Life would be so simple if we used our voices to tell one another what we need or what we want. But somewhere along the way in this journey of life, we become inhibited. We lose confidence. We come to believe others may know better. The reasons for why we stop using our voice are varied and based upon each of our unique experiences.
At Wood Lane, maybe those individuals we serve and their families don't use their voices as often as needed or to the extent necessary to get our attention. Maybe we're not paying close enough attention. Then again, maybe they aren't sure of the right words to use to communicate effectively. In the worst case, maybe we haven't even asked.
So here is the most important series of questions that Wood Lane can ask of the individuals we serve and their families. These questions are not much different that if you were planning a road trip and getting a map from one of the internet search engines or AAA or using your GPS.
Where are you now? Where do you want to be? How do you want to get there? How long do you think it will take? Do you have everything you will need to get there? Now that you are on your way, is there some place else you'd like to go? Is there a stop you'd like to make? How will you know when you are where you want to be? Are you making any progress? Now that you are where you wanted to be, are you happy? Where do you want to go now?
If we haven't asked questions like those above, who will tell us? If you are a staff person reading this, think about it and wonder to yourself whether or not you are asking the right questions and listening to the voices of those we serve. And if you are a person served or family member, are you using your voice? ~ Melanie
Well said, Mel.
ReplyDeleteAnd we don't need any of the high-tech stuff to help with thes maps/directions. All we need is a voice, a listening ear, and the supports in place to make it happen! Liz