The
DormyVoice Newsletter - March 2022
Issue 2: March 2022
Welcome to our next edition of the Dormy Voice - I can’t believe we are in April already! As I write this the first signs of spring are here, the grass is getting greener, the trees are filling with leaves and the sky is blue. I really enjoy seeing the photographs of the ladies and gentlemen spending time in their gardens and enjoying the nicer weather. There is a renewed sense of energy and happiness. Spring is the perfect time to embrace this season of change in so many ways. For me, it signifies growth and new beginnings. We look forward now with hope and I am encouraged that we have come out of the last few years stronger. Of course, our priority continues to be keeping everyone who lives and works in our homes safe and well and I thank you for working with us to ensure this happens. I would like to take the opportunity to thank you all for the continued support and wish you and your families a very enjoyable Easter. With my very best wishes,
Helen Davies-Parsons Chief Executive Officer RGN, Cert Ed., Dip Pall Care, M.Mgt
A Taste
Of Dormy Care
2022 has seen more people focus on their health and well-being. Our team of chefs, supported by James Thomas, have been adapting the menus to incorporate a variety of dishes tailored towards vegetarian and vegan. Why not try something different and celebrate some wonderful Indian dishes that we normally only have as side dishes. Together they make a wonderfully nutritious, tasty, and wholesome dining experience. All are completely vegan, dairy free and Gluten free. Hope you enjoy them. It is still important that the dining experience remains the same and we have been looking at ways to present puréed food so that it looks inviting, delicious and encourages individuals to enjoy their food as much as those around them. James and the team have delivered some amazing dishes with exquisite presentation. We welcome comments and feedback, this is your home, and we want you to look forward to mealtimes. If there is anything you would be keen to see on our menus, please talk to your Chef and discuss your requirements.
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Dormy Recipes Saag Aloo Ingredients 1 kg Maris Piper Potatoes peeled and cut into 3cm pieces
3 cm piece ginger very finely chopped
2T vegetable oil
1 T tomato puree
2t cumin seeds
1 t Kashmiri chilli powder
2 t black mustard seeds
½ t ground turmeric
1 Large red onion finely sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
3 large garlic cloves crushed
Freshly chopped coriander to garnish
Method Simmer the potatoes for 10 minutes and allow to dry well. Heat oil in a large lidded saucepan on medium low heat, uncovered at this stage. Add the cumin and mustard seeds and fry until they begin to sizzle. Reduce heat, add the onion, cover and cook until soft, 10 to 15 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, remaining spices and 1 Tablespoon of boiling water, season with salt and pepper, cook uncovered for about 5 to 10 minutes. Add the potatoes, stir well to coat, then add half the spinach, 100ml boiling water and cook until the spinach starts to wilt. Add the remaining spinach, toss well and serve with freshly chopped coriander.
Onion Bhaji Ingredients 1 Large onion, finely sliced
1 t fenugreek leaves
1 t salt
½ t turmeric
1 t Kashmiri chilli powder
1 t vegetable oil
1 t ground cumin
½ cup gram flour
1 t ground coriander
Method Freshly chopped coriander Combine the onion, salt and all the spices in a large bowl and allow the salt to draw the liquid from the onion. Add the oil, gram four and coriander and mix well. Shape into balls and deep fry until crisp and golden at 160 C. I like to add freshly chopped green chillies to this mix, not for everyone. Serve with a dairy free mint raita.
Tarka Dhal Ingredients Dhal
1 t black mustard seeds
1 Cup red lentils
1 cumin seeds
3 and ½ cups water and more if needed
1 t Kashmiri chilli powder
½ t turmeric
10 or so curry leaves (fresh if possible)
1 t salt
1 t dried fenugreek leaves
Tarka
1T tomato paste
3 T vegetable oil
1T lemon juice
1 onion finely chopped
Freshly chopped coriander to garnish
Method Firstly, combine the lentils, water and turmeric in a large lidded saucepan. Put on medium heat, uncovered at this stage and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 40 minutes until the lentils have broken down, Add the salt, stir and set aside. Now make the Tarka. Heat oil over medium heat, add cumin, mustard seeds and allow to crackle. Turn heat down, add the onion and cook until translucent. Add curry leaves, fenugreek, chilli and cook for a couple of minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another 30 seconds. Add to the Dhal, stir well and adjust consistency to your liking with hot water. Add chopped coriander, lemon juice and adjust seasoning.
Dormy Cares We know the secret to a great home is the people who work there. We are extremely proud of our team members and the difference they make to the ladies and gentlemen who live in our homes. With this in mind, we will shortly be launching our Dormy Care Awards. This is a chance for team members to be recognised for their outstanding commitment, their passion and dedication, Nomination cards will be left at reception, and we would invite you to please nominate those who you feel have gone above and beyond. Let’s celebrate success and showcase our fabulous team members.
Nomination Categories COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AWARD This award reflects community work that helps promote the home, build relationships with local groups and support those locally.
COMPASSION AND DIGNITY AWARD Recognising those who have truly touched our hearts with their compassion towards our ladies and gentlemen with the support and dedication they show.
EXCELLENCE IN CATERING/HOSPITALITY AWARD Recognising those who support our chefs and aim to deliver an exceptional dining experience.
CHANGING LIVES AWARD Making a difference to those in our homes and going above and beyond to meet
PROMOTING FULFILLED LIVES AWARD This award is to recognise those who make a difference to the ladies and gentlemen who live within our homes.
SPIRIT OF DORMY AWARD This award is to recognise someone who really shines and reflects the Dormy values through and through. These individuals go above and beyond every day.
EXCEPTIONAL NEWCOMER AWARD This award recognises someone who is new to care and has embraced their new role.
To nominate someone ask for a form from reception or ask your home director.
Good Luck! 06
Dormy News! We are delighted to be finalists at the Health Investor Awards in June as “Residential Care Provider”of the year. It is a huge accolade to be recognise.
Brockington House Latest News Hello from us all here at Brockington House in Hereford. We have been extremely busy as you have probably seen from our social media – if you don’t already follow us then please do @BrockingtonHouseCare as we share so many of our day-to-day activities. Despite everything going on in the world we have continued to make every day special and enjoyed a variety of activities tailored to our ladies and gentlemen. We have re-introduced bible studies and it’s been lovely to invite people from the church back into our home. We have been working daily with Oomph Wellness and live streaming daily exercises, seated ballet classes and Tai Chi which the ladies and gentlemen have thoroughly enjoyed. Our weekly themes have been in abundance, and we have been extremely creative, encouraging our ladies and gentlemen to revisit past hobbies as well as learn new skills. The cruise week was once again a huge success and they loved sampling some new foods and enjoyed a variety of cultural activities.
benefit our ladies and gentlemen. She is also in the process of completing the GSF (GOLD STANDARD FRAMEWORK) training with all our team members. This will accredit the whole home in GSF palliative care training. We are also delighted to have 3 further employees working through Level 5 Leadership and management and 3 completing NVQ level 3. Are extremely passionate about encouraging growth and development for those who work with us and supporting them on their chosen career path. Host Ash has also completed a cookery course, so he is able to take on more tasks in the kitchen.
News from our home
Ellen Moi has had a lovely couple of months, she welcomed her first adorable Grandson to the world and has been promoted to Home Administrator.
Every birthday is special, and we enjoy celebrating! Home Director Shann enjoyed her 65th birthday and we made sure she had a great day. Nurse Aimee Williams completed ECHO Dysphagia training and can now refer to the Speech and Language Team (SALT) which will
We have welcomed two student nurses and two Health and Social Care Placements, it’s wonderful to be able to encourage younger people to enjoy a career in care and support them on their own journey.
Spring is approaching and we are very keen to get back out into the garden and share more pictures with you as our garden blooms.
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Foxhunters Latest News We started the new year by welcoming Leah Mort, our new home Director. Leah has worked in care for most of her life, working her way up from care assistant to home manager. “I am extremely thrilled to have joined Foxhunters as Home Director. It is an absolute privilege to be able to support the ladies and gentlemen who live in our home, and I am looking forward to growing my team and meeting all of the family members. My door is always open if you would like to have a chat” Leah can already be spotted on our social media, joining in with activities and spending time with the ladies and gentlemen. We have also welcomed Michaela Jefferies to the team as our new home administrator and Richard Clarke as Maintenance manager. We have had a busy three months and if you don’t already follow our Facebook page then please do (@FoxhuntersCareCommunity), we are extremely active in showcasing what the ladies and gentlemen have been enjoying each day. We have also shared some images of the fantastic cakes that our talented Chef Kyle has produced, which I am sure you will agree are just fabulous!!
Over the past months we have implemented our ramblers club now the weather has been a bit better. We have enjoyed walks around the garden taking in the first buds of spring and just benefiting from the fresh Welsh air. Our knitting group have been busy making blankets and dolls for local hospitals and we have some very talented ladies living with us. Tai Chi and meditation have featured daily on our activities programme and is extremely well attended. It has been another great way to gently exercise and clear our minds and relax ready for the day ahead. Others prefer the gym, and this is regularly used as an additional daily work out session. We created a wonderful Dignity Tree for the home sharing our thoughts as well as celebrating Valentine’s Day with a Queen of Hearts tea party. A huge success last year was our cruise week that we decided to enjoy another trip! We set sail and enjoyed a week-long cultural experience, with a variety of food, activities, and all-day fun! Life is never boring at Foxhunters and the ladies and gentlemen are already discussing where we are going next!
Dormy News! We continue to welcome reviews from family and friends of our homes. Carehome.co.uk is like the trip adviser of care homes, its hugely beneficial to those seeking a suitable placement to read about other experiences and help them on their decision-making journey. If you haven’t already left us a review please do!
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Dormy News! Our annual surveys have been sent out to family and friends, residents and employees. It is really important that you share with us your feedback as this enables us to monitor our standards and services and implement any changes needed. Our employees survey this year has taken a new approach with a focus on well-being and how people are feeling. We continue to offer support and guidance for anyone who feels they need to speak to someone, after all it’s good to talk.
Bramshott Grange Latest News We have been celebrating some promotions here at Bramshott Grange. Pamela Norfolk has been promoted from Deputy to Home Director. We are absolutely thrilled that Pam continues to support the home and ensures that the ladies and gentlemen who live here receive the very best care and support. We would like to share that we recently have had three of the care team also promoted. Janet Maribbay to Team Leader, Susan Culshaw to Senior Care Assistant and Jade Curtis to Senior Care Assistant. Congratulations to you all. Can you believe that we have just celebrated our 4th birthday! It only seems like yesterday we opened our doors and here we are looking back over the years – what a privilege it’s been to care for so many ladies and gentlemen. We had a great celebration with champagne and cake!
Our activities team have been very busy, and I am sure you will agree that the pictures we have shared on social media have been fantastic. We enjoyed another virtual cruise led by Captain Pam and we toured the world, sampling different foods from each destination. We have also been very creative in the kitchen ourselves, baking bread and various sweet treats to sample as well! The ladies and gentlemen have also been enjoying regular sessions with Oomph Wellness, from arts and crafts to daily live streamed workouts. We were delighted to be awarded runner up in the Oomph! Crafting workshop - we took the skills we had learnt on the course and with the ladies and gentlemen created some beautiful Mandalas Do keep following us to see what we are up to!
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Pine Martin Grange Latest News It has clearly been a difficult period for us all, but our priority has remained ensuring the ladies and gentlemen in our home are safe and still enjoy each day. We have made good use of our time and ensured a variety of activities are on offer. Our Facebook page, which we hope you all follow, shares our dayto-day adventures, from morning Tai Chi and meditation to afternoon carpet boules. Working with Oomph! We have enjoyed seated ballet, yoga, and some fun exercise sessions. Our visiting personal trainer is another option for those who enjoy our gym. We are looking forward to getting back out in the garden and on the dry spring like days we have started to take some gentle walks around the grounds making plans for the flower beds.
We have been working on more art projects which is always fun and as we won the Dormy Art Competition last year we are practicing in preparation for another challenge! If you do visit our home lots of our work is displayed. The Heritage Hall is now back open and being used by community groups, on a Wednesday evening it’s lovely to hear the choir practising again! We welcomed Donna Milne-Barron to our home as our new Family Liaison Manager. Donna is the first point of contact when someone is looking to move into our home, and she helps facilitate that more and support the families on their journey. Do pop in and say hi when you visit.
Dormy News! All of our homes will now be commencing trips out in their mini bus. Restrictions have eased and we want to get out and about and enjoy our local communities once again.
WRITERS IN OUR
HOMES We are extremely lucky to have so many talented individuals residing in our homes. This quarter we have been focussing on writers. You may have seen we enjoy regular library visits and book clubs, but did you know that some of the ladies and gentlemen are published authors?
Bramshott Grange David Elliott - ‘The Physiology and Medicine of Diving’ Elizabeth ‘Tibby’ Paterson - ‘Postcards From Abroad’ Brockington House John Ballance - ‘Gas & Flair: Memoirs of an errant Anaesthetist’ Louise Petrie-Hay - ‘Gundogs: Their history, breeding and training’ Renata Calverley - ‘Let me tell you a story - A memoir of a wartime childhood’ Pine Martin Grange John Newbury - ‘The Apprentice Who Stuttered’ Foxhunters Cynthia Gillett - ‘Looking After Your Home’
Dormy News! As our homes grow, we are continuously on the look out for new people to join our homes. Our higher-than-average staffing ratios mean we never want to compromise our quality of care and we are always promoting working in our homes.
My Mother
Written by: Yvonne, John A, Mike S, Mike W, Irene, Betty, Doris K, Ruth, Douglas, Sue, Dorothy and Frances who live at Brockington House in Hereford.
When you think of mother, What words come to mind? There could be no other, She’s special, good and kind. Thoughts and memories of time gone by, Just remember not to smother your dear old mother. She’s the best friend you’ll ever have, And you will never cry. Only with tears of laughter, Which helps the days go by. When you needed cheering up, She would surly always be there. Even if she did have some straw in her hair. She’s funny, caring and somewhat daring, And she would not tolerate any form of swearing! She may have been old fashioned, She may have been a bit blue. But this was only because she just dyed her hair bright blue, So she could feel brand new. Meal times were the test, Whether or not it would be her best. She didn’t complain when I was being a pain, Although it was such a strain. She kept on cooking, But she got no better. Until one day she received quite a letter. Asking her to join a club, Then hopefully she might get somewhat better. That’s when my mum became a little glum. But all in all she was my mum.
TAKE A BREAK Take a break, grab a cuppa and try your chances at our quizzes! Answers on the back page!
What Am I?:
You go at red, but stop at green. What am I? What Am I?:
I’m tall when I’m young, and I’m short when I’m old. What am I? What Am I?:
I’m (usually) white and used for cutting and grinding. When I’m damaged, humans usually remove me or fill me. For most animals I am a useful tool. What am I? Brain Training:
How many words can you find in “Camouflage” There are 209 to find!
PET THERAPY We have been welcoming some special new visitors into our homes! If you follow our Facebook pages you will see we have welcomed in miniature ponies, dogs, lambs, and guinea pigs to name a few! Pet therapy can help reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health, it releases endorphins that produce a calming effect for the individual, and can overall help alleviate pain, decrease stress, and improve a person’s psychological state.
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Receive £500 each when you refer a friend to join our team! When you refer a friend and they join the team you and your friend will receive £500 each! *
*£500 for you and your friend paid after six months (if contracted to work 30 hours or more per week). Under 30 hours payment is paid pro rata. Must declare on application who has referred you. Permanent team members for ANY role.
Answers: A Watermelon - You eat the red part, and you stop eating at the green part. Candle A Tooth.