Growth Journal - Phillippa Nonoa

I’m writing this journal note to share how my journey has nourished me as a person but also allowed me to validate what I experience and offer residents daily.  I was introduced to this profession while volunteering, I observed and admired the work of a woman that has remained my mentor throughout the whole journey. I saw what I know to be, meaningful connection, empathy, holistic support and individual understanding around our resident need to retain independence and to be seen as individuals.

This desire to learn comes from being beside my mentor and her journey that continues to challenge her and keeps her on her toes. She identified my strengths and supported my need for growth while guiding me through this field.

I see the role of Diversional Therapy to be like a Peonie flower. It starts with a ball of petals that unfold in many layers, and some are a little imperfect and some are perfect, but they all support the whole bloom to become a beautiful flower with many layers and visually strong. Our days are like this flower, we offer opportunities and activities and some days these are a little imperfect, but we try, reflect and adapt until they are perfect, rewarded by support and achievement from those around us. No two blooms, or moments, are the same.

I studied and graduated to become a Diversional Therapist and continue to feed the desire to learn and support those I connect with each day. I have initiated a Newsletter in both the homes I have worked and am presently working in, to spread the word about our role. I attend the NZSDRT Conferences and have challenged myself lately to work in a hospital wing where the needs are so diverse and varied. I find daily gems from the residence as they grow to trust me. I enjoy attending Zooms and webinars and I am presently enjoying the Montessori for Seniors as my latest focus.  I follow lots of social media around Dementia and Elder care.  One person I enjoy listening to is Teppa Snow, as I enjoy her insight and approach to situations dealing with Dementia.

There are so many gems throughout my day, and I love to reflect with my mentor to help remain positive.  We brainstorm to work through the challenges and problem solve regularly. I find this cleansing as it enables me to focus and move forward with confidence as our job requires constant change and adapting. One gem I encounter each day is a resident that is very trapped in her body and almost nonverbal.  Each morning, I greet her and invite her into the lounge for the day. She has gradually started to smile and say good morning and will now move her hands to hold mine whenever we connect throughout the day.  

Another Gem was that of a resident who called out my name as I was up a ladder in front of her.  Her usual verbal interaction is unclear, but she had obviously connected my name with me and in the moment was able to say it aloud.  Needless I nearly lost my footing in surprise Being a Diversional Therapist is much more than playing games and being up front in a room. It is about knowing a person on a deeper level, finding what makes them who they are and to foster this, so they feel valued and included in their environment and community.  I find being a Diversional Therapist has allowed me to blossom as a person it has nourished my confidence, it offers opportunities to keep me moving forward and to learn while being able to give residents purpose and fulfilment each day.