Caring Weekly August 16

Role doubly rewarding for Tamara

A WEST Norfolk carer is thriving in her two different and rewarding roles with a provider.

Tamara Proctor (pictured) joined family run Extra Hands three years ago when she was 19, having previously worked in a shoe shop.

Her family were unsurprised at her career change as she had previously looked after her mother, who has cerebral palsy, and had also studied social care at college.

“None of them were surprised,” said the 22-yearold, who lives in West Lynn and is attached to the Heacham office of Extra Hands. “They think I’m a natural carer and all said they saw it coming.”

Her qualities were recognised when she won a GEM Award in March 2022 for ‘Going the Extra Mile’ in her care work, and earlier this year she took on extra responsibilities, joining the company’s Rapid Response Team.

“I’d always wanted to get into things further,” Tamara added. “If there is any sickness or emergency, we could also be called upon to provide cover – which is where the ‘rapid response’ name comes in. No day is ever the same, and it really keeps you on your toes, and stops it being like Groundhog Day, as it can be in

some other jobs.”

“I get to meet lots of different people and to have an input into their care programmes.

It’s a great feeling to think that I can be a help to them, and I like getting more involved in how a plan is made up.

It makes you appreciate everything that goes into it. Everyone plays a part, and everyone does it very well.”

As well as her new role, which she shares with two other team members at Heacham, Tamara continues to work as a regular carer at Extra Hands.

“Just being able to help people with day-to-day support, to enable them to stay in their own homes, is very rewarding indeed. It’s definitely the most rewarding job I could ever imagine doing.

“I’d say to anyone thinking of trying care work, to give it a go. You’ve got to have it in you though. It’s in the name of the job – you’ve got to care.”

Team members and residents from Care South’s Wickmeads care home in Bournemouth were treated to a performance of Alice’s Adventures in Aerialand by live theatre group The Dot Collective. The Dot Collective company is a touring, live troupe who provide professional theatre for those living in care, particularly those with dementia, to reduce isolation and create positive experiences. They aim to provide innovative theatre of a high, professional standard that is accessible and cognitively stimulating. The company conducted a live open-air, aerial circus retelling the classic children’s story Alice in Wonderland with a twist, as they performed acrobatic tricks and aerial skills on the highwire and other equipment. The residents and staff cheered and roared with delight throughout the performance, and a massive round of applause rang out when it came to the finale.

Nominations deadline extended

EXCITEMENT is building for the industry’s biggest end-of-year party, with plans in place to make this year’s Caring UK Awards the best one yet.

The deadline for entries has been extended due to high demand and will now close on Monday, September 18.

The awards evening will celebrate excellence throughout the industry, with trophies in 20 categories up for grabs at the glittering ceremony taking place on the night of December 7.

Organised by Script Media in partnership with Caring UK and headline sponsor Virgin Money, this celebration of success will culminate in a glittering ceremony – taking place at the Athena in Leicester – where host Emma Jesson will reveal the

winners. Awards include Regional Care Home of the Year, Care Employee of the Year and Activities Team of the Year. Other categories include Best Innovation in Care, Best Outdoor Environment and Care Employer of the Year.

Previous winners have reported an increase in profile and positive media coverage.

Event director Dominic Musgrave said:

“Once again we were overwhelmed with the standard of entries we have received so far from homes up and down the country.

“If you’ve not entered your care business yet then I would urge you to do so sooner rather than later.”

To enter visit www.caringuk awards. co.uk/nominations

Grayson & Dawn Taylor

Lamont Johnson Ltd

Specialist Property Agents

Dear Grayson and Dawn

What an enormous relief for Christine and I, that the sale of Mount Pleasant, has completed so successfully. Never in our wildest dreams, could we have imagined such a straightforward and simple sale and much of that undoubtedly, can be attributed to your continual support and efforts on our behalves, throughout what could have been a very stressful process.

As you know, Mount Pleasant has been in our family ownership for over 38 years and therefore, we were very nervous about the selling process and choosing the right agent was crucial.

Thankfully we knew from the very first moment that we met you both, that you were the ideal choice of agent for us. Unlike many of the corporate agents in the sector who are invariably only available 9 am – 5 pm, five days per week, we knew that you would support us irrespective of working hours and that proved very much to be the case. Many of your so-called competitors should take a leaf from your book!

Your introduction/recommendation of a specialist healthcare solicitor in our case, and an excellent healthcare finance broker on behalf of our buyer, made all the difference to the success of the transaction. The recommended solicitor, from day one helped our cause enormously, and was a major contributing factor in enabling the transaction to move forward seamlessly to completion.

Thank you for all your efforts once again.

Kind regards to you both.

Lamont Johnson is delighted to confirm this weeks completed sale of Mount Pleasant, located in the affluent Cheshire “money belt”, close to Knutsford.

The original charming farmhouse building was converted and established as a Home by our clients in 1985.

The property is set in 5+ acres was extended in 1992 and a 3-bedroom bungalow added in 1993.

Presently registered for 25 and with the home having a current CQC status of “Good”.

The Home has been sold on behalf of John and Christine Padden and acquired by the Buxton based Andrew Care Ltd to complement their existing homes in Buxton, Chapel-en-le-Firth and Woodford.

Home transforms into Blackpool for a day

AVONBRIDGE Care Home in Hamilton took residents on a delightful journey to the coastal town of Blackpool for a day of cherished memories and reminiscent experiences.

The unique event transported residents back in time, allowing them to relive fond memories and create new ones in a vibrant and joyous atmosphere.

Home manager Emma Duffy said: “When the home plans days like these, we take into account every small detail that adds to the full experience.

“Our goal is to transport residents back to times they have fond memories of and create new ones that they will cherish.

“Seeing the smiles on their faces and witnessing the joy it brings them is incredibly rewarding.”

Residents were treated to a day filled with the sights, sounds, and tastes of Blackpool.

The festivities commenced with the enchanting sounds of the Waltz from the iconic Blackpool Ballroom, filling the air with a nostalgic melody that resonated with residents who had previously visited the iconic seaside resort.

Adding to the excitement and authenticity of the occasion, the Blackpool donkeys, synonymous with the charm of the resort’s beach front, made a special appearance, bringing

smiles to residents’ faces.

Despite being far from the sandy shores, the residents were able to experience the sensation of dipping their toes in the water and running their fingers through the soft, cool sand.

A trip to Blackpool would not be complete without indulging in some delectable treats.

Avonbridge Care Home ensured that residents had the opportunity to relish in the true flavours of the seaside.

Residents enjoyed mouthwatering ice cream, the perfect accompaniment to a sunny day by the coast, while the unmistakable scent of freshly cooked fish and chips, paired with a drizzle of vinegar, filled the air, conjuring memories of past seaside visits.

Home is rated ‘Good’ in recent inspection

CROFT House in Gawthorpe, West Yorkshire has been rated ‘Good’ in all areas following a recent Care Quality Commission inspection.

The 66-bedded care home, which specialises in the provision of nursing, residential dementia and dementia nursing care and is part of the nationwide Maria Mallaband Care Group, was found to offer safe, effective, caring, responsive and wellled care with a ‘Good’ rating across all inspected areas of provision.

The newly published report, which follows an unannounced visit from two CQC inspectors in May, reflects a positive picture of life in the home.

The inspectors sought feedback from those living in the home and their families, who “felt safe and staff were caring and supportive.”

Inspectors also found that “care was person-centred” and “people were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives.”

The management team were praised as “approachable, supportive and informative” and having “created a culture of effective teamwork.”

Croft House manager Rob Ashton said: “I am delighted with this hugely positive CQC report which rightly highlights our person-centred approach, and the way in which our strong caring team work so brilliantly together to deliver a high quality of

Children’s care village art installation unveiled

YEAR Two children from Belgrave Primary School were special guests at the Belong Chester dementia care village to see the unveiling of a marine-themed art installation, made from ceramics created by them.

Belgrave School was invited to create the colourful clay fish for the artwork in the village garden after pupil Naomi Shetty won a competition to design a card to welcome the residents of Belong Chester when it opened last year. The competition prize was for Naomi’s class to take part in a ceramics workshop with acclaimed sculptor Brigitte Jurack, organised by Belong and charity Ready Generations, which runs the Nursery in Belong, located at Belong Chester. There was more art created on the

day as the children made a ‘wishing wall’ with messages of kindness for residents.

The idea was inspired by the centuries-old Japanese tradition of writing prayers or wishes on small wooden ‘ema’ plaques, which are often decorated with pictures and then hung at shrines.

The most common wishes revolve around love, relationships, career success, academic achievement, health and prosperity.

Children and residents added colourful pictures to their plaques before attaching them to the installation at the village. Afterwards, the children and residents enjoyed a delicious picnic in the village and nursery’s shared garden.

care.

“We consistently focus on embedding a culture of treating everyone with respect and supporting their independence, individuality and choices – so it is particularly pleasing to see that reflected in the inspectors’ findings.”

The report also noted that those at the home felt that there was “enough staff on duty”, that they “had been recruited through a robust process.”

And that the care environment was “warm and welcoming” and “clean”, and rooms were “personalised.”

The four units at the home were fully refurbished in April 2021, and Croft House benefits from a number of communal areas including spacious lounge and dining areas, quiet lounges, sensory room, garden room, hairdressing salon and beautiful gardens.

The majority of bedrooms have en-suite facilities.

Rob added: “I am so proud of this report, especially some of the lovely comments from those living with us.

“Their wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do here, so to know we’re doing a good job, and that those in our care feel safe and happy is the best result we could achieve.

“We will keep on working and giving our best to ensure that is sustained and built on.”

A new cinema room has been opened at Foxearth Lodge in Saxtead by former Blue Peter presenter Peter Purves. Peter, who has a relative living at the Suffolk care home, cut the ribbon to officially open the new room which will be regularly used by residents, and screening began with a showing of musical favourite Grease. Home manager Roxanne Cutajar said, “We plan to use our new cinema room to screen two movies a week, and at other times it will be used for armchair exercises and many other things. We’re delighted the room is completed and grateful to Peter for cutting the ribbon for us.”

Children from Belgrave Primary School and Belong Chester residents in front of the artwork.

Norfolk carers awarded for ‘going the extra mile’

A FORMER shop worker and a single mum who both switched careers to take up care work in Norfolk have been rewarded for their outstanding performances in their new roles.

The carers, at family-run company Extra Hands, each received the firm’s coveted GEM Award for ‘going the extra mile’ in their work.

Teresa Potter, who works from the company’s Broadland office, also won a GEM Award – and it’s her second in under a year.

The 59-year-old, of North Walsham, was given the award in September last year, just six months after starting work at the provider.

She was nominated this time around by the appreciative family of a service user with dementia.

“Teresa always goes above and beyond each time she visits Grandad,” said the nomination.

“She knows every little thing about his care, even down to the little but important things, such as putting a handkerchief in each pocket when he gets dressed, heating the milk up for his cereal, cutting up hard foods for Grandad.”

It continued: “Many times I have seen Teresa on the cameras playing old songs for Grandad on his Alexa,

and they have a good old sing along together. If Grandad ever gets an important call or letter, Teresa will always make sure he rings me to let me know, as she knows he will forget due to his dementia.

“Nothing is ever too much of a problem for her, and my Grandad adores her. We as a family are so grateful for all she does for him.”

Teresa added: “It was quite embarrassing to win twice in one year, and totally unexpected.

“At Extra Hands they all do such a

Joanna Bryant was thrilled to receive a birthday card from King Charles and Queen Camilla when she celebrated her 100th birthday. Joanna marked the occasion with a tea party at the dementia care home where she lives in St Budeaux, Plymouth. Joanna was born Joanna Cock near Penzance, and was the eldest of five children. She moved to Truro in the late 1950s where she and husband Frank, who were married for 40 years, owned and ran a guest house during the following decade. She later had a variety of part-time jobs including working in a child day care nursery and some charity shops, and belonged to several churchrelated groups as well as being an active member of the U3A. Joanna has two children, Bradley and Michelle, and two grandchildren, Dom and Matt.

good job that I was embarrassed to have been singled out for a second time, but people are pleased for me and everyone’s been saying it’s well deserved, which is really nice.

“I love the job, and just love seeing people smile when I leave, knowing that I’ve made a difference, they’re happy, and they’ve got everything they need.”

Julie Hughes, who worked for a supermarket before joining the Heacham branch of Extra Hands, was nominated for the accolade by a

co-worker whom she had helped to train, and who was full of praise for the 54-year-old.

“Julie has taken her time in explaining everything that I need to know during my induction shadowing shifts,” read the nomination, which also described her as “a kind, caring and calm person, who is always willing to help and to answer questions to her best ability” and concluded “anyone will be lucky to have Julie to train them when they start at Extra Hands”.

Julie added: “It’s an absolute privilege to have won, as it means I’m being appreciated, and that gives you that extra little boost. The person who nominated me wrote some lovely things about me. I was just buzzing and absolutely on a high for a few days.

“I’m passionate about training and ensuring that they know everything they need to know – and there is a lot to know. I always tell them to treat service users like you would treat your Nan and Grandad, and how you’d like them to be treated.

“You’re not ‘only a carer’ – you’ve got to have love in your bones. It’s a very hard job, but it’s very rewarding. I absolutely love it.”

One of the UK’s longest living pairs of twins, and possibly the oldest identical pair, have celebrated their 100th birthdays in style at a Dorset care home. Devoted sisters Nora ‘Joan’ Barter and Margaret Joyce ‘Peggy’ Barter are thought to be among only four sets of twin centenarians in the whole country and are almost certainly the oldest identical twins in the south of England. In matching tiaras, blue dresses and glittering gold sashes proclaiming ‘100 & Fabulous’, they were naturally the joint centre of attention at their birthday party in Colten Care’s Poole home The Aldbury. Guests included Robin Ponting, grandson of the twins’ cousin Doris Ponting whose life was further proof of the family’s longevity. Born in 1898, Doris passed away aged 106 in 2004 having lived in three centuries.

A Northumberland great-grandmother celebrated her 100th birthday at a Morpeth care home surrounded by friends, family and the local community. Edith Main celebrated the special occasion with a birthday party during Riverside House’s summer fair and was presented with a cake and flowers by the town’s Mayor, Councillor Jade Crawford. She said: “I’ve been blessed with a long and fulfilling life, and throughout my journey, I’ve had the joy of sharing it with a loving husband and raising two remarkable daughters. The secret to a long and happy life? I always say that it lies in doing what brings you joy whenever and wherever you can and for me, that source of happiness has always been dancing.”

A care home resident has recently celebrated her 107th birthday. Ruby Bond, who has lived at Wilton House in Shenley since 2019, marked her milestone with a visit from the local Mayor, while a fruit tree was planted in her honour. Ruby had two sisters and two brothers and had various jobs throughout her life. Her nephew Neill, his wife and their children visit her regularly. Ruby has now received birthday cards from both the late Queen Elizabeth and from the new King, Charles II. She celebrated her birthday with her close family, residents and staff in the gardens at the home.

Julie Hughes

Resident left ‘beaming’ by surprise visit from weatherman Charlie

MARY Tompkins beamed with happiness when ITV weather presenter Charlie Powell paid her a surprise visit at the Dorset care home where she lives.

Care home celebrates ‘Good’ CQC rating

MANOR Park Care Home, part of the Countrywide Care Homes group, has received a Good rating from the Care Quality Commission.

The 75-bed purpose-built facility in Castleford was found to be safe, effective, responsive and wellled, with a ‘Good’ rating across all inspection areas.

It revealed work to transform the home over the past year had paid off, with inspectors finding that the care delivered was “supportive and caring” and “showed respect and dignity” to those living there.

Regional director Monica Thorpe said: ”This positive CQC report has highlighted the effort our teams put in to ensure that all of those living with us have the best quality of life.

“The atmosphere we want here is a warm and welcoming environment, which we are happy to see has not only been noticed by those staying here and their visitors but has been highlighted in this report.

“I am full of admiration for everyone’s dedication, compassion

and professionalism.”

To get a picture of how the home runs and the care it offers, inspectors spoke to staff, visiting healthcare professionals, service users and relatives, as well as reviewing records.

The report highlighted that the interim manager and staff promoted a positive culture within the home, stating that those living there and their relatives spoke positively about the support and care they received.

Specialising in providing nursing, residential and dementia care, Manor Park’s recent inspection report stated that ‘staff knew people’s healthcare needs, associated risks and how to manage them.’ It also highlighted that ‘there were sufficient numbers of staff to meet people’s needs.’

Monica added: “I am looking forward to making further improvements to the home, taking on the appraisals of the inspectors, and doing even more to better our home. Our team strives to not only be ‘good’ but to be the very best at what they do.”

‘Bib the Bike’ brings freedom of cycling to home’s residents

FUN and freedom-loving residents of a Dorset care home have begun touring their locality with a specially adapted trishaw.

‘Bib the Bike’ is proving a definite hit at Colten Care’s Newstone House in Sturminster Newton with passengers enjoying the fresh air and opportunity to go out and about. Companionship team leader Karlene Horswill said: “It’s so nice to see Bib in action. The residents were absolutely fascinated and asked lots of questions about the bike and the prospect of going out on rides. They certainly enjoyed the first outing.”

The bike, pedalled by a suitably trained operator at the back, can carry two people in comfort.

Run by volunteers, it is part of a community health and wellbeing initiative led by the Blackmore Vale Surgery in the town’s Old Market Hill, a couple of minutes away from Newstone House.

By helping people to enjoy the local neighbourhood and nearby countryside, the aim is to improve mental health and stimulation and support those who may feel lonely

if they are otherwise unable to be mobile in the community.

At Newstone House, the trishaw was brought into the gardens for an hourlong test run before starting the first of what are expected to be regular outings along the North Dorset Trailway.

Charlie was contacted by the team at Care Dorset’s The Hayes in Sherborne, who explained that Mary, 92, had expressed a wish to meet him.

Activities officer Vicky Feltham said: “We started a Wishing Tree last September when Care Dorset took over The Hayes and asked all the people we support to tell us their wishes.

“We want to show that coming into a home is just a new chapter which can be enriching, fulfilling and fun. “Wishes granted so far have included a boat ride for a former Royal Navy officer and even a flight in a helicopter.”

Vicky added: “At first we were a little daunted when Mary said she wanted to meet her favourite weather presenter, Charlie. But we sent a message via the ITV Facebook page and were amazed when they came straight back to us saying he would be delighted to visit.”

Fellow activities officer Bev Williams said: “Mary adores Charlie and tells everyone to be quiet when he comes on the TV each night.

“It hasn’t been easy keeping this all a secret from her, especially as she has a big family with lots of grandchildren and great grandchildren who visit her often. But we invited her family in for a tea party beforehand and then Charlie made his grand entrance.”

Striding into Mary’s tea party, Charlie said: “I understand you wanted to meet me, Mary?”

A stunned Mary said: “Oh Charlie you look exactly the same as you do on the telly. “They told me they didn’t think they would be able to get you to come. I’m so happy. You’re my favourite.”

Mary has been living at The Hayes since March 2022.

Her daughter Dawn Payne said: “Mum has vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s and was really struggling at home before coming into The Hayes. But now she is doing well.

“She loves taking part in all the activities and has made many friends.

“We are so grateful to Care Dorset for making this wish come true for her and to Charlie for coming all the way from Exeter to meet her. This will be all she talks about for months to come.”

A further surprise came when Charlie invited Mary to introduce his weather forecast, which went out live across the West Country from The Hayes. She proved a natural in front of the camera.

Charlie left The Hayes after signing autographs for Mary and her colleagues.

He said: “It’s been lovely to meet Mary and her family and incredibly flattering to know how much she enjoys my weather reports. She has also been an excellent co-presenter.”

New nursing community

THE chief nurse for adult social care, Deborah Sturdy OBE, was the guest of honour at the opening of a new nursing community at Hutton View Care Home in Essex, owned by familyrun provider Hallmark.

Deborah cut the ribbon in front of 50 guests, who were invited to view the home’s state-of-the-art nursing facilities which include 11 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms.

She also met their three newly appointed nurses.

General manager Louise Baxter said: “I am delighted our nursing community is now officially open. It’s important to our residents and their families that they live in a care home for life, which is why we have extended our care offering.

“I am excited to be able to lead the team here at Hutton View and support our nurses, who have been selected for their kindness, expertise and commitment to care, and ooze passion and enthusiasm.”

The afternoon event, attended

Resident Jean Parks enjoys her first trishaw ride with companionship team leader Karlene Horswill and volunteer Kate Locke pedalling at the rear.

Mary Tompkins with ITV weather presenter Charlie Powell.

by local businesses and care professionals, included speeches and a question-and-answer question with Deborah, who spoke about her current priorities.

Deborah Sturdy OBE (centre) is pictured with Louise Baxter, general manager of Hutton View, and Aneurin Brown, managing director of Hallmark Care Homes.