Paints and playdough for intergenerational sensory session
PAINTING and playdough gave elderly care home residents a new lease of life when they visited a nursery in Stockton-on-Tees. Residents from Ingleby Care Home were at Busy Bees Nursery,Myton Road, Thornaby, for an intergenerational sensory session with the children. The youngsters, all aged two to four years, showed residents how to build sandcastles and make pizzas out of playdough, broccoli, asparagus and red lentils. They also played with toys in the pond and painted on a clingfilm canvas using brushes and their hands. Resident Shirley Naylor, 84, said: “I loved having little Heidi on my knee dancing away.” Margaret Salmon, 93, said: “It was lovely. It really brightened my day.” Moira Hall, 76, added: “I don’t want to go home, I’m having so much fun.” Carol Singleton, home manager at Ingleby Care Home, on Lamb Lane, Ingleby Barwick, said: “The residents always thoroughly enjoy it when the children come to visit us at the care home. “They were all really looking forward to going to the nursery this time, to see the children and take part in a sensory day. “Everyone had a lot of fun and didn’t want to leave at the end. We are planning a picnic in the park with the children later in the year, so we can’t wait to see them again.” Ingleby Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Supermarket bag pack raises funds for care home flower beds
CARERS have been packing shopping bags to buy elderly residents raised flower beds for their care home’s garden. Staff and family members from Willowdene Care Home, on Victoria Road West, Hebburn, spent the day at Morrisons helping shoppers with their packing. The supermarket’s generous customers donated £477.61 on the day, taking the home’s total to £1,482.61 of their £3,000 target so far. They are aiming to create a sensory garden with the funds, including raised flower beds and a potting shed. Michael Beaney, home manager at Willowdene Care Home, said: “We have many keen gardeners living at the home and they’re looking forward to planting during the warmer months. “Many of them can’t bend down to the ground, however, so raised flower beds allow them to get involved while stood or seated. “We’ve raised almost half of the funds needed so far, with the latest fundraiser being the supermarket bag pack at Morrisons. “A massive thank you to the staff and family members who gave up their time to help out. And also thank you to Morrisons for hosting us and the customers who donated.” Willowdene is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Guitarist Keith gets a special gift from pastor
Former church band member Keith Keenan has been gifted a guitar to continue playing in his care home in Skelmersdale. Keith, who lives at Aaron Crest Care Home, on Tanhouse Road, was given the instrument by Rev Dr Anne Kazich. The community priest in the parish of St. Paul’s has been visiting the home on a regular basis to lead monthly singing sessions with the residents. She learned Keith used to play guitar in a church band, so decided to find someone willing to donate a guitar to get him strumming again. Keith said: “I’m so happy with my new guitar and it will be looked after. I’m looking forward to learning the chords again that Dr Rev Anne has given me.” Rev Dr Kazich said: “Keith has been coming to our singing group and clearly enjoys taking part. “He shared that he used to play the guitar in a worship band in his previous church and said he would love to do it again. “On occasions he bursts spontaneously into beautiful worship hymns – so I thought I would see if anyone is able to donate a guitar to make his dream come true – and indeed that someone came forward. “Keith enjoys expressing his love and worship for God in these ways and it would be a shame if he can’t continue just because he is not in his own home anymore.” Keith learned to play guitar at the age of eight. He was a regular church goer and was taught to play by Pastor David Downes, of Flimby Church, in Cumbria. He was lead guitarist for the church band when he moved with his wife and children to Wigan. After moving back to Skelmersdale, he was eventually diagnosed with Korsakoff’s syndrome, a chronic memory disorder, as well as epilepsy and neurological problems following a car accident. He moved into Aaron Crest Care Home in September 2018 and has been regularly participating in the singing sessions with Rev Dr Kazich. Home manager Adrienne Ratcliffe said: “Keith has been getting involved with many of our regular activities but has shown a special interest in the singing sessions with Rev Dr Anne Kazich. “It was very kind of her to get him a guitar, which he absolutely loves. Despite his health conditions, he remembers how to play and has been practicing. “We’re looking forward to seeing him perform at future sessions with the Rev Dr.” Aaron Crest Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Fortune cookies helping elderly with dementia
FORTUNE cookies are having a therapeutic effect on those living with dementia in the North East. Residents at Pelton Grange Care Home, in Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, have been making the popular takeaway biscuits in celebration of the Chinese New Year. The home’s cooking enthusiasts took over the kitchen to create the cookies using a traditional recipe – before inserting their own handwritten fortunes. Using their culinary skills has proven beneficial for those with dementia, according to home manager Chris Hogan-Hind. He said: “We are always looking for activities to get the residents using familiar skills, especially for those living with dementia, as it has a very positive effect on their mood and wellbeing. “Many of the residents used to cook for their families and friends, so the Chinese New Year was a good opportunity to get them involved in preparing a meal for fellow residents. “They thoroughly enjoyed making the fortune cookies and testing their culinary skills.” Resident Brenda Clifford said: “It was the best day in a long time, and I enjoyed watching the mixer going round and round. “It was nice to go in the kitchen and see where our food comes from. I couldn’t believe the size.” As well as learning the making fortune cookies, residents were treated to a dinner of chicken curry with rice and noodles, prawn crackers, spring rolls and prawn wraps. Resident Lillian Ford added: “The meal was delicious. I can remember having a takeaway with my husband and the smell coming from the dining room was like being in a proper Chinese restaurant.” Pelton Grange Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Hundreds raised for residents at care home Christmas fayre
A CARE home Christmas fayre has raised hundreds of pounds for residents. Sycamore Hall Care Home’s annual festive celebration was attended by dignitaries from Ripon City Council alongside staff, residents and their family members. Mayor Cllr Pauline McHardy, her consort Cllr Eamon Parkin and Deputy Mayor Cllr Charlie Powell were among the guests. Craft stalls selling Christmas gifts, handmade soaps, knitted goods and jigsaws, among other items, helped raised £639.47 for the home’s residents’ fund. There was also a cake stall and tombola with prizes donated by staff, relatives and friends. Raffle prizes were donated by many local businesses and included tickets to Ripon Races, Sunday lunch for two at The Lamb Inn in Rainton, vouchers for How Stean Gorge, as well as The Spa Hotel, The Black A Moor Inn, and Artichoke, all in Ripon, and goods from Boots and Morrisons. Sweetie cones and hot chocolate reindeer cones, made by the residents, sold well. A guess the weight of the Christmas cake competition and guess the name of the teddy bear also proved popular. Chrissie Medway Steele, home manager at Sycamore Hall Care Home, on Kearsley Road, said: “There was a fabulous turn out and a special visit from the Mayor of Ripon. “The residents had a wonderful day and we raised a fantastic amount for the residents’ fund, which will contribute towards activities and days out in the new year. “Thank you to everyone who attended, and we hope to see you here again next year.” www.hillcare.net
Christmas card appeal for Huddersfield’s elderly
Make an elderly resident’s Christmas by sending them a card, care home staff have appealed. The festive holidays can be a lonely time for those with no family and friends to celebrate with, says Aden Lodge Care Home manager Kim Hardy. So the home, on Long Lane, Clayton West, is asking the community to consider sending a Christmas card. Kim said: “Staff do everything they can to make Christmas a special time of year for residents, while providing the care they need. “A simple Christmas card to our residents will help make their Christmas that much more special. “Many of our residents don’t have family and friends anymore and a card will make all the difference. “We’d like to receive as many cards as possible to show our residents they are not forgotten this Christmas and are still part of the wider community.” Anyone interested in sending a Christmas card should address it to: The Residents, Aden Lodge Care Home, Long Lane, Clayton West, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD8 9PR. Aden Lodge Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Best ancillary worker in the North East care industry is…
HANDYMAN Chris Sogorkski has been named the best ancillary worker in the North East care industry. The Oaks Care Home maintenance man picked up the award at The Great North East Care Awards 2018 gala dinner at the Hilton Hotel, in Gateshead. The accolade recognises Chris’s person-centred service, excellence and pride in his work and the dignity and respect he shows residents and staff at the home, in Blyth, Northumberland. He said: “I can’t believe it. I love working at The Oaks. The residents are lovely and the staff are wonderful. “I can’t thank home manager Ann Mielnik enough for nominating me. It’s a great honour to have been given this award.” After winning the regional Ancillary Worker award, Chris is now shortlisted for the national award, with a ceremony taking place on 8th March 2019, in Birmingham. The Oaks Care Home staff were also shortlisted for four other awards at The Great North East Care Awards 2018. The home’s housekeeper Lesley Russell and domestic assistants Maureen Ord, Colleen McDougal, Diane Nesbitt and Christine Roddum were up for The Care Team Award. Speaking on behalf of her team, Lesley said: “We all think it’s great. It’s good to be recognised after 24 years of service to the home.” Activities coordinator Paige Gallagher was shortlisted for the Activities Coordinator Award. She said: “It’s great to feel what you are doing is good and to be recognised for it.” Cook Yvonne Gibson was shortlisted for the Chef/Cook Award. She said: “I am very honoured and proud to have been nominated.” And former deputy manager Julia Rose was shortlisted for The Good Nurse Award. The Oaks Care Home manager Ann Mielnik and Hill Care Group regional manager Jane Mack attended the awards ceremony with the nominees. Ann said: “I cannot put into words how proud I am of such a wonderful proactive team of people. “They truly deserve this recognition as they have worked so hard. They are all winners in my eyes.” The Oaks Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Father Christmas helps raise over £1,000 for care home residents
FATHER Christmas made an appearance at a Chester-le-Street care home’s festive fayre – helping to raise over £1,000 for residents. The event at Pelton Grange Care Home, on Front Street, attracted dozens of visitors, including family and friends of residents and staff. Santa’s grotto, jewellery and bric-a-brac stalls, homemade Christmas cards, cakes and hotdogs all helped raise £1,016. The money will be added to the residents’ fund, which helps pay for events, activities and outings throughout the year. Resident Florence Besford said: “It’s lovely to see you, Father Christmas. Christopher Hogan-Hind, home manager at Pelton Grange Care Home, said: “A massive thank you to everyone who came along and supported our Christmas fayre. “We had a fantastic turnout and everyone had a wonderful time, including our residents, who enjoyed meeting Santa and chatting to visitors. “The support Pelton Grange Care Home gets from the community is fantastic and has helped give our festivities a great start this year.” Pelton Grange Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Youngsters sing for elderly on UN Children’s Day
NURSERY children have been entertaining elderly care home residents as part of the United Nations Universal Children’s Day. Youngsters from Orchard Day Nursery, in Huyton, near Liverpool, put on a singing show at nearby Aaron Grange Care Home. The home’s residents and staff enjoyed the performance and joined in with many of the songs. Clare Richards, home manager at Aaron Grange Care Home, on Blacklow Brow, Huyton, said: “There were lots of sing-along songs and the residents thoroughly enjoyed it. “They’re all looking forward to the children visiting again and getting involved with arts and crafts, reading, board games and other fun activities.” The UN Universal Children’s Day is celebrated each year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children’s welfare. Aaron Grange Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
