Mighty marathon hike raises funds for Macmillan
CARE home staff have completed a mighty mixed terrain 26-mile hike across the Peak District to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. Six head office staff from the Hill Care Group, based in Chesterfield, took on the Peak District Mighty Hike in pouring rain following a heatwave earlier in the week. Organised by Macmillan, the walk started at Darley Moor and wandered across the Peak District to reach Bakewell Showground. The staff who completed the challenge included Stacey Forster, Kelly Perryman, Kirsty Wright, Sarah Stimpson, Samantha Jackson and Meaghan Cook. They exceeded their initial target of £1,500 for the charity – reaching £1,725 in sponsorship so far. They’re now aiming to raise £2,000 and are still appealing for donations. Kelly, finance manager at the Hill Care Group, said: “After a week of temperatures soaring to over 30 degrees, the weather turned, and we hiked through pouring rain to complete the Peak District Mighty Hike. “It was certainly a challenge but a worthwhile one, as we have raised a fantastic amount for Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity close to the hearts of everyone at Hill Care. “We’re still appealing for donations to help us exceed our target, with every penny supporting those with cancer and their loved ones.” Donations to Team Hill Care can be made via their JustGiving fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/team-hillcare. Macmillan Cancer Support is the Hill Care Group’s chosen charity for 2019/20, with dozens of care homes across the north of England raising funds with events and activities throughout the year. Last year, the group raised over £7,000 for the Stroke Association and, in 2017/18, over £10,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society.
Toddlers and elderly both benefit from joint play
TEESSIDE toddlers and elderly care home residents are taking part in mutually beneficial intergenerational sessions. Drawing, dancing, singing and chatting brought together the youngsters at Busy Bees Nursery, in Thornaby, with residents from Ingleby Care Home, in Ingleby Barwick. The youngsters, aged three and four years old, gave a warm welcome to the care home’s two visiting residents, Joyce Muir, 83, and Moira Hall, 79. Despite the age difference between the groups, both have benefitted from spending time in each other’s company, which has included several previous sessions at both the nursery and care home. Kelly Nicholson, manager at Busy Bees Nursery, said: “We have one very shy, quiet little boy. When our friends from Ingleby Care Home came over, he came right out of his shell. “He was sat talking to Moira on the cushion, who started to bring him out of his comfort zone by chatting away, and then in no time he was taking Joyce over to the drawing board and they were chatting away on what to draw. “He then ended the day of their visit by getting up dancing and singing away with Joyce. Staff couldn’t believe how much he had responded to the ladies and how different he was around them compared to how he is with his nursery friends.” Kirsty Walsh, activities coordinator at Ingleby Care Home, said: “We’ve had several sessions with Busy Bees Nursery now and they’re always a lot of fun for both our residents and the children. “This year, sessions have included pancake making and tossing as well as a sensory session, and we’re planning a picnic in the park later this year. “Residents always enjoy spending time with them. Their energy and enthusiasm rubs off on the residents, who always come away smiling and full of life. “We’re delighted to hear the sessions are having such a positive impact on the children as well and looking forward to further activities throughout the year.” Ingleby Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Cats and care home residents make purrfect friends
CARE home residents enjoyed a close encounter with cats at a Sheffield café – bringing back memories of their own kitties. Several residents living at The Laurels Care Home, on Manchester Road, made a trip into the city centre to visit Tabby Teas Cat Café, on Cemetery Road. The elderly visitors made lots of furry friends while enjoying a cuppa, stroking the cats and feeding them treats. Resident Edith Keech said: “I had a black cat for 11 years. We named him Kilty as he was a Scot and it stuck. “It’s been lovely to see all of the moggys here. They’ve brought back lovely memories.” Jo MacGregor, activities coordinator at The Laurels Care Home, said: “Everyone enjoyed giving the cats lots of treats and fusses as they relaxed with a cuppa. And they were amazed at how friendly they all were. “A huge thank you to the staff at Tabby Teas, who made our visit even more enjoyable.” The Laurels Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Dementia friends gather at Teesside care home
DEMENTIA friends gathered at Teesside care home for training to support those with the condition. Dementia champion and crime prevention officer at Cleveland Police, Peter Ridley facilitated the session at The Beeches Care Home, on Green Lane, Stockton on Tees. There were more than a dozen attendees, including staff from the home, family of residents, members of the Carlton WI and others from the community. WI member Ann Swinbank said: “I wanted to learn more as a family member has been showing dementia-like symptoms and I felt it would help if I knew how to assist them going forward.” The Beeches Care Home manager, Jess Brown, met session facilitator Pete during their dementia friends training at the Dementia Hub in Thornaby. Pete has since helped ensure Cleveland Police is completely dementia friendly, with all new cohorts receiving dementia friends training. He said: “I was delighted to be asked to present the dementia friends session at The Beeches. “I became a dementia champion to help build awareness in the community of the challenges that people who live with dementia face. “If we can create awareness, it will help people be more understanding when they interact with a person who has dementia.” Jess said: “We had a great turnout with 14 for our dementia friends session. “As a care home looking after those with dementia, we wanted to do our bit to help others understand the condition better, so they can support their friends and loved ones. “These sessions are aimed at raising awareness and understanding, so that people living with dementia can continue to live the way they want. “We’re planning to run sessions at local schools to give children an understanding of what it’s like to live with dementia and how to help those who have it. “We’re also organising further sessions at the home and we’ll make the dates available to those wishing to know more as soon as possible.” The Beeches Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Pupils learn about dementia from care home staff
SCHOOL children have been learning about dementia from visiting care home staff who look after those with the condition every day. Ingleby Care Home activities coordinator Kirsty Walsh and unit manager Cassie McCloskey visited St Thérèse of Lisieux R C Primary School to talk to pupils. Both the care home and school are based on Lamb Lane, Ingleby Barwick, near Middlesbrough, and have taken part in joint activities previously. The school’s year five and six teachers contacted the home to ask if anyone could visit to explain the types of dementia and how it can affect people in different ways. There was also an opportunity for the children to ask questions, which included “does everyone get dementia”, “is it only old people that develop it” and “can they still remember things”. After the session at the school, pupils made a special visit to Ingleby Care Home, where they played ball games, read and sang with residents. One resident, Shirley Naylor, even danced with the school pupils in the home’s specialist dementia suite. Kirsty said: “We were delighted to be asked to talk to the pupils about dementia. They were very attentive and curious. They had some excellent questions. “With an aging population, there are more and more people being diagnosed with dementia, so it’s important to understand the difficulties and challenges it can present so we can better support those with the condition. “It was fantastic to then welcome the pupils’ to the home. They brought so much energy and enthusiasm. The residents thoroughly enjoy their company and loved every minute playing games, reading, singing and dancing. “We all look forward to further activities with the school in future.” Ingleby Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Care home residents cast their vote in European election
ELDERLY care home residents have taken to the polling booths to cast their votes in the European election. Staff at Ingleby Care Home, in Ingleby Barwick, Stockton-on-Tees, wanted to ensure residents could exercise their right in the European election to vote despite their mobility issues. Those keen to cast their vote were taken to their nearest polling station in wheelchairs by their carers. Resident Sheila Colburn was among them. She said: “I couldn’t thank the staff enough for taking me to vote. “I’ve always voted and didn’t know what would happen after moving to Ingleby Care Home, with my family working. I really appreciated the staff taking me.” Resident Charlotte Stephenson added: “It’s nice we can still get to vote.” Cassie McCloskey, unit manager at Ingleby Care Home, said: “It was great to be able to take residents to the polling station and they were really happy to be able to vote. “Moving into a care home, either due to lack of mobility or other issues, should not mean the end of their right to vote. “Many residents still want to take part in elections and we are only too happy to support them to do so.” Ingleby Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Driving into history with care home’s vintage motor show
VINTAGE cars from the 1920s to 1950s paraded around a Bakewell care home as part of National Care Home Open Day. The classic vehicles were on display at Burton Closes Hall Care Home, on Haddon Road, with an open invitation to visitors. The show involved almost 20 cars, all belonging to members of The Old Motor Club, including a 1929 Rolls Royce and a 1933 Austin Light 12-4 Harley. They also brought along an Austin 7, Ford Consul, Ford Prefect, Wolseley, Austin 10 and more. The care home’s maintenance man Keith Thomas also displayed his awarding winning 1953 Morris Z Van. He was awarded the Chairman’s Trophy for Best in Class at last year’s Cromford Steam Rally, at High Acres Farm, Brackenfield. Keith, along with many of The Old Motor Club members, lovingly restored their vehicles from wrecks. He said: “I was surprised to win Best in Class but immensely proud when I received the award.” Sam Stone, home manager at Burton Closes Hall Care Home, said: “Last year’s event was such a success we decided to run it again to mark National Care Home Open Day and National Drive It Day. “Burton Closes Hall is the perfect backdrop for such an amazing display of vintage cars, as one of Bakewell’s oldest buildings. We had a great turn out for the event this year. “We are planning on bringing the vintage motor show back again next year, so we hope even more visitors will come along.” Burton Closes Hall Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Nurses past and present honoured on International Nurses Day
NURSES past and present were honoured at a North East care home for International Nurses Day. Staff and former nurses who now live at The Oaks Care Home, on Durban Street, Blyth, Northumberland, were recognised for their hard work throughout their careers. Resident Elsie Scattergood was a mental health nurse in Aberdeen. She said: “I loved being a nurse and worked really hard.” Pat Whyatt was a paediatric nurse who worked in South Africa in her early twenties as well as the UK. She said: “I am very proud of this time in my life. I loved working with the little children. They were really beautiful. “It’s lovely to honour all the nurses at The Oaks on Nurses Day as they all work so hard and care a lot about others.” Residents handmade cards and gave boxes of chocolates to their carers, including management staff. Clare Robson, deputy manager at The Oaks Care Home, said: “I have never received a gift for Nurses Day, so it was lovely to be recognised for my job. “Being a nurse is important to me as I love to help people. I am passionate about ensuring that everyone is cared for with dignity in a person centred way, especially those at end of life.” Among the other staff members to receive gifts were nurse Desiree Sampson and visiting community matron Yvonne Harrison also received chocolates. Desiree said: “I especially loved the chocolates. It was lovely to get cards from the residents.” Yvonne said: “I’m over the moon to be thought of. I have never had anything before for Nurses Day. It was very kind of everyone to think of me.” Staff also surprised the home manager, Ann Mielnik, with a gift. She said: “I was surprised to receive my gift as to me it was all about the residents who were nurses and the staff and visiting professionals. “It’s the little things that mean a lot and the staff remembering me as the nurse I am was humbling.” International Nurses Day was also celebrated at The Beeches Care Home, on Green Lane, Stockton-on-Tees, where district nurses and community matrons who visit the home were recognised. The afternoon tea, held in the home’s bistro, included sandwiches, cakes, lattes and cappuccinos, as a thank you for the nurses hard work. Residents also gave their carers gift bags containing chocolates and mini bottles of wine. Jessica Brown, home manager at The Beeches Care Home, said: “We wanted to show our thanks to all the hard working nurses, including staff and visiting professionals, who care for our residents at The Beeches.” The Oaks Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Cupcake sales raises funds to support those with cancer
A CUPCAKE sale at University Hospital of North Tees has generated £120 to support those with cancer. Staff at Bannatyne Lodge Care Home, in Peterlee, organised the sale to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. Alongside selling the homemade cupcakes, they also handed out literature to raise awareness of cancer, diabetes and dementia. Home manager Lynn Chapman, senior carer Haley Grant and activities coordinators Abby Gormley and Dawn Minto all helped run the stall. The home’s cook, Carol Gingell, baked the cupcakes. Lynn said: “I would like to thank our cook Carol for the lovely cakes she baked. I would also like to thank Haley, Dawn and Abby for a great day. “This is one of the first fundraisers we are doing for our chosen charity and we have a few more surprises later in the year.” Macmillan Cancer Support is the chosen charity of the Hill Care Group, which operates Bannatyne Lodge Care Home, for 2019/20. Dozens of homes across the north of England are taking part in a year of fundraising activities, aiming to raise as much as possible for the charity. Bannatyne Lodge Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
