Unique training programme launched at Encore Care Homes
Son of local care home resident launches unique training programme at Encore Care Homes Encore Care Homes has added a new module to its successful ‘Mind the Gap’ dementia training programme, which was launched last year across the care homes it manages in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Fareham. The new module, which is called ‘The Lived Experience’, will be led by Andy Babbage from September 2019. Andy’s mother has dementia and lives at Fairmile Grange care home in Christchurch, which is managed by Encore. This complimentary training will be available to both staff members at Encore, as well as the family members of residents across all three homes. During the workshop given by Andy, attendees will learn the importance of understanding what a resident was like before they were diagnosed with dementia, and why it is essential to continue to interact with each individual in a way that they are comfortable and familiar with. There is also an opportunity for staff at Encore to learn from Andy, his first-hand experience on what impact the diagnosis of dementia can have on a person, as well as their family and the crucial role the care team should play in ensuring that each relative receives the correct support. Andy will also be sharing ideas on what care and support people outside a care home environment, should show to someone who has dementia. Commenting on this new module, Andy, said: “Following my mother moving into Fairmile Grange, I contacted the team at Encore and explained that I was keen to improve my knowledge of dementia and understand in greater detail the person-centred care that is given to every resident by the Encore care team. I felt this was important as it would help me to provide the best care possible for my mother and also help me when interacting with other residents during my visit. “This was when I was introduced to the ‘Mind the Gap’ training programme, which was extremely beneficial. When I completed all the modules, I decided to approach Encore about the possibility of me bringing my first-hand experience of knowing someone before and after they have been diagnosed with dementia, into Encore to benefit the care team and other relatives who were in the same situation as me. “Ultimately, ‘The Lived Experience’ module has been created to emphasise the importance of making sure there is a comprehensive life story available for every resident, which the care team can refer to in order to provide the highest standard of care going forward.” Luke Wiltshire, training manager for Encore, added: “We are delighted to announce our partnership with Andy, who has a significant amount of experience in delivering various training programmes across numerous sectors. “The purpose of this training programme is to create more awareness about dementia and the impact it can have on the person who has been diagnosed, as well as their family. ‘The Lived Experience’ module will be a great addition to ‘Mind the Gap’ training and we look forward to the first workshop in September.” To find out more information about ‘The Lived Experience’ module, contact the Encore team on learning@encorecarehomes.co.uk or call 01202 087 444.
Great Oaks welcomes new care home manager
Registered nurse Sara Muslin has joined the team at Great Oaks in Bournemouth as care home manager. Sara has been a registered nurse for more than 30 years and has vast experience in the care sector, having managed care teams for over 20 years. Sara has spent the past six years as a registered manager for care homes which specialise in nursing, residential and dementia care. In her new role, Sara is responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day running of the home, ensuring that the highest standards of care are maintained and that the Care Quality Commission standards and guidelines are adhered to at all times. During the first few weeks, Sara will take the time to get to know all of the residents on a personal level, seeing them regularly in order to deliver ongoing person-centred care. Each resident has a personal care plan covering the totality of their needs, which will be regularly updated and reviewed by Sara as part of this process. Commenting on her new position, Sara said: “I am thrilled to be joining a team that is so welcoming and passionate about delivering a high standard of care to residents. The home’s values reflect how care should be delivered and how I myself, would want to be cared for. “I am looking forward to being part of the very best care organisation in the south, which puts the health and wellbeing of residents at the heart of everything it does. I will also ensure the home remains a happy, safe place where residents thrive and the team are proud to work.” Great Oaks is the latest addition of an established family of care homes managed by Encore Care Homes, with two other care homes in Dorset and Hampshire. The 80-bed care home is fitted with state-of-the-art facilities, designed to enable staff to provide the highest standard of 24 hour, personalised care and ensure residents are comfortable and happy in their surroundings. Please visit www.greatoaksbournemouth.co.uk for more information or call 01202 087444.
Innovative dementia training showcased at Encore Care Homes
Encore Care Homes is proud to introduce ‘Mind the Gap’, an insightful dementia training programme, across its care homes in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Fareham. The programme comprises four modules and is led by a trained expert from Encore who covers various topics, including wellness and behaviour, the positive impact communication can have on a person with dementia and the strategies which can be used to ensure they feel positive and comfortable at all times. One of Encore’s key objectives is to invest in training programmes and provide a host of professional development opportunities, which allows staff to continue to provide the highest standard of care. As a result, all staff at Encore, which manages Fairmile Grange in Christchurch, Great Oaks in Bournemouth and Hamble Heights in Fareham, take part in this mandatory training. ‘Mind the Gap’ training is also offered to the relatives of Encore’s residents who are interested in extending their knowledge of dementia. The various modules take place at Great Oaks, with the next session being held on Monday, January 28 from 10am – 4pm. Luke Wiltshire, training manager for Encore, said: “We recognise that by investing in high quality training, we are able to build on the existing skills and knowledge that we currently possess around dementia. Each module has been carefully selected and thought out in association with the Dementia Training Company, so the sessions are beneficial to all those who attend. “Understanding the impact dementia can have not only on the person, but their loved ones, is also why we decided to offer this training to our residents’ relatives. Not only will guests who attend the sessions be able to learn more about dementia, but it also provides an opportunity for them to share their experiences with our team and discuss their viewpoints. Providing support to our residents and their family members is at the heart of what we do, which is why we highly recommend relatives attend the sessions and experience the positive outcomes from it.” To find out more information about ‘Mind the Gap’ training, contact the Encore team on learning@encorecarehomes.co.uk or call 01202 087 444. www.encorecarehomes.co.uk
Encore Care Homes continues to invest in its team
Five team members from Great Oaks care home in Bournemouth, have completed the ‘Be an Effective Leader’ programme. Great Oaks is managed by Encore Care Homes, which invests significantly in the personal development of its staff and presents them with regular training opportunities throughout the year. The ‘Be an Effective Leader’ programme was launched to provide staff with the skills and tools required to manage a team successfully. The ‘Be an Effective Leader’ course is carried out over a six-month period and consists of five one-day workshops and five half-day workshops. These workshops cover a range of topics including managing teams through communication, time management and how to resolve under performance. In-between training, each team member is asked to demonstrate what they have learnt so far in the daily working environment. At the end of the programme, all participants create a presentation to share with the rest of the team, which details what they have learnt and how they have developed through the training. Sarah Sims (administrator), Lisa Mosses (head housekeeper), Sue McManus (registered nurse), Patrick Fensterseifer (head chef) and Tony Hill (senior healthcare assistant) are the first to complete the training at Great Oaks. Luke Wiltshire, training manager for Encore, said: “It has been a pleasure facilitating the group’s learning and seeing people grow session-by-session. Our workshops cover a range of topics but heavily focus on learners exploring their leadership style and recognising how to adapt to different situations. Leadership is not a simple concept that can be taught in one training session. Our in-depth programme means that learners have a chance to implement what they have learnt in the classroom, into their role in our care homes, and then come back and evaluate their learning in a group setting. “At Encore, we are passionate about learning and development and we hope by offering regular training opportunities such as this initiative, we will build a well led and inspired workforce for the future.” Great Oaks is the latest addition of an established family of care homes managed by Encore Care Homes, with two other care homes in Dorset and Hampshire. The 80-bed care home is fitted with state-of-the-art facilities, which are designed to enable staff to provide the highest standard of 24 hour, personalised care and ensure residents are comfortable and happy in their surroundings. Please visit www.greatoaksbournemouth.co.uk for more information or call 01202 087444.
Great Oaks is a home from home
Making the decision to move into a care home, or to help a loved one move in, can be a hugely upsetting and challenging time so making the right choice is important. Vi spoke about her experience of choosing Great Oaks, managed by Encore Care Homes, for her partner Derek and how it feels like a home from home for both of them. Sadly, my partner Derek can no longer do anything for himself as he has Alzheimer’s disease and chronic kidney disease, so we needed to choose a care home that would be able to cater for all of his care needs. Great Oaks is situated just a few minutes away from our home in Wallisdown so we made the decision to view it and were not disappointed. The rooms and facilities on offer are outstanding and finished to such a high standard, which confirmed this was the right place for Derek to live and call his home. It was an incredibly hard choice to move Derek into a care home, but the whole process has been made so much easier by the caring friendly nature of the team at Great Oaks. The staff are all so kind and welcoming every time I come in, and I’ve got to know those that are looking after Derek and trust them 100 per cent – I know they genuinely have his best interests at heart. Three carers in particular, Alison, Katie and Karen show Derek a great amount of care and attention. I have also built up a great rapport and relationship with them, which has helped to make my visits even more enjoyable. There is a real family vibe at Great Oaks, and a homely feel, not just for the residents but for their spouses and families too. I visit every day, and I’m always actively encouraged to use the communal areas as well as the facilities, which I really enjoy doing with Derek. Particularly taking part in the home activities. I’m always made to feel so relaxed. Recently, Derek’s condition has deteriorated. His concentration has gone, which makes it hard for him to focus on activities. Thankfully there are lovely gardens at Great Oaks which Derek will happily take a stroll in during the warmer weather. He does also like to spend time with another resident, Terry, as he is encouraged to socialise by the care team. I can honestly say that we have been made to feel part of the family at Great Oaks, which has made the whole transition process so much easier. Alzheimer’s is a cruel disease and it’s heart-breaking to watch a loved one with this terrible illness. But when I see Derek smile, it really lifts my spirits. I’m glad he is living somewhere comfortable, homely and surrounded by such compassionate and friendly nurses and carers. The care Derek receives is exceptional, and I couldn’t really ask for more. Great Oaks is the latest addition of an established family of care homes managed by Encore Care Homes, with two other care homes in Dorset and Hampshire. The 80-bed care home is fitted with state-of-the-art facilities, which are designed to enable staff to provide the highest standard of 24 hour, personalised care and ensure residents are comfortable and happy in their surroundings. For more information please visit www.greatoaksbournemouth.co.uk or call 01202 087444 to speak to a member of the team.
