Leading Dutch Care Home operator, Evean, has been using Do Something Different to change the culture of care, with spectacular results.
About a year ago, we published a blog about how Evean, one of the Netherlands leading care organisations, was planning to use a Do Something Different programme as the starting point in transforming its care culture.
The approach was based on research that suggests that a participatory client who thinks about their own care and plays an active role in decision-making is more likely to be cognitively engaged. In in some cases, likely to be more mobile or remain mobile, and feel more comfortable with their self.
Mike Dorst, the Consultant driving the project at Evean explains:
“We want our staff and volunteers to approach every resident as an individual with different needs and likes and dislikes, rather than with the idea that there’s a list of things that need to happen. We want them to ask “What can I do for you today?” instead of saying “It’s 7.30am, so I need to get you out of bed.”
Getting everyone onside
Working with our wonderful Dutch partner, medicinfo, the pilot programmes were rolled out to 117 staff and volunteers at an Evean residential care complex called Guisveld, home to 150 permanent elderly residents. Participants included doctors and medical staff, carers and volunteers. Most people ran the programme from their smartphones and Evean set up a Facebook Group so that everyone could share experiences from the start.
The 117 participants received ‘Do’s’, special micro behaviours, every two or three days. These Do’s encouraged staff to take small actions to give residents more control over their care, for example asking residents to organise an activity for themselves, or deciding what time they wanted to get up or would prefer to eat.
Making the resident the expert
Carers were encouraged to make the resident the expert, asking for their advice about their own care. Or seeking their opinion on a news topic.
Some residents took over tasks and responsibilities from carers, such as folding linen or taking notes at meetings. This increased their sense of self-worth, restored their feelings of usefulness and ensured they were engaged and motivated every day.
Step by the step, the programme encouraged a new approach from staff, which had a huge effect on residents and kick-started the desired culture change through action.
Amazing positivity from day one
Mike explains that the Facebook Group gave them an instant window on what was happening from the start:
“From day one, people were so enthusiastic. We saw hundreds of reactions as everyone from doctors to carers shared the positive things they had done. It created a sense of purpose and a sense of fun. It made the people who didn’t join at the beginning feel like they were missing out.”
So what did it achieve?
It was important for Evean to be able to quantify results. Using Do Something Different’s post programme survey, reported changes were widespread, for individuals and the organisation:
- +11% are more able to change
- +11% embracing change at work
- +10% more able to solve problems
- -9% problems with low self esteem
- +9% allowing resident to be involved in decision making
- +8% working in collaboration with others
- -6% experience feelings of stress
- -5% feelings of anxiety
More significant, but possibly harder to qualify, is the visible change with staff and residents at Guisveld. Mike says there is a spirit around the place. A new togetherness. A sense of joint purpose.
Marjolein Moesker – a Dementia Coach at Guisveld told us:
“The beauty of this new way of working is that you’re not only trying to improve the wellbeing of the residents, but also realising the potential of your colleagues.”
But the last word should perhaps go to Mr and Mrs Mooiman, residents at Guisveld. They told us:
“Things have changed quite a bit! There is a lot more laughing and talking now. There is also more focus on the individual.”
Mike Dorst confirms that the return on investment on this project was better than any other he has commissioned and Evean is now rolling out the programme to all 5,500 staff in the Netherlands.
