I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

Home update 2

June events 4

July events 6

August

events

8

What’s on 10

Staff Stuff 12

E L I Z A B E T H C O U R T

R E S T H O M E ECRH Newsletter S U M M E R 2 0 1 4 R E V I E W A U G / S E P T

H I G H L I G H T S

Fundraiser info

Summer events

Jadene’s Leaving

Do

Residents birth-

days

And more...

Elizabeth Court Fundraiser gets under way! war memorabilia and literature

around the home, we remem-

bered those who fought and

lost their lives. We also looked

at Belgium as a nation and cele-

brated by having themed

meals, cakes, entertainment

and décor.

Collectively, throughout Au-

gust, we managed to cover a

total distance of 238.06miles

which takes us from Belgium

into France. We will therefore

be celebrating all things French

throughout September. See

more on the ‘what’s on’ pages.

Those of you on the mailing

list for this newsletter will

have hopefully already re-

ceived some information

about the ECRH fundraising

event, which started back at

the beginning of August. We

have mentioned it in previous

newsletter, too. Well, we’ve

finally started!

The homes’ staff and residents

are clubbing together to walk,

cycle, be pushed in wheel-

chairs, walk the dogs, whatev-

er, however, to cover as many

miles as we can, while we plot

our distances on a map of Eu-

rope. The aim being to take a

virtual walk through 12 coun-

tries in 12 months. We started

in Ypres, Belgium in August to

commemorate the centenary

of the first world war. We had

We have partnered up

with the Dementia CHiR

team to update our skills

and knowledge about

best practice and chang-

es in the best approach-

es to delivering care to

those with dementia. We

have had group work-

shops to discuss a whole

manner of topics relating

to dementia sufferers

and have problem solved

and looked at alterna-

tive, more effective ways

to manage and care for

those with distressing

symptoms. We have

adapted our small

lounge area (See more

The Dementia Care Home in Reach Team (CHiR) get involved

inside) and run through our bigger

projects relating to the home’s

fundraiser, which have been given

the double thumbs up! Our ideas

are in line with current research

and guidance which is very reassur-

ing. We are always striving to keep

up to date and aim to deliver the

best possible care.

Pictured above: Bob took the dogs for

a walk to the war memorial in August

Bottom right: The Belgian flag deco-

rating the home

P A G E 2

Summer starts with

hanging baskets!

Home Updates

We had a visit from the

Environmental Health

Officer (EHO) who came

to inspect our kitchen and

test the knowledge of our

kitchen staff. Mandy was

on duty in the kitchen

that day and she wowed

the inspector with her

knowledge of the kitchen

and the systems in place

for the food safety, hy-

giene & cleanliness and staff

training. The inspector rec-

ognised the passion and

dedication oozing from

Mandy during the visit.

Mandy explained to the in-

spector all about our plans

to improve and renovate

the kitchen and went into

detail about the struggles

and successes of our envi-

ronment. The inspector

in soil and very much

brown in colour! Tanya,

Frank and Ron joined Car-

ol, Reece, Jamila to create

some colourful hanging

displays to go around the

outside of the building.

After our visit to the garden

centre to get all we needed

to brighten up the home, we

started planting our hanging

baskets. Some of us got out in

the garden with out ‘green

fingers’, which soon were

covered

We received a dona-

tion to the home from

Mr Pollit’s family to

put towards some-

thing useful for the

home which could

also be a memorial for

the man we all loved.

Brian was a quiet, pri-

vate man who lived at

Elizabeth court for a

numbr of years. We

decided to buy

a new table and

chairs set which

we put a plaque

on in memory

of Brian.

5 Star Environmental Health Inspection Result!

In loving

memory of

Brian Pollit

This is the page to find out about changes

around the home and garden, improvements

and maintenance.

was, needless to say, very

impressed and left us with

the maximum 5 star rating

(which we have maintained

from the previous inspec-

tion). Well done to the

kitchen staff, including

Anita and Steve, as it is a

team effort and all of you

have contributed to this

rating, and well done to

Mandy who didn't crack

under the pressure! Keep

up the good work, let’s

keep our 5 stars!

We are very proud!

Its been a scorcher!! Summer this year has been a hot one. We have enjoyed plenty of sunny, hot weather and we even hit heat-wave tem-peratures. When this happens, local authori-ties send out warnings and guidance to ensure vulnerable people are kept safe.

Home Updates P A G E 3

A U G / S E P T 1 4

Goodbye, Jakey! Sadly, Jake, on of our much beloved bunnies, was

suddenly unwell and died in June. It was a bit of a

shock but we have now buried him in the garden

and given him a plaque to remember him by. Jake

was loved by

all because he

was so docile

and enjoyed

being handled

and petted.

We have rearranged redesigned the small lounge area and

transformed it into a much prettier and more familiar

lounge area with added benefits for those with dementia

and sensory loss. We have created several “rummage box-

es” which are great tools for those with dementia, and

we’ve put various sensory items in place to create a relax-

ing, sensory environment for those either suffering with

anxiety, confusion or agitation, or just for those who want

somewhere to chill in the evenings. Some of this was in-

spired by our involvement with the CHiR team.

Pictured top right: Nessa and Jake

Top to bottom: Nessa, Tanya and Evelyn holding the guinea

pigs

Right: The small lounge area with new lamps and décor

Small Lounge gets a sensory new

feel...

Animals need shade too While we were keeping everyone cool with cold drinks, ice lollies and plenty of shade, we also had Nessa on hand to keep the animals pro-tected. She ensured they were all given plenty to drink and while out in their runs they had areas of shade to escape to, too.

P A G E 4 June 2014

Vladimir played and entertained

on his electric piano. He’s back

again in July.

Vladimir plays on

the 8th

Trevor came and delighted us

with his guitar and dulcet tones.

Thanks Trev, see you next time!

Trevor entertains

on the 10th

Andy, a old fave at ECRH, con-

tinues to relax his audience with

his calming set.

Andy came again on

the 28th

Daphne

moves in

Daphne Muller moved into ECRH on the 10th June

after being forced from her previous home after

closure. Daphne has settled into her room here and

enjoys drawing pictures and singing. Welcome to

Elizabeth Court, Daphne. We hope you enjoy it here

and have some fun!

Our visiting opticians, Vi-

sionCall, have been and

tested the sight of some

of our residents. They’ve

been back since to deliver

a load of shiny, new glass-

es. Now to prevent sitting

on them!

We donate all the old

glasses to be used in de-

veloping countries.

VisionCall call

again

It was Father’s Day on

12th June and we recog-

nised this with all the

dad’s in the home. Cards

were received and thanks

given to all the fathers out

there.

Fathers Day

Carol and

Reece attend

provider

forums As care home man-

agers it’s always a

good idea to meet

with others to share

ideas and keep up to

date with changes.

In June, Carol and

Reece attended the

local authority pro-

vider forums in East-

bourne where we

were updated on the

following topics/

issues;

CQC inspection

changes and the

reintroduction of

the ratings system

Local authority

funding crisis—

advice to think

innovatively in the

care sector

The Dignity chal-

lenge—raising

awareness on

preserving dignity

in care

And more...

June at Elizabeth Court Rest Home...

June saw us champion our

side in the tennis and the

football this year. It seems

like so long ago now

when we were all feeling

patriotic and optimistic.

That is until we get

knocked out and are left

waiting to see Djokovic

win Wimbledon and Ger-

many win the World Cup.

Still, it’s all good fun.

Wimbledon

AND the World

Cup

Jadene left ECRH this year to move into a hospital

setting over in Brighton. We were sorry to hear of her

departure however we couldn’t just let her go quietly.

We had a big bash to celebrate Jadene’s time with us.

We organised a house party, gathering as many resi-

dents and staff as we could and organised some musi-

cal entertainment. We had some ‘blasts from the past’

come and show their support, too! Jadene was quite

overwhelmed (and that was the plan!). We presented

Jadene with a few mementos to remember us by

(personalised champagne and flute, photo book of

memories and a few other gifts). We are very grateful

for your service with us, Jadene. You have set stand-

ards and always delivered the highest quality care. You

will be an asset to any organisation and we wish you

the best of luck in your new start.

See here some photos of the big

bash. We had a great time!

We said goodbye to Jadene properly!

Charlie Case cancels last

minute, Sam Saspirelli

saves the day!

Unfortunately, Charlie Case, who is a

regular at ECRH, had to cancel his

gig for Jadene’s party due to a

bicycle accident. Charlie sustained

some minor injuries but is on the

mend and due to return to our

lounge later this year. Glad to hear

you’re on the mend, Charlie.

As a result of this last minute

cancellation, we hired an emergency

entertainer in Sam Saspirelli, who

was very entertaining and helped us

give Jadene an unforgettable send

off!

June 2014 P A G E 5 A U G / S E P T 1 4

Pictured below: Me doing a selfie with the old gang,

Jadene with Evelyn, Doreen raising a toast to Jadene,

the good bye cake, The whole crew, then a load of

group photos of fun times and goodbyes!

Pictured above: staff, old and new, and residents and friends getting on down to Sam Sasiprelli

in the lounge. Who can you spot?

P A G E 6 July 2014 July at Elizabeth Court Rest Home...

In Loving

Memory of

Mrs. Joan Still

Doreen celebrates her birthday!! Doreen was presented with flowers and a cake, and a

handful of staff singing their hearts

out! Doreen celebrated her birthday

on the 8th July. Doreen is pictured

here, on the left. Happy Birthday to

you, Doreen!

Christine celebrated her birthday on the 9th

July. Christine was also bombarded by staff

singing Happy Birthday at the tops of their

voices, and also re-

ceived the obligatory

flowers and cake.

Happy Birthday to you, too, Christine!

Christine celebrates her birthday!! Carol and Reece

were invited to

attend The Lau-

rels Nursing

Home Open

Day, over in

Hastings, in July.

The home had

recently built a

new care wing

to their existing

building and it

was being offi-

cially opened by

Gloria Hunni-

ford. We were

treated to a

buffet lunch and

a guided tour of

the new facili-

ties. The idea

being to form a

link incase we

ever have any

referrals for

them.

We were saddened by the decline and eventual loss

of one of our longest standing, much beloved resi-

dents, Mrs Joan Still. Joan Passed away peacefully in

her bed at Elizabeth Court on the 31st July with peo-

ple around her.

Joan lived at ECRH for nearly 20 years and had some

great times here. She was loved by all and will be

remembered fondly as the loving and dignified wom-

an that she was. Farewell, Joan. Rest in Peace.

The

Laurels

Open Day

Vladimir

came again

on the 12th

July to enter-

tain in the

lounge.

Vlad’s back

Magician,

Mike, came

to perform

with his box

of tricks this

July.

Magic Mike

Mystifies

It was time for the

annual RCHA confer-

ence at Herstmonceux

Castle. We attended

last year and again,

this year it was scorch-

ing! We sat in beauti-

ful surroundings in the

old Herstmonceux

castle before getting

the chance to wander

round the gardens.

Conference at the Castle

We were kept up to

date with other issues

which were raised at

local forums, as well as

hearing from speakers

from the top rankings

of the local authorities

and CQC. The main

theme of this confer-

ence was ’balancing

the books’, focusing on

the tightening budgets

of local services and

the struggles ahead for

smaller businesses in

the care sector (like

ours!). The key mes-

sage is to start thinking

innovatively and crea-

tively in order to sur-

vive. Scary stuff, but

we have lots of innova-

tive ideas to keep us

going!

July 2014 P A G E 7

A U G / S E P T 1 4

Dream Worldwide Productions pre-

sented a singer to perform a set list of

favourite musical numbers on the

14th, anything from Oliver Twist to

The Sound of Music, you name it, she

sang it! This was an evening show

starting at 6pm, so after suppers were

over, it was time to get rockin’!

DreamWorldWide Productions evening show

Tickled Pink productions have a “swell party” at ECRH

Tickled Pink Productions, another amateur dra-

matics group who are regulars at ECRH, came and

delivered their ‘swell party’ show on the 22nd. This

was ideal for a summer’s afternoon full of fun.

Pictured above: the one woman musicals show from Dream

Worldwide Productions

Pictured above : Alan

Tanya celebrated her

50th birthday with us

this month, on the

22nd. We had originally

planned the show to tie

in with Tanya’s birthday

but Tanya went out for

the day with a friend,

she enjoyed lunch and

shopping and spending

the day out. The most

important thing is you

enjoyed your day! We

still got you with the

cake and flowers when

you came home!

Tanya turns 50!

Alan celebrated his Birthday on the 28th

July, he also received the obligatory cake

and card and sing-a-long, Alan’s also

now sporting a nice new outfit. (we stu-

pidly overlooked Alan’s Birthday this

year, so it was a belated one unfortu-

nately. Sorry about that, Alan, it won’t

happen again!!). Happy Birthday to

you!!

Alan celebrates his

birthday!

Pictured above : Tanya with her cake

and flowers

Pictured left: Emily Pearl and her dog

Emily Pearl Debuts—and brings her dog along!

We welcomed a new act in the home to entertain

our masses who came along to sing. Emily Pearl also

brought along her pet Cavalier King Charles Spaniel,

who didn’t sing...

We carried out the annual Fire Risk

Assessment to ensure safety in the

event of an emergency at ECRH. You’ll

be pleased to know we’re all up to

date and everything is in place as it

should be.

Fire Risk Assessment carried out

P A G E 8 August 2014

Pet Pals continue to come

on the first Monday of every

month. The last three

months in pictures here:

Centenary of the First

World War We commemorated the centenary of the Great

War at ECRH with literature and photographs on

display around the home in remembrance of those

who fought and lost their lives. Did you take part

in the ‘lights out’ event on the 4th August? As a

marker of the start of the first world war the whole

country was urged to turn out their lights at home

for one hour, at 22:00, exactly a century after we

went to War back in 1914.

Pictured above:

A rabbit, Joan M petting a rabbit and the dog at

once, Olga petting a rabbit, Joan S petting a rabbit,

Some ducks, some more ducks

August at Elizabeth Court Rest Home...

We have a number of res-

cued cats that have been

living in our summer house

as a temporary measure.

After much debate we have

decided to rehouse the cats

further down the garden in a

Rescue cats are relocated to free-up

summer house

lovely wooden ‘playhouse’ so

that we can utilise the sum-

mer house for what it was

originally intended, to enjoy

the sunnier weather! The cats

still get plenty of attention and

most importantly, food!

August 2014 P A G E 9 A U G / S E P T 1 4

Vladimir returned on the 16th mak-

ing this his third visit in as many

months. He’s obviously quite popular

and I’m sure he’ll be back next

month...

Vladimir becomes a regular

Daphne celebrates her birthday!! Daphne, who only moved in recently, celebrated her

birthday with us on the 14th and was overwhelmed

by the reception she got from us. She got the usual

treatment for birthdays and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Happy Birthday Daphne!

Bing Lyle performed with his accordion

and as part of our fundraising event,

helped theme his act on Belgium, talking

about famous Belgian musicians, com-

posers and other general trivia.

Bing Lyle came on the 7th and

helped us celebrate Belgium

Philip celebrates his birthday! Philip celebrated his birthday on the 11th August, and because we

know about his past where he worked in Russia we decided to

do him an extra special cake—with “Happy Birthday Philip”

written in Russian on the front, and a triple layered cake repre-

senting the Russian flag. All made by Gemma (Carol’s Daugh-

ter) who is a budding cake decorator. Gemma has been hand

making and decorating most of the residents’ birthday cakes

when she has the availability to do it. Thanks Gemma!

Doris celebrates her birthday!! Doris celebrated another year older on the 23rd of August.

She was pleased to receive flowers, a cake and a song. Happy

Birthday to you, Doris.

Trevor performed

again on August 20th.

We like Trevor and

can rely on him to get

the party started.

Trev comes back

Andy Robertson saw us

again at the end of August.

We tend to book Andy for

Saturday afternoons to relax

and soothe.

Andy plays again

What’s On?

Entertainment and Events

As always I would like to say a special thanks to all those ac-

tivity leaders who visit on regular occasions. These include;

Louise Denny on the accordion on Monday afternoons

Simon’s Alive and Active Classes every Tuesday after-

noon, now at 3pm instead of 2pm.

Karen and Motivation and Co. every other Wednesday

And Penny Toft’s therapeutic activities on Friday after-

noons

Special Thanks!

This is where you’ll see upcoming events and plans

for the next edition of the newsletter...

Birthdays Hardly any birthdays

coming up over the

next few months. We

will be celebrating

Audrey’s in October

and Julie’s in November.

But that’s it until Janu-

ary.

Vladimir is booked for 11th Sept

Charlie Case is rescheduled for

18th Sept

Leadership for Dementia Confer-

ence at AMEX stadium, Brighton,

for Carol and Reece on 18th Sept

Care Home in Reach Managers

Forum start on the 2nd Oct

St Michael’s Hospice Managers

Forums continue on the 17th Oct

More events info will be displayed

in the home when they're booked

Residents Meeting Dates:

1. October 1st

Meetings will be held in the lounge,

other dates will be added and posters

will be displayed in the home before the

meeting.

P A G E 1 0

A U G / S E P T 1 4

We will open our doors every Thursday afternoon for

people to come and enjoy a cuppa with a themed cake

or biscuits for a small donation.

Why not come and see how we’re doing?

See where we’re currently celebrating and enjoy an

afternoon treat.

September is about France so we’ll be serving

Croissants/ Pain au chocolat with tea or coffee every

Thursday

October could be Spain, Germany, Switzerland, that's

all part of the surprise!

Find out more month by month at ECRH Monthly Update

For AUGUST 2014

Miles covered through August comes to: 238.06

Having started in Ypres, Belgium at the start of August, this sees us land in:

Salbris, in the Sologne Region, France

Donations so far: £1100 - THANK YOU!!

Elizabeth Court Rest Home Fundraiser

Residents and Staff take a

Virtual Walk Through 12 Countries in 12 Months

To Improve the Environment for Residents with

Dementia & Sensory Loss

www.facebook.com/ecrhfundraiser

P A G E 1 1

Staff Stuff

Thanks to all of

you who have

got involved with

the CHiR team

workshops over

the last several

weeks. We have

still got a few

sessions to go

due to changes

in shcedules

(dates will be

displayed when

confirmed). We

have had some

excellent com-

ments from the

team about the

home, the staff,

our practice and

our ideas. Well

done everyone!!

Dementia

CHiR

Training You have all got involved in completing as many

miles as you can for the ECRH fundraiser. Well done

guys, keep making the extra effort and don’t forget

to record your miles on the achievements board in

the small lounge. Please continue to raise aware-

ness of our cause and invite your friends and family

in for Themed Thursdays!

Fundraising

achievements

All staff

complete first

aid training

We had a first aid training

day in August to ensure

all staff on the premises

have an up to date certifi-

cate for first aid. We have

received all the certifi-

cates and I want to thank

everyone who turned up

for coming and congratu-

late all those who re-

P A G E 1 2

ceived certificates. Well

done! Now get out there

and save lives!

Your input...

We aim to hold a staff meeting

on the first Tuesday of every

month. If we are unable to

stick to this then more infor-

mation will be put up in the

home. Thanks to all staff who

attend and contribute to staff

meetings, your input is

important and helps to drive

up standards in the home.

Photos Page P A G E 1 3

So I’ve added a page to the newsletter specifically

for some of the extra photos

A U G / S E P T 1 4

Pictures going down, left to right

Doreen’s African violet plant in bloom this year,

Audrey and her friend sitting together, Jenny and Lilly

posing with Ron, April sitting proudly, Audrey and

her friend dancing, Zak and Julie posing, Lily and Ron

playing frustration, Audrey posing with Jamila.

Around from top left: Annie covered in foam after

doing sensory activities, Lily and Ron playing connect

4, Mandy and Steve posing at the leaving bash, Tanya

and Joan doing some drawing, Ivy playing with foam,

Joan and her daughter playing with foam, Bob and

Joan doing some artwork, Audrey with painted hands

getting mucky!

It’s time for us to start appealing to everyone out there for feedback on

Elizabeth Court Rest Home. We are always striving to improve and we

want to hear your thoughts on our care service as a whole. Please see the

final page of this newsletter for a form which we ask you to detach, fill out

and return to ECRH. We have also enclosed (for those who receive this

by post) a carehomes.co.uk feedback form which can be posted directly

back to them for your thoughts to be published on their website, which

lists our service for others to compare.

4 Hastings Road

Bexhill Old Town

East Sussex

TN40 2HH

Tel/Fax: 01424 219105

Email:

carol@ecrh.co.uk

reece@ecrh.co.uk

We are always seeking your views on our service.

Whether you wish to comment on the care you or

your loved one receives, make a suggestion about

what we can do better, compliment us on what we

do well or complain about something you were

dissatisfied with, we will always listen to what you

have to say and aim to resolve any issues.

We value your feedback.

Please feel free to contact us (details shown).

Elizabeth Court Rest Home

Survey

time!

Quality care in a homely environment

Visit our website

Ecrh.co.uk

See us on our friends’ pages;

Carehomes.co.uk

Cqc.org.uk

Eastsussex1space.co.uk

www.facebook.com/ecrhfundraiser