Issue 71 25.08.21
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Residents and tech firm hold virtual dance RESIDENTS of a Surrey care home group and workers of a Californian tech-based company had the opportunity to connect for an innovative virtual dance session recently – all thanks to a viral Adopt a Grandparent campaign. Launched during the coronavirus pandemic, CHD Living’s Adopt a Grandparent campaign garnered widespread attention with support flooding in from neighbouring European countries, Australia, New Zealand and the USA. Pairing care home residents with virtual volunteers for regular video calls, the Adopt a Grandparent campaign coveted to help combat loneliness on a global scale by bringing companionship to those who needed it most at a time of widespread isolation. News of the heartfelt initiative quickly travelled across the transatlantic ocean with workers of NetApp, a Californian-based company in the computer technologies industry, expressing an interest to get involved. Shaleeza Hasham, head of hospitality and communications at CHD Living, said: “Prioritising the mental and physical wellbeing of our residents is key all year round. “However, it’s been even more necessary since the onset of Covid-19. This was the main
reason we launched Adopt a Grandparent – and we were delighted to hear that NetApp wanted to get involved with the campaign.” With hundreds of the company’s employees keen to get involved and not enough residents available to meet the demand, CHD Living and NetApp decided to organise a virtual dance session, which recently came to fruition. Participation reached high figures, with 30 staff members from NetApp and hundreds of residents from across CHD Living’s 13 care homes dialling in via Zoom to dance together. Led by NetApp, hands were jiving, and toes were tapping as the participants grooved along to catchy beats including Shakira’s ‘Waka Waka’. Shaleeza added:“Our residents love meeting new people, after all, and who doesn’t love a good dance session? “The result was fantastic! The seated dances were fun, engaging, and – importantly – easy to follow. “The response we witnessed from our residents was heartwarming to see – they were smiling for the rest of the day. “We thoroughly enjoyed the innovative and energetic collaboration with NetApp, and we hope to repeat the event very soon.”
Bailey has his day at care home
Bluebird Care North Hampshire and West Berkshire has announced the winners of its summer sunflower competition. The contest, which was launched back in June, was available to all customers of the homecare provider. Each person was challenged to grow the tallest sunflower they could over the summer months. The winner’s prizes included an afternoon tea for two donated by local food supply service YumYums. Nan Campbell, was declared the winner of the North Hampshire region. The victory was even sweeter as she happened to also be celebrating her 92nd birthday on the day of her afternoon tea for two. Pat Broomfield was victorious in the competition for West Berkshire. Nan Campbell is pictured with her winning sunflower.
A BIG THANK YOU
FROM ALL OF US TO ALL OF YOU FOR ALL YOU ARE DOING TO KEEP OUR MOST VULNERABLE SAFE AND HAPPY …
WE’RE IN AWE OF YOUR SELFLESS HARD WORK AND DEDICATION.
Caring UK is part of the Script Media companies
EASTWOOD Court care home has officially welcomed its newest staff member – Bailey the Cockapoo. Six-month year-old Bailey has been appointed as the Glasgow care home’s new canine ambassador. The crossbreed is already a hit with residents who got to meet him for the first time recently, having followed updates from his owner since he was born. Bailey is set to visit the home on a fortnightly basis to get lots of strokes and treats from residents. His visits are the latest idea of activities coordinator Catherine McAllister. She said: “It’s amazing how much of an impact animal visits have on residents’ mood. “Bailey was a very good boy and absolutely loved meeting everyone as well. “There’s been lots of studies showing that bringing animals into care homes can help improve residents’ sense of wellbeing and increases social interaction. “We’ve been really restricted on the activities we can do over the pandemic, and having the little furry ball of energy visit really lifted everyone’s spirits.” Catherine recently organised a cheesecake tasting session to celebrate National Cheesecake Day and held lots of competitions for the recent Tokyo Olympics. Other regular activities include yoga, bingo, quizzes and, in pre-lockdown times, visits from entertainers and trips to local tourist attractions.
CALLING ALL SUPPLIERS …
Your online presence has never been more important so that you can keep in touch with your clients! Do you need a website – and quick – to sell your services and products online? We can help with a five-page website, with or without payment facilities AT NO UPFRONT COST! And it will be ready within ONE WEEK of us receiving the necessary information. That’s the design and development of your own website within seven days! Includes domain name (.com or .co.uk), hosting in the UK and email forwarding We can also help with SEO, PPC, flyers or promotional material and affordable advertising in print and online! Contact us today: sally@scriptmedia.co.uk or 07939 324 781