3. Marco de referencia
3.5 Antecedentes investigativos
3.5.1 Múltiples roles
10.1 Introduction
Now that I knew the groups better, differences from my similarly aged community groups were becoming noticeable, and concerning. I had to explore this further. In the following section I summarise my observations.
10.2 Groups 1 and 2: Creativity and pressure of place
Group 2 has no male members. A balance may be preferable, although 70% of
residents in RACFs over 85 years are women (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011). Any groups divided only by age and incapacity having merit is questionable.
In Group 2 the significance of creative thought for a minority is positive. For the majority increasing numbers and regular attendance indicates satisfaction in a passive role. However, I believe two smaller groups would have allowed for an increase in active participation for most members.
In the case of both groups I must be aware of the destructive power of humiliation, both past and present. The facilitator must be sensitive to the pressure felt by residents when asked to be involved in an activity.
Does diversional therapist training recommend a controlling role that avoids challenge and assumes inadequacy? This is an issue in both groups, with conscientious,
enthusiastic and supportive diversional therapists. In exploring courses, which involved decision-making, it was stated that 36% of diversional therapists had no qualifications, and only 31% had passed the lowest on-line general Residential Care course CHC30212 (Open University Australian census, 2014). Creative activities would appear to lack priority with top decision makers. I was surprised at the level of
knowledge and appreciation for the Classics, which residents in both groups had, but particularly in Group 2. It is important not to under-estimate the intelligence and knowledge within a group.
There were many unwarranted comments about being ‘stupid’ in both Groups, indicating poor adjustment to institutionalisation and feeling powerless within the power structure.
I must investigate the difference in staffing and financial support between low care, high care and dementia sections in RACFs. Both homes had staff that seemed overworked, and were rushing from one activity to another. It was regrettable that Linda was unable to continue many of her excellent ideas that encouraged
socialisation, due to time pressures. (Note: in 2015, since completing these activities, there has been a change: both are funded equally now).
Strongly prejudiced views were often expressed in Group 2. Is this coincidence or a question of class? Their mode of speech indicated, as a generalisation, coming from a higher socio-economic level than Group 1. Is this ageism in reverse?
The structure of institutions with set places for social dining reduces opportunity for resident association. This applies to both groups.
10.3 The Book Launch: Group 1
At the book launch the writers sat in the front and had members of their families with them. Jane had arranged a good audience of residents and a selection of their poems was read out to the assembled guests. The new manager was present, with
representatives from the local press, radio and the University of Tasmania (UTAS). Kerry Finch MLC launched the book in his delightfully humorous way and everyone shared an excellent afternoon tea. Jane had organised a group of residents to cook and prepare the afternoon tea, which was such a good idea as it involved different aspects of residential life.
The book launch was recognition of residents’ creativity and it gave the group a voice in the RACF and beyond to the broader community. This was empowering.
10.4 Taking Control.
My aim has always been that a group takes control over the activity and this is happening. In Group 1 ideas for writing topics regularly come from the group and in addition they often bring in writing of interest, either their own or an article or an item they want to share. Two men, Patrick and Leon, are excellent additions to the group. Patrick used to own florist shops and shares his expertise with us. Leon is an artist whose knowledge of poetry enriches us all. The group has installed their regime of always selecting a topic to think about, ready for a discussion the following week. Patrick suggested we keep what he called a Commonplace Book, where we record any ideas, quotations and thoughts, which are expressed and are too precious to lose. This now has a number of topics ready for their development. Here it is so far; I know the list will grow much longer:
Our Commonplace Book
Poetry makes the ordinary extraordinary
Ideas may be clothed more fully with thought
Some thoughts are buried treasure; others drift away, wither and die
Greed is the ultimate cause of trouble.
We have a fear of exposing ourselves to ridicule
Know the illness in order to find the cure
Thought is like knitting wool to be unraveled
What a troubled world we are going into.
“A light and a lantern into eternity” Shelley.
“The more things change the more they stay the same”
“Words that weep and tears that speak” Abraham Cowley.
Ellen: My small daughter ran ahead, “Here I am but you can’t see me.”
What a wonderful reserve of thoughts for us to use in the future. Our efforts at writing have developed in complexity as we have grown in experience. We enjoy the
read. My briefcase always has a good selection of poems, but the sessions are so full of ideas that I usually only read one or two at the end. They have taken ownership of their creative writing group and I hope I can continue to meet up with my delightful friends for as long as they will put up with me. We look forward to our mutual association. Residents are forming friendships with people they previously hardly spoke to and they care about each other. Before we knew each other better, I was viewed as yet another figure of dominance. Members of the group appeared to have formed minimal relationships with each other and I felt I could not reach them. The changes in our relationships are solid and lasting.
10.5 The Book Launch: Group 2
The book was not ready to be launched until 26th March 2013. Some impressive writing occurred as the group members realised that the special day was arriving more quickly than they would have liked. An embarrassing incident occurred as we were deciding what should go on the front cover. Having approached everyone in the group searching for talent, I realised that we would not get anything more attractive than Ingrid’s exquisite flower arrangement that she had designed to accompany her poem
Rekindling one’sskills. The group agreed but Linda arrived at the next meeting with a stenciled butterfly picture with added words. I was determined that every piece of work associated with the book came from the residents, and I am afraid I hurt Linda’s feelings. I suspect she had put a lot of time and thought into producing the picture and I
compromised by putting it on the inside cover and Ingrid’s on the front cover, with both artists recognized in the acknowledgements. I was back to questioning why diversional therapists protect their clients and assume inadequacy on their part, when in fact their work may display a high level of talent.
So, the books went to the printer and were ready by the time we fixed a date and invited the Mayor, members of UTAS and friends. The Mayor was pleased to accept my invitation to speak at the launch. Dr. Rosemary Callingham (Associate Professor in the
School of Education, UTAS) has always been totally supportive of the residents’
achievements, and of the concept of published books to illustrate the members’ written output. The only representative from the staff of the RACF was Linda and despite frantic phone calls and emails on my part, no press or the ABC could be persuaded to give an interview or put in a few lines about the launch. (It seemed that one launch of a book written by the frail aged in one aged care home was more than enough in four months). However, Dr.Callingham gave a personalised speech, commending writers individually on their achievements and the four ladies grew in status as each listened to the comments and read part of their work to a small audience. I suppose it was a relatively successful day, but I was disappointed that there was not more support for this talented group from the Home or the media.
When the time came for me to leave the creative writing groups (due to having a heart operation in Melbourne) I was delighted to know that both groups would continue. The diversional therapist for Group 1 arranged for an enthusiastic volunteer to facilitate on the usual weekly basis. Linda, who had not missed a single meeting in over a year, agreed to facilitate Group 2 herself on a regular basis.