The Fontajau residence is one of the reception centers that the Fundació Ramon Noguera has in the city of Girona. It provides different intensities of support according to the individual needs of each person in order to offer them an environment as similar as possible to a family home, always promoting independent living. Susagna tells us about her experience working there.
1. How were your beginnings at the Fundació?
I started working at the Fundació Ramon Noguera in 2008, at that time in the Sarrià residence, and I must say that the adaptation was really easy.
Despite my lack of experience with this group, I immediately felt that I fit in well with them. A year after Fontajau opened, I moved there and I'm still there!
2. What does a direct care worker do on a daily basis?
My day-to-day consists of helping people with daily tasks at home; such as setting the table, eating breakfast, folding and straightening the pajamas or when showering, among others. Always encouraging their autonomy to the maximum.
Once these tasks are completed, we dedicate ourselves to the activities agreed on in the itineraries: outings in a van, sports in the pavilion, visits to the library, horse riding, therapy with dogs, etc. When there are celebrations, we modify the itineraries to celebrate the events, such as Sant Jordi. Then we go back to the center for lunch, pick up and clean up, like in any home. Some make coffee, others take a nap or watch the news. In the afternoon we continue with various activities.
3. How are the activities and programs within the residence adapted to meet the needs of the residents?
Person Centered Planning (PCP) was implemented some time ago. This means that based on their life plans, we adapt the activities to their tastes and desires. For example, we have a user who comes from TOM and has a special friend there; they call each other weekly and stay to have something. A group goes to the library every Monday and some take magazines to make recipes at the center.
4. What do you like most about your job?
Direct contact with users, always being available to them. I like to be approachable, creating an authentic and natural bond that is not found in every job.
5. Can you tell us a funny story in Fontajau?
I remember a Carnival weekend during the neighborhood street. We all dressed up the same to go out for a walk. Then a girl from the organization asked us how many there were (13) and told us we were a troupe, so we were brought up on stage and given a diploma! From and until the pandemic, we participated every year.
6. And any fact of which you are particularly proud?
The life we have created in the neighborhood. When we got there we saw many options for doing activities with the users: the civic center, Sant Joan, Christmas parties, etc. Together with the team that was there then, we started participating in many activities and now, when we can't attend an event, the neighbors bring us chocolate. These things make us feel integrated and valued.
