Caring Weekly May 17

Residents inspired by art classes

BUDDING artists at a Dorset dementia care home have begun producing work under the guidance of a professional.

Johanna Kennedy-Wall is a New Forest-based artist who specialises in murals, portraits, and sculpture.

When she gave a one-hour taster session at Colten Care’s Fernhill home in Longham near Bournemouth, staff were impressed with how much joy and inspiration it gave participants, so they invited her back.

Johanna has now started monthly art classes at the home involving a range of media including watercolours, pastels and acrylics.

“We’re stimulating lots of conversations and triggering memories,” she said.

“Some people were a little nervous to begin with but I could see them warming up towards the art and letting themselves go.

“The atmosphere is calm and engaged and everyone gets something out of it.”

Johanna was recommended to approach care homes when she gave a session for volunteers at the not-for-profit group In Jolly Good Company. This was set up to help alleviate the physical and mental issues caused by loneliness and isolation

through friendship, joy and a sense of community.

Some of its clients live with dementia or memory loss and her students felt she could make a positive difference to those at care home experiencing the same issues.

“I find the care home classes really satisfying and enjoyable,” added Johanna.

“Fernhill is such a welcoming home and it is lovely to see the residents get involved.

“As well as pictures on paper, we’re painting pebbles from the beach, doing decoupage on upcycled glass jars, creating collages and decorating vintage memory boards.

“It all underpins conversations about colours, visions and memories.”

Ann Marie Knight from Fernhill’s companionship team said: “Johanna’s sessions are very educational and therapeutic. She teaches the basics and then lets learners enjoy the experience for themselves.

“Our residents produced some amazing watercolours in their first session which they really enjoyed and we’re only too happy to enable them to do more.

“We’re going to frame some of the works and put them up in our arts and crafts room.

Residents love the idea of that.”

For a full round-up of events turn to pages 8 and 9.

Duo are gifted VIP experience

A RESIDENT from Care South’s Castle Dene care home in Bournemouth and a client from Care South at Home Bournemouth represented the not-for-profit charity at AFC Bournemouth’s player kit sponsor evening at Vitality Stadium.

The evening was possible thanks to Care South’s sponsorship of Illia Zabarnyi, a Ukrainian professional footballer who plays as a defender for AFC Bournemouth and the Ukrainian national team.

Resident from Castle Dene care home, Eileen attended the event with Ian, a client of Care South at Home Bournemouth accompanied by staff members, Lesley Wheal and Jane Legg.

Care South chief executive Simon Bird said: “What a fantastic experience this was for everyone, both Ian and Eileen and our two team members, Jane and Lesley, who

kindly accompanied them.

“Care South is delighted to be a partner with AFC Bournemouth, together we run numerous on-going initiatives which allows residents, home care clients and staff to get involved in a variety of activities, including meeting players, coffee mornings, walking football and visits to Vitality Stadium.

“The partnership enriches the lives of residents’ and clients in our care, and this is just another excellent example of that.”

The event started with a welcome drink on arrival followed by a two-course meal and coffee. Prior to dining, there were photo opportunities and conversation with Illia. Jimmy Glass, a former professional footballer who played for England as a goalkeeper, was the host for the evening and conducted a number of player interviews, as well as presenting a quiz.

More than 100 people basked in the sunshine at a street party at Broughton House Veteran Care Village to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla. Residents were joined by their relatives for the occasion, along with staff and volunteers at the Salford care home. Each guest received a picnic box which included specially-made Coronation cupcakes. Singer George Porter performed hits from across the decades and guests were also entertained by magician Darren Brand.

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Former scaffolder Andy finds dream job at care home

SCAFFOLDER and hod carrier Andy Lawson was ready for a new career path after 40 years working outside in all weathers.

He saw a flyer for a recruitment open day at Avocet Court Care Home in Ipswich and went along hoping to be interviewed for a carer role.

Andy’s beaming smile and engaging personality caught the attention of recruiters and they discussed him joining the lifestyles team.

After a successful interview, and revealing he was a talented singer, Andy was offered the job.

He joined the team last month and is working on the home’s Harlech Community providing engaging activities for residents living with dementia.

“I come to work smiling, I smile while I am here and I go home smiling,” he said.

“It really is the most rewarding job, when I see residents getting involved I know I have made a connection.

“I didn’t know such a role existed. When I heard this was an option the smile on my face grew even bigger.”

Andy has built a reputation for himself as the king of snakes and ladders, using a giant set of the traditional board game to allow multiple residents to join in, and he is often found singing along to the radio.

“It may seem like just a game but I get them throwing the giant dice about, so it becomes a physical activity as well,” he added.

“We always have the music on in the background, hits from the 1950s and 60s because that brings back memories of happy times for our residents.”

‘Play your cards right’ is another of his favourites, and Andy is using skills from his former life to build some raised planters from scaffolding planks so the residents can get involved in gardening.

He said: “I am looking forward to doing more outside, it is so important that we get out and make use of the garden space here.”

Staff volunteer to help people who have a medical emergency

Andy has been spending time getting to know each individual, understanding their life history so he can introduce activities that resonate with the residents.

“It has amazed me how our residents immediately enjoy recalling their past; they tell me about their jobs, interests and their hobbies.

“In lifestyles we have a unique role, where we make a difference to someone’s day by giving them the chance to do activities which they simply couldn’t enjoy at home.”

Andy said he would encourage anyone considering a career in care to make the jump, saying it was the best decision he could have made.

Jenni Rowan, resourcing manager for Athena Care Homes, said: “We are passionate about finding people with the right attitude, skills and values for each of our roles.

“We immediately recognised the value Andy could bring to our residents’ lives with his positive attitude and bright disposition, and knew he would be an ideal candidate for the lifestyles role.

“We have enjoyed watching him develop and become an invaluable part of the team at Avocet Court.”

Home raise funds for charity

HUNDREDS of woolly owls have helped care homes across the north of England raise funds for the UK’s largest arthritis charity.

Dozens of Hill Care Group homes were challenged to raise as much as possible for Versus Arthritis as part of its knitting challenge.

The operator tasked residents and staff with producing little owls and selling them to visitors for £1 each –with the winning homes in the North West and North East getting £50 each for their residents’ funds, which helps towards outings and activities.

Lever Edge in Bolton raised the most out of the entire group, collecting £105 for the charity.

Manager Lisa Martin said: “The team of residents and staff did an

amazing job knitting all the little owls – which were very popular among the visitors. We’re so proud of the amount raised for Versus Arthritis and delighted to win the Hill Care competition.”

They were closely followed by Hazelgrove Court in Saltburn by the Sea, who sold 71 owls, raising £71 for Versus Arthritis, which provides support, information, and guidance for those living with the condition.

Activities coordinator Sharon Lewis added: “Our Knitting Nannas are delighted we have won the competition.

“They love helping people and they said raising funds and winning the competition means all the hours of knitting have paid off.”

CARING staff at a homecare provider are volunteering in their own time to help people who have a medical emergency.

Sarah Croasdell, a full-time senior co-ordinator/administrator at Westmorland Homecare in Kendal, has trained to become a community first responder.

And Dr Chris Moss, one of the directors of the company, is a volunteer with BEEP Doctors (BASICS) Cumbria.

Westmorland Homecare provides thousands of hours of care each week to enable elderly and often frail people to live independently in their own home.

Its services include home care, such as help with housekeeping and meal preparation, and personal care, such as help with dressing, bathing and getting in and out of bed.

Sarah, who lives in Kendal, has joined the Kendal Community First Responders group, which supports the North West Ambulance Service.

Community First Responders are volunteers who give their time freely to help care for people and save lives in their community.

They are everyday members of the general public who are trained to deal with a wide range of potentially life-threatening conditions in the first few minutes until the arrival of an ambulance.

“I have a passion for caring for people and I want to make a difference to the community,” said Sarah.

“And, from a personal point of

view, it is reassuring to know that if a member of my own family suffered a medical emergency, I would know what to do.”

Sarah undertook two weekends of training and is supported by other members of the group. She has been trained in basic first aid skills, how to use a defibrillator and what to do if, for example, someone has a seizure, a heart attack or cardiac arrest.

Sarah has not been on a CFR callout yet and said she hoped to shadow more experienced members of the team for the first few times.

“I’m sure the adrenalin will kick in and I will just go out and do what I have trained for,” she added.

Chris Moss paid tribute to Sarah.

“I think it is great that both inside and outside of work staff want to get involved and help support people in the community,” he said.

“It is testament to the staff we have at Westmorland Homecare that they want to go above and beyond.”

Chris, who also works as an accident and emergency doctor, started volunteering with BEEP Doctors (Cumbria) three years ago and, as one of the charity’s trustees, oversees fund-raising.

“I joined after I had an accident on my pushbike and was very grateful to the paramedics for their help,” said Chris, who does around 30 hours per month volunteering with BEEP Doctors. Cumbria is a very rural area and it is great to be able to support our paramedic colleagues to get help as soon as possible to people who have emergencies.”

Kincaid House in Greenock, part of Meallmore Group, has announced the appointment of its new manager, Anne Gardner. Anne previously held the position of deputy manager at Kincaid and has almost 15 years of experience in the care sector. In her new role she will oversee the management of the home, including ensuring that staff provide the highest quality care for residents. Anne joined Meallmore in 2020 as deputy manager of Belleaire Care Home in Greenock, before moving to Kincaid later that year. A trained nurse, she has a strong background in private sector care, and developed her career from a nurse into a management position in a care home in Paisley.

Andy Lawson

Sarah Croasdell and Dr Chris Moss with one of the BEEP Doctors (Cumbria) vehicles.

Sharing knowledge and experience to improve veterans’ care

THREE nurses working for a veterans’ charity have spoken of the passion and excitement they feel for training care staff.

Emma Hall, Tee Penicela and Grace Nabus are clinical nurse educators, working in Royal Star & Garter’s three homes, and are part of a programme aimed at improving the personcentred care the charity provides.

The CNEs, who between them have more than 80 years’ experience in nursing, are helping Royal Star & Garter deliver its new Developing Care Together Programme. This will see all healthcare assistants and lead HCAs in the homes train up to a Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care. They are leading the training, and carrying out the assessments that are required to complete the course.

The mandatory training sessions are interactive, and taught in classrooms settings and online, with in-role observations making up the majority of the learning.

The DCT modules cover 45 units of care, including personal care, meeting nutrition and hydration needs, dementia and end-of-life care.

Grace, who has been a nurse for 25 years, said: “The aim is to develop all HCAs clinical skills and for them to do their job to the same enhanced standard. The icing on the cake is they will gain a Level 3 Diploma, which is a high qualification.”

Emma, with 27 years’ experience as a nurse, added: “In the current climate it’s very hard to recruit, but this is a way of upskilling the carers in the homes.

“Some had reservations beforehand, but we’re here to reassure and support them.

“In many ways we’re formalising what they already know – they’re surprised at how much they actually know and their knowledge is really good. I can see their passion.

“And, from the feedback we’ve received, staff are enjoying the training, which is really important.

“I’m very passionate about care

that’s given, and think the only way residents can receive the best care is if we have upskilled and trained staff.”

While all three CNEs say the DCT Programme will result in even better care for residents in the three Homes, Tee, a nurse for 31 years, added: “When people talk about personcentred care, they often focus on residents only and forget to include staff wellbeing.

“Staff must feel fully valued in order to provide the very best person-centred care. At Royal Star & Garter, staff value is evident, and the Developing Care Together Programme will enhance this.

“It offers real career progression, and people are being given an opportunity to develop through reflective practice. I remind staff in High Wycombe that their home is rated Outstanding, and it shows. The staff are amazing, it is a special place.”

The CNEs are also thrilled to be imparting the nursing skills and knowledge they have built up over the years.

Grace worked in the NHS before joining another military care charity, where she stayed for 15 years.

She said: “I started as a nurse, and then became a senior nurse before developing to a senior nurse with training responsibilities. I enjoy teaching and I’m passionate about training and I feel fortunate to be able to do it here at Royal Star & Garter.”

Tee added: “I’ve worked as a practice development nurse before. I have teaching and assessing qualifications, and I’ve worked in care homes since 2008. I’m passionate about them and anything that can improve the care.”

Emma added: “I just want to share my skills and knowledge. I have high standards and I will never accept poor care.

“We’re all here for the same outcome, and that’s to do the best we can for residents. Royal Star & Garter is outstanding, but there’s always room for improvement.”

“Extensive improvements” result in Good rating for Beccles care home

RESIDENTS and staff at Black Swan Care Group’s Beccles care home are celebrating after inspectors from the Care Quality Commission rewarded the home with a Good rating.

The home was previously rated inadequate and placed into special measures.

It was subsequently acquired by Black Swan Care Group in December 2022.

A Cassington care home resident has revealed her secrets to enjoying a long and happy life, as she celebrates her 102nd birthday. Beryl Silwowski, a resident at Churchfields care home credits her longevity to love, fresh air and a gin and tonic. Beryl is an accomplished woman and one of the first to work at the BBC, where she worked as a typist in the 1940’s. She dotes on her daughters Veronica and Nina, as well as her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. The 102-year old celebrated her milestone birthday in style, tucking into homemade birthday cake and opening cards and presents from loved ones.

Beryl said: “Without a doubt one of my top tips for living a happy life is getting lots of fresh air. I’ve also found that a gin and tonic a day does indeed keep the doctor away. Most importantly, spread love to those around you. That’s the best tonic for anyone.”

CQC inspectors reported seeing significant improvement and changes since Black Swan took over the home which provides care and support for up to 35 residents, including support for people living with dementia.

Inspectors visited the home in March and spent time speaking to the residents, visitors and staff.

In the report they said: “At this inspection, and under the new provider, we found extensive improvements. The registered manager has been instrumental in bringing about many positive changes and much needed stability in the home along with the provider’s support.”

Relatives of residents who spoke to the inspectors also praised the turnaround at the home: “There have been many improvements. The care is better, and everything is far more positive about the place.”

Staff told CQC inspectors they felt proud to work at the home: “I feel

proud to work at Beccles care home and for Black Swan. The positive changes that have occurred in such a short time are amazing, the home looks great, all staff seem happy, management is well structured and approachable, and most importantly, people are safe, happy and living an excellent quality of life.”

Black Swan has invested heavily to provide significant improvements and renovations at the home.

Bedrooms and communal areas

have been redecorated and a new second lounge area has been created for people to enjoy at the home.

Manager Davina Button added: “We have worked so hard to make our home a welcoming and caring place. We’re planning lots of events and we want to work with and be a big part of the Beccles community.

“Please come and visit us to have a look around to see for yourselves – our kettle is always on for a cup of tea.”

Emma Hall, Tee Penicela and Grace Nabus.

The staff team at Beccles care home.

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Staff at specialist dementia care home Butterfly Lodge in Plymouth pulled out all the stops to give residents a royally great Coronation weekend. Deputy manager Sarah McCaffrey said: “The weather was no problem because our ‘street party’ took place indoors. Lots of family and friends came along too, and we had live music, dancing, themed party games and a buffet fit for a king. Huge thanks to my colleagues and friends of Butterfly Lodge who made sure this was an event everyone could enjoy.”

Resident Maureen Reid is pictured enjoying the celebrations.

Residents at Millway House in Andover had a spectacular day of music, food, and entertainment in honour of the King’s coronation. Joined by all their friends and family, along with care home staff, residents partied the day away in a specially decorated marquee, in aid of the new sovereign. Icecream and cakes were served, music was provided by Hampshire band Odd Man Out, while balloon artist Dave Hickory was on hand to create some royally inspired models for each of the guests. Millway residents, many of whom remember celebrating the Queen’s coronation back in 1953, were all eager to mark King Charles III’s day of destiny, and Millway House home manager Claire Lousteau, said it was a wonderful day.

Three residents at RMBI Care Co. Home Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court, in Wokingham, have recently created a work of art to commemorate King Charles III’s coronation. Wendy, Gladys and Angela, who are members of the Home’s Textiles Group, decided to take on the challenge of creating something modern and unique. Inspired by the impressionist French artist Henri Matisse and his vivid use of colour, the residents made a colourful masterpiece for everyone to enjoy. Keeping in mind King Charles’ passion for the environment, the residents only used fabrics, remnants and threads they had in their fabric stock to minimise their carbon footprint. The design was inspired by a stained glass window, and the crown embroidery taken on by resident Gladys incorporates the official crown design from Buckingham Palace.

It was a day to remember as Oakland Care chief executive Joanne Balmer BEM joined esteemed guests from across the globe at the coronation of King Charles III. Her invitation to witness the historic moment came as a result of her services to social care, during which she time she has helped deliver positive change across the sector, pioneered Oakland Care’s sustainability agenda, and navigated the provider through the Covid-19 pandemic. These efforts led to her receiving a British Empire Medal in 2021 in the late Queen’s Birthday Honours List. In keeping with this celebration of her and Oakland Care’s triumphs over the past few years, Joanne was among those to be at the very forefront of proceedings for the historic Coronation event.

Staff and residents at Thornhill House care home in Barnsley held a party to celebrate the King’s coronation. The event, which was open to the residents’ families and friends, included an afternoon tea.

Residents and staff across Avante Care and Support’s care homes came together to celebrate the Coronation. Street parties, a BBQ and tea dances were just a few of the events planned across the care homes over the weekend, ensuring residents were supported to be part of the historical event and enjoy the celebrations. The Coronation was streamed through large cinema screens at some of the homes and in all lounges, guaranteeing everyone who wanted to watch the significant Royal event, could do so. Alongside the vast schedule of events planned at the homes, care staff supported residents to visit local street and garden parties they had been invited to, supporting residents to engage and interact with others outside of the care home setting.

Durban House in Romsey marked the King’s coronation with a ‘right royal’ bash. Everyone living at the nurse-led care home in the market town celebrated the crowning of Britain’s new monarch, with a special garden party. Staff decorated Durban House with red, white, and blue, laid on a scrumptious buffet, and even organised for local vocalist Caryn Curtis to sing a variety of well-known musical numbers throughout the event.

Residents at Muscliff Care Home in Bournemouth celebrated the King’s coronation in style with a grand lunch to honour the historic occasion. Staff at the nurse-led care home set up a grand table in the ‘royally’ decorated lounge, and while residents were tucking into delicious cakes and pastries, they could also watch the crowning of the new sovereign live on television.

Hundreds of royal well-wishers at care homes across the south celebrated the historic Coronation bank holiday weekend in style. Residents and team members at Colten Care’s 21 homes in Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and West Sussex all shared in the joy of the ceremony, patriotism and colourful spectacle of events. Amid a sea of Union Jacks and red, white and blue decorations, the homes’ fun featured street parties, lunches, live music, games, quizzes, charity fundraising and visits by families, friends and entertainers. Elaine Farrer, Colten Care’s chief operating officer, said: “The Coronation was a wonderful opportunity to have a party, share memories, welcome visitors into our homes and go out and enjoy local community events. It was a real joy to see our residents, families and team members sharing in a momentous royal occasion.”

It was Coronation cake all round for clients of the Walfinch homecare franchise in Southampton – and some extra for their families too. Laura Pineiro made cakes decorated with icing, sprinkles and rice paper crowns for all of the operator’s clients ahead of the Coronation. “We gave each of them two, so they had an extra one to share with family or friends while they were watching the ceremony on television,” said Angela Harding, who co-owns the Walfinch Southampton franchise with Laura. Laura, Angela, care coordinator Robin Boulter and members of the Walfinch care team delivered the boxed cakes to clients, which were a big hit.

As King Charles III and Queen Camilla ascended to the throne, customers and families at Belong villages across the North West and Midlands marked the historic occasion with coronation extravaganzas to remember. For the celebration centrepiece, the dementia specialist’s Didsbury care village, Belong Morris Feinmann, formed a singing group, led by Royal Northern College of Music alumnus and Manchester choirmaster extraordinaire, Dan McDwyer. Customers at Belong’s seven other villages and home care service dressed in their best to enjoy the momentous gatherings which transported them back to parties of the past, with live entertainment, food, bubbly and the sharing of stories from previous royal festivities conjuring memories of days gone by.

Residents, families and care staff enjoyed the coronation weekend in Black Swan homes across East Anglia. Care teams and activity co-ordinators supported residents to create home-made decorations, posters and crowns. Resident enjoyed special lunches and community events were organised, with barbecues, face-painting and open days. Many of the residents in the care homes were teenagers when the late Queen was crowned in 1953, so they were keen to see the new King crowned, who himself was only four at the time. While the weather wasn’t kind on the day of the coronation itself, things were better on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday, so homes were able to use their gardens and outside spaces for residents and their friends and families to meet up and celebrate.

Always keen to celebrate important milestones and events, the people and staff from Orchard’s 23 care homes in the North of England and Midlands brought out their best china and decked their homes with bunting to mark the coronation of King Charles III. With some remembering celebrations of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, the decorations and celebrations brought back fond memories of street parties and plenty of tea and cakes of a bygone era. Adding a bit of vintage style to the King’s celebrations, the homes enjoyed some classic dancing and singing performances of golden musical favourites, afternoon tea, street parties and even a ‘visit’ from ‘King Charles III himself at Lansbury Court, Sunderland – as a life-size art display graced the entrance.

Veterans at Royal Star & Garter enjoyed a long weekend of celebrations and parties to mark the coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Residents at the charity’s three homes in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe enjoyed street parties, live music and treats, as they marked the historic event. Coronation celebrations on May 8 coincided with VE Day. Residents in the homes gathered to watch the coronation service together in communal areas, before tucking into a celebratory lunch. In Solihull, this was traditional fish and chips wrapped in newspaper, following a request from residents. The High Wycombe Home hosted an indoor street party with residents enjoying Prosecco and a homemade buffet they had prepared themselves. Surbiton also held a street party in its reception area, enjoying cakes, Pimm’s, Prosecco and a singalong. At Solihull, staff hosted a tea party, with singing and dancing.

A community of care home residents enjoyed a “royal knees up” to celebrate the coronation of The King and The Queen Consort. The regal street parties hosted by not-for-profit care home provider Sanctuary Care saw the residents enjoy live music and entertainment, whilst toasting the crown over a glass of bubbles and a banquet of British classics – from coronation chicken sandwiches to Eton Mess, Pimm’s,and coronation quiche. To get into the party spirit, the residents got crafty, creating hand-made Union Jack flags and decorating with banners and bunting. Helen Park, activities co-ordinator at Sanctuary Care, said: “We had great fun planning the Coronation parties and it was fantastic to see the smiles on everyone’s faces when we came together to celebrate such a joyous occasion.”

Care South celebrated His Majesty The King’s Coronation weekend with a programme of events and parties involving VIPs and local mayors. To mark the momentous occasion, Elizabeth House care home unveiled a commemorative plaque. Unveiled by The Mayor and Mayoress of Poole, Councillor and Mrs Tony Trent, the plaque will stand as a permanent reminder of. The home’s celebrations continued with a party for residents and their families, with a BBQ, music, and cake stall. Fairlawn in Ferndown enjoyed a calendar filled with Coronation-themed events. Whilst watching on television, residents sipped on fizz and enjoyed cordon bleu canapés. Sunday saw a unique performance from Fairlawn’s own choir made up of residents from the home who sang songs in celebration.