Issue 119 31.08.22
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Home unites generations with scheme LIVERPOOL’S Oak Springs Care Home is bringing generations together through TikTok, toys and tons of school memories. In the first scheme of its kind, the care home in Wavertree has launched ‘Project Generations Together’ to encourage interaction, build bonds and share memories between 20 of its residents and four visiting local children. The children, aged between five and 12 years old, are visiting the home every Friday during the summer holidays as part of an innovative project to unite the generations. Registered manager Andrea Lyon, who came up with the idea, said: “Like all care homes, over the past two years we’ve not been able to have many visitors. “So to celebrate being able to get back out into the community we thought it would be lovely to launch Project Generations Together to explore and celebrate the bonds between local children today and our residents. “When I was a child I loved staying with my grandparents and listening to all their memories and stories about life in ‘the olden days’. We want to recreate those lovely bonds with our own residents and a small group of local children. “We’ve got lots of fantastic activities planned and we’re expecting the children and our
residents to really inspire – and learn from – each other. “Everyone will be keeping a diary of what they’ve learnt over the six weeks and we’ll invite the children back in regularly and ask them if they would like to become pen pals. “The Toys Week theme was a great success. The children were intrigued by all the old toys and to find out more, through the toys, about the lives of our residents when they were young. “The children couldn’t believe that some residents didn’t have any toys at all growing up and only received an orange and a shiny new six-pence with the date on it for Christmas. There was some lovely interaction. Toys Week included a visit from The Dolls House Shop and the Dolly and Teddy Hospital. They brought a selection of old-fashioned toys, a vintage dolls house and an original Paddington Bear. Eight-year-old Thomas Watson said: “I enjoyed the day and seeing all the old toys, especially the dolls house with all its detail. It felt good and kind to talk to the residents. “My favourite part of the day was showing my wrestling toys to Terry because he likes wrestling too. I also liked helping Margaret eat her dinner at the teddy bears picnic. She liked looking at my Pikachu Pokémon toy.”
A Dorset care home sprung a unique surprise on one of its animal-loving residents when it arranged for alpacas Liquorice and Almond to pay her a visit. Rosemary Wray is a resident at Colten Care’s Newstone House in Sturminster Newton and was captivated by the creatures when they first visited the home last year. The companionship team organised for an ‘animal garden party’ with food, drinks and live music for Rosemary and the residents to enjoy, as well as the chance to meet their alpaca guests. Liquorice and Almond are uncle and nephew and live at the award-winning Alpaca Adventure in Shaftesbury with owner Wendy Williams.
Time is running out for entries OPERATORS wanting to put themselves forward for recognition have been urged to enter the Caring UK Awards before it’s too late. Nominations for this year’s event are now open at www.caringukawards.co.uk The awards, organised by Script Events in partnership with Caring UK, recognise excellence and achievement in all corners of the care industry. And with more than 20 categories up for grabs, there’s something to suit every type of care business. These include everything from Quality in Housekeeping and Catering Team of the Year to Best Outdoor Environment and End of Life Team of the Year. Event organiser Dominic Musgrave said: “Nominations are coming in and our events team is already busy ensuring
that this year’s event is bigger and better than ever. “Our main aim is to recognise and honour the best in our wonderful sector and showcase the innovation and dedication that goes on every day so please share your successes and tell us about your hard work and initiatives by sending in your nominations … it’s a real privilege to read them.” A shortlist in each category will then be drawn up, with winners chosen by an expert panel. Trophies will be handed out at a glittering ceremony at the Athena in Leicester on Thursday, December 1 presented by Emmerdale actor Dean Andrews. n Deadline for nominations has been extended to noon on Friday, September 9 due to demand.
Book a demonstration today by calling 01925 386800 or visit www.carebeans.co.uk