Read about the award we’ve picked up for our Dementia Care Coach training programme
16-17
CHRISTMAS FUN IN OUR HOMES
Elf Day fun and many other ways that we celebrated Christmas
8 OUR GREEN PLAN
Ways that you can look after the environment while you work
20-21
CARE AT HOME… AT CHRISTMAS
How our care at home colleagues made the festive season special for our clients and assisted living residents
10-11
BEAUCHAMP HOUSE
Find out how we celebrated the completion of refurbishment work at our Taunton home
12-13
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Candles on the Lake, Children in Need and our interview on Hot Radio
23 LET’S TALK ABOUT FOOD
Learn about how you ensure that our residents keep eating the meals they enjoy
Honesty
Always being open, truthful, consistent, and taking ownership of our own actions.
Excellence
Being determined to be the best we can be, and delivering quality care.
Approach
Treating everyone as an individual and focusing on their individual strengths and needs.
Respect
Recognising that everyone comes from a diverse background, with a variety of values and beliefs.
Teamwork
Working together to get things done, sharing information and supporting each other, understanding that everyone has a contribution to make.
Christmas does already seem a long time ago! Time flies when you’re busy and having fun…. and looking at this edition of Take 5 you’ve certainly been having lots of fun – and food and friendship too – over the past few months.
It is always so heartwarming to see the many examples of Care South staff and colleagues going that extra mile in providing the very best care - not only supporting our own residents and care at home clients, but also helping others at times when they needed our help most. It looks like a great Christmas and start to the new year has been enjoyed by all!
In our October edition of Take 5, I was proud to tell you all of the incredible way that Care South staff rallied around to support the evacuation of residents from the care home in Swanage. You welcomed some of them with warm and comforting open arms into Castle Dene, Elizabeth House and Talbot View at very short notice. Most of those residents stayed for Christmas and are still with us –you clearly make residents’ lives very special - thank you!
You all continue to go about your business with purpose and passion showing that our HR strapline of People, Purpose and Passion is well and truly alive at Care South.
I am delighted to say that just before Christmas, Care South completed the purchase of Fern Brook Lodge. For the last 10 years we have occupied the home on a 35-year lease, but as part of our long-term commitment to providing the very best care in North Dorset, the Board decided to buy the freehold of the home. The team at Fern Brook Lodge do such an amazing job as the home continues to go from strength to strength!
In November I was also pleased to join our Chair, Chris Kean, and the Mayor of Taunton in officially relaunching our newly refurbished Beauchamp House at Hatch Beauchamp. The amazing team at Beauchamp have endured over two years of intrusive building works and were finally able to enjoy a peaceful Christmas without contractors’ muddy boots everywhere!
In the summer we will be looking for you to elect a new group of Staff Association Representatives. Please put yourselves forward if you fancy taking part in this really important role. We meet with you twice a year and meetings are always open and honest, and I always find them so helpful in finding out what’s working, what needs improving and what’s important to you all.
WELCOME TO TAKE 5
Our HEART values of Honesty, Excellence, Approach, Respect and Teamwork remain so important to us all and, as always, there are so many examples of you living our values throughout this latest edition of Take 5.
The Senior Management Team are always delighted to be asked to present long service awards – there are so many of you who have had long and much appreciated careers with Care South, with plenty of awards for 10, 20, 25 or 30 years - if you turn to page 5!
Clearly people like working with us.
You have also been telling us through the Care South Community Fund (formerly the Chairman’s 2020 Fund) how grateful you are to local charities and good causes that support our staff, residents, care homes and care at home offices, and in return we have been pleased to show our appreciation through awarding many grants to support them.
Learning and development has always been an integral part of Care South. We are so keen that as many colleagues as possible will engage in Level 2 and Level 3 Adult Care Worker courses which will then hopefully help to progress your personal development and individual career goals – whatever they may be. Your compliance with mandatory training is maintained at an all time high as well – just shy of 100%. That means that everyone in our care is being looked after by well-trained and highly valued colleagues all delivering really good frontline care.
Your hard work also ensures that quality and compliance across the group, both with our own internal audits and with CQC, is the best it has ever been! Really well done to everyone – and thank you!
Care South is a good place to work, where we do live by our HEART values and where we do value all our staff. You continue to do well in whatever you do. You are so highly valued in your local communities. You deliver amazing care. You are well regarded by CQC. You are well trained. You have opportunities for personal development and career progression.
Care South is a good place to work – please share that message in welcoming new colleagues, as well as looking out for old ones!
Thank you to all of you for your commitment to Care South. You make a difference!
Simon
A MOMENT WITH MAGGIE
Director of HR and Training
The New Year brings fresh beginnings, and this January we saw a relaunch of our Employee of the Month award.
Would you like to recognise someone in your team who consistently goes above and beyond and create an opportunity for them to become nominees for this year’s Stars Awards? If so, please ask your manager for a nomination form.
In the last edition of Take 5 there was a reminder about undertaking personal and professional development for growth of skills, knowledge and experience – if this is one of your goals for 2025, please get in touch with our Learning & Development department to find out how we can support you.
The election of Staff Association Representatives takes place every three years, and this is due in 2025. If you are interested in becoming a Staff Association Representative for your home / location, please read the article
in this edition of Take 5 to find out more and inform your line manager. A recognition allowance is paid annually to those that undertake the role of either Main Staff Association Representative, or Deputy.
Finally, please don’t forget to use your Christmas £30 voucher. Here’s to a great 2025!
Maggie
WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT?
If something is troubling you in your workplace then you should share your concerns with your line manager.
Following that, if you still have concerns, then you can escalate those concerns without worry of recrimination, or anonymously to an Operations Manager, Director or the CEO. You can raise your concerns in-person or over the phone with them.
If you feel uncomfortable about speaking with someone then we have a dedicated email address to use: Whistleblowing@care-south.co.uk
Please remember that if you do choose to remain anonymous in raising your concern, we will still treat your concern seriously. However, we will not be able to communicate any response or outcome with you directly.
Full details of the type of concern that could be raised are shown on our Whistleblowing Policy available to view in the Policies folder on SharePoint accessed via the Internet Shortcuts folder on your desktop and the Policies tablets in every staff room.
STAFF BENEFITS
As part of the Care South team, you can access a host of staff benefits including our Employee Assistance Programme, Blue Light Card, and our Refer a Friend scheme.
Details of staff benefits can be accessed via your local device (e.g. tablets in staff rooms) or contact Human Resources.
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond in their job role?
Then please put them forward for the Employee of the Month Award to recognise the special contribution they make to the team.
Nominations can come from staff, residents and their relatives, so get thinking about who you will nominate, obtain a nomination form from your manager and then return the completed form to them.
All nominees will then be put forward for consideration for the annual Stars Awards which take place in July.
January 2025
Joe Bloggs Home Manager name Employee name
LOYALTY RECOGNITION
A heartfelt thank you
TRACY ROWE
10 Years | Kenwith Castle
KAREN MAIDMENT
10 Years | Talbot View
BETHAN AVERY-DAVIES
10 Years | Alexandra House
GEMMA DARTNALL
10 Years | Marjorie House
TRACY HOULDING
20 Years | Talbot View
JESSICA JOYCE
25 Years | Kenwith Castle
LESLEY WARREN
30 Years | Somerset
STAFF REPS ASSOCIATION
The Staff Association is an important communication forum which helps you as an individual and your colleagues by the sharing of ideas, listening, providing insights to what is going on in the business and you can also help shape the future direction of Care South.
AWARD-WINNING DEMENTIA CARE COACH TRAINING
We are thrilled to have been awarded the Hennell Award for Innovation and Excellence in Dementia Care by the Association for Dementia Studies at the University of Worcester for our Dementia Care Coach training led by Karen Hodges, Group Dementia Lead.
The award celebrates one individual or team per year which has implemented positive change for the benefit of people living with dementia.
So far 55 members of the teams across our care homes and care at home offices have completed our in-house Dementia Care Coach training programme. Following the completion of the training, the Dementia Care Coaches work closely with colleagues and residents
How many Staff Association Representatives are there?
• One Main Staff Association Representative per home / location
• One Deputy Staff Association Representative per home / location
Once elected, Staff Association Representatives have a term of three years at their location.
What is the role of a Staff Association Representative:
• To attend Staff Association meetings. Two meetings are scheduled each year, generally in March and October
• Talking to and listening to staff at your location, bringing forward key matters to the Staff Association meetings
• Consulting with staff on any issues regarding health & safety
• Once the meetings have taken place, feeding back the content and outcomes to staff, alongside the management team at your place of work
What is in it for me?
• The opportunity to get involved in what matters to you, and your colleagues
• Sharing and networking with other colleagues from across the wider business
• Personal development in communication and confidence
• To understand current business activity and priorities
• An annual payment in recognition of the role
Speak to your line manager to register your interest in becoming a Staff Association Representative.
to further develop the best care practices for the enhanced wellbeing of residents with dementia, along with their families and loved ones.
Karen Hodges, Group Dementia Lead at Care South, said: “It is a real honour to receive this award which is testament to the hard work of our Dementia Care Coaches who support their colleagues with coaching and on-the-job guidance to ensure best practice with residents living with dementia and their loved ones. It’s inspiring to see the difference they make to the lives of our residents, enabling them to live with dignity, respect, and joy while providing invaluable support to their families.”
Would you like to become a Dementia Care Coach? Speak to your Home Manager to register your interest.
5 MINUTES WITH…
RICHARD DYSON
Richard is one of our longest-serving Trustees, having been invited to join the Care South Board of Trustee Directors in 2009.
He chairs the Property & Development Committee, supporting the Senior Management Team’s programme of developments, designing new and refurbishing older buildings and services, ensuring the residents are comfortable, happy and safe.
He has spent most of his career managing and operating within the Health and Social Care sector. Focusing on a range of facilities management and design services, he has worked in the UK and overseas, including Hong Kong, Ireland and Kenya.
Tell us about some of your favourite holidays?
My wife, Anne, and I share a passion for travel. Perhaps our favourites have been safaris in Kenya, visiting different parts of Thailand where we trained for two days to become qualified Mahouts (‘elephant drivers’), and sailing in a five-masted Royal Clipper tall ship across the Caribbean. I have also caravanned since I was a child, so we enjoy caravan holidays all over Europe.
Do you have any hobbies?
Every summer we attend Marlborough College Summer School where we choose from over 100 courses to try. I have learnt about making fused and stained glass, photography and woodwork, whilst Anne paints and has learnt to play the ukulele. She is now a member of two local bands that regularly play in several Care South homes.
Why do you enjoy being a Trustee?
It never fails to amaze me during our regular visits to the homes just how friendly, caring and attentive the teams are. Despite daily challenges, the teams are determined to keep smiling and do their best to ensure that our residents are happy and safe.
MERLEY CARE VILLAGE
In October, we held a public consultation for local residents to see our plans for a new residential care home with assisted living apartments in Merley.
More than 60 people came to share their thoughts and their feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Our team are now having a final look over the plans before we submit them for planning permission.
We will keep you updated on how this goes and what the next steps will be.
CARE SOUTH’S GREEN PLAN
Climate change is one the high-profile topics on TV programmes and in the news. It’s become a key focus in many homes and businesses across the UK as we all look to become more eco-friendly to look after our planet for the next generation.
Did you know that Care South runs a host of green initiatives across the organisation as part of our green plan to minimise our impact on the environment?
These include:
Solar panels on the roof at Buxton House, Fairlawn and Maiden Castle House in the first phase of our renewable energy project
Electronic care planning reduces the use of paper care plans in our care homes and care at home offices
Composting facilities are being trialled at Beauchamp House and St Ives House for food and gardening waste
Recycling bins in our offices for recyclable waste such as plastic bottles, aluminium cans and cardboard
We have a ‘Think before you print’ culture so documents are shared via email and Teams rather than printed out and distributed
We use local suppliers and consultants, wherever possible, to reduce the number of miles travelled
MEET OUR RESIDENTS – JUNE
June was one of the first residents to move into Marjorie House when it opened in September last year.
She previously lived in Poole before spending a brief period living in a London care home. However, she was keen to return to the same view she enjoyed before, while benefiting from round-the-clock support provided by the team at Marjorie House.
June said: “It is the nicest place that I could imagine. I sit in my chair looking at the view of Poole Harbour and I am in heaven. It’s beautiful. The atmosphere here is joyous. I pick up on the atmosphere in places and this has a wonderful one.”
June also has nothing but praise for the care home team. “Nothing is too much trouble for the staff. They’re very good.
“The food is beautifully presented, breakfast is often presented to look like a flower, and it’s delicious.”
June added that as a result of being happy living at Marjorie House, she says that her creative spirit has returned. “At last I’m getting my creativity back after a long time. One night, I got a pen and paper and started writing rhyming poetry lines and I’ve not stopped since.”
RACHEL’S NEW VOLUNTARY ROLE
Rachel Sohorye, one of our Regional Operations Managers, has taken on a new voluntary role as a Board Member of the Dorset Care Association (DCA).
The Dorset Care Association provides support to care providers across Dorset to help with fees, systems, commissioning, research, funding, training and more. Rachel said that she was ‘honoured’ to be asked to become a board member.
She added: “As a board member, I attend quarterly board meetings and contribute towards events, projects and support for providers, including Care South.
“We also work closely with the Trusted Assessors who support our services with assessing people in hospital and ensuring a safe discharge.”
Care South is proud to be a member of Dorset Care Association. Find out more about the DCA by going to dorsetcare.co.uk
Fantastic newsMarjorie House is our first care home to be rated 10 out of 10 by residents and their families on carehome.co.uk
MAYOR OF TAUNTON CUTS THE RIBBON ON
NEWLY
REFURBISHED BEAUCHAMP HOUSE
Scores of residents, relatives, and our colleagues at the care home looked on as Cllr Vanessa Garside led the ceremony, alongside Chris Kean, Chair, and Simon Bird, CEO, of Care South.
The care home’s oldest resident, Barbara, who will celebrate her 100th birthday in July this year, and Debbie Lane, Home Manager, also assisted with the ribbon cutting.
Afterwards, Cllr Garside and Mayor’s escort, Doctor Chief Mansour Jumaa, took a tour of the newly refurbished bedrooms and communal spaces including an onsite café, library, dining rooms, and hair and nail salon. They also looked around the extensive lawn, pond and gardens of the home, which includes a patio with raised flower beds, and pavilion facility which is shared with the neighbouring Beauchamp Gardens assisted living homes.
BEAUCHAMP HOUSE
COUNTRY HOUSE CARE
Following the tour, Cllr Garside said: “I think it’s probably the best care home I have visited since I started my Mayoral year. The renovations are splendid and the rooms have been beautifully refurbished. It’s like being in a posh hotel with the best facilities. I think that the home offers a good quality of life to the residents.”
The Mayor’s escort, Doctor Chief Mansour Jumaa, said: “I’m envious of the residents who live at Beauchamp House. I think all care homes should be like this. It was a pleasure to visit with the Mayor. What we have seen is unique. We have been to several care homes in the Mayoral year and this is in a class of its own.”
Simon Bird, CEO of Care South, said: “I am delighted to celebrate the completion of the refurbishment works at Beauchamp House, which will enable the residents to receive high-quality care in this historic Grade II listed building for many years to come. I’m also immensely proud of the care home team, who have continued to provide exceptional care to our residents throughout the refurbishment process. They have already shared how much our residents are enjoying the updated facilities, which enable them to live happy, fulfilled lives in our care.”
KENWITH CASTLE HOST THEIR OWN CANDLES ON THE LAKE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The North Devon community gathered at Kenwith Castle care home for the annual Candles on the Lake event.
Members of the public and local carers who work in and around Bideford, as well as residents and their families congregated in memory of their loved ones. The event was also attended by residents of the Kenwith Castle Gardens and Kenwith Meadows assisted living bungalows.
Residents, their families and visitors were invited to sponsor a candle and write a message to their loved one on a heart before it was placed with the candle onto the lake. All donations from the event went to North Devon Hospice, which provides specialist care support to people with life-limiting conditions.
Reverend Jules Harris, Team Rector for Torridge Coastal Mission Community, gave a blessing before the candles were released onto the lake, while a shanty band performed a range of songs, alongside DJ Jude, the former Mayor of Bideford.
DORSET HOUSE RESIDENTS COMPLETE 100 LAPS OF THE GARDEN FOR CHILDREN IN NEED
Residents at our care home in Hamworthy completed 100 laps of the care home garden to raise money for BBC Children in Need.
They were thrilled to be joined by children from Muddy Boots Nursery in Hamworthy who donned Pudsey Bear ears.
The nursery children visit Dorset House every two weeks to sing songs, play parachute games, take part in gardening activities and other fun with residents as part of the care home’s links with the local community.
Pictures of Pudsey Bear, the Children in Need mascot, were hidden around the garden for the children and residents to find during the laps. They also sang a range
of songs together including the Wheels on the Bus and Wind the Bobbin Up.
The residents and children even appeared on BBC1’s South Today’s TV coverage of Children In Need, where they were seen singing and dancing as they completed the challenge together.
Other homes organised bake sales and dressed in pyjamas to raise money for the good cause.
ELIZABETH HOUSE RESIDENTS LIVE ON HOT RADIO
Did you hear us on Hot radio? We were thrilled to welcome the breakfast radio presenters, Coco and Sparky, to broadcast live from Elizabeth House in Poole.
Coco and Sparky walked around the home and chatted to residents and staff, sharing stories about our ‘Make a Wish’ initiative which benefits residents across Care South, and played with the interactive Tiny Tablets, which can be found in each of our homes.
CARE HOMES
TURNED OUT TO SUPPORT CANDLES EVENTS
They also learned about the mini horses that visited the home and heard about AFC Bournemouth’s regular visits to give the residents fitness sessions on a weekly basis.
Teams from Dorset House, Elizabeth House, and Marjorie House attended Candles on the Lake which took place in Poole Park organised by Lewis-Manning Hospice Care.
Elizabeth House’s residents and care home team were invited to be part of the radio station’s ‘Friday Frolics’ feature which sees the presenters broadcast from a different location out in the community each week.
Care South residents and members of the public were invited to write a personal message on a candle in memory of a loved one before it was placed on the lake to create a magical display of lights.
Residents from St Ives House in Ringwood attended Candles on the Green in Wimborne
Minster, while Wickmeads residents participated in Candles at the Priory in Christchurch.
Care South are proud to partner with Lewis-Manning Hospice Care which provides care and support to people living with life-limiting illnesses across East Dorset, Poole and Purbeck.
Candles on the Lake
Candles on the Green
Candles in the Priory
UPDATE FROM PHIL
Director of Residential Care
Where did 2024 go? We had a busy year last year with a new home opening, new audits to complete and CQC assessments coming into play!
As always you have met all the challenges that have been thrown at you. Before I share some of what is coming up this year, I would like to share a story of what Care South is all about in respect of the care and dedication you share every day.
You may be aware of a sad incident in a care home in Swanage last October which meant all the residents in that home had to be found accommodation that night. Six of our homes made themselves available to help these residents who arrived only in the clothes they were wearing. The teams greeted them with a hot meal and an even warmer welcome. Here we are three months later and we still look after most of those residents, doing so in the Care South way! Thank you to all those involved, even if your home was not directly involved!
So just a sneak preview of what’s coming up in the first few months of the year. We will continue and complete our roll out of Camascope - our electronic medication system, we will continue our environment upgrades across our homes, and we have the 2025 resident survey rolling out in February. A busy start to the year.
As always, thank you for all you do.
Phil
WELCOME WEDNESDAYS
It’s great to see the fun activities that the homes are hosting for your weekly Welcome Wednesdays sessions which are open to the local community.
Examples include Alexandra House, where our residents have enjoyed a range of activities including a games afternoon on one occasion and another time they had a performance from the Melody Makers followed by freshly made cakes and coffee.
Meanwhile at Fremington Manor, they have enjoyed live music from Jonathon who plays a range of woodwind instruments, and at Kenwith Castle, the residents got the opportunity to decorate a tree at a local church. They decided to theme their tree on Welcome Wednesdays, using a range of coffee cup, cake and doughnut-themed decorations to complete their display.
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Well done to all our homes who welcomed in the community for Remembrance Day in November.
Residents and the team at St Ives House were treated to a very special rendition of The Last Post from resident, Sue, a military band musician. Sue was a civilian member of the London Irish Rifles Association, and later The Band of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers London. She has played in the bugles, pipes and drums section of the bands in numerous military parades including at the Cenotaph in London, the Tower of London, and the Menin Gate in Ypres in Belgium.
Elsewhere, Talbot View resident, Rae, shared her special memories of meeting husband, Derrick, on Remembrance Day in November 1953. Rae joined the Wrens (Women’s Royal Naval Service) aged 19. While in the Wrens, she met Derrick, a Royal Marine who played The Last Post at a military service. Rae and Derrick embarked on a whirlwind romance, getting engaged just two months after meeting, and were married in April 1954. They enjoyed many happy years together before Derrick died just before their 70th wedding anniversary last year.
ONLINE CHRISTMAS PARTY
Did you spot ‘Philomena’, ‘Martini’ and Biscuit the dog who assisted Simon Bird with presenting this year’s online Christmas party? We hope you all had a good time celebrating with your own parties in your care homes and care at home offices.
It was a great opportunity to show off the hard work that you all put into making the festive season special for our residents and clients. This included the opportunity to reflect on the Christmas lights switch-on across all of our homes and offices, which not only lit up the homes for our residents, their families and friends, but also provided a welcome, festive sight for the local community.
It was heartwarming to hear what Christmas means to our residents, and our congratulations must go to our residents and team at Alexandra House for winning the gingerbread house decorating competition. Well done to Fern Brook Lodge, Fairlawn and Maiden Castle House who were named as finalists. The judges were impressed by everyone’s efforts in the challenge but there could only be one winner!
Christmas fun in our homes
ELF DAY
Residents and staff across our care homes and care at home offices embraced the festive spirit in honour of Elf Day.
The care teams brought festive magic with creative events to entertain our residents and clients, while raising awareness of Alzheimer’s Society, which runs the national awareness campaign, Elf Day, each year. In total, Care South raised and donated £1,000 to the good cause.
At Fairlawn Care Home in Ferndown, a highlight of the Elf Day celebrations was a specially constructed Christmas sleigh, which had been purpose-built by local Poole based building contractor Parsons & Joyce. The sleigh was illuminated with festive lights and became the centrepiece of the home’s outdoor Christmas lights display for the local community to enjoy.
Hilda, who lives at Fairlawn, said: “I think all the elf outfits and activities were lovely. The staff all work so hard for us. Nothing is too much trouble for them. They really look after the residents so well. My great-grandchildren always enjoy visiting me at the home.”
Over at Elizabeth House care home in Poole, our residents and care home team welcomed children from Muddy Boots Nursery in Poole to join them for festive crafts and treats, while at Beauchamp House care home in Taunton, our residents took part in a game of elf bingo.
CHRISTMAS BAKE OFF
Two of our care homes welcomed stars of The Great British Bake Off to judge some baking competitions at Christmas.
Carole Edwards, who appeared on Season 13 of the Channel 4 programme in 2022, visited Fern Brook Lodge to test mince pies baked by the residents and staff.
While Carole took part in the taste test alongside Claire Davies, Deputy Manager at Fern Brook Lodge, the Gillingham Singers performed a range of Christmas carols for the residents to enjoy.
Carole is a great friend of Fern Brook Lodge, having previously attended the care home’s own Bake-Off competition in February last year, as well as their summer fayre.
Maggie Richardson, who appeared on the show in 2021, was invited to Alexandra House to taste test a range of Christmas cakes and bakes whipped up by the staff.
With the help of two residents, Margaret and Joan, Maggie judged each cake before they were shared with residents and the team across the home.
Maggie said: “I loved meeting the residents and staff at Alexandra House and judging their Christmas Bake Off. The cakes were delicious, and the effort from the staff was incredible.”
AFC BOURNEMOUTH CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING
Over 100 residents and staff from our Dorset care homes got together for a special coffee morning at AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium.
Our AFC Bournemouth Christmas Coffee Morning is an annual highlight for residents from our 11 Dorset-based care homes, as well as the Care at Home clients supported by the Bournemouth office.
Residents attended from our care homes across Bournemouth, Poole, Ferndown, Gillingham, Ringwood, and Weymouth. The coffee morning was kicked off by Steve Cuss, Head of Community at AFC Bournemouth, who welcomed everyone to the stadium. Residents then listened to music from performer, Bee Chumley, and children from Pokesdown Primary School.
As well as the Christmas coffee morning, AFCB Community Sports Trust host weekly chair football sessions in our care homes, as well as offering residents and clients opportunities to meet the players and tour the stadium.
FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA FOR RINGWOOD CARERS
St Ives House welcomed around 30 members of the Ringwood Carers Group for afternoon tea in The Bistro.
Sue, a military band musician who lives at St Ives House, played festive music on the care home’s piano for the carers to sing along to. Members of the Ringwood Carers Group care for their spouse, parent, or loved one on an unpaid basis and benefit from attending monthly meetings by talking to other like-minded people.
Pam, who is a carer and member of Ringwood Carers Group, said: “The whole afternoon was a real luxury for me. I don’t normally get to do things like afternoon tea, so it was really nice. It’s nice to be part of the group and know that I’m not the only one in my position.”
Emma Cotton, Home Manager at St Ives House, said: “We love welcoming in the community, and this was a great way to give back to the Ringwood Carers Group, giving them a well-deserved afternoon to relax and unwind. Caring for a loved one can be challenging, so we wanted to offer the group a chance to take a break and enjoy some afternoon tea while chatting together.”
Watch a video of the coffee morning
WINTER WARMTH AND JOY
Across Care South, it was fantastic to see our residents, care at home clients and the teams enjoy a range of activities this winter to embrace the food, fun and friendship from Christmas fayres and bake sales to owl visits and flower arranging.
Alexandra House residents welcomed the Mayor of Poole, Cllr Pete Miles, to their Christmas fayre
Dorset House residents headed to The Tank Museum at Bovington to look at the vehicles and military uniforms on display
Elizabeth House residents attended their local church as part of their Christmas Day celebrations
Buxton House residents and staff held a bake sale and pyjama day in aid of Children in Need
Beauchamp House residents held and stroked an owl and a falcon from Sharandys Birds of Prey
Fairlawn residents were treated to a pamper afternoon with a pop-up nail salon in one of the communal lounges
Castle Dene’s visited Stewarts Garden Centre to look at the Christmas decorations before chatting together over coffee and cake
Sussexdown residents spent time chatting and baking shortbread for their afternoon tea with the other residents
Assisted living residents at Kenwith Castle care village chatted over Christmas lunch in The Pavilion
Marjorie House residents connected with nature while making spring garlands on International Flower Day
Maiden Castle House residents were thrilled to meet Dusty, Gizmo and Woody from Owl Obsession UK
St Ives House residents listened to festive music while taking part in some Christmas arts and crafts activities
Kenwith Castle residents and their families felt energised when Devon’s own Mr Motivator came to lead a keep-fit session
Wickmeads residents got into the festive spirit while visiting the Christmas tree festival at a local church
Talbot View residents painted wooden bird boxes to sell at their Christmas fayre
Fremington Manor residents got creative during our Care South-wide gingerbread house decorating competition
Fern Brook Lodge residents look forward to Jan Millward’s monthly reminiscence sessions featuring a host of items to evoke memories
UPDATE FROM MARTIN
Director of Care South at Home
Our Care at Home Christmas celebrations were wonderful, with hampers delivered to all our clients and assisted living residents.
In the last quarter, we surveyed staff, clients, and assisted living residents, receiving positive feedback with some areas for improvement. We’ve shared this feedback with staff and clients, and our Registered Managers are working hard to address it.
It has been a joy to present awards to long-serving staff and welcome new team members. Our Dementia Care Coach training has been well received - thanks to Karen Hodges for her excellent training and to everyone who participated. We’re now exploring ways to support the families and loved ones of people living with dementia, and enhancing end-of-life training opportunities with Lewis-Manning Hospice Care and St Margaret’s Hospice.
Look out for office open days to learn more about qualifications like diplomas. While some colleagues prefer
LESLEY CELEBRATES 20 YEARS
Congratulations to Lesley Marlow, Care Supervisor in our West Dorset office, who celebrated 20 years working for Care South at Home in November.
She started her career providing emergency on-call care at home across Devon, Dorset and Somerset, which she did for five years. For the past 15 years, she has been a care supervisor.
Lesley said: “The team I work with are very professional and caring. I always count myself very fortunate. We always support each other in good times and in more difficult times.
practice-based training, such as dementia training, we remain committed to supporting your career development to improve practice and boost skillsets.
Our hospital discharge block contracts continue to play a vital role in supporting safe discharges from the NHS. We’re also making steady progress in our mission to grow our private client base. Although the care market is very competitive, our long-standing reputation for quality, charitable status and flexibility in offering are unique selling points that stand out.
Look out for Facebook posts about our clients and staff. They showcase the incredible work we do, so please share them when you see them!
As we enter 2025, challenges may arise, but there are many opportunities ahead. Thank you to our management teams and all staff for your hard work. Take care and keep doing a great job!
Martin
She added: “This work has given me a sense of pride, and selfsatisfaction. It’s a fulfilling career that has enabled me to give something back. Being happy at work and loving what you do and who you work with enhances your life and performance. You can learn faster, make fewer mistakes, and make better business decisions. That’s why I love my job!”
DEMENTIA CARE COACHESCARE SOUTH AT HOME
Well done to the team members in our Bournemouth and West Dorset offices who have completed our Dementia Care Coach training scheme.
They join some of their colleagues in the Somerset office team who have completed our specialist scheme. Led by Karen Hodges, our Group Dementia Lead, the scheme enables carers to provide the very latest, best practice around person-centred, dedicated dementia care through practical on location leadership and guidance.
The Dementia Care Coaches will now work closely with colleagues and relatives to further develop the best care practices for enhancing the wellbeing of care at home clients living with dementia. They will also be providing additional support to the family of clients and loved ones living with dementia.
As explained on page 6, we have received a Hennell Award in recognition of the scheme, which has also been rolled out across all of our care homes and care at home offices over the past 18 months.
ASSISTED LIVING AT CHRISTMAS
Lucy Broom - Care Supervisor at the Crewkerne office, Martin Ross - Director of Care at Home, and James Silverton - Head of Assisted Living, brought festive cheer to the residents of Kenwith Castle Gardens and Kenwith Meadows.
The trio delivered gifts to the Assisted Living residents in style, using a festively decorated Kenwith Castle golf buggy. Afterwards, they continued the celebrations by serving a sumptuous Christmas meal in The Pavilion, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere for the residents in the lead up to Christmas Day.
Across the wider team, it was heartwarming to see our Care at Home colleagues bringing joy by delivering hampers to clients across Dorset and Somerset.
Watch the team deliver presents
KIDS SERVED UP AN AFTERNOON OF FUN FOR RESIDENTS
Children brought joy to residents by hosting an afternoon tea to give back to the community.
Residents from Marjorie House and Talbot View care homes were invited to visit the children at Kidscape’s Poole location at Livingstone Primary School, which provides a breakfast, after-school and holiday club for four to 11-year-olds.
The children took plates of sandwiches, cakes and treats around to our residents while chatting to them about
their families, how they celebrated Christmas, and what careers the children hoped to have in the future.
Barbara, who lives at Marjorie House, said: “It was such a wonderful event with such lovely, well-behaved children. It was lovely to chat to them as they weren’t shy in talking to us.”
Gill, who lives at Talbot View care home in Bournemouth, was a foster carer to more than 80 children throughout her life and used to knit hats for babies in hospital. She said: “I loved seeing the children. It reminded me of my children when they were little.”
WORD SEARCH
Beauchamp House
Hennell Award
Hamper
Green plan
Children in Need
Remembrance Day
Elf Day Party
Christmas cheer
Candles on the Lake Hot Radio
Welcome Wednesdays
Gingerbread house
Submit your completed word search to Marketing@care-south.co.uk by Friday 28th March 2025. Three entrants will win £50 each!
ONGOING CONVERSATIONS ABOUT FOOD
Mealtimes play a key part in a resident’s day and they can have a significant impact on their overall health and wellbeing. Our chefs have conversations with our residents about their likes, dislikes and preferences to make sure that we are serving up the food that they enjoy.
This is why it’s important to have ongoing conversations with residents about food:
• Individual nutrition - tailoring meals towards their medical and care needs ensures that they maintain proper nutrition
• Encouraging appetite – residents are more likely to eat well if they are served food that they enjoy
• Sense of control – discussion empowers residents while showing respect and dignity. We discuss how the menus are built and encourage feedback, then we record suggestions for future menus. If a resident lacks capacity, talk to their loved ones about what they would like
• Respecting personal preferences – while dining rooms can be a great social space to enjoy food together, some residents may prefer to eat alone, on a quiet table or in their rooms
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE
We have five prizes of £30 each to give away!
For your chance to win a prize, just identify the eight differences between these two photos.
Send your entry to marketing@ care-south.co.uk by Friday 28th March 2025
TEAM MEMBER NEWS
As well as the fantastic care we provide in our care homes, our teams are also keeping busy outside of their roles.
JIVE DANCE TEACHER
Karen Moger, Care Coordinator based in our care at home office in Poundbury, has been jiving around West Dorset for the past 17 years. She volunteers as an assistant modern jive dance teacher once a week, and took part in her first competition in 2024 dancing as a lead with her friend. She enjoys dancing to keep fit, socialise and de-stress, which is helping in the lead-up to her wedding in August this year.
SCENERY BUILDING
Gosia Mason, Deputy Manager at Beauchamp House, enjoys getting creative in her spare time by making and painting mini scenery. Her last project was a 3D book scene which took her around six hours to put together. Her biggest challenge was making a little battery-operated light work. Gosia started making them around 10 years ago and says that she’s still improving and getting better at it.
FUNDRAISER FOR MUM
Hayley Bartlett, Care Team Leader at Castle Dene, shaved her head in support of her mum, Dot, who was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Once Dot started to lose her hair during chemotherapy, Hayley shaved her head and donated the hair to The Little Princess Trust. Dot previously worked for Care South for 24 years as a housekeeper before retiring in 2023. The Bartlett family have raised over £780 for University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity, where Dot is receiving treatment.
