Filling In

Very interesting work experience this week. One of the largest senior facility sites where I work undertook a full day training for all their staff. Normally staff training takes place in smaller groups settings due to staff coverage. This site alone has close to 50 staff and to try a full day training with skeleton staff covering and I might add, some of the staff (me included) have not worked or used some of the large kitchen equipment used in these kitchens.

Strange enough, I was really looking forward to seeing and doing first hand what some of the staff do and experience on a daily basis. We had to show up at the site for 8:00 a.m. for an orientation and training on the various equipment, depending on where we would be working. I chose to work in the kitchen so I had to have a clear understanding of the health and safety issues, proper food handling, equipment use, which sanitizing chemicals to use where and How to use the equipment. I was instructed that at 10:00 a.m. after the breakfast cleaning rush was over, I needed to drain the dishwasher and take it apart and give it a thorough cleaning. As instructed, at the appointed time, I started to take the dishwasher apart and one of my co-w0rkers was totally amazed that I appeared to know what I was doing. I must say there is an awful lot that one must know and practices and procedures that must be followed for each and every position.

It was an extremely hectic and very physically demanding day. I found out first hand that one needs to be extremely organized and constantly on the move when working in the area I was in. I wish I would have had a pedometer as I bet I walked many, many miles that day.

I must say that the staff are totally amazing and very caring people and I now have a new insight and appreciation for how hard they truly work.

The experimental training day turned out to be very successful and who knows, maybe I will have another opportunity to walk a mile in someone else's shoes.

Sifu Dennis

Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta

On the Move

I work for a non-profit organization that provides housing to seniors with a very fixed income. The facilities are well taken care of and the residents enjoy excellent meals, activities, outings and much more. One of our sites is undergoing some major elevator renovations and the residents are required to temporarily move while this is going on. Alternate accommodations have been provided and all moving arrangements are being taken care of for the residents with the least amount of disruption in mind.

There are a number of us who have volunteered to help the seniors in their transition from their home to their temporary home-away-from-home.

A lot of thought and effort has been put into ensuring the move for the residents is conducted with the least amount of disruption. The temporary site was decorate to welcome the residents upon their arrival. It kept us on our toes ensuring no one left anything they will be needing behind, setting up their new rooms and ensuring everything got delivered to the proper room. Each resident was provided with an orientation of the new site, shown how everything worked and where everything was located.

The main objective is to ensure the residents settle in comfortably. Most viewed the move as a "vacation" and made the transition quite well. A few had a bit of difficulty with change and extra care was required to ensure they settled in.

Once the renovations are complete, the residents will be moved back in. A couple of other sites will be undergoing the same type of renovations so the residents at those locations will need to be temporarily relocated in the same manner.

Progressing Wisely

I thought last Friday's class was really super. I have been having a lot of issues with my hip, especially over the last while, so have been cautious and pacing my kicks. Well, on Friday I was feeling pretty good (or so I thought) so I ignored the subtle signs my body was giving me and gave it my best shot with the various kicks we were doing. I paid for my enthusiasm all weekend and throughout this week. I have been going to bed as soon as I get home from work and that just not like me. It's very difficult to hang back when surrounded by such an energetic group who "can fly through the air with the greatest of ease" so to speak.