What is Relationship Wellness?

We are in all types of relationships, although the first thing that may come to our mind is a romantic relationship.

However, there are relationships we have with all kinds of people:

We have all kinds of relationships with various people in our lives
We have all kinds of relationships with various people in our lives
  • Our spouse
  • Our parents
  • Our siblings
  • Our children
  • Our co-workers
  • Our neighbors
  • Our friends
  • The people at church
  • The people at a club we are part of
  • Friends that share an interest
  • And so forth…

We all want to have a healthy relationship, regardless of what type of relationship that might be.  None of us wants to be around people that drain us or bring the worse out of us.

Some aspects of relationship wellness include:

Relationships are about building a trust and a bond
Relationships are about building a trust and a bond
  • Treating one another with respect
  • Trusting one another
  • Resolving conflicts satisfactorily
  • Supporting one another
  • Clear and open communication
  • Encouraging one another
  • Making healthy decisions
  • Understanding when to say no or back away

 

Is there a relationship in which you struggle with any of these relationship aspects?

Positive Peer Re-Enforcement

I have a resident that is so soft spoken it is almost impossible to understand what she is saying.

Positive reinforcement can yield positive results
Positive reinforcement can yield positive results

In the past when she spoke it was completely undistinguishable.  Even speech therapy had stopped working with her.

However, her roommate is very patient with her.  She coaxes and encourages her to speak in a manner that is kind and caring.

Lately, I’ve noticed that this sweet lady is speaking more distinctly and louder.

It’s amazing what a little encouragement and love can accomplish.

What positive re-enforcements have you seen from peer interaction?

What is Social Wellness?

Being a natural introvert, means it’s more difficult to push myself out of my comfort zone to meet new people or hang out with friends.  For extroverts, it’s much easier to get out and mingle with friends.

Social wellness is the ability we have to interact with the people around us.

How do you get along with others when not online?
How do you get along with others when not online?

This includes:

  • Understanding if we are an introvert or extrovert
  • Communication skills
  • Building meaningful relationships
  • Creating a support system
  • Learning to read people
  • Watching out for people that drain us
  • Blooming where we are planted
  • Stepping out of our comfort zone
  • Respecting yourself and others

 

Where do you shine or struggle with social wellness?

Breaking the Ice with Dementia

I have several patients that most staff and visitors are scared to approach.  This is mainly due to their disability or behavior.

However, I’ve determined to get to know these residents and spend time with them.

So what have I learned? What are some ways to break the ice with dementia patients?

It may take a while to break the ice but it is definitely worth it
It may take a while to break the ice but it is definitely worth it
  • This takes time
  • Slowly, but surely we both warm to one another
  • Touch shows I care
  • Music is a great way to break the ice
  • Even short visits show I care
  • I need to genuinely care
  • Speak with the family to learn about this person and their life
  • Find one thing we can bond over {each person is different but there is something}
  • This takes time
  • I can’t rush the process
  • Don’t give up

How have you broken the ice?

What is Creative Wellness?

We are all creative in some way, although some people are more Intune to their creative side.

Creative wellness is understanding what and how to use our creative side.

Do you embrace your creativity?
Do you embrace your creativity?

This includes:

  • How to be creative
  • Utilizing our creative side
  • Discovering how to learn to be creative
  • Daydreaming, Brainstorming and visualizing
  • Making the most of our creativity
  • Turning our creativity into a hobby
  • Turning our creative hobby into a sideline business
  • To not censor ourselves
  • Do not be too critical
  • To reach for our dreams
  • To collaborate with others

 

What is your greatest struggle with creative wellness?

Power of Touch

I have several residents that are difficult to reach and many people don’t even try to get to know them.  I feel as if they are the ones missing out.

Touch can make a big difference in Alzheimer's
Touch can make a big difference in Alzheimer’s

One way to reach out to a bed bound, hard of hearing or comatose patient is through the power of touch.

  • Just a hand on their arm
  • a squeeze of the hand
  • a hand massage
  • a stroke of their upper arm
  • a pat of their foot

These are all ways the power of touch can work.  It doesn’t have to be for long, but even a minute of this can show you still care and connect you.

What way has the power of touch worked for you?

What is Financial Wellness?

We all must deal with finances, whether they are in good shape or need to get in shape.

Personally, I struggle with paying off my student loan.  This is an issue many adults deal with.

How is your finances?
How is your finances?

Financial wellness is the state of our finances.  This includes:

  • Working towards becoming debt free
  • Paying our bills
  • Learning where to cut costs
  • Preparing and planning for the future
  • Building a nest egg

Where do you struggle with financial wellness?

Alzheimer’s Perception of Situation

We have a resident that is well over 100 years of age.  Although she has dementia, she also has lucid moments.  Recently, I stopped in to visit with her and had a conversation we’d never had before.

Dementia patients often see much more than we think
Dementia patients often see much more than we think

Me: “How are you?”

Her: “I’m sad.”

Me: “Why are you sad?”

Her: “Someone was talking about me.”

Me: “What did they say?”

Her: “I don’t know but I didn’t like it.”

This was a reminder that even when we think an individual with dementia or Alzheimer’s does not know what we are saying, there are times when they do understand.

Even if they do not understand the words they may understand in a number of other ways.

This can include:

Dementia Patients know how you make them feel
Dementia Patients know how you make them feel
  • Tone of voice
  • Touch
  • Look on our face
  • Attitude toward that individual
  • Perception

What ways have you noticed an Alzheimer’s individual is perceptive to their situation?

What is Spiritual Wellness?

My relationship with God is important to me.  However, it’s not always been that way.  I had to go through some very difficult times and discover I had no where else to turn before I rededicated my life to Christ.

How is your relationship with God?
How is your relationship with God?

However, there are still times when life gets in the way and I become so busy that I realize I am neglecting our time together.

Spiritual wellness is “a matter of values and beliefs that provide a purpose in our lives.”  For me, this means a relationship with Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.

For me this means:

  • Discovering how to be quiet and listen
  • Studying Scripture
  • Resting in God and not worrying
  • Praying, Meditating and worshipping
  • Living a life that honors God
  • Showing Forgiveness
  • Being willing to share Christ with others
  • Growing my faith and relationship with Christ

What does spiritual wellness mean to you?