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“It feels educational, I am learning so much”
“I look forward to it”
“It makes me feel amazing. I love being able to help others”
“I feel like I can really make a difference to someone’s day”
“I feel helpful!”
A message from Dan, our Chief Executive
We have started 2023 with much positivity, and despite what we all have to contend with in these troubled times, we are totally committed to the loving and compassionate care we are renowned for.
Now that we have been able to move away from universal maskwearing in our homes and extra care housing schemes, we can enjoy more of a return to normality. Something that feels long overdue. Face masks will always be a good addition to keeping people safe, and we will wear them in special circumstances going forward, but I am delighted that it’s possible for residents to once again see the smiles of loved ones, and of our carers and team members.
We pride ourselves on providing quality care, and so I am pleased to share that at the time of going to print, The Orders of St John Care Trust is rated seventh out of all major care providers, in terms of compliance with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). As many of you will know, the CQC is an independent regulator of health and social care services in England. It is in place to ensure that health and social care services are safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led, and it is a credit to all the hard-working teams in our homes and central support services, that we have achieved this impressive ranking.
We are committed to delivering the highest standards of care well into the future. Residents at Madley Park House in Witney, Oxfordshire are among the first to benefit from our investment in electronic care records (see page 5). We were also among the first of the major care providers to announce the real Living Wage as a minimum for all employees last year, in recognition of the important work that they do. The real Living Wage is determined by an independent commission and sits well above the National Minimum Wage. It is a voluntary rate of pay, and I am delighted to confirm that the Board of Trustees has agreed to further investment, enabling the Trust to continue to award the new rate of the real Living Wage from 1 April 2023.
Many of you will remember the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, and although we mourned her loss so recently, we have His Majesty King Charles III’s coronation to look forward to and celebrate. As King Charles is the Sovereign Head of The Order of St John, one of our two sponsoring orders, this ceremony has extra significance for all at the Trust. The coronation will form a focal point for the year, and as we exit a long and cold winter, it is a wonderful event to look forward to.
With all best wishes for the year ahead.
Dan Hayes Chief Executive
What’s happening across The Orders of St John Care Trust
New carers welcomed from overseas
In January, we welcomed the first of our carers to arrive in the UK as part of our overseas recruitment programme. All of the carers have excellent experience of working within a similar role in their home countries and will provide valuable additional support to teams in our homes and extra care housing schemes. Although they have come from different backgrounds and countries, all of the carers have one thing in common, which is being passionate about caring for residents.
Building progress at Wellford Gardens
Work is progressing well on our newest care home, Wellford Gardens in Wheatley, just a short distance from Oxford. This purpose-built development is conveniently located on the edge of the town, with easy access to Oxfordshire and beyond via the A40 and M40.
Building work is ongoing and will be “topping out” with the final tile completing the roof at the end of March.
Wellford Gardens will open to residents in autumn 2023, offering luxurious surroundings inside, and thoughtfully landscaped gardens outside. When it opens, our new Wheatley care home will offer residential and dementia care to permanent residents, as well as respite breaks to support families caring for a loved one at home.
Natasha Phoenix is among the first carers to arrive and moved from Guyana to Digby Court in Bourne, Lincolnshire. She brought souvenirs from the South American country to share with residents and colleagues and display in the home.
Natasha explains why she joined OSJCT:
“I wanted to join the Trust because I am motivated and have a passion for care. Within the Trust, equal opportunities are offered to individuals, where you can grow and develop your skills. I am delighted to work in social care, it brings much joy and satisfaction to me knowing I am supporting individuals who need an extra hand
to help them enjoy an excellent quality of life.”
In total, 64 overseas carers will join the Trust across 18 care homes and extra care housing schemes, with the aim of providing additional expertise and the best quality of care.
In addition to the 65 stylish ensuite bedrooms, there will be plenty of elegant space for residents to enjoy their lives, doing the things they love to do. There will be a coffee lounge as well as a private dining room, for residents to use with family and friends, a cinema room, hair and nail salon, a treatment room, a multipurpose fitness activity room, and a craft and activities room.
Outside, a sun terrace will look out over the beautiful, landscaped gardens, and some rooms on the ground and lower ground floor will benefit from their own private patio.
This is a significant new home development for OSJCT, and as with all our homes, residents will enjoy the highest quality of care.
Wellford Gardens under construction
Natasha Phoenix
Photograph: Marcus Delo Creative
Electronic care records (eCare) are coming to all our care homes and schemes
As of March 2023, eCare has been introduced in Madley Park House, with several Oxfordshire homes ready to adopt the new system in coming weeks.
Care plans hold all the vital information about an individual’s care needs, dietary requirements, mobility, lifestyle preferences as well as next of kin contact information. Every OSJCT care home and extra care housing scheme will adopt eCare over coming months. During this process, care plans will be transferred into electronic files, which are safely stored and can be updated in a more flexible way than the current paper-based care plans. The Trust is using eCare in partnership with Nourish, who are supplying the digital care management system.
Moving to eCare is part of OSJCT’s longterm strategy and supports the Trust’s vision to improve the health outcomes
Changes to mask-wearing
Care teams, residents and family members were happy that the Trust’s policy on mask-wearing was updated in January. Masks are only required during outbreaks or when supporting residents with personal care. Individuals can also choose to wear a mask if they wish.
The decision to make this change was made after careful consideration, based on data on infections in homes, and thorough risk assessments.
Visitors will be informed when a home is in outbreak and posters
and safety of residents and give our carers more time to spend with residents.
The benefits of electronic care records and planning include:
• More time for carers and team members to spend with residents.
• Easier to save comments or photos to share with residents or their next of kin.
• Quicker and easier to update care records using mobile devices.
Employees in services with eCare will use mobile devices to record the support they are giving. They may also use these devices to take pictures.
Nimisha Prajapati, Carer at Madley Park House, said: “There are only positives using eCare. It gives us more time as we no longer have to sit and complete paperwork. Having information about the resident’s wishes and support needs in our pockets is a great benefit and having a timeline to follow means that we don’t miss anything.”
Information is migrated to the electronic system in stages to ensure that full and accurate care records are kept. The Trust will continue to ensure the careful governance of the data to meet all regulatory requirements, and to comply with UK GDPR.
will be displayed on entrance doors, and masks will be provided at the home’s entrance.
Some of the photos in this publication show care teams and visitors wearing masks. Most of these pictures were taken when wearing masks was mandatory.
Superfast Wi-Fi connections
now in all homes
All our homes now have superfast dedicated data lines and new Wi-Fi services for use by residents and care teams.
The new data lines, inclusive of dedicated guest Wi-Fi for residents and visitors, mean that everyone in our homes can benefit from reliable and fast internet and Wi-Fi connections. This has been achieved following significant investment into an 18-month infrastructure refresh project, working closely with TalkTalk Business and BT Openreach to improve necessary external infrastructure. In many cases this has meant digging up roads and installing new, dedicated fibre lines. The Trust can now confidently meet the technological demands of carers, residents, and their families.
The average OSJCT home has seen a tenfold increase in bandwidth and 238 new Wi-Fi access points have been added to offer secure and fast connection for all.
Lewis Carrington, Head of IT, said: “It is a great achievement to complete these ambitious projects, both essential to the Trust delivering in its current and future strategic aims.”
“Super-fast connections coupled with full Wi-Fi coverage supports the changing needs of our residents, who increasingly want to stream entertainment, connect with family and friends through video calls and browse the internet for current affairs and personal points of interest. Staying in touch has never been easier.”
Local community partnerships benefit our homes and schemes
Employee volunteering can have a real impact, both for the volunteers from local businesses as well as our homes.
Many of our homes benefit from groups of employees from local businesses who visit to take part in oneoff volunteering opportunities, often referred to as ‘employee volunteering’.
Traditionally the organisations we partner with come to OSJCT as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) investment. They tend to come in groups ranging from 5-20 employees, for anywhere from an afternoon to a week.
This type of volunteering gives organisations the chance to build connections with their local communities and give back locally whilst working with charities and causes they are passionate about.
At OSJCT, employee volunteering is more than team-building days and fence painting, it’s something
that can produce real impact for our residents and the volunteers themselves, and often leads to longerterm relationships.
St. James’s Place joins Paternoster House for a jam-packed day of activities
Last November, 25 volunteers from St. James’s Place Wealth Management (SJP) joined the Activities and Volunteering Team at Paternoster House in Cirencester for a whole day of activities.
As well as giving their time, SJP donated £600 to the home to use on resources for the day.
Splitting the team into four groups, the volunteers were raring to get started in the gardens and crafting.
The garden group planted bulbs in 15 window boxes, 8 large planters and 40 tubs around the front garden. They also tackled the flower beds, digging in new compost, weeding, and moving shrubs.
The craft group joined residents to customise terracotta pots ready to plant with spring bulbs for their rooms.
Volunteer Manager, Sian Dewhurst said:
“ The creativity was in full flow – glitter, ribbons, and acrylic paints aplenty! One of the volunteers from SJP painted the most beautiful bird box which now takes pride of place in the garden. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day.”
Could you help us grow this type of volunteering?
Do you have friends or family who work for businesses you think may be interested in getting involved? Or maybe you have ideas and suggestions for activities that you think would lend themselves to this type of volunteering in our homes and schemes? We would love to hear from you, get in touch with the Volunteering Team at: volunteer@osjct.co.uk
Employees from St James’s Place help plant bulbs at Paternoster House
Culinary delights in our homes
Our professional chefs and kitchen teams serve fresh and tasty meals. Chefs spend time with residents to find out about their preferences. Menus are also designed around dietary needs and are both delicious and nutritious.
Georgina Dyer, Chef at Goodson Lodge, Trowbridge
“I love my job, cooking makes people happy. Seeing the look of happiness and joy on the faces of residents, excited by food they are enjoying, is the best reward.”
Georgina joined Goodson Lodge in March 2019. She organises menus based on feedback and preferences from residents.
The home also organises themed events. Georgina explained: “Organising themed meals makes an event for our residents, it’s entertaining for them.”
Chris Amos, Head Chef at Isis House, Oxford
Chris learned to cook in the Army Catering
Chris enjoys all types of cooking and uses the extensive herbs and spices in the kitchen to make flavoursome dishes for residents. He said: “I was initially surprised to find that residents like curry. But given that many of them grew up in the time of the Raj, it was their generation that first cooked these
Since Chris joined, he has seen many changes to the menus produced in the care homes, including themed cooking for world days. He said: “I love to share tips with other chefs and homes. It’s a privilege to cook for our residents and I have to credit the kitchen team for their hard work. Most of us have been together for five years, which shows what a good place
Chris Donnor, Chef at Hartsholme
House, Lincoln
Chris has worked for OSJCT for 25 years’, originally at Boultham Park House, and then at Hartsholme House. Cooking came naturally to Chris who worked in the kitchen of a family-run bowling centre before joining the Trust. It was at the bowling centre that Chris developed a strong connection with members of the local community. He now enjoys this sense of friendship and belonging with residents in the home.
Chris is skilled at understanding and building rapport with residents. He said: “We treat everyone individually here, and while verbal communication can be difficult for some with advanced dementia, a pat on the shoulder or holding hands can be what they need, to know they are not alone.”
Donated family recipes from residents often appear on Chris’s menus, such as the Lady St Oswald Tea Bread and the Welsh Pineapple Fruit Cake which he describes as, “most delicious in the world”.
Never a dull moment
Activities Co-ordinators are an important ingredient in the vibrant life of every OSJCT home. They are fully focused on making sure there is always something fun and stimulating for residents to see and do. From organising group programmes to responding to individual requests, they closely involve residents in planning and tailoring activities to suit varied interests and needs.
Some of our busy Activities Co-ordinators take time out to share here what they love about the role, what inspires them, and favourite stories of activities which created special memories.
Emily especially enjoys “bringing high spirits to residents, making sure they are smiling and happy throughout their days”
Emily has been at Isis House, Oxford since August 2020 and works with colleague Rachel to deliver enriching activities to residents in the home. She took on the job to spend quality time
with each resident, and ensuring they are happy and having fun makes the job meaningful.
Emily always finds a way for everyone to join in, whether it is running one-toone sessions for residents who prefer to stay in their bedrooms or adapting activities for those who require extra assistance. She said: “Some days we run smaller, quieter activities for those who do not like big groups or find it difficult to join in. For residents who like to stay in bed, we run one-to-one activities, which suit them better.”
At Isis House, community links are important as most residents are from the surrounding area. Emily said: “We run projects with the local farm from May to October and receive visits from the church for in-house communion services. We are also expecting to have a local children’s nursery come to visit soon.”
Emily recalled organising a trip for a resident who used to run a farm. She said:
“ We took Linda to our local farm and as soon as she saw the sheep, her face lit up. She recounted so many lovely memories which came flooding back to her, and she wanted to return the following week! We were all so glad we could make this happen.”
Patrycja brings the Welsh coastline to the city
Patrycja has worked at Monkscroft Care Centre, Cheltenham for 14 years in a range of roles. She became an Activities Co-ordinator in 2020. Patrycja, who is Polish, has a passion for art and draws on her experience when organising activities for residents. She uses readily available resources for art and craft projects with residents, and collects materials for upcycling such as shells, stoppers, wool, fabric and straws.
Patrycja loves hearing about other people’s experiences and cultures, and this has inspired her to organise food tasting events in the home.
Activity planning often involves residents’ families, colleagues, volunteers in the home, and even friends, in coming up with new ideas. She says:
“I never stop planning activities; I never stop collecting materials for activities; I live activities; I dream activities; it is my life.”
Patrycja remembers her experience with Gillian, a resident living with dementia, who came to the home from Pembrokeshire and missed visiting local beaches. Patrycja accompanied her to the home’s garden where they collected shells, grass, stones, sand, and twigs. Together, they added these to a small bowl to re-create a miniPembrokeshire beach. Gillian now takes this portable little beach with her, to enjoy wherever she goes in the home. Patrycja said: “Gillian could not thank me enough.”
Corrie-Ann says, “An activity should build confidence in a person, not put expectation or pressure on them.”
Corrie-Ann has worked for the Trust since 2014, firstly as a Care Assistant and then as an Activities Co-ordinator.
There are countless reasons that make Corrie-Ann proud of her job, she explained:
“I get to actively make a difference in people’s lives, not just for residents but families and friends as well. We are a community, and I am proud to make a difference in ours.”
Corrie-Ann was inspired to become an Activities Co-ordinator by her nan, who was one herself over 20 years ago. Corrie-Ann spent lots of time visiting her nan at work. She said: “Now retired, nan tells me about many stories from her time as an Activities Co-ordinator. I hope to be as good as she was in the role!”
Corrie-Ann, who is based at Hartsholme House in Lincoln, shared a favourite memory: “When I first started running activities, we did flower arranging regularly and one lady called Jean came every time. To start with, I used to hold her hand, pick up a flower and put it in the vase. We then moved in stages until one day Jean came to the table and did the whole vase herself. I will never forget her smile when she was done. Those little wins are their wins, and I am so proud when we achieve this.”
Alex loves to host entertainment, so the role of Activities Co-ordinator suits him down to the ground.
Alex (above left) has been in his role at Goodson Lodge in Trowbridge for three years and loves to host entertainment for people. He had considered a role as a holiday rep but as he enjoys working with older people as well, this job suits him down to the ground. Alex finds it inspiring to see the smiles on residents’ faces when they take part in an activity he has organised.
Alex spends time planning and researching new ideas based on residents’ interests and hobbies. He tailors his entertainment to allow everyone to take part, and seeing everyone’s interests catered for makes him proud. Some residents like to keep their minds active with word games and quizzes, while others are more creative and like to paint and bake.
Alex’s favourite activities are the flower arranging and scrapbook clubs he has formed at the home. Flower therapy is a sensory treat through the scent, texture and colours of plants. The scrapbook club has been a huge success, helping residents to reflect on all the photographs and activities they have taken part in.
For more stories about activities across our homes, visit www.osjct.co.uk/news
Residents at Athelstan House in Malmesbury, along with their families, provide their insights into life at OSJCT in a short film. Their views are honest and unscripted and intended to help those who may be looking for a care home for their loved one.
Common themes shared in the film include the importance of community and families and carers forming a team. Other themes were a lively programme of activities on offer, the friendliness of employees and other residents at the care home, and peace of mind reported by relatives thanks to quality care in the home.
Released on social media in January, the film has been viewed over 647,000 times so far. You can also watch the film, alongside past and forthcoming video releases, on our YouTube channel.
our films on our YouTube channel: Or visit www.youtube.com/@osjct2283
SCAN ME
Jean with her
mum, Mildred
Mildred, age 97, has lived at Athelstan House since May 2021 and is full of praise for the care home. Mildred had lived with her daughter Jean for four years before moving to the care home. When it became apparent that Mildred required night care as well as day care, they investigated a move to a care home and found OSJCT Althelstan House.
Jean said: “We’ve been really pleased. The staff are very caring. Everyone is devoted to providing the best care to residents. We are very happy. We come in quite a lot as we are local. We are quite a team, the carers here and the family; we support each other to see that mum is well and happy.”
Before moving to the care home
Mildred had been part of lots of local clubs. Athelstan House has offered Mildred a new community and she is now part of more clubs. Having lived in Malmesbury for many years it was no surprise that Mildred met old friends when she moved to the care home. Mildred is naturally outgoing and enjoys
the companionship in the home, as well as participating in many of the sessions in the home’s weekly activities programme. These include film showings, the regular Knit and Natter afternoons, and singing events.
The home has some excellent volunteers including Issy who bakes on Friday mornings and Lynn who runs the Knit and Natter group on Wednesdays. Issy bakes cakes for all birthdays and decorates them according to the residents’ interests.
Activities are often open to relatives and Jean shared that she enjoyed
coming together with residents and other families for a celebratory Platinum Jubilee afternoon tea in honour of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
Jean explained why Athelstan House has been a good choice:
“Coming into a community like this has given Mildred the social life that she loves to have. It keeps her going as well as seeing the family. Mum has grandchildren and we have lots of happy times, knowing that mum is well looked after and happy.”
Margaret and her son Nigel
Margaret, age 96, who moved into Athelstan House last year, has been visiting the home for the last 20 years, to go to its Day Care centre and sometimes for respite care when her son Nigel was out of town. Margaret enjoys living at the home, she said: “Everything here is lovely. You are never alone.”
Nigel helped her to take the decision to look for a care home, after a frank
discussion where he expressed concern about her ability to cope with living independently, especially the risk of night-time falls. Choosing a care home is a difficult decision, but the pair have been very happy with Margaret’s move to Athelstan House. Nigel explained: “Mum is a free spirit, and we like that she is still able to do what she wants to do. From the moment I walked through the door I felt comfortable and happy that my mother would be well looked after. It’s the community that is so important.”
There is never time to get bored or lonely - as Margaret said: “Most of us came to have companionship and that’s wonderful here in Athelstan House. The activities never stop, it’s really lovely.”
Margaret especially enjoys baking cakes in a group, led by volunteer Issy.
For Nigel, his mum’s move to the care home has brought peace of mind. He said: “Mum is advanced in years, she’s done well to look after herself to the age of ninety-six, but cooking for herself has become more challenging. It’s nice that she can come here and focus on community, and not be concerned about what to eat and looking after herself.”
Margaret sums up her impression of the home:
“It’s lovely! The staff are very kind people, very good at seeing someone’s needs. I don’t have to worry about getting my own food. With the friendships everyone is so kind, it’s very good for me.”
Your stories
Highlights and events from across our homes and extra care housing schemes
Panto fun at Seymour House
Platinum wedding anniversary at Rodley House
Everyone at Rodley House in Lydney gathered to help Mr and Mrs Edwards celebrate their 70th Platinum wedding anniversary, with a special lunch in late January. The kitchen baked them a special cake and the team decorated a table for the couple, Reg and Jean, in the home’s dining room.
A soundtrack of love songs from 1953 played during the celebration and Mr and Mrs Edwards’ family made a special trip from the Isle of Man to be with the happy couple for this momentus event. Everyone raised a glass of fizz in celebration.
Reg and Jean received a plaque from HRH King Charles III to mark the special occasion.
The team at Seymour House in Chippenham put on a production of the pantomime Cinderella. The set was made by a relative of one of the home’s residents, and resident Beryl joined the cast of employees to play a part in the panto. The dining room, where the panto was performed, was full to the brim with friends and families including residents’ children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Lanie, the daughter of a resident, was full of praise. She said: “It was a marvellous heart-warming show with all the vital elements for a good panto. The home is always welcoming, and the staff are all tremendous and they deserve a big shout out. They all love my mum, you can tell by the way they interact with her. They are brilliant. They are true angels with a good sense of humour and ready smile.”
Carer Natalie’s events strengthen
the community ethos at Oxlip House
Natalie has worked at Oxlip House as a Carer since March 2019. In addition to her regular care duties, Natalie enjoys co-ordinating social events for people who live in the Bury St Edmund’s extra care housing scheme.
She helped to mastermind many activities in recent months, including an afternoon cake sale raising money for Dementia UK and the Alzheimer’s Society, and a New Year’s Eve party with drinks and nibbles which went on until 2am. Natalie collaborated with resident David to arrange a ‘Getting to know your neighbours’ afternoon tea at the
scheme. It was a great afternoon with cake and lots of laughter where new friends were made.
Extra care housing Manager, Tara Barber, said: “Natalie shows a great deal of dedication to her role and to the community here at Oxlip House. She goes to extra lengths to organise events and put up the poppy display in the building’s entrance. Everyone appreciates her efforts.”
Gregory House launches Companion Campaign on Dignity Action Day
Gregory House in Grantham launched their Companion Campaign, and ‘Danced for Dignity’ to create a truly memorable Dignity Action Day for residents.
The Companion Campaign involves each employee becoming a companion to a resident, thereby creating a special bond, whilst also helping to uphold person-centred care.
The care home also followed the theme for the national day with dancing events. Residents and care teams took part in a series of activities designed to bring a smile to everyone’s faces. Events included a flash mob dance by care teams and a service by Reverend Peter Stevenson who gave a sermon about the importance of dignity.
Anna Lewkowicz, Gregory House Home Manager, said: “We’re delighted to support Dignity Action Day again this year. Celebrating through the art of dance was lots of fun.”
Ashleigh Pinder, Activities Co-ordinator and the home’s Dignity Champion, added: “It’s great that days like Dignity Action Day have been created to raise awareness of the significance of upholding people’s rights to dignity, in particular in a health and social care setting.”
Henry Cornish Care Centre hosts paw-some dog show
Dogs great and small competed to be crowned top dog at a special fundraiser hosted by Henry Cornish Care Centre in Chipping Norton.
The dog show was the first event of its kind held at the care home and helped raise funds for a touch screen table, which supports residents’ wellbeing through play. The show was open to all, and contestants included carers and their canine companions, as well as residents’ family members and their pet pooches.
A panel of residents judged the contestants, and the winners were: Maeve for Agility; Harley for Cutest Dog; Benji for Most Obedient Dog; and Peggy for Best Trick. Roger Tyrell, whose mother Joyce lives at the home,
OSJCT and eyecare specialists Haine & Smith join forces to raise awareness of dementia
Tim Wright, Customer Relationship Manager at Goodson Lodge in Trowbridge, ran four sessions to raise awareness of dementia among 160 employees of Haine & Smith. The optician’s chain has 20 branches in Wiltshire.
Tim said: “OSJCT care homes are very much part of the community and we have been delighted to partner with Haine & Smith. From collecting donated old pairs of glasses within our homes for re-use, to delivering Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friends information sessions, we enjoy forging meaningful partnerships like the one with Haine & Smith.
“Partnerships like this enable our residents to continue to be part of their communities, but also assist partner organisations with awareness-raising about dementia and how to support those living with the condition as well as their loved ones.”
said: “The dog show was a lovely event, everyone and particularly mum really enjoyed it.”
Tina Brain, Activities Co-ordinator at Henry Cornish, organised the dog show. Summing up the event, she said: “Well done to all our winners and runners-up. I’d like to thank everyone who helped organise our first ever dog show and attended on the day. We couldn’t have done this fundraiser without you. We can’t wait until next year’s show!”
Janet Hartwell, Clinic & ECP Manager at Haine & Smith, said: “The sessions were extremely informative, and we are proud to let the public know we are ‘Dementia Friendly’. We would certainly recommend anyone to take part in one of these sessions and are very grateful to Tim at OSJCT for sharing his time and knowledge with us.”
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Your Life Story
Everyone living at OSJCT has a story to tell, and everyone should have an opportunity to share their story. Here, OSJCT Lead Admiral Nurse Angie Williams explains the importance of Life Story work and how it underpins care.
What is a Life Story?
Creating a Life Story can be a useful way to record important information about a resident such as their background, interests, significant relationships and places, and what matters to them.
People with dementia can experience problems with communication and memory loss that make it difficult to express who they are and what is important to them, so creating their Life Story can bring even greater benefits.
Why does OSJCT use a Life Story?
A Life Story can:
• bring a resident comfort by reminding them of special memories and people, things, or places that are important to them; this can be especially important for residents with dementia or on end of life care
• help a resident with dementia to reflect on important information about themselves and strengthen their sense of identity
• inform a resident’s decisions and choices
• strengthen bonds between residents and their loved ones through the sharing of stories
• help our teams in the homes to better understand a resident’s life, their preferences and interests, and how to meet their needs.
What does a Life Story look like?
A Life Story is captured in a format that works best for the resident. Formats can include a printed ‘All About Me’ document, a video or audio recording, a collage or scrap book of photos, a memory box with small but significant objects, or a talking photo book.
Anyone can get involved in helping residents create a Life Story, including family, friends, and colleagues in the homes.
Introducing Admiral Nurses
We are proud to be one of the few care providers to employ our own, award-winning, team of Admiral Nurses, supported by Dementia UK.
They are dementia specialist nurses who undertake skilled assessments to ensure we meet the needs of residents living with dementia and their families. They also lead on Life Story work and provide emotional support, practical advice, information and skills to help our teams, families and friends of residents living with dementia understand the disease and support their loved one.
Our Admiral Nurses also ensure that expert guidance and support is provided to our care teams, as well as writing and leading our dementiarelated training, which is endorsed by Dementia UK.
The team won two prestigious awards at the inaugural Dementia UK Admiral Nurse Awards in December 2022. Nikki Rowe, Rachel Stirton, Fran Mada and Donna Ellerby won the Courageous Conversations Award, and team lead Angie Williams won the Leadership Award.
If you would like to record a Life Story or find out more about forthcoming support sessions for families and friends of residents living with dementia, email admiralnurseteam@osjct.co.uk
My Mum’s Life Story
Vicky’s mother, Jean, moved into Athelstan House in Malmesbury, Wiltshire in June 2022, and here she shares their experience with Life Story.
“Mum has Lewy Body Dementia, a common type of dementia. She finds it hard to remember things shortterm and also experiences occasional delusions and hallucinations which can cause her significant distress.
Seeing Mum losing her short-term memory has been hard. However, I have found that by taking Mum further back in time, we are still able to have amazing conversations, giggles and reminisce, which show me that Mum as I know her, is still with me.
We have lots of fun family photos that all have a story to tell. Mum was a keen scuba diver, so as soon as we dig out the picture of the stingray in the Cayman Islands, she remembers how beautiful her time was there.
“Mum was a keen scuba diver, so as soon as we dig out the picture of the stingray in the Cayman Islands, she remembers how beautiful her time was there.”
Creating a chronological photobook of Mum’s life has been a key part to keeping her positive and happy. Taking time to share these photos with her helps to divert her away from the worry and sadness that dementia can cause, to a place and time that she can remember, giving her the opportunity to feel herself again and strengthen the special bond we have. Talking in detail about each photograph, and giving her pointers and reminders, is enough to get a conversation started. Mum can converse at ease, reminiscing and remembering facts that we can all join in with. It is heart-warming to see Mum’s beautiful blue eyes light up when she remembers something funny or magical.
I would recommend giving Life Story a go and making a photobook to bring fun back to times that can be really hard. Try putting photos in chronological order, or focusing on a certain point in your loved one’s lifeor a hobby, that they enjoyed.”
Jean’s Life Story
Meghan Humphries, Activities Co-ordinator at The Meadows Care Centre in Didcot, explains how Life Story helped her get to know resident Jean.
“Jean is 88 and has been living with Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia since 2017. We worked together on her All About Me document, with help from her family. Over time we have added more information to her Life Story, when she has been able to recall different aspects of her life. We also regularly add pictures of family and her life at The Meadows.
Jean has been spending more time in her room recently, and often turns to her All About Me. As the document is hung in sight, she goes to read it daily and immerses herself in her past and present. She usually reads her All About Me alone, but when family visit, they use it to prompt conversation.
Life Story sets the foundation for my relationship with Jean. It gives me a better understanding of what activities she may enjoy participating in and what she may not. Her Life Story stimulates conversations on the topics of family, working years and everything in between. Life stories play a crucial role for all staff members in getting to know residents, the best way to care for them, and how they like to spend their day.”
Jean has happy memories of swimming with a stingray in the Cayman Islands
IN THE PRESS
Every week residents, tenants, employees and volunteers in our homes and extra care housing schemes achieve and celebrate happy milestones. Here are just a handful of those stories which make the headlines. Read more stories at osjct.co.uk/news
New recruit shares her first impressions of life as a carer
Samantha Jones is a new member to the team at Grace Care Centre in Thornbury. After her first six months working as a Carer, she sat down to chat about her experiences so far.
“My Grandma inspired me to apply for the role. She has Alzheimer’s and I wanted to learn more about it and care for people like her who have contributed so much to society. I had heard of The Orders of St John Care Trust before. It sounded like a fun and caring place to work – and fortunately, that has been proved right!
“I wanted to start my career as a Carer and found the advert for the job online. After doing some research on the care home, I found they were rated 9.7 on carehome.co.uk with lots of amazing reviews from residents and their loved ones. The organisation came across as very professional, caring, and supportive throughout. I knew very early on that I wanted to be part of it.
“Every day is different, they are often full on, but also fun days and I always drive away after work feeling happy that I’ve made a difference.”
A day in the life of a CEO in adult social care
Dan Hayes, CEO at OSJCT, runs through an average day on the job which includes the balancing act of leading an organisation in a volatile environment, visiting one of their care services and his musings on the future of social care.
“I visit our services regularly to experience what is happening on the ground at the point of delivery. Most recently I worked in the kitchen and the housekeeping team at Boultham Park House in Lincoln. I was amazed at the team’s knowledge about each person in their care. It reminded me that although often unrecognised through qualification or reward, social care professionals across the sector possess skills and abilities which are the match of
their colleagues across the NHS. In addition, the relationships formed between my colleagues and those in our care play a much bigger part in the person’s wellbeing and sense of belonging, than any course of medication.
“I’m delighted that the vast majority of the residents and loved ones we provide services to, do see the wonderful care being delivered, and are quick to praise those involved. This provides energy and motivation whenever it is given.
“I have never been more certain of our importance, more proud of the contribution we make to our communities, nor more optimistic for our future.”
‘Art Through the Generations’ exhibition at Cheltenham Library
Community groups and residents at OSJCT care homes in Cheltenham created a range of artwork pieces for ‘Art Through the Generations’, a free exhibition hosted by the town’s library. Contributors include pupils at Stow Primary School and Warden Hill School, and patients from the Paediatric Unit at Gloucester Royal Hospital.
Brenda, a resident at Windsor Street Care Centre and contributor to the exhibition, said: “It’s nice to have an opportunity to show other people what my hobbies are. Doing this is a good way to occupy myself but I enjoy the art club activities as well. I am looking forward to seeing other people’s art.”
Another Windsor Street resident, Mary, said: “I think it is a good idea to share our art with others.”
Suzanne Bruce, Warden Hill Primary School Teacher, said: “We were delighted to help put on the exhibition. It is always a wonderful experience for children to have the opportunity to display their artwork publicly within our local community.”
Jim marries Lynne, his sweetheart of 42 years, at Grevill House
Jim, 81-years-old, and Lynne, 64-yearsold, formalised their relationship, after 42 years as partners, at the Cheltenham care home which Jim moved into last summer. The couple had a small ceremony with two registrars and witnesses, followed by a celebration party hosted by the home.
Winnie turns 109 at Spencer Court
Family, residents, staff and guests gathered together at Spencer Court in Woodstock to celebrate the 109th birthday of Winifred Parker.
Winnie was born in Winson Green near Birmingham in 1913. She met her husbandto-be in Oxford and moved to the city when they got married. They lived in Wolvercote, where she worked as an usherette at the New Theatre.
Winnie’s family spans five generations. She has two grandchildren, six greatgrandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Winnie’s eldest great-greatgrandchild is 18, and the youngest is due in March.
Winnie’s daughter-in-law Jan Jones said: “Winnie
The new Mr & Mrs Hawkins met when they lived in the same road in Bourton-on-the-Water and then lived in Fairview, Cheltenham, where they brought up their only son, James.
The team at Grevill House was excited to host the wedding and went to every effort to make it a special occasion. The wedding cake and refreshments were made by the catering team and other team members organised the decorations and drinks for the toast.
Lynne said: “It means the world to us both to finally be married for our
kicked a ball around with all the kids well into her 80s. It’s marvellous that she has reached this age. Spencer Court is a great home, and Winnie is very well looked after. She is so contented, and you can’t ask for more at her age.”
Sally Connolly is an Activities Co-ordinator at the care home and has known Winnie for 30 years. Sally organised the birthday party which included entertainment by a saxophonist. Speaking about Winnie’s grand age, she said: “She just takes it in her stride, she puts her pearls on every day and gets dressed up. Winnie just loves life. She lies in till about 9.30 and then has a bacon sandwich every morning with a cup of tea.”
remaining time together.” Speaking about the secret of their long relationship, Lynne said: “Friendship and love through thick and thin, and we have been through thick and thin!”
Making a difference
Our carers, support teams, and volunteers love getting to know our residents, and doing all they can to make their lives a little bit easier, happier and healthier.
Every year we invite residents to nominate individuals from the teams in their home for a Trust Recognition Award, our employee and volunteer awards. Finalists are invited to prestigious regional award ceremonies, which recognise and celebrate their high standards of care, dedication and achievements.
This past autumn, finalists attended the first in-person ceremonies in
two years. Employees who received a Chairman’s Commendation Award for Meritorious Service were also honoured at the event, along with those who achieved long service awards of 20 years of more, and those who achieved qualifications in 2021-22. A number of employees who had been unable to attend the British Association of the Order of Malta (BASMOM) investiture in summer, due to rail strikes, also received their medals.
Here, we highlight the two winners of the Ferrers Innovation Award, sponsored by our patron, The Earl Ferrers.
The team at Whitefriars in Stamford, Lincolnshire, won this award for their initiative to empower residents, through volunteer opportunities, to support the running of their home. Roles were advertised on an Opportunities noticeboard, and included Volunteer Manager’s Assistant and Volunteer Housekeeper. Residents’ applications flooded in and they then took part in interviews led by the home’s employees. Families, friends and local nurse and health care professionals alike have been full of praise for the initiative. The home also won the Care Innovator Award at the Great British Care Awards regional East Midlands event, and went through to the national final.
The Wiltshire North Cluster won the Ferrers Innovation Award for their ‘MileA-Thon’, an initiative for residents and staff to collectively walk the distance between John O’Groats and Land’s End, approximately 604 miles. The cluster includes Andy Wood, Area Operations Manager and Home Managers Dean Palfrey from Athelstan House, Amanda Palfrey from Goodson Lodge, Frederic Laroze from Marden Court, Hannah Mason from Ridgeway House, Debbie Scammell from Seymour House and Kamila Bevan from The Cedars.
The team at Whitefriars in Stamford, Lincolnshire
The Wiltshire North Cluster at the Trust Recognition Awards
Where we are
Gloucestershire
Lincolnshire & Suffolk
Wiltshire & West Sussex
What families say about us
We aim to provide the highest standard of loving care for all of our residents and tenants. Don’t just take our word for it, here are some recent reviews about The Orders of St John Care Trust taken from the independent consumer website carehome.co.uk.
9.8 review score
“ The team at Madley Park House have been nothing but amazing with my 93-year-old grandmother! The care, compassion and kindness shown by the staff is exceptional. I cannot thank the team enough for what they continue to do! Thank you!”
Carla, resident’s granddaughter, Madley Park House
9.8 review score
“ My Nan is always encouraged to be as independent as she can by the staff at Rodley House, whilst knowing they are always there to help if needed. When I have visited, the staff have always been helpful and friendly. As my Nan has mobility issues, the staff enable her to maintain her friendship with another resident by taking her to their room or bringing her friend to her room. Rodley always has a very friendly, homely and welcoming atmosphere.”
Helen, resident’s granddaughter, Rodley House
9.8 review score
“ I promised my dad that if I could no longer care for my mam then I would find the best care I could for her and with Harstholme House, I have found just that. Huge thanks to everyone, be proud of yourselves.”
Janice, resident’s daughter, Hartsholme House
9.4 review score
“ The design of the wheelchairfriendly flats and the availability of on-site care has enabled my brother to largely retain his independence following a stroke. The care team and management are wonderful and go the extra mile to ensure his needs are met whilst allowing him to live his life his way. This has done wonders for his sense of well-being. I am so pleased that we found Florence Court and can call it home for my brother.”
Zoe, resident’s sister, Florence Court
9.8 review score
“ The staff have always had Mum’s health, comfort and well-being at the forefront of all they do. They all look after Mum with real love and compassion, treating her as part of their family.”
Alan, resident’s son, Watersmead
9.8 review score
“ I cannot speak highly enough of the staff and the care mom received whilst she was in Goodson Lodge. The carers were kind, considerate and loving. They looked after me and my family after mom passed away with equal love and care. All care will be measured against Goodson Lodge. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Karin, resident’s daughter, Goodson Lodge Care Centre
If you or your loved one lives in one of our homes or schemes and you would like to share your experience, submit a review at: