RMBInews Issue 8
Winter 2013
Prince Michael of Kent Court
From strength to strength
My Generation
Older People’s Day and digital engagement
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Contents
Welcome
2-3
Prince Michael of Kent Court
4-5
My Generation: Older People’s Day and digital engagement
6-7
Fundraising news
8
Christmas recipes
9
Activities around the Homes
10 -11
RMBI volunteer receives medal of honour Congratulations go to RMBI volunteer Frank Lee, who has been honoured with a prestigious medal for his dedicated service with the Association of Friends of James Terry Court, RMBI’s care home in Croydon. Chairman of the Association of Friends of James Terry Court since 2008, Frank has been a committee member for over 20 years. Frank was presented with the Badge of the Order of Mercy by Lord Lingfield at Mansion House in London on 8 July at a ceremony attended by his wife, children and grandchildren. The league of Mercy was founded in 1899 by Royal Charter of Queen Victoria. The object of the League was to establish a large body of voluntary workers who would assist with caring for the elderly and vulnerable. The League today has its central aims in encouragement and recognition of distinguished voluntary work within areas of care, which include the sick, injured or disabled; young people at risk; the homeless; the elderly; the dying and those who are mentally impaired. Enormous thanks and warmest wishes to Frank from all at the RMBI.
Welcome to RMBI news magazine In this winter issue of RMBI News, we focus on RMBI’s care home in Watford, Prince Michael of Kent Court. With recent redevelopment works now completed and an exciting new project on the horizon, the Home is a prime example of the RMBI’s ongoing commitment to developing its homes and services, from investment in our properties and in staff training to leading innovation and excellence in dementia care. Our second feature article for this issue raises the important issue of enabling older people to access and enjoy digital technology. Often left out of the wider debate on this topic, the RMBI celebrated Older People’s Day on 1 October by supporting residents in using computers and the internet to contact family and friends, join up with young people within their local communities, explore personal interests and learn new skills. For a unique christmas gift idea see p.9, as the RMBI launches a special Christmas edition of its Recipes and Reminiscences cook book. Containing a limited edition recipe card with two new Christmas recipes, the recipe book is now available to order online at the special price of £10.00 plus £2.50 P&P. For the latest news from RMBI visit www.rmbi.org.uk. Contributions for RMBI publications and website are warmly received at marketing@rmbi.org.uk . Enjoy the issue.
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Welcome
Great British Care Awards David Innes, Chief Executive
Warmest wishes to all readers for the festive season and welcome to our final issue of RMBI News for 2013. This year has seen tremendous developments for the charity in a number of areas. As the article on Prince Michael of Kent Court suggests, a key area of progress over the last 12 months is the improvement work at a number of RMBI Homes. In addition to the projects highlighted at this Home, development work at Cornwallis Court in Suffolk and The Tithebarn in Liverpool is now complete. The rebuilding of James Terry Court in Croydon is also finally complete and looking ahead to 2014, Barford Court in Hove will also be developing a unique dementia-friendly multi sensory environment within the Home. This year has also seen some important industry recognition and awards across the RMBI. Local achievements such as second place in Llandudno in Bloom (Queen Elizabeth Court, Llandudno) and Whiteoaks Catering Contract of the Year (Scarbrough Court, Northumberland) demonstrate and rightly reward the vital work of individuals and teams who deliver excellence every day at all levels. The RMBI is proud to be a finalist in
the Great British Care Awards 2013, while volunteers such as Frank Lee (see left) have also received special honours. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce three new RMBI Trustees; John Boyington, Ian Newby and David Southern. With many years experience between them, the RMBI is very grateful to them for agreeing to take on this important role. Additionally, The RMBI’s annual Satisfaction Surveys for residents and relatives have now been completed and the results are currently being analysed by Ipsos Mori. We are delighted with the level of response and extend our sincere thanks to all who participated - your input is invaluable in shaping and improving our services. As always, I would like to thank our many masonic supporters including all the Associations of Friends, as well as all RMBI staff. A very happy Chrsitmas and New Year to you and to all RMBI residents and their and families.
The RMBI was delighted to be represented for the first time at the Great British Care Awards, with two nominations for 2013. The RMBI extends congratulations to Hazel Le Camp at Scarbrough Court, Northumberland, who has been shortlisted for an individual Ancillary Care Worker award in the North East region - we wish Hazel all the very best of luck with the next stage. In addition, The RMBI is proud to have been named as a London finalist for the Care Employer of the Year award. Winners were announced at the annual ceremony in London on 2 November, attended by RMBI staff representing a cross section of departments. The Great British Care Awards are a celebration of excellence across the care sector and are designed to pay tribute to those who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field of work.
Left to right: RMBI staff members Lynn Gray, Jacqui Hayden, Denise Knight, Carla Dean, Jo Cameron, Di Collins, Denise Woods and Jean Leahy enjoy the evening at the Great British Care Awards 2013.
RMBI news 3
Prince Michael of Kent Court
From Strength to Strength: Prince Michael of Kent Court
Prince Michael of Kent Court in Watford is one of the RMBI’s newest care homes, offering residential and dementia care to 55 residents. This article looks at the developments which have taken place at the Home in 2013 and highlights an exciting project for next year, made possible by a recently awarded grant from the Department of Health. Prince Michael of Kent Court,Watford, was purpose built in 1994 and later extended. Set in its own private grounds, the Home is situated just outside London, in a pleasant
residential area of Watford. Prince Michael of Kent Court is an attractive, contemporary Home, benefiting from specially designed features such as a fully accessible conservatory and an enclosed dementia garden.
The new hair salon and pamper studio
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Reception gets a facelift Following almost 20 years of use, the Home was identified in 2012 for some updating work within the RMBI’s capital programme. The first items on the agenda included repairs to the roof and a facelift for the main reception
area. The space was opened up to make it lighter, brighter and more welcoming; transforming it into a pleasant social and relaxation area for residents and creating a striking first impression for visitors. Luxury studio treatment for all The hairdressing salon has also been relocated and refurbished, courtesy of a generous donation from The Grand Stewards Lodge. The Lodge’s £10,000 gift has created a modern, stylish well equipped grooming and pamper studio for male and female residents to enjoy.
Prince Michael of Kent Court
Home entertainment The Association of Friends of Prince Michael of Kent Court, formed of local volunteers, has kindly funded a new sound system which has been installed in the main lounge, along with a new hearing aid loop amplifier and aerial for improved sound quality. In addition, a new 60-inch plasma television now gives all residents excellent vision wherever they sit, especially on Film Night. A Blu-Ray DVD player has also been provided, along with microphones for entertainers, sing-a-longs and activities such as bingo and quizzes. Hertfordshire Provincial Benevolent Fund donated £4,000 and Watford Lodge donated £10,000, some of which went towards the system. Grants for dementia care projects In addition to these improvements at the Home over the last year, Prince Michael of Kent Court has recently been awarded funding to create a unique Dementia Café as part of the pioneering dementia care pilot projects announced by Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt. Following his comments that dementia has replaced cancer as the
biggest challenge facing the NHS and that the needs of people with dementia should be put first in the designing of care environments, the Department of Health has awarded 116 grants to applicants including hospitals and care homes, of which Prince Michael of Kent Court is included for a share of the £50 million fund. Funding has been awarded to projects that demonstrate how practical changes to the environment within which people with dementia are treated will make a tangible improvement to their condition and quality of life. Dementia Cafe The Dementia Café at Prince Michael of Kent Court will utilise an existing area within the Dementia Support Unit to create the first café of its kind for the RMBI. The project will form part of the extensive refurbishment that the Dementia Support Unit has undergone during the last 12 months, in order to improve and enhance the quality of life for residents and their loved ones.
The café is to provide residents who have a dementia, their family and friends with an alternative area which will stimulate conversation and help to develop relationships. In addition, the space will also provide relatives with an opportunity to meet and support each other in an emotionally safe and welcoming environment. Debra Keeling, Deputy Director of Care at RMBI said: “To have been included in this pioneering dementia care pilot project is a huge achievement for the RMBI and we are thrilled to have been given the opportunity to create the first Dementia Café at Prince Michael of Kent Court. “The project will have such a positive effect for the residents and staff who live and work in the dedicated Dementia Support Unit. The café will play a vital part in creating a relaxed and homely environment, which in turn will result in our residents being more able to participate in daily life, therefore increasing their emotional and physical wellbeing.” The project will involve the local community to raise awareness of dementia amongst a wider audience and is anticipated to reach completion in March 2014.
The new and improved reception area at Prince Michael of Kent Court
RMBI news 5
My generation: Older Poeple’s Day and digital engagement
My Generation: Older People’s Day and digital engagement
On 1 October, RMBI care homes celebrated UK Older People’s Day with a host of technology themed and intergenerational activities. From playing Nintendo Wii games to Skyping around the world, RMBI residents embraced computers and the internet to communicate, find information, get creative and have fun with the younger generation. UK Older People’s Day UK Older People’s Day, deliberately coinciding with the UN’s International Day of Older Persons, is an awarenessraising campaign celebrating the contribution older people make to our society and the economy. RMBI care homes marked the day by embracing modern technology with activities including Interactive computer games. Residents of Prince George Duke of Kent Court in Kent had fun taking part in a CD-Rom version of TV game show ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire?’ screened on a giant plasma screen. 6 www.rmbi.org.uk
Nintendo Wii games Other Homes made use of Nintendo Wii consoles. Residents at Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court, Mid Glamorgan, took part in a Nintendo Wii tournament, with the firm favourite being Wii bowling. Shannon Court in Surrey also hosted a Wii tournament, concluding in a trophy presentation for the winning team. At Ecclesholme in Manchester residents tried out Wii Fit Age, offering gentle exercise, sensory stimulation and practice at hand-eye coordination. Asked what they thought of their Wii
experiences, residents “thoroughly enjoyed it and want to play again”. Nintendo Wii games sessions look set to become regular events in the activity programmes at these Homes. Intergenerational activities Some Homes took the opportunity to engage young people in their activities, inviting local students into the Homes to encourage sharing and learning across all ages. Cadogan Court, Exeter, enjoyed a full day of activities involving local schoolchildren, residents and staff. The day brought
My generation: Older People’s Day and digital engagement
young and old together to look at how technology has changed over the years, from a 1930’s gramophone to a sophisticated computer designed for people living with a dementia. Prince Michael of Kent Court welcomed four IT students from West Herts College who spent the day sharing their knowledge of digital technology with residents. After a presentation about the World Wide Web, residents were able to try touchscreen tablets and smart phones for themselves. With residents keen to make use of Prince Michael of Kent Court’s own iPad, West Herts College students promised to return to the Home for a further IT session.
Suffolk, courtesy of a local Masonic Lodge. The new computers will enable residents to research their interests and communicate with friends and family. Skyping family and friends Activities at other Homes made use of Google and Skype. Residents at Devonshire Court, Leicester, created a unique gallery of inspirational older people, using pictures, quotes and news items found online. A technology afternoon was held at Lord Harris Court in Berkshire, where residents brought along their own notebooks and tablets and public laptops were set up for group demonstrations. 94 year old John Pinker was delighted to receive a Skype call from his son in Canada, showing how technology can play a part in keeping families connected.
Edna Petzen, RMBI’s Assistant Director of Marketing, Quality & pin bowling on a Nintendo Wii games console Compliance, said: “Celebrating UK Older People’s Day was a fantastic New IT equipment way for our homes to engage with Two homes were also presented their local communities. We chose to with brand new IT equipment for focus the day on technology as it is older people’s day. Residents at becoming an increasingly important Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court tool for our residents and for the in Mid Glamorgan were given an RMBI, in helping people to access iPad, generously donated by their information, remain stimulated and Association of Friends. A touch screen interested and for staying in touch computer and printer were donated with loved ones. to the residents at Cornwallis Court, Residents of Shannon Court, Surrey, enjoy ten
John Saddington, 83, resident of Prince George Duke of Kent Court, Kent, looks at ships online
Edna continues, “An increasing number of people bring their own laptops and ereaders when they move in to our Homes; we want to support residents in continuing with these activities, as well as encouraging those who may not have had an opportunity to engage with digital technology before.”
Resident Lillian Wolstenholme, 91, plays a game on the Dementia Life computer
Facilitating digital engagement With this in mind, the RMBI is facilitating and supporting residents with accessing and using the internet in a variety of ways. All residents’ rooms are fitted with a telephone broadband point, for residents to set up their own accounts as they wish. In addition, all RMBI Homes have a reminiscence computer, providing interactive games and quizzes to offer sensory stimulation to help keep the mind active. 10 RMBI Homes provide public computers with Internet access in computer rooms, libraries and other communal areas, with other Homes planning similar facilities in the near future. Homes such as Prince George Duke of Kent Court and Shannon Court now also offer regular IT sessions for residents who wish to learn tips and get help with projects and interests. Charles Knowles, a 91 year old resident of James Terry Court, Croydon, says “it is very important that older people are helped with learning to use computers and the internet. Email is an easy way to keep in touch with people, especially family, for those who are less able to get out and about. I think all older people should be given free computer classes. We are very lucky here at James Terry Court to have staff on hand who assist with computing tasks and encourage residents to get online, even if they have not done so before.” RMBI news 7
Fundraising News
Two legacy donations generate over £150,000 for the RMBI Mrs Eileen Phyllis Elizabeth Ashby was a resident of James Terry Court in Croydon and is fondly remembered by both staff and residents. Sadly passing away in June 2013, Mrs Ashby left a bequest to share the residue of her estate amongst three charities, one of which is the RMBI. In September 2013 the RMBI were honoured to receive a payment of £140,000 from Mrs Ashby’s estate. A second generous legacy donation was made to the RMBI in 2013 by Mrs Marjorie Dumican, who left a bequest of 10% of her residual estate to the charity. It is estimated that this gift will work out at approximately £10,000 towards the work of the RMBI. Mrs Dumican’s late husband Thomas Dumican had been a Freemason for over 50 years. On her husband’s death Mrs Dumican contacted the RMBI, who granted her an annuity via The Freemasons’ Grand Charity to facilitate the payment of a gardener and cleaner, helping to make life a little easier. Mrs Dumican felt she wanted to give something back to the charity on her death and help others in the position she had been in. The RMBI is tremendously grateful to both Mrs Ashby and Mrs Dumican for remembering the RMBI in their Will. Their donations will help to ensure that the charity continues to deliver excellent care which meets the needs of older Freemasons and their dependants now and in the future. Legacies are a vital source of income to the RMBI and fund about a fifth of all our charitable activities. For more information about leaving a gift to the RMBI, visit www.rmbi.org.uk where you can download our helpful guide or find out how to create a dedicated In Memoriam page. If you would like to discuss your wishes with an experienced member of our fundraising team, contact the Legacies and Donations Manager on 020 7596 2400 or email enquiries@rmbi.org.uk
Festival fundraising for the RMBI – easy as 123 Following in the footsteps - or wheels - of Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome who won the Tour De France in 2012 and 2013, two brave Freemasons from Dorset recently completed their own cycling challenge for charity, supported by Brethren, family and friends. Kevin Martin and Nick Protopsaltis from Purbeck Lodge No 4355 set off from Blandford on 21 September to begin a 123 mile journey to Freemasons’ Hall in central London. The RMBI is delighted to report that Kevin and Nick successfully completed their ride in just 2 days and were welcomed at the end of their journey at the home of all four Central Masonic Charities and the United Grand Lodge of England in Holborn. Their impressive effort raised over £2,500 which will make a significant contribution to the 2014 Dorset RMBI Festival. To read more about Kevin and Nick’s cycling challenge and for more fundraising stories about the RMBI, visit http://www.rmbi.org.uk/fundraising-news.php/ 8 www.rmbi.org.uk
Recipes and Reminsicences - Christmas promotion
c
Recipes and Reminiscences special Christmas promotion
Recipes and Reminiscences is the RMBI’s cookbook containing a collection of 50 recipes compiled by residents, staff and their families at RMBI care homes.The book features nostalgic photographs, colourful illustrations and a foreword by TV presenter Mary Berry.
Order your copy today: • • • •
Ideal Christmas gift for all ages Limited edition Christmas recipe card All proceeds to elderly people in care Now available to buy online
Christmas Offer: £10.00 + £2.50 P&P - Buy online at www.rmbi.org.uk
- Call 020 7596 2400 - Visit your local RMBI care home
- Send a cheque with completed order form to: Recipes and Reminiscences, RMBI, 60 great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AZ (order form downloadable from RMBI website) To ensure delivery in time for Christmas, please ensure your order reaches us by midday 18 December. RMBI news 9
Homes Activities
Autumn activities @ RMBI Homes Lord Harris Court – ‘Big Knit’ Residents at Lord Harris Court in Berkshire got busy knitting miniature hats for the Innocent Smoothie ‘Big Knit’ campaign. The campaign aimed to tackle the rising number of older people who die in the UK each winter because of the cold. For each behatted smoothie bottle sold, 25p went to Age UK. Lord Harris Court sent off 100 bobble hats to Innocent Smoothies which were available on bottles throughout November from various retailers.
Scarbrough Court – MIND Active Residents of RMBI care home Scarbrough Court in Northumberland enjoyed a spooktacular Halloween themed lunch at the Briardene centre in Cowpen Blyth. Eric Davison, Bill and Audrey Gibson and Dora Thornton had a great afternoon as guests of the MIND Active club, which is aimed at bringing older members of the local community together.
Cadogan Court – Community Challenge with Exeter University On 3 September, staff from the Research and Knowledge department at Exeter University teamed up with residents and staff at RMBI Home Cadogan Court to host a 1950’s Fun Day. Every year the University looks for local community projects that may benefit from additional support to form their Community Challenge Day and Cadogan Court were delighted to be selected.
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Homes Activities
Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court – 40th Anniversary Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court in Mid Glamorgan had a number of reasons to celebrate in September with the 100th birthday of resident Lina Josha and the 40th Anniversary of the Home. To mark these special occasions, the Home and the Association of Friends planned a weekend of celebrations. The Home held a Gala dinner in honour of the 40th anniversary and raised over £1,000.
Connaught Court – Concert at the Court Connaught Court in York was delighted to host a concert in the grounds of the Home. The Association of Friends of Connaught Court along with Activities Co-ordinators Mark Payne and Stephanie Taylor organised an evening of singing and a range of music by local bands and orchestras.
Prince Michael of Kent Court – Traditional Pie ‘n’ Mash Evening Prince Michael of Kent Court, Watford, held a cockney themed pie and mash evening. Residents got fully into the London spirit by dressing up as pearly Kings and Queens. Delicacies on offer including jellied eels, cockles, mussels and crab sticks complete with drinks from the pub, ‘The Nags Head’. The evening finished with a cockney rhyming slang quiz and a sing-along including favourites such as Knees Up Mother Brown.
RMBI news 11
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution 60 Great Queen Street London WC2B 5AZ Phone: 020 7596 2400 Fax: 020 7404 0724 Email: enquiries@rmbi.org.uk Registered Charity No: 207360
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We are always interested in receiving your contributions to this magazine. Please contact Marketing at marketing@rmbi.org.uk if you would like to contribute to the next issue.