducted head-checks and ensured clients had breakfast. One client independently prepared their breakfast and was watching television when I arrived. They expressed interest in Indigenous documentaries, so I assisted in setting up free channels on their Chromecast, including 7+, Nine Now, 10+, SBS On Demand, and ABC iView. This interaction highlighted the importance of personalising support to align with client preferences, which seemed to enhance their sense of autonomy and engagement.

Midday Support:
During lunch, I conducted headchecks and observed one client showing their new channels and programs to a housemate, fostering a sense of connection between them. I also ensured essential supplies, like paper towels, were stocked and continued encouraging hydration in the warm weather.

PM Support:
At the start of the shift, I greeted the client, who responded positively. Staff encouraged the client to shower, which they initially declined but later agreed to after gentle persistence and reassurance. Assistance was also provided to ensure the client was dressed in weather-appropriate clothing.

Throughout the afternoon, I accompanied the client outside for several smoking breaks. While the client declined lunch initially, I later prepared and provided a ham, cheese, and peanut butter sandwich, which is their usual preference. Medication was administered as scheduled for both lunch and dinner.

I also folded and organised the client’s dried laundry in their room and performed regular welfare checks to ensure their safety and well-being.

Evening Support:
During the evening, I emptied the client’s urine bottle and prepared their bed for the night. Bedtime medication was administered as scheduled. While I encouraged the client to reduce smoking for health reasons, they maintained their usual routine.

Welfare checks were conducted regularly, and reminders were given about the importance of personal hygiene and maintaining daily routines to support their overall health.

Key Learning and Skills Developed:

• Encouragement Techniques: Practiced persistence in a respectful and supportive manner to encourage hygiene and daily care routines.

  
  

• Adaptability: Adapted to the client’s needs and preferences, ensuring they felt respected while their care needs were met.

  
  

• Health Advocacy: Reinforced positive health behaviours in a non-confrontational manner, fostering a supportive environment.

Goals for the Future:

• Develop strategies to support clients in adopting better personal hygiene practices.

• Continue promoting healthier lifestyle choices while respecting client autonomy.

• Strengthen rapport with clients to encourage collaboration and trust in care routines.

Today focused on supporting the client’s engagement with others, completing essential care tasks, and addressing emerging health concerns.

• The client spent time outside their unit, engaging with other residents, which supported their social well-being.

  
  

• Accompanied the client to Northland Shopping Centre for a bank withdrawal and coffee at BonBon's. Assisted with counting money to ensure they had enough for smokes and coffee, promoting autonomy and financial awareness.

  
  

• Supported the client in purchasing a carton of cigarettes, emphasising independence while ensuring proper assistance was provided.

  
  

• Conducted regular head checks throughout the day and noted flu-like symptoms, relaying this information during the handover to PM staff.

Skills Developed

• Strengthened interpersonal and financial support skills during the shopping outing.

  
  

• Enhanced observation and health monitoring techniques to manage emerging health concerns.

Future Goals

• Continue promoting meaningful social engagement opportunities.

  
  

• Improve infection control knowledge to handle flu-like symptoms effectively.

  
  

• Focus on concise and thorough communication during handovers to ensure seamless care transitions.

AM Support:
Supported the client with their morning ADLs, including showering, applying ointments, and assisting with breakfast medication. Provided their daily newspaper, coffee, and cigarettes. Assisted with mobility using the Sara Steady to transfer the client to the toilet, ensuring safety throughout. Tidied and organised their room, noting the importance of their bedroom sensors in enhancing accessibility and safety.

Midday Support:
Encouraged the client to complete prescribed exercises with resistance bands and dumbbells. Administered their lunchtime medication and supported them with multiple smoking breaks. Addressed personal care by assisting with trimming long fingernails. Laundry tasks were completed, and clothes were neatly folded and put away.

Afternoon Support:
Assisted the client in reading their newspaper and highlighting puzzles. Supported with smoking breaks and ensured their comfort throughout the day. Administered dinner medication and prepared their coffee. The client remained in good spirits, with no behavioural concerns noted.

Key Learning and Skills Developed:

• Reinforced the role of assistive devices like bedroom sensors in ensuring safety and supporting independence.

• Enhanced skills in mobility support and personal care.

• Improved attention to detail in meeting client needs, contributing to their overall comfort and well-being.

  
  

Goals for the Future:

• Explore ways to maximise the use of assistive devices for improved client support.

• Maintain a proactive approach in identifying and addressing personal care needs.

• Support the client’s emotional well-being through engaging activities.

Today involved supporting the client across various aspects of daily living, with an emphasis on encouraging personal hygiene, medication administration, and addressing health concerns through a GP appointment.

• Greeted the client at the start of the PM shift and established a positive interaction.

• Encouraged the client to maintain personal hygiene, including showering and changing clothes, though these offers were declined.

• Accompanied the client for multiple smoking breaks and ensured they had opportunities for outdoor engagement.

• Checked the client’s laundry basket and completed necessary laundry tasks to maintain cleanliness.

  
  

• Emptied the client’s urine bottle and prepared their bed for the night to support their evening routine.

AM Support

• Addressed the client’s complaint of a migraine by coordinating with senior staff to arrange a GP appointment.

• Accompanied the client to the GP, facilitating the consultation and understanding the treatment adjustments. My pharmacology knowledge proved essential in interpreting the suggested increase in dosage and frequency of medication to better address the client’s migraines.

  
  

Skills Developed

• Enhanced skills in encouraging personal hygiene and promoting client autonomy while respecting their choices.

• Strengthened medication administration knowledge by applying pharmacological understanding to support care plans.

• Improved coordination skills through arranging and facilitating the client’s GP visit.

  
  

Future Goals

• Explore strategies to better support clients in adopting hygiene practices while respecting their autonomy.

• Continue expanding pharmacology knowledge to further support clients with complex care needs.

• Develop stronger advocacy skills during medical appointments to ensure client needs are fully addressed.

Today’s focus was on supporting the client with their daily activities, maintaining their personal care, and addressing health concerns, particularly managing swelling (oedema) during the hot summer weather.

• Afternoon Support:

  • Supported the client in reading their newspaper and completing puzzles, encouraging mental stimulation.

  • Took the client outside for multiple smoke breaks while monitoring hydration.

  • Tidied their room, folded and put away their clothes, and served their evening meal with coffee, arranging their cutlery.

  • Administered their dinner medication and kept them informed about the evening menu.

Skills Developed

• Improved ability to monitor and manage swelling (oedema), focusing on simple strategies like elevation and hydration e.g. regularly applying an ice pack to place of swelling, especially in hot weather.

  
  

• Balanced personal care tasks with medical needs, ensuring all aspects of the client’s health and well-being were addressed.

  
  

• Enhanced observation skills, identifying and responding to the impact of the summer heat on the client’s health.

Future Goals

• Continue learning about different diseases like oedema and preventing heat-related health issues to provide better support.

• Introduce more exercises to help improve circulation and reduce swelling.

• Stay proactive in identifying potential health risks and finding ways to maintain the client’s comfort and safety in extreme weather.

Today, I spent 3 hours with my client who has schizophrenia, focusing on supporting him during a gym session. We started by walking together to the Reservoir Gym, which provided a great opportunity to engage in light conversation and encourage physical activity. For most of the commute, we relied on public transport. However, the bus was delayed, so I made sure to book a taxi to ensure we stayed on schedule and reduced any potential stress for him.

At the gym, I signed his client sheet and monitored his patience throughout the session, especially during transitions between activities. He seemed engaged and cooperative, which was a positive sign. Despite minor challenges with the bus delay, the day went smoothly overall, and I felt satisfied knowing I could provide the necessary support to make his gym visit successful.

Goals for the Future

• Help clients become more independent.

• Handle unexpected situations like transport delays more smoothly.

• Communicate better with clients who have mental health conditions.

• Learn more about schizophrenia and other mental health issues.

  
  

Skills Developed

• Solved problems, like booking a taxi when the bus was delayed.

• Stayed patient and flexible when plans changed.

• Managed time to keep the session on track.

• Built trust and supported the client during the day.

• Filled out client records correctly.

• Showed care and encouraged the client throughout the session.

AM Support
The day began with a head check, confirming the client’s stable condition. Addressing his incontinence highlighted the importance of maintaining his dignity while providing care. Assisting the client with transfers using the Sara Steady reinforced the value of fostering his independence and ensuring safe mobility. Supporting his hygiene tasks and helping him select clothes emphasized how small actions enhance his autonomy and self-respect.

Household tasks, such as laundry, cleaning, and tidying, contributed significantly to the client’s comfort and well-being. Providing his coffee, medication, and breakfast created a sense of routine, and his talkative demeanor reflected his comfort with the support provided.

Midday Support
Assisting the client with lunch and administering medication required patience and attentiveness, reinforcing the importance of creating ease during meals. His positive and chatty mood highlighted the value of emotional support in fostering trust and engagement.

PM Support
The handover to PM staff ensured continuity of care, and I recognised the importance of clear communication in supporting teamwork and maintaining consistent client care.

This day reminded me of the balance between practical tasks and emotional support. Small actions like tidying or making coffee can significantly impact a client’s quality of life. Assisting the client with dignity and promoting his independence deepened my understanding of compassionate care.

Moving forward, I aim to enhance my knowledge of assistive devices like the Sara Steady and refine my communication skills during handovers to ensure the best outcomes for clients and colleagues alike.

PM Support
The client received support throughout the day with transfers, personal care, and recreational activities. Medications were administered successfully. Social interactions and recreational activities contributed to the client’s engagement and well-being. Two bowel actions were recorded during the day.

The day emphasised the importance of balancing personal care, health monitoring, and social interaction. Moving forward, I aim to promote the client’s independence, encourage more social participation, and refine time management to focus on engagement opportunities.

Future Goals and Skills
I aim to enhance the client’s independence, improve time management, and deepen health monitoring skills. Skills developed include teamwork, effective communication, adaptability, and maintaining client dignity during care.

The day began with a headcheck to discuss the client’s planned gym session. However, he shared that he had a physiotherapy session earlier where he lifted heavy weights tailored to his needs. In response, staff encouraged the client to take a long walk along the Darebin Creek Trail to ensure he remained active. During the walk, conversations about Christmas and New Year brought out fond memories of past celebrations, reflecting the importance of emotional connections in fostering the client’s well-being.

On the way to the trail, staff engaged the client in light exercises at the outdoor gym, such as using the elliptical and performing sit-ups. The activities were paced according to the client’s comfort, promoting physical engagement. Hydration breaks were incorporated to ensure his comfort and safety. The client also visited the milkbar to purchase an icy pole, taking a brief rest before returning to the lodge.

Staff observed atypical behaviors, including clenched fists and sudden elbow movements, which seemed triggered by flies and potential hallucinations. These behaviors highlighted the need for further exploration of underlying triggers. Staff attempted to redirect the client’s focus by engaging in conversation and using Croatian phrases to reset his thoughts. These efforts appeared to help the client regain composure and enjoy the remainder of the outing.

After returning to the lodge, the client was served reheated lunch and dessert, which he appreciated. To encourage further engagement, staff suggested playing pool before dinner after a period of rest.

Future Goals

• Explore strategies to better identify and manage triggers for atypical behaviors.

• Encourage more culturally relevant engagement to deepen rapport and provide comfort.

• Incorporate more structured physical activities that align with the client’s physiotherapy goals.

• Develop approaches to safely address hallucinations or heightened states during outings.

  
  

Skills Developed

• Adaptability: Tailored activities to meet the client’s physical and emotional needs.

• Observation: Improved ability to recognize and respond to atypical behaviors.

• Communication: Strengthened engagement through cultural phrases and active conversation.

• Problem-solving: Redirected the client’s focus during moments of distress, maintaining a calm and supportive environment.

• Encouragement: Supported the client in participating in new and familiar activities to build confidence and maintain routine.

Today’s focus was on providing comprehensive support for a client with a TBI from a stroke, assisting with their ADLs, household tasks, and recreational activities, including running a pool tournament. Supporting the client’s independence and ensuring their comfort were key priorities.

Morning Support:

• Assisted the client with their showering routine, ensuring all red areas were properly cleaned and skin cream was applied to soothe irritation.

• Supported the client with brushing their teeth and selecting suitable clothes for the day, respecting their preferences.

• Made breakfast (Vegemite on toast) and encouraged the client to eat while monitoring their non-verbal cues to ensure they were comfortable and content.

• Tidied up their room, fixed the bed, changed bins, and swept and mopped the floor to maintain a clean environment.

  
  

Midday Support:

• Organised and facilitated a pool tournament, encouraging the client’s participation and social engagement. The activity provided a great opportunity to work on hand-eye coordination and social interaction.

• Assisted the client in using non-verbal communication to indicate preferences and needs during the game, using gestures and visual prompts to enhance understanding.

• Ensured hydration and offered light snacks during the event to keep the client energised.

  
  

Afternoon and Evening Support:

• Continued with general housekeeping tasks, such as wiping down surfaces and checking the client’s room to maintain a safe and clean environment.

• Accompanied the client to engage in light physical activity to prevent stiffness, considering their mobility challenges.

• Provided dinner, ensuring the meal was easy to manage and aligned with their dietary needs.

• Checked their skin again before bed and reapplied creams to red areas

  
  

Skills Applied and Developed

• Strengthened my ability to interpret non-verbal communication, responding effectively to the client’s needs and preferences.

• Improved my ability to plan and facilitate recreational activities that encourage social engagement and physical activity for clients with limited mobility.

• Enhanced skills in managing sensitive skin conditions, ensuring proper care and monitoring.

  
  

Future Goals

• Explore new activities that align with the client’s abilities and interests to further encourage social interaction and engagement.

• Continue refining communication techniques to better support clients with non-verbal needs.

• Develop a routine that integrates ADLs, recreation, and health monitoring seamlessly, tailored to the client’s specific needs.

AM Support:
Staff greeted the client at 7:30 am and encouraged them to wake up. The client experienced incontinence and was cleaned. Two staff used a hoist to transfer them from bed to the shower chair, stripped and remade the wet bed, and assisted with toileting (no BA). After a shower, minimal effort was observed during dressing, and the client was transferred to bed for assistance. A 10-cent sized pressure sore was noted on their left bottom, and wound care was applied under guidance. BGL was checked, medication and puffer administered, and hydration encouraged. Staff cleaned the room, emptied the bin, did laundry, and conducted regular welfare checks. The client stayed indoors, watching movies.

Midday Support:
Lunch was served, and staff assisted with eating. Dishes, table, and floor were cleaned. Staff met the client’s requests and continued welfare checks.

PM Support:
A handover summarized the client’s care and condition.

Key skills included effective wound care management, teamwork, and communication with multidisciplinary staff. The focus remained on delivering individualised care while improving observation and time management.

AM Support
Assisted the client with waking up, transfers, and personal care, including showering, grooming, and dressing. Medications were administered, and breakfast was supported. A focus was placed on integrating light mobility exercises during daily activities, promoting physical engagement. Household tasks, including laundry and cleaning, were completed. Social conversations created a positive atmosphere.

Midday Support
Provided lunch and supported recreational activities like watching a footy match. Household tasks were completed, and the client engaged with residents, enhancing social interaction.

PM Support
The client was supported with personal care, recreational activities, and medications. Light physical exercises and social engagement contributed to his overall well-being. Two bowel actions were recorded, and headchecks confirmed a stable condition.

Goals

• Foster independence through individualised care plans and physical activity.

• Continue to balance emotional, physical, and social care in future roles.

• Reflect regularly to enhance professional growth.

Skills

• Coordinating tailored exercise programs.

• Strengthened communication and rapport-building.

• Observation and adaptability in client care.

• Efficient time management and teamwork.