Carer Education
We are thrilled to announce our carer education sessions. These are facilitated in one-on-one sessions (between carer and counsellor), or groups of three - where both carer and the person they are for, are included in the session. Our therapists understand the difficulties that Carers have attending carer education - our solution is simple. Whilst the carer and counsellor meet privately, the person you care for will be engaged with our own LEGO specialists. They will enjoy all the sensory fun that LEGO can impart, whilst the carer is able to speak freely and without interruption. Our Carer Education Sessions run for 50 minutes.
Benefits of LEGO therapy in alleviating care burnout - Respite through play
Introduction: caring for individuals with disabilities can be immensely rewarding, but it often comes with significant challenges, leading to carer burnout. LEGO therapy is a creative and interactive intervention, which not only benefits individuals with disabilities but also offers respite and support to their caregivers. At One Brick At A Time, we have a unique understanding of the caring role from a personal perspective and a therapeutic perspective. The following points explore the therapeutic benefits of LEGO therapy in alleviating Carer's burnout.
A constructive way to unwind and manage stress.
Engaging in creative play activities has been linked to reduced stress levels and increased relaxation (Blom,2014). Caregivers can find solace in the simplicity of the LEGO building, allowing them a temporary escape from the demands of their caregiving role.
Enhanced communication with loved ones
Through LEGO therapy sessions, caregivers often engage in meaningful conversations with their loved ones. Building and problem-solving together can create opportunities for improved communication, deepening the bond between caregivers and individuals with disabilities. These positive interactions can significantly reduce feelings of isolation and frustration among caregivers.
(McCormick, 2017).interventions.
Community and peer support
Participating in LEGO therapy groups connects caregivers with others facing similar challenges. Sharing experiences and coping strategies in a supportive environment reduces feelings of isolation, and provides a sense of belonging.
Research indicates that social support is crucial in preventing caregiving burnout.
(Haley et al. 2019).
Increased patience and empathy
LEGO therapy encourages patience and understanding. As caregivers assist individuals in the building process, they develop empathy for the challenges faced by their loved ones. This heightened empathy fosters a more compassionate caregiving approach, reducing tension and conflict within the caregiving relationship (Gupat & Singhal, 2018).
Encouragement of self-care
LEGO therapy indirectly promotes self-care among caregivers. By dictating time to engage in enjoyable and creative activities, caregivers learn the importance of self-nurturing. This newfound focus on self-care enhances their overall well-being and resilience, making them better equipped to handle the demands of caregiving
(Kang & Kim, 2018).
Caring for the Carer
LEGO therapy serves as more than just a creative outlet; it becomes a lifeline for caregivers, offering them moments of respite, understanding, and connection. By addressing caregiver burnout through interactive play, LEGO therapy contributes significantly to the overall well-being of both caregivers and their loved ones with disabilities. At One Brick At A Time Counselling, we have an understanding that caregivers may find therapy exhausting. We have developed LEGO educational sessions that enhance the impressive and existing toolkit that carers have.
Within a nurturing and supportive environment, we hope to give the caregiver a moment to absorb the new skills in the Carer LEGO Educational system, that will enhance not only their life, but also that of the people they care for.
References:
1. Blom, r. (2014). Power of play: a research summary on play and learning. LEGO foundation.
2. McCormick, S.A., (2017). The benefits of play for adults. American Journal of Play, 9(1), 92-108.
3. Gupta, H.,& Singhal, N.(2018). Empathy training: a pilot study of a LEGO-based intervention. International Journal of Play Therapy, 27(2), 82-93.4. Haley, W.E., Roth, D.l, Howard, G., & Stafford, M.M. (2019). Caregiving strain and
estimated risk for stroke and coronary heart disease among spouse caregivers: differential effects by race and sex, stroke 50(8), 2045-2050.
5. Kang, S., & Kim, J.(2018). Effects of LEGO Mindstorm Robotics programme on self-efficiency and problem-solving skills of low-income Korean children. Social behaviour and personality 46 (6), 1001-1012.