On Monday afternoon, the Red Heart Group made a SALT visit to Cheshire Home.
This AER was done with the staff fo the home and we essentially focussed on what went well and why and the lessons learned during the visit.
a) The family spirit of the group was clear and visitors were delighted to feel such spirit between residents and the staff ;
b) There was a clear feeling of love and no difference between all people in the Home ; there is no barrier between staff and residents ;
c) The sharing of experience went beyong the division that could araise from the origin of the visitors (different countries) ;
d) The questions related to human aspects and values came at the end of the visit after everybody had a chance to dance with others ;
e) Dancing appeared to free the atmosphere. It can be seen as another way to communicate ;
f) Once visitors went through that « part of the exercise » (dance) it was clear that they could stay longer ;
g) We could discover the human part of the residents : if they don’t talk, then they are handicapped. If they talk and can express themselves, then they are no more handicapped and they attracct respect.
h) There is an important trust relation between residents and staff ;
i) Had the feeling that everybody can do the job of someone else : no hierarchy.