Omar Abdelmonem, who works in home care in Tampere, moved to Finland from Egypt twelve years ago in his early twenties. Initially trained as a veterinarian in Libya, he left due to war and came to Finland seeking employment.
Starting as a dishwasher and assistant in a restaurant kitchen, Omar was determined to learn Finnish and pursue further studies.
After passing the Finnish language proficiency test (YKI), he attempted to study mathematics, physics, and chemistry at Kaleva High School in Tampere. However, the language barrier made these subjects challenging.
After three years in Finland, Omar began studies to become a practical nurse, graduating in 2017. Since then, he has worked in elderly care units, service homes, and now in home care. His Finnish language skills have improved significantly. He advises other immigrants to converse with the elderly:
- They have time, they need companionship, and typically don't speak English.
In recent years, Omar became acquainted with the RAI (Resident Assessment Instrument) system. Initially, he faced challenges, especially when colleagues mocked his language errors in documentation. This experience made him question his language proficiency.
Completing RAI assessments was time-consuming, as he meticulously reviewed his entries multiple times. He identified three main challenges: understanding everything correctly, documenting accurately, and doing so efficiently. Omar emphasizes the importance of precise documentation, as it concerns another person's life and well-being, ensuring they receive the necessary care and support. He values feedback from colleagues to improve and notes that rushing can lead to mistakes.
Initially, Omar didn't fully grasp the purpose of RAI assessments and felt frustrated completing them merely to comply with regulations. He believes it's crucial to understand the questions thoroughly and the intent behind the information gathered.
- Often, tight schedules allocate insufficient time for RAI assessments amidst other duties.
Omar ensures that clients participate in their assessments when possible, discussing specific sections with them or their relatives to gain a comprehensive understanding.
Over time, his confidence in conducting RAI assessments has grown, and he encourages other immigrant caregivers to seek his advice if needed. He appreciates RAI's comprehensive approach to understanding the whole person but finds some questions ambiguous, with response options that may not fully capture a client's abilities.
Omar envisions a dedicated RAI room in workplaces, equipped with several computers, providing a quiet space for assessments.
- In our current office, with 74 caregivers interacting daily, finding such peace is challenging. I believe that important work deserves an environment free from distractions.
Having navigated the demanding journey of learning Finnish, acquiring a profession, and finding his place in Finnish society, Omar now aims to assist other immigrants.
When asked why he wants to become a RAI trainer, he replied, "So that no one else has to suffer as I did."
He is willing to share his experiences widely, stating that his workplace is enriched by its diverse staff. Omar notes that while healthcare offers immigrants both significant challenges and opportunities, Finland needs immigrants, and they too will age.
Omar highlights the future need for caregivers who speak various languages, as individuals may revert to their native tongues due to conditions like dementia. He also points out that some aging immigrants may not be accustomed to digital devices, presenting additional challenges as technology becomes more integrated into home care.
Omar has considered creating an Arabic-language RAI guide to support understanding and improve assessment quality for Arabic-speaking caregivers. He is driven to help all immigrants and remains determined in his efforts, acknowledging that while he hasn't completely mastered Finnish, he's very close.