Promoting wellbeing
Wellbeing is the term used to describe feeling comfortable in one’s life including their sense of hope, confidence and self-esteem, their ability to communicate their wants and needs, to make contact with others, to show warmth and affection, and to experience and show pleasure or enjoyment.
All these aspects of wellbeing make up who we are and the view we have of ourselves, or our identity.
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Wellbeing can relate to many aspects of life, such as the:
Spiritual - finding meaning and purpose in life (this could be through religious faith, but may be equally as important to a non-religious person)
Emotional - how we feel about ourselves
Cultural - in both senses: our sense of identity and our engagement with arts, sciences, crafts, hobbies
Religious or philosophical - our faith or other beliefs
Social - our relationships (including any romantic ones)
Political - peace and stability in our homeland, justice campaigns or simply political opinions
Sexual - our intimacies
Physical - leading an active life
Mental - realising our potential and ability to contribute to society
In order to promote the individual’s wellbeing they need to be happy with as many aspects of their life as possible.
How can you help promote an individual's wellbeing?
Think about the answer and when you are ready click the pencil.
Promoting wellbeing
If the individual thinks that something would help them to feel better; be positive, understanding, empathic and non-judgemental. Listen to what they consider important in their lives and help them to make the changes they want, for example, to be able to join in particular activities or groups.
It is also important that you raise any concerns you might have about the emotional or spiritual needs of an individual. Your line manager, supervisor, a senior member of staff or the individual’s carer will know how to look into what can be done to meet these needs. Often this will be achieved by working together with those important to the individual and other services.
If the individual cannot communicate their emotional or spiritual needs their family or friends might be able to advise on how to help, or be able to provide help themselves. However, you must not assume that an individual has the same spiritual or ethical outlook as their family or friends or necessarily want to join in the same practices or activities.
Factors that may impact wellbeing
In order to promote wellbeing the individual should feel comfortable where they are.
What things in the area around an individual, or the environment they find themselves in, may cause discomfort or distress?
Think of the things below, can you identify what make cause distress, Click the picture to reveal the answer.
Lighting
Noise
Smells
Temperature
Clothing or bed linen
These are all factors that may impact on wellbeing:
If the individual finds the lights are too bright, dim them where possible
If it is too noisy you might close doors or windows or adjust the volume on the TV
If possible, adjust the room temperature so that they feel comfortable
Air rooms or clean away anything that might cause unpleasant smells
Ensure clothing and bed linen is clean and comfortable
The important thing to remember is that you ask the individual about anything they are not happy with and then do what you can to make the environment the best it can be for them.
If you are working at night it will be impossible to work in the dark or without any noise at all, but you need to be careful to minimise any discomfort or stress.
If you are worried that the individual’s environment is causing them distress and you cannot solve it straight away, talk to their carer (if they are living at home) or a manager to get advice on how to make changes. Family members might be another source of information as they will know the individual better and may have solutions that you haven’t thought of.
Actions that may impact wellbeing
As part of an individual’s care plan you may have to do things that are uncomfortable or even painful for them, for example when moving or assisting them.
You will need to carry out these activities with the greatest care and sensitivity.
What do you need to do before you carry out these activities?
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Before you begin a task or touch the individual in any way, you should ask them and tell them that what you are about to do might be uncomfortable or painful.
Don’t forget that consent is a vital part of care work and particularly important when you need to do things that are unpleasant. If, for example, you need to open curtains and let in bright light or make noise, it is respectful and polite to tell them so they are prepared.
Always explore options with your manager if you feel that there might be other ways of approaching something to reduce discomfort or distress. You may need to get further advice and support if necessary, for example by requesting a referral to the GP.
Handovers or team meetings, are good opportunities to make co-workers aware of the concerns you may have. Maybe together you can find ways of working that minimise distress and discomfort. You may also find that your worries are shared by others who can help identify a procedure that needs to be changed.
Reporting your concerns is good practice as it can improve the quality of care and support
Minimising pain or discomfort
Usually, if someone feels uncomfortable they will move about until they find a more comfortable position. Individuals with limited movement or mobility might not be able to do this.
You should make sure that you recognise if they need support to feel more at ease.
Apart from the individual telling you that they are in pain or discomfort, there are also non-verbal signs.
The way they look, their body language such as gestures or facial expressions could be a good sign.
Which of the following may indicate an individual is experiencing pain or discomfort?
Being withdrawn
Being tearful
Aggression
Pale complexion
Sweating
Gritting teeth and/or frowning
Doubling over
These are all signs that an individual in pain or discomfort
If you know or suspect that someone is in pain or discomfort, work with them to try and find a way of making them more comfortable. This may be by helping them to change their position or the position of any equipment they may be using.
Make sure that you do this with support from another worker if necessary and always with consent and in line with the individual’s care plan.
Talk through your actions with the individual so that they understand what you are doing and why you are doing it. This will reassure them and keep them involved.
If you are unsure about what to do, always check with your manager or supervisor.
What should you do if you know, or suspect an individual is experiencing pain or discomfort?
Think of your answer then click the pencil.
