WW1 centenary marked with 100 poppies at care home
100 POPPIES were created by Barnsley care home residents to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War. Marion Batty, Joan White and Annie Oakley, all living at Deangate Care Home, on Towngate, Mapplewell, created the memorial. They made poppy wreaths and a canvas of finger-painted poppies surrounding a silhouette of a First World War soldier and the words “We Remember”. Nicola Smith, activities coordinator at Deangate Care Home, said: “As it has been 100 years since the First World War ended, we thought it would be nice to make a memorial. “The activity was to remember all the people who fought for us and to talk about what the war meant to our residents. “We made 100 poppies and these have been placed all around the home.” Deangate Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Disorientating effect of décor on dementia patients not understood by many
Most people are unaware that interior décor can confuse those with dementia. Certain décor such as patterned and coloured carpets can cause dementia sufferers to become disorientated and unsettled. A recent survey conducted by United Carpets and Beds asked the public how they would adapt a home to suit somebody who was suffering with dementia. The results showed that almost a third of the public have no idea how to do this (30%), while a similar number would only think to address obvious hazards such as sharp corners and clutter (30.9%). Other findings included rearranging rooms and buying specialist furniture. Only 7.5% said they would consider changing the interior décor of the home. Richard Sim, Digital Manager at United Carpets and Beds, said: “It is a shock to a lot of people that flooring can affect people with dementia so much. Whilst people may be aware of some hazards such as wood flooring being slippery and therefore dangerous, there are many other aspects which can negatively affect them, make choosing the right carpet really important.” Carpet is often recommended for both care homes and the homes of patient over wood flooring as it can prevent and cushion falls. However, the style and pattern must also be chosen carefully, as certain shapes and colours can confuse people with dementia. It is known that patterns and flecks on a carpet can be perceived by some dementia sufferers as objects on the floor. Issues arise when patients attempt to pick them up, risking falls and general confusion. Dark areas on a carpet can also be mistaken for holes by people with certain degrees of dementia. Gilly Craft, Director of Koubou interiors, added: “Obvious patterns that create a ‘barrier’ or ‘hole’ should be avoided. As long as the LRV (Light Reflective Value) between the colour of the wall and floor is correct, then the colour itself is not so important, although certain colours are preferred.” Further considerations for flooring include using plain matte flooring and ensuring the floor colour contrasts with the walls. The survey revealed that when faced with looking after someone with dementia, around one in eight would consider relocating to a care home in order to ensure the correct level of care. Other tips on how to adapt interior décor to improve living conditions for dementia patients include good lighting, safety equipment, contrasting colours and using clear signage for reminders. Read the full article here: www.unitedcarpetsandbeds.com/advice/research/wrong-carpet-harm-dementia-patients
Making Mobility Easy
Just like the family that runs it, AHM Installations is a business that won’t falter under pressure. Set up 18 years ago by Julie and Simon Symcox, the business began selling quality mobility scooters and stairlifts to those in need. When enquires about mobility bathrooms began to flood in, they decided to implement these into their business, until the demand grew so much that it became their focal selling point. Specialising in bathroom adaptations for the elderly and disabled, AHM Installations can provide wet rooms, walk in showers, walk in baths, automatic toilets, high raised toilets, grab rails and shower stools. With everything you could possibly need, designing your perfectly usable and accessible bathroom just became easier. Every customer receives a free bathroom survey and a no obligation quote, as well as free advice on available government grants. Those that choose AHM Installations can also rely on trustworthy tradesmen who will share their vast knowledge and expertise of bathroom and wetroom installations every step of the way. The business has showrooms in Lincoln, Kent, Stratford upon Avon and Somerset. To find out more about AHM Installations, visit their website at https://www.ahminstallations.co.uk/ or call them on 0800 7316495.
Home Adaptation Good Practice
The latest report on delivery of home adaptation provision maintains ‘the overarching aim’ is for it to be accessible and timely. Service providers can take a simple step to achieving this by using Closomat. The company- Britain’s leading provider of accessible bathroom/ toilet solutions- offers a unique package that ensures professional execution of a bathroom adaptation, and its ongoing, long-term performance. Closomat manufactures the brand leader in shower (wash & dry toilets). It also supplies a raft of additional bathroom fixtures that enable people to continue to live independently, and more safely, in their home. Innovatively, the company offers a complete project management service, covering survey to install and commissioning. Further, once the assistive technology is installed, Closomat can provide ongoing service & maintenance as required. “The report(*) maintains that ‘retrofit’ is having, and will continue to have, a major impact on creation of accessible homes. It stresses the importance of ‘added value’ services, and creation of a culture of continuous improvement. The report also cites people’s desire for good design,” observes Robin Tuffley, Closomat marketing manager. “All those boxes are ticked by the service we provide. Bear in mind, the bathroom is the most common room to be adapted, and the toilet the most frequent fixture therein to be addressed: it makes sense, and is good practice, therefore ,to use the expertise of the market leader, that brings with it a reputation for quality and reliability, in product and service. It’s about peace of mind, for all involved, for as long as the adaptation is needed.” Closomat offers a comprehensive range of equipment to achieve an accessible WC/bathroom/ wetroom. Its project management service is fully C(DM) compliant. Its core products can be subject of subsequent service & maintenance packages. Full details of Closomat’s adaptation offerings can be found on its website www.clos-o-mat.com.
Teesside care homes hold Halloween celebrations
A FRIGHTFUL autumn fayre was held at a Teesside care home to mark Halloween. Ghouls and ghosts walked the corridors of The Beeches Care Home, in Stockton-on-Tees, as staff dressed for the occasion. Bats and pumpkin decorations hung from the walls and ceiling and a wide range of Halloween activities were available for residents and visitors. Apple bobbing, a tombola, tin can alley, slime pit, raffle and a stall selling themed cakes all helped raise over £660. The money will go into the residents’ fund to pay for Christmas activities and a pantomime for residents. Helen Wood, home manager at The Beeches Care Home, on Green Lane, said: “The staff did an amazing job with their costumes and the decorations for our Halloween autumn fair. “I’d like to say thank you to all those who came along and donated to the residents’ fund. We raised an amazing amount, which will all go towards Christmas events and activities for the residents.” Fellow Teesside care homes, Briarwood Care Home, in Eston, Middlesbrough, and Mandale House Care Home, in Thornaby, also held Halloween events. Staff and residents at both homes, all part of the Hill Care Group, dressed as a range of scary characters for young family members who visited the home to trick or treat. The Beeches, Briarwood and Mandale House care homes are all part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Borough Care Launches New ‘Life in Colour’ Website
Borough Care, the largest not for profit provider of care for older people in Stockport, has created a new website that reflects the company’s ‘Life in Colour’ values – www.boroughcare.org.uk The new Borough Care website brings to life what it is really like to live in a Borough Care residential home, through stories, eye-catching images, testimonials and examples of care featuring real residents, their family members and staff. The new site has been simplified, making it easier for people to navigate and find the information they are looking for. It now includes more information about each of Borough Care’s eleven homes, including details about the amenities on offer and what makes each home unique. Dr Mark Ward, CEO at Borough Care, says: “Towards the end of last year we re-energised the Borough Care logo and brand, to challenge people’s perceptions of what life is like in a care home. Our Life in Colour message is intrinsic to everything we do at Borough Care, as we believe when older people move to a care home their interesting lives shouldn’t come to a standstill. We think everyone should be encouraged, and supported, to live their best possible life, whatever their age, health or capabilities. Instead of settling for a grey existence, a life lived at Borough Care is a colourful one. We encourage residents to share their experiences and continue to lead an active social life if they wish: living their life in colour. “It is our desire to lead a step change in the approach to care for older people. We believe that every resident is unique and should be treated as such. As our website is an important tool for people to find out more about our homes, we were keen to ensure it effectively shows people what we offer and the ethos behind our care.” www.boroughcare.org.uk
Sunrise, Edgbaston partners with Acorns Children’s Hospice
Sunrise of Edgbaston on Church Road, is working with West Midlands-based charity Acorns Children’s Hospice, to support its mission of providing a network of care for children with life limiting and life threatening conditions. To kick-start the partnership, the community is launching a ‘Pay for a Day’ initiative to raise money for the hospice, presenting its very own donation of £500 by way of giant cheque. Sunrise’s campaign will aim to support the hospice’s mission of ‘making every day count’ and raise the required funds for a full day of care at Acorns Birmingham hospice, based in Selly Oak, whilst spreading the word about how the community can get involved. Sunrise launched the partnership by hosting a special open-house event on Monday 22nd October, with the local community enjoying prosecco and nibbles whilst finding out more about the work of both Sunrise and Acorns. As well as welcoming visitors to their community, Sunrise of Edgbaston have also renamed some of their living areas, with ‘Acorns Suite’ and ‘Acorns Room’ becoming special parts of the residence. The open-house event launched what will be a long-term partnership between Sunrise of Edgbaston and Acorns, with a host of exciting activities and fundraising events planned. This will include a Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ online video challenge, where participants will nominate somebody to take part next, in what will become a social media chain of fundraising and fun. In December, Acorns will celebrate their 30th birthday and Sunrise of Edgbaston will also be on hand to help them mark the special occasion. Sunrise will host a very special ‘Bake-Off’ event with an Acorn-themed ‘showstopper’ challenge and will submit a cake made by their very own Head Chef Sam. Slices from all entries will be available for guests to purchase and enjoy, with proceeds going to the charity. In the next year, supporters can even expect a sponsored sky-dive from Sunrise’s very own Director of Community Relations Ted. Sunrise are delighted to have an affinity with the mission and work of Acorns Children’s Hospice and look forward to supporting their aim of providing outstanding care. Acorns offers a network of specialist palliative care and support for babies, children and young people, as well as support for their families. In the past year, the charity, which operates hospices based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, has cared for over 870 children and more than 1,140 families, including those who are bereaved. Just like Acorns, Sunrise of Edgbaston recognises the importance of providing personalised and dedicated care, supporting individuals with high-quality residential care, dementia care and assisted living. To find out more about Sunrise of Edgbaston and its upcoming events and partnership with Acorns Children’s Hospice, go to: www.sunrise-care.co.uk/care-homes/edgbaston. Ted Richardson, Director of Community Relations at Sunrise of Edgbaston said: “We are delighted to be working closely with Acorn’s Children’s Hospice to raise money and awareness for its excellent work in supporting children and families in the local community. We are really looking forward to officially launching our partnership and hosting a range of activities and events that can be enjoyed by the whole local community, for a very worthy cause.” Amanda Smallman, Senior Fundraising Manager for Corporate and Community at Acorns, said: “We’re thrilled that Sunrise of Edgbaston has chosen to support Acorns by paying for a day of care at our Birmingham hospice and we’re honoured to have a living area and room named after us. It costs us £7,000 every 24 hours at each of our hospices to provide our vital care and services, both in the hospice and in the community, so this partnership will not only raise greater awareness of Acorns, it will also make a real difference to the children and families we care for.” www.sunrise-care.co.uk/care-homes/edgbaston/overview.aspx
Batleys raises funds for Middlesbrough residents with dementia
BATLEYS Cleveland has donated hundreds of pounds to a Middlesbrough care home. The Gables Care Home, on Highfield Road, received £630 from the wholesale cash and carry business, based on Concorde Way, Preston Farm Industrial Estate. Two of the firm’s warehouse operatives, Carol Bell and Alison Rafrafi, organised a tombola and raffle to raise the funds. They persuaded fellow staff and sales reps to donate prizes and customers who visited the warehouse bought tickets. Dave McLean, manager at Batleys Cleveland, said: “I’m very proud of my team. Everyone contributed prizes to the tombola and raised a great amount of money. “We’ve all been touched by a family member who had Alzheimer’s and we wanted the money to go to a local organisation that specialises in looking after people with dementia.” The Gables Care Home has a dedicated facility, called Oak Unit, which provides specialist nursing care for those with dementia. Kate Charlton, home manager, said: “We were blown away by the kindness and generosity of the staff members at Batleys and can’t thank them enough for donating the money to The Gables. “We are planning on to use the funds to purchase specialist activities equipment designed to help our residents who are living with dementia, such as dementia therapy dolls.” The Gables Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net
Reach Sled Dog Rescue helping care home residents with dementia
Reach Sled Dog Rescue recently visited Stocks Hall Care Home in Skelmersdale, Lancashire to meet all the ladies and gentlemen living at the Home. REACH is a sled dog rescue founded in November 2015 focusing mainly on Huskies and Malamutes. Its five founders are all experienced sled dog owners with prior experience in animal rescue. The rescue relies heavily on the dedication of its community members with help fostering unwanted dogs, assisting with events and fundraising, as well as spreading the word concerning these unique and often misunderstood breeds. These gorgeous dogs were able to visit those that wanted to spend time enjoying pet therapy, whether that be walking the dogs around the gardens at the care home or simply enjoying a cuddle from the comfort of their own bed or an arm chair. Mark Clintworth, Activities Staff at the Home says “These gentle giants use their special skills to bring comfort to residents and take their work very seriously. Younger family members also came along for many cuddles, whilst spending quality time with their relatives.” “It was just wonderful to see the faces of the ladies and gentlemen brighten up and their eyes sparkle.” As the event has been so successful, Stocks Hall Nursing & Care Group have now organised that the Reach Sked Rescue Dogs return on a monthly basis.
