Issue 128 23.11.22
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Residents given chance to learn a new language PENSIONERS at an Edinburgh care residence are being offered the opportunity to learn a new skill thanks to the home’s newest recruit. Since joining Cramond, Garylee Rushforth from Dunfermline has already made his mark by introducing a selection of language classes. The 34-year-old has drawn on his knowledge from living in a selection of European cities and speaks fluent German, Polish and is currently learning Scottish Gaelic. Garylee has worked in the sector for more than six years and most recently played a key role in planning and delivering meaningful activities for patients at an acute dementia unit in the Royal Edinburgh Hospital. He said: “My aim is to bring a structured approach to the way activities at Cramond are planned, led and delivered, ensuring that each activity contributes to each resident’s care plan while also being fun. “My first six weeks have been a whirlwind. Cramond is a great place to work with lots of opportunities to develop my skills, share my experience and play a part in the wider care of our residents. “As I’ve lived in a selection of countries, I know how fun it is to learn new languages and this is a passion and skill of mine that I really felt like I could bring to the table in my new role.
“The addition of language classes into the activities rota will be highly beneficial for the residents. “Cramond is one of the very few care homes that really does structure itself around its residents’ wishes and needs. “Emphasis is placed on ensuring residents are given the opportunity to input, consult on and determine the direction of all aspects of their care.” Amongst other therapeutic and managerial roles, Garylee previously worked for the NHS where he delivered cognitive behavioural therapy to patients across the region, with particular focus on mental health and addiction. He added: “The highlight of my time here so far has been seeing residents who would not normally engage in certain activities do so through relationship building, encouragement and measured and supported risk-taking. “You just can’t beat seeing a resident come alive with emotion and energy after taking part in an activity that we have organised for them.” Garylee will be contributing to activities and excursions rota, which will see a pizza making masterclass, beer and gin samplings and a trip to the Living Memory shop in Ocean Terminal. Cramond Residence offers care for up to 74 residents.
Residents at a Cambridgeshire care home have been showing I’m a Celebrity contestants how it should be done. People living at Dove Court in Wisbech have got close up and personal with a whole bunch of critters thanks to a visit by Zoolab. Home manager Nicole Thompson, said: “Our residents have been showing the celebrities in the jungle how it’s done. They didn’t bat an eye lid when they came face to face with a host of reptiles and giant spiders. Before the pandemic our Dove Court family enjoyed regular visits from Zoolab and this was a very welcome return of these different, but brilliant, pet therapy sessions. This visit reflects the vibrant and extensive activities programme we have here to suit the residents’ wide-ranging interests and hobbies.”
Last chance to grab your tickets The deadline for tickets for the industry’s biggest end-of-year party is 10am on Friday. Organised by Script Media in partnership with Caring UK and headline sponsor Virgin Money, the annual Caring UK Awards culminate in a glittering ceremony – taking place at the Athena in Leicester on Thursday December 1 – where host Dean Andrews from Emmerdale and Life on Mars will reveal the lucky winners who will take home an award. We received a record number of entries from all over the UK with so many stories of the wonderful work that was done particularly during the pandemic and we want to thank everyone who sent in
nominations. Shortlisted entries from far and wide have made the finals, now progressing to the next stage of the judging process. Event organiser Dominic Musgrave added: “We have been amazed by the incredible work that has taken and is continuing to take place in homes nationwide, and the last two-and-a-half years has only confirmed to us just how wonderful care staff truly are. “Once again we were overwhelmed with the standard of entries we received from homes up and down the country. We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone at the awards on December 1.” Tickets are available at https://scriptevents.co.uk/cuk-awards-tickets/
Book a demonstration today by calling 01925 386800 or visit www.carebeans.co.uk