A day in Tenlands...

On Dignity Action Day 2011, in Southern Cross Care Centre Tenlands in Ferryhill, Durham, the fun began with 'A Day In The Life......'

Senior Care Assistant Irene Wilson & Care Apprentice Natalie Bell spent the day as residents within the Care Centre, experiencing a day in the life of the residents they usually care for.

This included being washed, dressed & fed, being confined to wheelchairs & being hoisted in and out of chairs.

The aim of this day was to demonstrate to the staff how it felt to be on the receiving end of care and was a humbling experience to all staff involved.

Despite the serious theme of the day, there was a great deal of laughter within Tenlands. Irene was such a good actress, demanding to be taken for a cigarette at the busiest times & being very vocal in her needs! The 'real residents' found Irene extremely amusing & have asked her to revisit every week to keep them giggling!!

Natalie (only 17 years old) stated that she had no idea how frustrating it was to have to wait to be taken everywhere & being totally reliant on other people and the experience has made her even keener to fulfill her dream of being a nurse. She feels the day has helped her understand the importance of respect & dignity in every area of care.

Between them, Natalie & Irene wrote a poem which sums up how it felt to be a resident in Tenlands Care Centre on Dignity Action Day.