Issue 199 25.09.24
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
New transatlantic friendship forms through charity A HEART-WARMING friendship has developed between Ann Lucas, 83, a resident at Acorn Lodge, and Angela Martin, 47, a Canadian volunteer living in Ontario. Despite being 3,500 miles apart, the pair have formed a close bond through the Adopt a Grandparent charity. The two have been connecting regularly via video calls and letters since July. Angela’s weekly calls, often joined by her husband and two children, have become a source of joy and companionship for Ann, who moved into the Nuneaton care home in 2023. Originally from Shepherd’s Bush in London, Ann holds a special affection for Canada, where her sister once lived, and her friendship with Angela has made her feel closer to the country she loves. She said: “Talking with Angela has been truly wonderful. We got on immediately, and it feels like I’ve known her forever. Her support has been immense, and I’m deeply grateful to her and the Adopt a Grandparent charity.” Angela, in turn, treasures the relationship just as much. She was moved to join the Adopt a Grandparent programme after discovering that 200,000 older people in the UK haven’t spoken to a friend or family member in over a month. For Angela, this
was a heartbreaking statistic that motivated her to act. She added: “I found Adopt a Grandparent when I was looking for an opportunity for my family to volunteer. My own grandparents were the most influential people in my life, and I wanted my children to have that same opportunity to connect with seniors, hear their perspectives, and learn from their experiences. “Meeting Ann has exceeded our expectations. We love hearing about her past, her family, and her adventures. Ann has so much spunk and always makes us laugh. “She’s become such an important part of our lives, and we look forward to our weekly chats. We joined the programme hoping to help someone feel more connected, but it’s us who feel enriched by our time with her. “I’m so pleased Adopt a Grandparent and Acorn Lodge made this possible. In a world where many virtual support programmes have ended, this initiative continues to foster these connections, which are more important now than ever.” Ann and Angela exchange photos and letters, with Ann now preparing a letter filled with stories from Nuneaton and cherished family memories to send back to her new friends in Canada.
Oyster Care Homes marked a significant milestone at Somer Valley House in Midsomer Norton as the final stages of the facility’s construction near completion. A special planting ceremony was held, with the headmistress and children from Norton Hill Primary School joining to plant the final tree in the home’s grounds. This symbolic gesture reflects the growth, renewal, and bright future ahead for the residents and the local community. The event highlights Oyster Care Homes’ dedication to fostering strong ties with local schools, families, and residents, ensuring that Somer Valley House care home will be a place where the entire community feels connected.
Bupa expands services to residents
BUPA Health Clinics has teamed up with Richmond Villages to expand health services to residents across its nine retirement communities. The roll out of the services follows a successful pilot within the Aston-onTrent village which has been offering ear wax removal and physiotherapist services to residents since August 2023. Richmond Villages, part of Bupa, now offers residents free access to virtual GP services and a 24/7 nurse-led healthline, on-site health assessments and earwax removal, all provided by the Bupa Health Clinics team, as well as discounts on dental services, Tickets to this year’s Caring UK Awards at the Athena, including the Bupa Smile Plan. Philippa Kellar, managing director of Leicester on Thursday, December 7th are now available. For Richmond Villages said: “Being part of more information and to book your tickets visit Bupa puts us in a unique position to https://script-events.co.uk/cuk-awards-tickets/ 00057 Carebeans CaringUK January 2024.qxp_Carebeans CaringUK Ad 23mmx80mm 15/12/2023 16:08toPage 1 provide access healthcare services
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for our residents who don’t need dayto-day care from our teams. “We know how much our residents value having access to healthcare professionals at their fingertips and having this support in place can help us to pick up any concerns early and get them fast access to treatment. “We’re proud to offer these services to both our residents and our people, helping them to access the care they need, as and when they need it from the comfort of their own homes.” The villages are based across the UK and offer a local community feel for residents, providing independent or assisted living as well as a dedicated onsite care home. They are part of the Bupa Care Services portfolio which provides care to around 6,700 residents across more than 120 locations.
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