Look at just some of the activities that the residents and teams have been up to
6-7 UNLEASH YOUR POTENTIAL
Learn about how we can support you to progress in your care career
21 TEAM HOBBIES
Read about what the team get up to outside of work
10-11
MARJORIE HOUSE
Look inside our new care home in Poole as we welcome the first residents
9
DEMENTIA CARE COACHES
Find out about the first team members to complete the Dementia Care Coach training programme
23
MORE THAN A MEAL
Patrick shares the recipe for elevating the dining experience for the residents
Another day, another month, another summer, another edition of Take 5 and so many more 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.
Our deepest condolences go out to all those affected by the tragic incident recently at a Swanage care home. I was immensely proud of the way that Care South staff rallied around to support the evacuation of residents from that home, welcoming them with warm and comforting open arms into Castle Dene, Elizabeth House and Talbot View at very short notice. A huge thank you to everyone who gave up their time, working well into the night to ensure that everyone was safe and secure that night. Another example of Care South staff responding brilliantly in a crisis – 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.
Our HEART values of Honesty, Excellence, Approach, Respect and Teamwork remain important to us all and, as always, there are so many examples of you living our values throughout this latest edition of Take 5.
We are delighted with the results of our latest staff surveys which have told us – amongst other things - that 92% of you thought that Care South was a good place to work and that 91% saw yourselves still working at Care South this time next year. Wow! Thank you for all your feedback – it is always good to hear.
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, 15, 20 or 25 years - sometimes even more if you turn to page 5! Clearly people like working with us.
It was also good to meet with your Staff Association Representatives
WELCOME TO TAKE 5
a few days ago and to hear and respond to the feedback that you have shared with them recently. As always it was a really open and honest meeting, and we’ll be sharing the outcomes of that meeting with you shortly.
Learning and development has always been an integral part of Care South. So many of you have told us of your pride in being coached to become Dementia Care Coaches with us. You’ve also told us that you would like to see greater and wider access to various specialist courses such as this. This is happening.
You will also see on pages 6 and 7 that we are hoping that many of you will engage in the 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.
I am all too aware of just how challenging the delivery of really good frontline care can be, but you still manage to deliver it – week in, week out! Thank you.
It is clear that because of you our residents and care at home clients are able to continue to lead happy and fulfilled lives. 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, and our compliance with mandatory training is maintained at an all time high as well – just shy of 100%!
As always a huge thank you to you all for always going that ‘extra mile’ in keeping all our homes and our care at home clients warm and safe, and with Food, Fun and Friendship in abundance, and at the heart of everything you do. Looking through this edition of Take 5, the three Fs are clearly alive and kicking in Care South - so 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 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.
Simon
A MOMENT WITH MAGGIE
Director of HR and Training
I hope you all had a fabulous summer with friends and family, albeit that the weather has been mixed.
This year’s Employee Engagement Surveys have been completed across the business: Residential, Care at Home, and Head Office. Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond. Key feedback was shared with the Staff Association and will be shared at a local level.
Are you the best that you can be? Do you want to grow your knowledge and skills? If so, we are committed to providing development opportunities to everyone. Speak with your Supervisor / Manager at your next Supervision or contact the Learning & Development team. If you do not yet have a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Adult Social Care, see pages 6 and 7 to find out more.
I would like to acknowledge the recent World Mental Health Day. If you need any help regarding matters of a personal nature or work, your first port of call is
your Supervisor or Manager. Alternatively, you can access the Employee Assistance Programme (details can be found on your local staff noticeboard). There are others who visit your locations on a regular basis who can also support and listen such as the HR Business Partners: Moira, Stephanie, and Katie (who joined us on 30 September 2024) – please don’t hesitate to speak with them.
You all do a fantastic job. Thanks for all of your hard work,
Maggie
If something is troubling you in your workplace then you should share your concerns with your line manager.
WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT?
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.
ITA CELEBRATES
50 YEARS AT CARE SOUTH
Huge congratulations to Ita Graven, Care Team Leader at Elizabeth House, who has celebrated 50 years of working for Care South.
Ita started her care career in July 1974. Over the years, she has worked in a number of our Poole-based care homes. She has been working at Elizabeth House for the past 10 years and continues to provide relief cover.
Ita celebrated her 80th birthday last year but says that she currently has no plans to retire as she think she might get ‘bored.’
Ita added: “I love it. No two days are the same. I wouldn’t want to do anything else. Each resident is unique. They come to us so that we can look after them and I enjoy ensuring that they receive the best care for their personal needs.
“It’s good for the mind. Elizabeth House is a very nice home to work in.”
LORRAINE
SEAN
MICHELLE
ALISON
THINKING ABOUT YOUR CAREER DEVELOPMENT?
Social care is a growing sector. It is estimated that there are 1.5 million people working in social care and this is expected to increase.
Come on a journey with us at Care South. We will support you in your personal development and career goals. If you are committed to doing your best and achieving your learning milestones, we will take you as far as you want to go.
DO YOU WANT TO BE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER?
ARE YOU HUNGRY FOR DEVELOPMENT?
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 12 MONTHS’ TIME?
LEVEL 2 ADULT CARE WORKER
Who is this course for?
This is the course for you if you are starting out, are new to care or just haven’t taken a qualification in care previously.
What does it cover?
• Communication
• Personal development
• Values and behaviours
• Health and wellbeing
• Responsibilities
• Safeguarding
Will I have to pay for the course?
Recognised by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and approved by Skills for Care, the course will be funded by Care South via the Apprenticeship Levy Fund.
How long does it take to complete the Level 2 course?
The timeframe can vary but usually this course can take up to 12 months to complete.
What support will I receive?
You will be supported by your manager and your wider Care South colleagues during your learning.
Not ready for Level 2 just yet? Then please speak to your manager and/or the Learning & Development department and we will provide you with a variety of workbooks and e-learning that can help to increase your knowledge.
LEVEL 3 LEAD ADULT CARE WORKER (APPRENTICESHIP)
Who is this course for?
This is a progression and development route for care support workers after completing the Level 2 qualification, and those who wish to increase their knowledge and progress to more senior roles.
What does it cover?
This course will enable you to meet UK-wide professional standards and will endorse your knowledge of duty of care, safeguarding and advocacy and promotion of wellbeing. It offers a wide range of units to support areas of specialism including residential care, domiciliary care, end-of-life care, and dementia care.
Will I have to pay for the course?
Recognised by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and approved by Skills for Care, the course will be funded by Care South.
How long does it take to complete the Level 3 course?
The timeframe can vary but usually this qualification will take between 12 – 18 months to complete.
What support will I receive?
You will be supported by your manager and your wider Care South colleagues during your learning. You will also be allocated an Assessor from the Apprenticeship provider who will support you throughout the time of the qualification.
Wanting more?
There are additional qualifications that can be taken including Level 4, 5, and beyond. If this is something that interests you and you are keen to develop your knowledge, skills and career please talk to your manager / supervisor at your regular Supervision.
Care South also offers leadership skills training for those individuals who have achieved a Level 3 Diploma and aspire to become Deputy/Home Managers, and Deputy/Office Managers.
If you need some advice or just want to explore any opportunities, please speak with your manager, or contact the Learning & Development Department 01202 712400 / email: Jo.mccarthy@care-south.co.uk
WORD SEARCH
Marjorie House
Crichel Mount Road
Lilliput
Sandbanks
Poole Harbour
Brownsea Island
Captains Club
Hair and beauty salon
Landscaped courtyard
Putting green
Ensuite bedrooms
Care home team
Residential care
Mayor of Poole
Community partnerships
Submit your completed word search to Marketing@care-south.co.uk by Friday 13th December. Three entrants will win £50 each!
AVOID BEING PHISHED!
Did you know that October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month? Our IT team would like to remind everyone across the Care South team to remain vigilant with phishing emails.
Scammers want to trick you into clicking, downloading and providing sensitive information. Phishing emails look like legitimate requests from known organisations or individuals. If you receive a phishing email, please use the ‘Report Phishing’ button. However, if in doubt, please forward the email to itservicedesk@care-south.co.uk for the team to advise you further.
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) or contact Human Resources.
We are pleased to share that we now have Dementia Care Coaches based in each of our care homes and based out of the Crewkerne Care at Home office.
The specialist Dementia Care Coach training scheme aims to ensure that each care home and care at home office continues to provide the very latest best practice around person-centred, dedicated dementia care through practical on location leadership and guidance via the Dementia Care Coaches.
Over the past 18 months, representatives from each care home and the Crewkerne office have been nominated to be a Dementia Care Coach. They have now completed an intensive and comprehensive training programme led by Karen Hodges, our Group Dementia Lead.
The Dementia Care Coaches will now work closely with colleagues and relatives to further develop the best care practices for enhancing the wellbeing of residents living with dementia. They will also be providing additional support to the family of residents and loved ones living with dementia.
DEMENTIA CARE COACHES SUPPORT TEAM UPDATES
Friendly faces in and around our homes and offices
ESTHER SHEPPARD
Esther Sheppard, formerly Senior Customer Relations Manager, has been promoted to Head of Customer Relations. Esther works across the entire residential portfolio, assisting with Care at Home as needed, but her main focus in her first six months at Care South has been working with Alexandra House, St Ives and Wickmeads.
Recently, she has been supporting the launch of our new care home, Marjorie House, and is also leading on the relaunch of Beauchamp House following the completion of refurbishment works.
JAMES SILVERTON
James Silverton, formerly Senior Customer Relations Manager, has been promoted to Head of Assisted Living. His new role sees him lead on the development and expansion of our Assisted Living services. He aims to ensure that the resident experience in Care South’s Assisted Living communities is excellent by promoting by promoting our ethos of Food, Fun and Friendship.
As part of his role, James will be hosting events for our Assisted Living residents and providing support, including meetings with the residents.
OUR ‘FABULOUS’ NEW MARJORIE HOUSE CARE HOME IS UNVEILED
The Mayor of Poole helped to cut the ribbon on our new residential care home near Sandbanks where residents now enjoy views over Poole Harbour towards Brownsea Island.
Scores of people turned out to see Cllr Pete Miles assist with the official launch of Marjorie House, on Crichel Mount Road, alongside Chris Kean, Chair of Care South, and Simon Bird, CEO of Care South.
Afterwards, guests enjoyed drinks and canapés as they took a tour of the home, which includes 50 ensuite, fully-furnished bedrooms in a variety of sizes, styles and beautiful views across Poole Harbour towards Brownsea Island. Marjorie House is now welcoming new residents.
Cllr Pete Miles, the Mayor of Poole, said: “Marjorie House is just fabulous. It’s really nice. I love the concept and the Art Deco style of the building, which is in-keeping with the style of homes in Sandbanks. It’s a wonderful care home and it will be a very special place for the residents to live in.”
Each of the three floors in Marjorie House features a dining space, dedicated activity area, lounge overlooking Brownsea Island and smaller private lounge. The first floor also includes a bar area, Captain’s Club, for the residents to enjoy drinks together with the other residents and visiting family members, and a hair and beauty salon for some pampering
Marjorie House
and relaxation. Residents have a choice of places to sit and enjoy the views from the balcony, terraced gardens and a landscaped courtyard. There is even a small putting green.
Simon Bird, CEO of Care South, said: “I am immensely proud of our stunning new care home, Marjorie House, which is in an incredible location, which will provide care for people in the local community. Our aim is and has always been to create a comfortable home for residents in later life and our ethos is all about food, fun and friendship to ensure that residents live happy, fulfilled lives in our care.
“Care South is a very proud partner with Lewis-Manning Hospice Care. Marjorie House is named after Marjorie LewisManning who founded an amazing charity on this site many years ago, and Care South is so proud to continue support Marjorie’s vision of providing care to the community from this site.”
Sebastian Wincelewski, Home Manager for Marjorie House, said: “We were absolutely delighted to welcome the Mayor of Poole to cut the ribbon on our new residential care home. We had such a fantastic turnout for the event, which started the countdown to the first residents moving in. They now call Marjorie House their home with support from our kind, compassionate care team.”
Watch our launch event
UPDATE FROM PHIL
Director of Residential Care
What a busy time we have had since my last update which, I can’t believe was three months ago. Time flies! So, what have we been doing?
First of all, we welcomed a new home to the Care South family, Marjorie House. I would like to thank all those people (far too many to mention) who helped and supported the huge effort in opening the home. We are all rightly proud of the home as we are with all of our homes, and it is fantastic to see Sebastian and his team now looking after the new residents.
NEW MANAGER AT FREMINGTON MANOR
We would like to extend a warm welcome to Sara Maynard, who is leading the team as Home Manager at Fremington Manor.
In my last note I challenged you all to beat last year’s response rate for our Team Member Survey. Guess what? You did! We received an amazing 907 responses! We are now booking in team meetings in your homes to share the results and plan the next steps we can take from your valuable feedback.
Unbelievably, it’s that time of year again when we start our Christmas planning. Mark Wardman and the catering team are finalising menus, and Charlotte and the activities teams are putting together a programme of activities and events for the residents and teams.
We have now completed a full set of our new comprehensive audits in your homes, and I am delighted to say you have all done very well. At this point, I also need to congratulate Lana, Kirstel, and the team at Castle Dene who have received a ‘Good’ rating from CQC at their recent comprehensive inspection.
Finally, I would like to welcome Sara Maynard who has joined us as Home Manager at Fremington Manor. Welcome Sara.
As always thank you for all you do. Phil
Sara completed her nurse training in Cambridge in the 1980s and moved back to North Devon in the 90s. She has worked in the NHS mainly specialising in respiratory work and has always been passionate about enabling and giving people a voice.
Sara has worked as a Home Manager for 13 years which encompasses residential, dementia and nursing homes.
She said: “I believe that our residents must be at the heart of all that we do. By nurturing and developing our team we can then provide the best possible care, focusing all that we do around the individual’s wishes and needs.”
TOM’S CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING WISH
Tom, who lives at Dorset House, visited Purbeck Shooting School with support from Sam Baker, Activities Lead at Dorset House, and his granddaughter, Tilly.
Tom has had a life-long passion for clay pigeon shooting, having previously visited Purbeck Shooting School on a weekly basis before needing to give up his gun licence when he was diagnosed with dementia.
Alongside instructor, Trevor from Purbeck Shooting School, Tom was able to safely use a shotgun to shoot some clays. Afterwards, he enjoyed chatting to
FRAN AND MARGOT WALK 3K FOR CHARITY
Fran and Margot, who both live at Elizabeth House, took on the 3km route at the University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity’s Walk for Wards event at Upton Country Park. Care South were proud to support the event.
To start off the fun, Fran and Margot joined in with a warm-up to music, before taking on the trail. Afterwards, they enjoyed dancing to live music from the band, Late Shift, with support from the Elizabeth House care home team. In total, more than 20 people made up the Care South team that took part in the event. Well done to everyone who took part!
members of the shooting school about how he aimed and the techniques he used to follow the clays and be on target. Tom also spoke to a club member about the different guns they own and took a closer look at the ornate details on the guns.
Tom said: “It was absolutely brilliant. One of the best days I have ever had. I hope that I can go back there again. I think with more practice, I will be back to my old aim.”
Fran said: “I really like going for a walk in the sunshine, especially at Upton Country Park. I like to keep fit, so I was thrilled to bits when the Elizabeth House team asked me if I wanted to do the walk. I loved it.”
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
TEAM TREK FOR ALZHEIMER’S
The Maiden Castle House team trekked 26 miles from Charmouth to Weymouth to raise £1,500 for Alzheimer’s Society in honour of World Alzheimer’s Month which took place in September.
Ash Smith, Home Manager at Maiden Castle House, said: “The journey was tough as it involved 10 hours of walking steep hills in very changeable weather, but despite our aches and pains, it was an incredible feeling to complete the challenge together.”
Other activities in the care homes to mark World Alzheimer’s Day on Saturday 21st September and the wider World
GERRY IS HONORARY
‘12TH MAN’ AT CRICKET
Cricket fan, Gerry, who lives at Buxton House, was invited to watch the home match between Weymouth Cricket Club and Portland Red Triangle Cricket Club at Redlands Community Sports Hub as part of his special wish to visit his old cricket team.
Alzheimer’s Month included Alexandra House’s open day to evoke memories for the residents including hopscotch, cat’s cradle, jam tarts, sweets, bread pudding, live music, and vintage cars in the car park.
Meanwhile, St Ives House hosted an open afternoon featuring live music, a bake
sale and raffle, with badges made and painted with forget-me-not flowers by the residents being sold for charity donations.
At Wickmeads, the residents, their families, friends of Wickmeads and the care home team enjoyed a Memory Walk in Tuckton in aid of Alzheimer’s Society.
Gerry played for Weymouth Cricket Club from the late 1950s to the late 1970s as a wicket-keeper.
Before the match started, Gerry met the Weymouth Cricket Club team, tried on some wicket-keeper’s gloves, and was presented with a cap emblazoned with his initials. Gerry was also listed as the team’s honorary ‘12th player’ in the match programme.
Gerry said: “I would never dream that I would get to do this. I’ve had a lovely time. I want to come back here every week.”
Andy Anderson, who is part of the committee team at Weymouth Cricket Club, said it was ‘a real honour’ to welcome Gerry to the club and to be able to present him with his own cap.
PETER SCORES A GOAL AT WALKING FOOTBALL
Peter, who lives at Elizabeth House, was thrilled to be back on the football pitch at our walking football tournament organised in partnership with AFC Bournemouth.
Peter has played football since he was five and played as a centre-half for the Poole Town Youth Football team from the age of 11. At 15, his youth team played in a match at Wembley Stadium before watching a match featuring West Ham football club. In the same year, he was invited to a trial to play for England, where he remembers making the final four.
BIG BAND AT BEAUCHAMP HOUSE
Around 150 people turned out for Beauchamp House’s Big Band and Barbecue event in August.
Residents, visitors and the care home team enjoyed dancing and listening to live entertainment from the Wessex Big Band on the expansive lawn of the care home’s gardens.
The home’s chef cooked burgers and hot dogs for residents, families, and the event’s attendees, while a range of mini games were set up on the lawn for children to take part in.
He said: “My mum and dad asked if I wanted to play football or continue with the job that I’d got as a builder after leaving school. We decided that I should focus on my job. I carried on playing football three nights a week until I was 30.”
Speaking about watching the Care South team take on AFC Bournemouth’s three
walking football teams - women’s over 50s, men’s over 50’s and over 70s-, as well as two teams from the AFC Bournemouth academy, Peter said: “I thought the Care South team were pretty good. It was a laugh to watch them as I used to go and watch Bournemouth games, but I can’t do that anymore, so I love watching them on TV.”
Resident Helen said: “I thought it was lovely. I like the sound of a big band. The Wessex Big Band were really good. I thought the whole afternoon was lovely and I’m thrilled to bits with it all. I like big band songs, and I just love music in general.”
Pat, who also lives at the care home, said: “I think the event was lovely. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The care home team had worked so hard to make it a special event for us.”
SUMMER OF FUN
We have been enjoying a host of food, fun and friendship through a range of activities in our homes, out in the community and with our Care at Home teams including animal visits, 60s parties, cooking, keep fit, and more...
Alexandra House residents played a variety of games, including table football, at one of their Welcome Wednesday sessions
Dorset House residents ate fish and chips during a trip to the seaside in Swanage
Elizabeth House residents celebrated the National Day of Arts in Care Homes with painting, colouring and crafts
Buxton House residents put on a medalworthy performance at their own miniOlympics
Beauchamp House residents raised £144 for Age UK Somerset at their Alpacas, Tea & Tombola event
Fairlawn residents welcomed Louis the Labradoodle from Caring Canines
Castle Dene’s Men’s Club zoomed over to their local Harley Davidson motorbike dealership for lunch
Sussexdown residents made a flying visit to Shoreham Airport to watch planes taking off and landing
Assisted living residents at Kenwith Castle Care Village got together for a barbecue at Kenwith Pavilion
Marjorie House residents attended a Mad Hatter’s tea party with the care home team dressed as Alice in Wonderland characters
Maiden Castle House residents made clay birds with the help of Deborah from Creative Clay for All
St Ives House residents threw a baby shower for some of the care home team who were set to go on maternity leave
Kenwith Castle residents listened to soothing music from Emmanuel the saxophonist followed by tea and cake
Wickmeads residents used swimming pool noodles and beach balls in a fun session with Antony from G Fitness
Talbot View residents wore their chef’s hats and aprons to make an apple pie
Fremington Manor residents relaxed in the sunshine after enjoying live music at Welcome Wednesdays
Fern Brook Lodge travelled back to the 60s for their own mini festival with a line-up of singers and musicians performing
UPDATE FROM MARTIN
Director
of Care South at Home
It has been a really busy summer, and now we are preparing for the winter months. We are already seeing signs of NHS ‘winter pressures’ in our hospital discharge services and for our core clients, winter can increase isolation and hardship.
Stay vigilant, report any concerns, and please prepare your cars for the conditions.
Recently I have met with many of you in local team meetings. I have really enjoyed this because you tell me as it is, no filter! We discussed the feedback from the recent staff survey and, as ever, your feedback and ideas have led to positive changes and improvements. As an example, I look forward to introducing branded summer polo shirts in 2025. Feedback surveys have also gone out to all clients and assisted living residents, again an opportunity for listening, improvement and positive testimonials about you and our services. I will share the results with you in due course.
It was wonderful to see our very own Rahul Gohulan and Tash Sansom skydive for Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, raising vital funds for an end-of-life nurse. I look forward to next year’s challenge! I was also really pleased to see our Dementia Lead, Karen Hodges, train and present certificates and badges to Care South at Home’s first Dementia Care Coaches. With more coaches about to be trained, I feel that this will make a real difference to our services –for both clients and their families. In the new year we will be working alongside Lewis-Manning Hospice Care and St Margaret’s Hospice Care to introduce enhanced end of life training – look out for this opportunity in the near future.
We are planning the widening of our Kenwith services in North Devon to include care in the community, and, in due course, there will be a new Care South at Home office. Our mission this year to grow our private market client base is being gradually realised across the offices. We have seen tremendous efforts from across the teams to help make this important transition. Keep up the good work and let’s carry this energy and positivity forward into 2025.
Take care, stay safe, and keep on doing a great job.
Martin
MEET OUR CLIENTS – MARGARET
Margaret thrives in her own home with the Care South at Home team’s support during visits four times a day. The support Magaret receives spans from getting her day started with personal care and the preparation of her breakfast, companionship visits at lunchtime, through to helping her get ready for bed.
She said: “I can’t speak more highly of my carers. They’re absolute diamonds.
She added: “In the morning, they help me to get up, washed, and dressed. They prepare my breakfast and my morning cup of tea for me. They open all the curtains and make my bed for me before they leave.
“At lunchtime, they prepare my lunch, make me a cup of tea, do the washing up, and then we have a chat. In the evening, they help me get ready for bed and switch off the lights as they go. I don’t know what I’d do without them.”
CHARITY SKYDIVE
Two members of the Care South at Home team recently jumped out of a plane to raise money for Lewis-Manning Hospice Care.
Rahul Gohulan, Care at Home Operations Support Manager, and Natasha Sansom, Care Coordinator Team Leader for Somerset and West Dorset, took to the skies and leapt out of a plane at 10,000ft in aid of the good cause.
Rahul and Natasha collectively raised over £1,000 to enable more nurses to continue delivering extraordinary hospice care across East Dorset.
NEW KENWITH ASSISTED LIVING TEAM LEADER
Welcome to the team, Diane Loates, who is our new Assisted Living Team Leader based at Kenwith Castle Gardens.
She said: “As part of my new role, my team and I work closely with clients to enable them to maintain their independence in their own homes. We provide care when needed and carry out domestic tasks in the client’s homes.
“Also as part of my role, I have now taken on the day to day running of The Pavilion within the grounds of Kenwith Castle Care Village.
“I love my job and it is a beautiful place to work.”
CHAIRMAN’S 2020 FUND PRESENTATIONS
Since launching four years ago, our Chairman’s 2020 Fund has made donations to many great charities, groups and organisations who benefit the residents, staff and Care at Home clients.
Here are the latest presentations that have been made:
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH
The Kenwith Castle care home team joined in with handing over £1,000 to Holy Trinity Church, which hosts a weekly service for the residents, as well as supporting the home’s Candles on the Lake event earlier this year. Care South’s donation helped the church’s fundraising target to reach the half-way point enabling work to start of replacing the church roof.
The Dorset House team joined in with handing over £1,000 to RAC Saddle Club based in Bovington. RAC Saddle Club offers horse riding training to the military and community, along with equine therapy for mental and physical rehabilitation. The team have recently welcomed Dorset House and St Ives House residents to visit the stables, interact with and safely ride horses.
CYCLING WITHOUT AGE WEYMOUTH
The Maiden Castle House team joined in with handing over £2,000 to Cycling Without Age Weymouth. The good cause is run by volunteers who pedal a specially-made trishaw to enable the Maiden Castle House residents and other passengers, who may be older or have reduced mobility, to feel the wind through their hair as they travel around their local community. Care South’s donation will go towards a second trishaw to support more passengers.
The St Ives House team joined in with handing over £500 to Ringwood Carers Group. Group members care for their loved one on an unpaid basis and benefit from attending monthly meetings by talking to other like-minded people. Care South’s donation enables the group to reach out to more people, as well as St Ives House offering the use of the bistro to host an event for the group.
THE FRIENDS OF DOLPHIN
The Dorset House team joined in with handing over £1,000 to The Friends of Dolphin, which provide free, fully-accessible boat trips around Poole Harbour to elderly and disabled people, including residents from Dorset House and our other care homes in Dorset. The boat is crewed by volunteers, with an experienced skipper at the helm. They are currently fundraising to buy a new boat.
The Castle Dene team joined in with handing over £1,170 to Truth Be Told, an organisation that will provide interactive storytelling sessions for the residents in partnership with Coastline Church. These sessions, which are open to local families and children, feature a unique theme each time, with props designed to ignite the residents’ imaginations and enhance their experience.
Please do invite your care home’s community contacts to make an application to the fund, if they would like to. The home manager can provide them with a form or they can download one from our website. The deadline for this round of applications is Friday 22 November 2024.
RAC SADDLE CLUB
TRUTH BE TOLD
RINGWOOD CARERS GROUP
TEAM MEMBER NEWS
As well as the fantastic care we provide in our care homes, our team are also keeping busy outside of their roles.
Here’s just a snippet of what some of the team are up to:
PORCELAIN PAINTER
Mark Jones, Activities Assistant at Marjorie House, is an award-winning china and porcelain painter, teacher, and demonstrator. He began painting in 1995 and first exhibited his work in Westminster in 1998. Mark has showcased his work globally, including in Switzerland and Brazil, and has been featured in over 40 magazines, as well as winning numerous awards for his art.
BOURNEMOUTH TRIATHLON
Tom Buxton, Software Support Specialist at Head Office, completed the Bournemouth Triathlon in September, consisting of a 1500m sea swim, 40km cycle, and 10km run. He finished in 3 hours and 13 seconds, raising £2,116 for Myeloma UK following his dad’s diagnosis in 2021, with supportfrom colleagues, friends, and family.
CROCHET CHARACTERS
Maria Romano, Housekeeper at Castle Dene, learned to crochet as a child in Italy. A few years ago, she began making crocheted characters for her grandchildren, leading to requests from friends and family. Maria also created characters for the care home’s summer fayre, helping them to raising £668 for the home.
SINGING STAR
Christina Jeavons, Activities Lead at Marjorie House, has sung professionally for over 30 years, including 13 years in local care homes. She has worked backstage in West End shows including Les Miserables, Starlight Express, and Grease, as well as freelancing as a lighting technician and stage manager. Residents enjoy her musical theatre performances during Marjorie House’s Welcome Wednesday sessions.
DOG SCENTWORK
Jenna Whaley, Accounts Technician based in Head Office, takes her dog, Mabel, to scentwork classes. She said that Mabel had the opportunity last year to search a plane, which was fun. Jenna and the other dog owners hid different scents in the luggage and around the plane and then the dogs took it in turn to find them.
SUNSET PHOTOGRAPHY
Jagoda Bennani, Head Housekeeper at Alexandra House, has had a passion for photography for the past five years. She particularly enjoys taking scenic photos of the sunrise and sunsets on the local beaches in Dorset, managing to capture an array of colours in the sky, as well as taking pictures in more urban settings and in the countryside.
5 MINUTES WITH… CHARLES HUNTER
Charles joined our Board of Trustee Directors in 2014. Charles is the Vice Chair of Care South’s Board of Trustee Directors, serving on the Audit, Finance, Property & Development and Chairman’s 2020 Fund committees.
Charles has also served as a non-executive director on a number of property fund vehicles and was Chairman of the Axa Property Trust Ltd. He also served nine years as a Council Member and Trustee of St Monica Trust, another care organisation based in Bristol. He headed up the property investment teams in several large financial institutions, where he was responsible for investment decisions on large transactions and developments.
Do you have any pets?
My wife, Nicky, and I don’t have any pets, but we enjoy looking after our family’s black sprocker, Ettie. She always wants to be as close to us as possible (on our laps, in our arms, etc), except when she is chasing anything with feathers across the fields. She runs at immense speed, but thankfully rarely catches anything.
What
hobbies do you enjoy?
Choral singing provides great joy. To sing with others and learn great music is wonderful! I regularly sing in Barts Choir in London, and with Bryanston Choral Society. Earlier this year I took part in a 24-hour continuous sing-through of Handel’s Messiah, which was extraordinarily enjoyable. In the summer I’ll go dinghy sail racing in North Wales, and I’ll ski in the Alps in the winter.
Where have you always wanted to travel to?
We love travelling on the Continent, especially by train.I like visiting the distant less-inhabited places. Having read the astonishing story of the first Western settlers of the tip of South America, The Uttermost Parts of the Earth, I would love to go to Terra del Fuego.
This year you have served a decade as a Trustee Director – what are your most memorable moments?
It is a privilege to serve as a Care South Trustee Director, and to watch so many others doing such devoted, caring work. Of course, seeing the beautiful new Majorie House in its superb position overlooking Poole Harbour was a highlight, but across all of our care homes, it has been great to see heartwarming care delivered to lovely residents.
For your chance to win a prize, just identify the eight differences between these two photos from our walking football tournament held in partnership with AFC Bournemouth. Send us your entry to marketing@care-south.co.uk by Friday 13th December. We have five prizes of £30 each to give away!
ELEVATING THE CARE HOME DINING EXPERIENCE
Congratulations to Patrick Fensterseifer, who has been promoted to Executive Chef, with the responsibility of overseeing the meals served up at our new care home, Marjorie House.
He also continues in his role to support the catering teams across all our care homes in partnership with Mark Wardman, Catering Operations Manager.
Ingredients for an enticing meal
Personalised meals
Tailor dishes to residents’ needs, making them nutritionally dense and appealing in flavour, colour, and texture.
Beautiful plating
Attractive presentation encourages residents to eat and shows care.
Sensory appeal
The colour, aroma, and temperature of the dish should be inviting to encourage the residents to eat.
Dining setup
A well-laid table with clean linens and polished cutlery sets the tone.
Cold drinks
Offer refreshing, colourful drinks upon arrival.
Method: How to create the ideal dining experience
Prepare with care
Focus on each resident’s unique tastes and dietary requirements. Creating meals with the right nutrients is essential, but presentation transforms them into an experience.
Plating and garnishing
Catering teams can use ‘show plates’ as guides, so that the care teams can replicate the chef’s design when they are serving up meals.
Create an inviting dining room
Set the tone with a beautifully arranged dining area featuring polished cutlery, neatly arranged napkins, and sparkling glassware.
Don’t keep them waiting
Once a resident is seated, begin serving promptly. Keeping the momentum of the meal smooth and timely prevents keeps appetites keen.
In-room service? Keep it elegant
When serving residents in their rooms, ensure the tray is as beautiful as the table in the dining room. Include doilies, napkins, proper cutlery, and condiments like salt and pepper to maintain a sense of dignity and care.
Special note: A resident’s perspective
“The food here at Marjorie House is thoughtfully prepared, meeting my needs and preferences, and is always so beautifully presented.” — Resident testimonial
Serving suggestion: A team effort
Serving up delicious meals is a key responsibility for a chef to boost the residents’ nutritional uptake. However, delivering an exceptional home dining experience requires a whole team approach.
ANN’S HORSE AND CARRIAGE RIDE
Ann, who lives at Alexandra House, visited Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park in Verwood for her special 80th birthday wish.
Ann told the Alexandra House team that she wanted to ride in a horse and carriage for her special birthday. She was joined by her friend, Liz, the care home team and some of the other residents.
After feeding some of the heavy horses which live in the stables at the farm, Ann was given the chance to meet Uno the heavy horse before taking a ride around the farm in the carriage that he pulls.
CASTLE DENE GO TO THE CIRCUS
Castle Dene residents had fun juggling balls and spinning plates as part of a circus skills workshop.
Jasmin Edwards, Associate Artist for the Arts by the Sea Festival 2024, performed a routine and a host of tricks before the residents were invited to have a go.
Afterwards Ann said: “It was lovely and Uno was gorgeous. I’m definitely coming back to visit again. I once went on a horse and cart in Burley, so I wanted to do it again. I loved the experience.
Alexandra House is a lovely care home, and the team always look after me so well, so this was a lovely treat for me.”
The circus performer and multi-hoop specialist handed out coloured scarves, spinning plates and sticks, juggling balls and flower sticks for the residents to try and practice a new skill.
Betty said: “I definitely enjoyed it. It was good fun. I enjoyed throwing the juggling balls to each-other as I used to be able to juggle.”
