PAGE 22 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 247
8-Year-Old Champions Intergenerational Connection Through Gaming In a heartwarming display of intergenerational engagement, eight-year-old Spencer Whittenham from Burton has embarked on a unique mission: teaching older residents the joys of modern gaming. This initiative highlights the benefits of activities between young and older people, and the crucial importance of keeping them connected in an increasingly digital world. Spencer, a keen gamer himself and owner of global YouTube channel Spencer Arcade, noticed a gap in digital literacy and social interaction among some older members of his community and inspired to make a difference, he began volunteering his time at local community centres and care homes, offering personalised gaming lessons to seniors eager to learn. From navigating virtual worlds in Roblox to mastering simple puzzles, Spencer patiently guides his new friends through the digital landscape, fostering a sense of achievement and fun.
"It's really cool to see them laugh and get excited when they win a level," says Spencer. "Gaming isn't just for kids, it's for everyone and it's fun to teach." The initiative has quickly gained traction, with participants reporting not only improved digital confidence but also a significant boost in mood and social interaction. "I never thought I'd be playing video games at my age, but Spencer makes it easy and enjoyable," commented Ireene Bower, 78, a participant at Carlton Court retirement village in Burton. "It's wonderful to connect with the younger generation and learn something new. It really brightens my day." "The importance of keeping older people is so important," said Spencer’s dad Jason. "Isolation can have serious impacts on health and happiness and I’m really proud that Spencer's own initiative is a brilliant example of how simple, creative ideas can make a huge difference in fostering vital connections.”
Budding Chefs Compete In ‘Cook Off’ As Part Of Oakland Care’s Chef Academy Junior catering team members from across Oakland Care have had the opportunity to showcase their talents in a competitive ‘cook off’ competition. The contest, which was led and organised by Oakland Care’s Development Chef, Annika James, took place at the fully fitted training kitchen, Brakes Innovation Kitchen. It saw a group of budding chefs tasked with creating two courses which they felt could feature on the leading care home provider’s new menu which will be launch later this year. The challenge followed a day of dedicated learning and culinary skill progression, which they were then able to take forward into the competition. The day was hosted in partnership with Brakes Development Chef, Danny Silcock, who showcased a range of innovative and showstopping meals, as well as how easy it is to elevate simple dishes whilst also reducing wastage. There were three winning dishes which were voted as the favourites by the judging panel, including the likes of a Pan-Fried Seabass with a Lemon Cream Sauce that was created by Louise Cockerill from Oakland Care’s Elmbrook Court care home in Wantage, Oxfordshire. Oakland Care’s ‘Chef Day’ was aimed at giving Chefs and Kitchen Assistants across the Oakland Care group a chance to develop and grow in their profession.
Key to their efforts is award-winning Executive Chef, Giles Conroy, who is focused on pushing Oakland Care’s culinary standards and supporting the progression of young, exciting, talent in the industry. Reflecting on the day, Development Chef at Oakland Care, Annika James, said: “It was great to bring some of our junior team members together and to have the opportunity to spend some dedicated learning time with each of them. “At Oakland Care we are committed to supporting the progression and growth of our team members. The Chef Academy is a key part of this strategy and represents a commitment to investing quality time into our chefs – helping to build their confidence, culinary knowledge, and skillset.” “By doing this we are also able to maintain our promise to residents; providing an outstanding and positive dining experience.” Speaking about the experience, Irene Muia from Oakland Care’s Woodland Grove care home, said: “Thank you for an excellent day. The opportunity to learn, develop, and test my culinary skillset and knowledge was extremely valuable and is of huge credit to Oakland Care and their sustained commitment to supporting the progression of team members.” “I am excited to take this experience forward with me in my role at Oakland Care, with a focus on continuing to grow not only my own ability but also pushing the high standards of catering we set ourselves as a team at the care home.”
“Excellent” Devon Care Home Achieves ‘Butterfly Approach’ Dementia Model After 18-Month Transformation A family-run West Devon care home has joined the elite few UK social care settings to have adopted of the acclaimed ‘Butterfly Approach’ – establishing an exemplary dementia care culture where people can thrive. West View Care Home, in Bere Alston, recently completed the significant 18-month transformation to provide a more personcentred care model and elevate its “excellent” offering even further. Following rigorous monthly support with the team at the 28-bed home, along with those who live there, West View received accreditation in the prestigious Butterfly Approach from Meaningful Care Matters. The care and culture consultancy group specialise in focusing on the development of resilient, relationship-centred cultures of care shaped by the people living and working within them. The Butterfly Approach has a meticulous focus on creating a culture where people are ‘free to be me’. It values emotional intelligence and the core belief that everyone has a unique story that has meaning and matters. It also encourages care providers to put the focus back on the people they care for and their emotions, by engaging in the reality of people’s lived experience in the ‘here and now’. The transformation at West View included splitting the home into two separate living areas – Wren and Robin – where people with early-onset dementia or without dementia live together and people who experience more complex needs or later stage dementia live together. This fundamental change to a small household approach has enabled holistic care to flourish, where emotions-based care is balanced with clinical care best practice. The home has also been decorated with vibrant colours and murals to bring warmth, with items of interest all around representing each individual and their life story – what Meaningful Care Matters calls the ‘stuff of life’, creating a family atmosphere. Diane Kehoe, Manager at West View Care Home, said: “As a second-generation family-run business, we always aspire to create a stimulating, engaging and enjoyable environment – and the Butterfly Approach has provided us with the platform to offer that around the clock. I was already familiar with the approach
and saw the potential West View had in achieving it. The transformation was not easy, and we had a few challenges along the way, but the rewards upon completion have made it so worthwhile. “We believed in the whole process from the outset and the staff embraced it – showing so much patience and kindness. They treat the residents like family, enjoying life together with lots of laughter and fun. When you step into the home now you can really sense the buzz of the place, and the level of care is both phenomenal and heartwarming.” The overall findings from Meaningful Care Matters during a final audit last month identified the home as “excellent”, offering a highly engaged service that prioritises meaningful moments and where emotion-focused care is consistently seen, felt and heard in interactions with people. It also reported that individuality and self-expression are encouraged within the home, allowing people to freely be themselves. Peter Bewert, Managing Director of Meaningful Care Matters, said: “West View has transformed into a truly wonderful home. The team have clearly embraced the desire to change and have achieved amazing results, being guided and supported by Diane. They have also lifted their CQC rating from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Good’ and are aiming over the course of the year to reach ‘Outstanding’. They have also been supported by the local service improvements team, who were so impressed at the transformation that they plan to use West View as a role model for other homes.” Peter continued: “The journey has been incredible. From what we would call a ‘traditional’ care home, West View has come alive and now has a genuine feeling of family, togetherness, love and purpose for the people living there.” The home aims to continue elevating its high standard of care, with ambitious plans to be acknowledged and approved by the National Dementia Care Accreditation Scheme. It also plans to achieve the ‘gold standard’ for end-of-life care by the Gold Standards Framework. For more information on West View Care Home, please visit https://westviewcarehome.co.uk/. For more information on Meaningful Care Matters and its cultural transformation models, visit https://meaningfulcarematters.com/.