my home life essex herald

8/7/2019 My Home Life Essex Herald

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AMAZING PEOPLE

Meet them on page 3

Essex

The

HERALDWORKING WITH ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL TO CREATE QUALITY OF LIFE IN CARE HOMES SUMMER 2011

A RESIDENT AT St Dominic’s care home

in Colchester has published his second

book, despite suffering a huge stroke that

left him physically and mentally impaired.

Graham, whose rst book The Church

Street Chronicles was published in 1999,

lost part of his sight and use of the left side

of his body following a stroke in 2009. Due

to the severity of his impairment, Graham

moved into St Dominic’s, where he quickly

demonstrated his determination to recover.

“At rst, he was very confused and it was

even difcult for him to hold a piece of

paper,” said his wife Jennifer. “But, a

St Dominic’s they have people coming in

regularly to engage in activities with the

residents and keep their minds working.”

Before the stroke, Graham had been working

on his next book, The Kelvedon Rentals of

Church Hall Manor . The work was almos

nished and the drafts were on his home

computer. However, it still required editing

and proof reading.

“Six months after the stroke, we started

talking about the book again,” said Jennifer

Continued on page 2

Author starts new chapter in care

www.myhomelifeessex.org.uk

BESIDE THESEASIDE

A resident and carer fromDelamer enjoy a springstroll along the beach.

Residents feathering the nestWHEN PATERNOSTER MANAGER,

Nicola, saw an advert for eggs for incubation,

she quickly hatched a plan. Nicola brought

the eggs back to the care home, where

residents helped raise the chicks.

“They really enjoy the nurturing aspect,”

says Nicola. “It gives them a sense of

responsibility.”

Now fully grown, the feathery residents

have remained at Paternoster, where

residents continue to take care of them. Staff

benet too, with a steady supply of fresh,

free-range eggs for sale from the residents.



Self-service whets residents’appetitesAT CORNER LODGE in Clacton-on-Sea, a

self-service 24-hour buffet allows residents

to schedule their own meal times.

“We have set meal times, but some people

are just not hungry then,” says Manager,

Ethna. After proposing her self-service

idea to residents and getting a positive

PULLING PINTS AT HOME

Longview staff have created various themed areas around the home. There is amusic lounge with instruments that residents can play together, and a cinematic areacelebrating lm stars old and new. They have even built a wooden bar!

Innovation in dementiaRestoring independence to residents with dementia is a key aim for a number of care homes in Essex

INNOVATIONS PAGE 2

Continued from page 1.

Overcoming Graham’s physical and mental

difculties would be a huge undertaking,

they knew. But the positive environment

created at St Dominic’s, together with

Graham’s determination and his wife’s

support, gave them encouragement.

Together they worked on the proof reading

and corrections. In fact, Jennifer says, the

whole process actually helped Graham’s

recovery, by stimulating his mind.

After eight years of research, the book is

now on sale – an incredible testament to

triumph over adversity - but also proof that

life goes on in care. Recovery: writing helped Graham’s recovery from a severe stroke.


thumbs-up, Ethna took the plan to her

directors, who were equally supportive.

Residents now choose when and what they

want to eat. The food is freshly prepared

by in-house chefs and includes a healthy

selection of fresh fruit, desserts and jellies,

as well as more lling items, such as saladsand pasta dishes. The visual element is very

important, according to Ethna, who says

being able to see the food has encouraged

the residents to eat more. The buffet cabine

has also created more social interaction

and has actually become a meeting point in

the home.

Livening things up at

Madelaine CourtBATHROOMS DECORATED WITH

themes, including sport, the seaside

owers and animals, are creating a livelier

environment for residents at Madelaine Court

The walls are also colour-coded, to brighten

up the building and make it easier for

residents to navigate independently. There

is even a nursery corner where residents can

reminisce about their childhood.

Manager, Helen, hopes this attention todetail will develop higher levels of self-

respect amongst residents. Helen, who

recognises the importance of dignity in care

has initiated a variety of afternoon clubs

allowing residents to pursue their own

interests. Working with relatives, staff a

Madelaine Court have also started building

‘memory boxes’ in order to revive positive

memories and create a valuable resource

for communication.



Make yourself at home‘THERE’S NO PLACE like home’, so the

proverb goes, and Cameron House certainly

lives up to this.

Natalie, Activities Coordinator at Cameron

House, decided to replace ‘typica

structured activities’ with the sort of pass-

times residents would have enjoyed before

moving in to the home.

The women can now enjoy a hairdressing

room and nail bar, while the men have a

barbershop.

The summerhouse has been converted into

a small shop jointly run by residents and

staff, where the residents are able to buy a

number of everyday items and enjoy a cup

of tea and a chat.

“It really gives them a sense o

independence,” says Natalie. Residents are

also encouraged to get out more, by heading

off to the pub for lunch, or a night at the

cinema. And next month, staff will get achance to go abseiling to raise money for

the home.

Never too young to careIT WAS HER grandmother’s stroke that

inspired Harley, now 19, to work with the

elderly. Harley was studying for her GCSEs

at the time, and the experience left quite an

impression.

Starting in the laundry at her local carehome, Harley was eager to get more directly

involved with residents. “I liked sneaking

in and having a chat,” she says.

In November last year, Harley moved to

Down Hall where her manager, Karen,

quickly spotted her potential. “Harley is

very mature for her age,” she says. “She

learns quickly and is not afraid to ask

questions.”

MEET THE STAFF PAGE 3

Rewarding work: Harley loves chatting, reminiscing and even dancing with the residents.

Shining example: residents enjoy regular

manicures. www.myhomelifeessex.org.uk

Harley’s new job has not been without its

challenges, as Harley herself explains:

“it took some time to understand each

person’s specic needs and learn how to

communicate with them as individuals.”

The 19-year-old has worked hard to build

connections with residents, by nding out

about their pasts. “They love reminiscing,”

she says.

She has also discovered common interests

with residents, such as dancing. “One of the

ladies was a tap dancer, so we love to have

a little dance now and again,” says Harley,

who also works as a dance teacher.

“Knowing that I’ve helped someone and

seeing the smile on their face, it’s a great

deal of fun and highly rewarding.”

Meet the staff A look at some of the amazing people working in residentialcare



Meet the residents

LenMiddleton Manor resident, Len, says visits

by 6th form students from Plume School

have helped him ‘re-live his youth’.

Talking to them about his time in the Royal

Marines, Len has also recounted stories

about his childhood antics. “We used to go

scrumping - nabbing fruits and vegetables

- and then all meet up and share them,” he

says with a chuckle.

The students have also given Len a window

into their lives, in particular their new

technology. “They have computers on

their phones now,” he says. “They’ve been

showing me all their pictures.”

DorothyDorothy has been passionate about music

her entire life. She was a pianist from a

young age and sang in a choir, and even

conducted the local jazz band.

Dorothy is still very active musically

During the singing of Christmas carols a

Delamer House, she was given her own

microphone.

Clearly, she is very happy to be

able to continue using her voice

“I really recommend singing as it is good

for both your physical and mental health,”

she says.

PLAY IT AGAIN KEN

98-year-old Ken still entertains the other

residents with his piano skills despite having just three ngers on his left hand.

MEET THE RESIDENTS PAGE 4


Recently Len’s family brought in a

huge collection of his photo albums and

he is looking forward to sharing more

memories with the students. “I’ve travelled

everywhere,” he says. “It’s great to see allthese photos again.”

The students say they have found the

opportunity equally rewarding. “It’s fun to

hear all the stories and play games with the

residents,” said Louis, a visiting pupil.

Jake adds: “It feels good to help people

who need it. I enjoy playing dominoes with

them, but I can’t believe how they cheat!”



PansySquirrels Nursing Home has uncovered a

resident poet in their midst. Pansy started

writing at the age of 21 when she had

tuberculosis. She found it a good way to

deal with her time in hospital. “I needed to

express my emotions,” she said.

As Pansy’s children got older and her

husband went away to work, she once again

began to write. However, when her husband

passed away, she felt unable to continuewriting. “It took the heart out of me,” she

explained.

But, when students from Sheneld School

visited the home to have a poetry contest

judged by the residents, Pansy found her

muse. Her creativity returned and she wrote

a poem to mark the occasion.

“I like to chat with different people. It was

nice to see the children and have a feeling

you were part of their world.”

REMEMBERING I may be busy darling, with things I have to do

Then something seems to happen to bring my thoughts to you

Flowers that you’ve sent to me, a sweetness in their smell

Sent now to remind me of a love I have known so well

Faith too has helped us, we’ve shared a common love

He is there to help us, and guard us from above

Many seasons come and go, his love is always near

Forever I will be thankful, he gave me you my dear.

Brenda‘Speedy Gonzalez’, as her care workers call

her, has been a resident at Delamer House

for eight years now.

Speedy – or Brenda – is a notorious gure

in the home, having been caught speeding

three times in 18 months!

“We get lots of freedom here,” she says.

Brenda recently decided to replace her

Renault Clio with a mobility scooter, but

staff say it doesn’t seem to have slowed her

down! Brenda is full of praise for the home

and her carers. “I wouldn’t be anywhere

else,” she says. “It’s like a hotel.”

MEET THE RESIDENTS PAGE 5




PET OWNERS HAVE a lower risk of heart

attack and stroke, and are less likely to

develop cardiac disease. They require 15

per cent fewer GP visits, fewer prescription

medications and spend 30 per cent less time

in hospital.

Yet care homes that will accept pets remain

uncommon. Sadly, many care home

managers are unwilling to take on the

responsibility. Not in Essex, however!

When 98-year old Mac was set to go into

care, she was very anxious and unhappy

about losing her beloved Daisy, a rescue

dog found wandering in Kings Cross. “I

couldn’t abandon her,” she said.

Roda, manager of The Squirrels care home,

decided to take a chance, and accommodate

Daisy as well as Mac. “The other residents

were okay with it, so I decided to give it a

try,” she said.

Despite Mac’s initial resistance to

residential care, being able to bring

her dog marked a turning point.

“It really helped with the transition,” says

Roda. Since Daisy’s arrival, the home has

never been the same. “A lot of residents

used to stay in their rooms, but now they

come down every morning looking forward

to seeing Daisy,” Roda explains.

Mac is not as mobile these days so she is pleased that the other residents can help

out with Daisy. “Daisy gets taken out quite

a bit,” says Roda. “They seem to like her

very much.”

Elsewhere in Essex, Longview has

Retired racer: a care home has adopted a retired greyhound and he has become a frm

favourite of the residents.

SPECIAL REPORT PAGE 6


98-year-old Mac with her beloved dog Daisy, who now lives with her in care.

welcomed a unique OAP. Last Christmas

the home adopted a greyhound, an ex-racer

from Romford race track, as part of a wider

initiative to make the place more homely.

The dog has encouraged many residentsto leave their rooms, going for walks and

having an overall therapeutic effect.

Perhaps other care homes will see t to

follow The Squirrels and Longview’s lead

– or at least paws for thought!

It’s a dog’s life



Because we careTHE ‘WE CARE Networking Group’ is

the brainchild of Cameron House Manager,

Beverly, and ‘modern matron’, Paula.

A locally-driven networking group bringing

together people from all walks of care, the

principle aim is to help form connections

and share knowledge.

Formed in June 2010, the group has already

brought together 45 people, and is a great

example of people supporting each other

within the sector.

Baby face createsa stir IT’S BEEN SMILES all around at Oakdale

where a photo of a baby has brought carers

and residents closer together.

Melanie Rickett who has been involved

with My Home Life for over two years,

recently set out to help staff connect better

with residents suffering from dementia.

Spontaneously showing residents a photo of a baby’s face, she discovered a remarkable

effect. “The residents had such big smiles

on their faces,” she says. “The staff were so

impressed.”

The team were inspired, both by the

effectiveness of a simple photo and the

residents’ show of emotions. The result was

a general culture shift in the home, breaking

down many of the barriers between residents

and carers.

Since then, Melanie has implemented

further changes, all of which have resulted

in a more positive approach to care and a

stronger sense of teamwork. Relationships

between staff and residents are growing

stronger and the home is has begun to feel

like a true community.

All smiles: carer, Melanie, has introduced simple ideas that bring a smile to residents

with dementia.

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO DESERVESAN AWARD?

THE MY HOME Life Essex Award Scheme not only offers recognition for hard work andachievement, but also a nice addition to the CV or portfolio.

We have recently presented several awards, and are about to present a couple of “Golds”. The rst goes to Ethna of Corner Lodge in Jaywick for her tireless supportof My Home Life Essex.

The second is for Melissa, a teacher at St. Benedict’s who has not only fosteredher own school’s partnership, but has helped to inspire several colleagues at otherschools to get involved.

Do you feel you know someone who deserves to be put forward? If so get in touchat [email protected]

Manager focusManagers from Essex care homes have shared their storiesof innovation and best practice

MANAGER FOCUS PAGE 7




DO YOU HAVE A STORYFOR US?

If you have some news or views youwould like to share, please email:

[email protected]

Articles published are not the ofcial views

of My Home Life or Essex County Council.

For more information, articles, lms

and bulletins, please visit our site:


MY HOME LIFE Essex aims to transform

the quality of life of residents, relatives

and staff living, visiting and working in

residential care homes right across the

county.

It challenges the bleak press coverage

of care homes, highlighting instead

remarkable staff who do amazing things

to support some of our most vulnerable

citizens and their families. My Home Life is about raising standards and developing

professional expertise, to create care homes

we can be proud of.

Care homes now have a local movement

that has the strength to create a different

and more positive vision for our care home

residents, relatives and staff.

Care homesunite behindMy Home Life

Essex

Burns Night at St. Dominic’sST DOMINIC’S CELEBRATED Burns

Night by inviting local Scotsman, Tom,and Pipe Major, Paul, from The Colchester

District Pipe Drums to liven up the

proceedings. For 98-year-old, Ron, and

many of the other residents, this was the

rst time to hear a piper live.

“They were all in awe,” said Manager,

Vanessa.

Piping hot: Pipe Major, Paul, and local Scotsman, Tom, liven up Burns Night.

COUNTY ROUND UP PAGE 8


Highlights this year so far At the end, Paul played Auld Lang Syne and

many sang along. They also held a rafe to

raise money for future events, with manyof the residents themselves bringing home

the prizes.

Line dancing at Down HallSTAFF AND RESIDENTS at Down Hal

lined up to dance away the winter blues

with a line dance in January.

They invited a local dancing group

consisting of members aged 60

90 – including a sprightly 83-year

old teacher – to perform at the home“This was the most successful event we’ve

ever had,” said Manager, Karen. “It was

great for the residents to see other elderly

people so active.”

Some residents joined in and even the less

mobile were moving along to the rhythms

The event made a particular impression on

Peter, a gentleman living with dementia who

used to be lively, but had recently become

quiet and reserved. “He suddenly came alive,”

said Karen.

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