Issue 8 20.05.20 We are committed to supporting customers in these unprecedented times, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me or a member of my team to talk about how we can help Derek Breingan, Head of Health and Social Care 07818 454674
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Care homes need grief support CARE home providers need to consider how they can provide support for their staff and residents during the Covid-19 pandemic as they are likely to be experiencing significant concern and potentially grieving for residents who have died. The British Psychological Society has launched new guidance to help staff and residents cope with this particularly frightening time. Professor Nichola Rooney, chair of the BPS’s Covid-19 bereavement task force, said: “We have all seen distressing news reports and figures about the experience of our care homes during the Covid-19 pandemic. “Staff are doing all that they can to protect and comfort residents at an extremely distressing time, and it’s vital that managers give them the support that they need to provide this and to cope with their own grief and concerns. “I hope that this guidance is useful for care home staff, residents and their friends and family in navigating what is an unprecedented and often harrowing time.” While staff working in a care home may have experienced
residents dying before, the guidance says this does not make each death any easier to cope with, and that staff often develop close relationships with people that they care for. It suggests that the contagious nature of Covid-19, requiring staff to wear personal protective equipment when dealing with residents, means some may feel they are unable to provide the comfort to people that they would want. Managers can help staff by making sure that they are given regular opportunities to talk about how they’re feeling, and accommodate regular and frequent breaks. They can consider ways that staff can collectively remember residents who have died, and celebrate their lives. Residents can often face a range of challenges depending on possible medical conditions, and even those in later stages of dementia will be affected by changes in the care home’s day-to-day life. Staff need to make sure they maintain communication with residents, even when it feels like this is always to bring sad news. They should explain why changes, such as staff having to wear PPE, are important.
Caution is urged as rate falls
Gracewell of Bookham organised a drive-through visit for residents so they could safely see their families and friends. Careful planning and a whole-team approach meant they could reunite 30 families while adhering to the government’s social distancing guidelines. Families were asked to stay in their cars and residents were able to speak to their loved ones at a distance. Home admissions advisor Vicky Radmore said: “It was a pleasure to organise and be part of such a fantastic event. We wanted to do something special for our residents and their loved ones and you could see by all the smiling faces that everybody had a fantastic time.” Cars were decorated with lots of colour and messages for the event, while the home played rock and roll music as they paraded past the residents. n Resident Audrey Mayston is pictured enjoying a glass of Champagne.
A BIG THANK YOU
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WE’RE IN AWE OF YOUR SELFLESS HARD WORK AND DEDICATION.
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PROVIDERS have given a cautious welcome to the news that care home deaths from coronavirus continue to fall. But the Independent Care Group remains fearful of a second spike in cases and is calling on the Government to provide better support for all operators. New figures from the Office for National Statistics show that 1,666 people died in care and nursing homes from Covid-19 in the week up to May 8. That is down from 2,423 the previous week and 2,800 the week before that. ICG chair Mike Padgham said: “The figures, allied to those of the previous weeks, do give us some cautious optimism that we are getting past the worst of coronavirus. “However, we are still fearful that the relaxation of some of the lockdown measures might send figures up again and create a second spike.” The ICG has previously warned that care providers were being hampered in their fight against Covid-19 through a lack of PPE and insufficient testing. It has also called on the Government to provide better financial support for care providers amidst concerns that the £3.2bn pledged for local authorities to help them support social care is not reaching care and nursing homes and homecare providers.
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CARINGWEEKLY
GPs rise to ongoing challenge with virtual care home service A BIRMINGHAM-based GP organisation has enhanced its primary care through the use of a virtual support service. South Doc Services has pioneered a free-to-use virtual service for all the care homes in the city by using the latest telephone and video technology, with more than 200 Birmingham facilities already on-board. Nirmal Vora, CEO at SDSmyhealthcare, said: “We understand this is a very difficult time for care homes up and down the country. “Due to the coronavirus emergency, many local GPs have been unable to provide their usual support to care home residents, such as ward rounds. “We’ve been very happy to work with our partners to quickly find effective virtual solutions, by embracing new technology. “The service is an extension of the successful Intermediate Bed Service SDS has offered for almost a decade, which helps hospitals to discharge patients to a place of safety.” The seven-day-a-week Virtual Support Service for Care Homes enables every care service to safely access a team of specialist GPs, advanced nurse practitioners and clinical pharmacists, giving those who are most at risk the experience of
Doctor Dr Immi Gandhi at Austin Rose Care Home. face-to-face time with experts. Along with providing residents with skilled primary care support and advice they need, this virtual approach helps reduce the risks of coronavirus infection for NHS key workers delivering this service. If necessary though, patients will still receive a visit from primary care professionals. SDS’s Virtual Support Service for Care Homes was commissioned by Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group in response to the rapid surge of coronavirus cases in the city’s care homes. SDS
is also working with its partners at Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust and Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust to provide integrated care. Judy Williams, manager at Bromford Lane Care Centre, added: “We’re really pleased to be able to use the new Virtual Support Service. “The service is fast and responsive – it’s a huge relief to be able to access specialist advice from doctors. It’s also good to have people who really care about our home, our residents and our staff.”
Families of residents living at a St Helens nursing home have been receiving gift bags filled with love and personal messages from their loved ones. Over the last two weeks, care staff from Stocks Hall have been helping residents to create personalised ‘Miss You’ bags for their nearest and dearest. Bags were filled with handmade cards, poetry, photographs, artwork and many more special touches as a small gesture to say how they were feeling and how much they miss their relatives.
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CARINGWEEKLY
School letters bring joy to residents
Arthur and Sheila celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary at Fairway View care home.
Love birds celebrate 65 years together A MARRIED couple from Fairway View care home in Bulwell have celebrated 65 years since their first meeting and have offered advice to young couples on their lasting relationship saying that ‘communication is key’. Arthur and Sheila Parker marked the occasion with a surprise intimate dinner served in the vintage tearoom which was decorated with balloons, banners and fresh flowers. It was a double celebration as the date also coincides with their 63rd wedding anniversary. The pair enjoyed their favourite foods cooked by the home’s chef and were waited on by caretaker, Jonathan Almond, who was dressed for the occasion in a full tuxedo. The care team served the love birds a three-course meal including some of their favourite dishes: salmon with roasted Mediterranean vegetables and a sharing platter of puddings. To add to the fairytale setting, Fairway View’s ‘Sunshine Singers Choir’ performed the couple’s favourite songs by artist Andre Rieu. Home manager Dorothy Mbulo said: “Arthur and Sheila are such a pleasure to be around and have a fantastic relationship. “I am always keen to hear their stories from over the years and often listen to their wise words of advice – from everyone at Ideal Carehomes I
would like to wish them both a very happy anniversary.” The pair reminisced on their ‘perfect’ first date, when they ‘clicked instantly’ after meeting at Victoria Ball Room in Nottingham on April 1, 1955, spending the whole evening dancing and singing. After courting for two years, Arthur popped the question and the couple tied the knot on May 11, 1957 at Shakespeare Street register office. The pair share two children, Christopher and Wendy, who have given the couple two grandchildren and one great grandchild. They believe family is incredibly important and spent much of their free time on caravan holidays across the UK. The couple, who are described by care staff as inseparable, are used to spending all their time together, both throughout their home and working life. They both share a passion for the outdoors, working as scout and girl guide leaders, and Arthur called upon his wife for support during his time working as the manager of a local youth band named ‘The City of Nottingham Drum and Bugle Cor’. Shelia helped to design and create more than 80 band uniforms for their gigs, including a very memorable performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
YEAR six students at North Cheshire Jewish Primary School have found new ways to keep in touch with their older friends at a Didsbury care village, sending residents thoughtful letters and pictures to keep spirits high during the Covid-19 lockdown. The letters, which were delivered digitally to Belong’s Morris Feinmann to avoid risk of handling paper copies, spread messages of reassurance and kindness, telling stories of how the children have kept positive during this challenging time, including baking with family, arts and crafts and lots of exercise in the garden. Belong’s experience coordinator Angela Luckett said: “Speaking with the children evokes many happy emotions and memories for our residents, especially those with a personal connection to the school, and we are all thrilled this has continued throughout the lockdown. “We look forward to welcoming the students back to the village in person as soon as we can.” North Cheshire Jewish Primary School is a place close to the hearts of many of Belong’s customers and carers, whose children, grandchildren
Resident Shirley Kingsley. and great-grandchildren have attended or worked at the school at various times over the years. The school’s connection to the care village dates back to the original Morris Feinmann Home on the site, with a long history of pupils providing musical entertainment for residents. More recent trips have seen the older and younger generations enjoy afternoons filled with picnics and storytelling, where they formed crucial bonds.
Staff at Borough Care’s Lisburne Court home for older people in Offerton are collecting food for the Stockport Foodbank, based at the nearby St Phillip’s Catholic Primary School. Joanne Sherratt, activity lifestyle facilitator at Lisburne Court, said: “We know lots of people in our community are struggling financially due to the coronavirus pandemic, and are unable to buy the food they need. Eating well is a major part of keeping healthy, which is particularly important at the moment, and we want to do our bit to help. Some of our residents have been helping sort the food we have received and have really enjoyed getting involved. So far, we have taken food donated by our staff and residents’ families but would love the local community to help too.”
Home surprises district nurses with luxury hampers A HERTFORDSHIRE care home handed out luxury hampers to its 17 community nurses to mark International Nurses Day, as it looks to thank them for their ‘heroic’ services during these challenging times. Staff, residents and their families at Foxholes near Hitchin all chipped in to donate items to the hampers, which were handed over to two district nurses during their routine visit. As well as each of the 17 community nurses getting their own individual ‘pamper hamper’, the home also donated a large luxury hamper for all the nurses to share, which included items such as wine, Prosecco, cakes, chocolates, face masks, hand creams, specialty teas and honey from a local beekeeper. In addition, the residential care home’s chefs baked a special cake for the nurses to mark International Nurses Day, a globally recognised day, which aims to celebrate the contributions nurses make to society worldwide. To show appreciation to the whole team at
Gregans House, where the district nurses are based, goodies and treats were also given to the additional support staff in the admin offices at the site. Neil Gandecha, estate manager at Foxholes, said: “The last few months have been challenging for
us at Foxholes. We have faced enormous pressure in keeping the residents safe from the virus, and our amazing team of district nurses have been instrumental in helping us to achieve that. “Our nurses should be commended for their incredible efforts every day, but we wanted to use International Nurses Day to spoil them a little bit and show them that everyone at Foxholes appreciates their courage and kindness during these unprecedented times. “We hope they enjoy this little gesture from us, and we can’t thank them and all the frontline nurses across the UK enough for their ongoing efforts in providing such an essential service.” A thank you card signed by staff, residents, residents’ families and the local chemist was also handed over to the nurses during the visit. The home recently launched a ‘history hunt’ to discover and share the stories and experiences held within the walls of its imposing 1857 building, which had previously been a boarding school and maternity hospital.
Caring UK:Layout 1 14/04/2020 11:20 Page 1
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CARINGWEEKLY
Dealing with grief during the coronavirus pandemic IF you’ve been struggling with your mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic, you shouldn’t presume that what you’re experiencing isn’t grief, even if you haven’t experienced a direct loss. Grief can be caused by different types of loss. Losing your usual routine and losing the ability to see friends and family can also trigger feelings of grief. As an essential worker in the pandemic, you’re more likely to encounter loss than most, and it’s important that you’re able to identify your symptoms and find a healthy way of coping with them. The process of grieving can be confusing and scary, however with the right help, you can reach a place of acceptance and healing. Some physical symptoms of grief you might be experiencing in light of the pandemic include: Anger Feeling as though your life is out of your control can cause feelings of anger and frustration. Even if your loss isn’t anyone’s fault, you might feel angry towards doctors, your religion, or even towards the person you have lost for abandoning you. Shock or numbness Grief can cause you to go into a state of shock. You might struggle to grasp what has happened and find that you’re not processing feelings as you normally would. You might even find that you’re in denial about what’s happening. Deep sadness or depression One of the most commonly experienced symptoms of grief is sadness. You might find that you’re suddenly unwilling to go about your day-to-day life or you might find that you are often tearful and upset. Both can make it very difficult to keep up with the demands that are being placed on you at the moment. Guilt Grief might cause you to feel guilty and blame yourself for what’s
happened. If you have encountered deaths whilst working in the pandemic, you might think that there was more you could do to prevent people losing their lives, even if there was nothing more you could have done. You might also be experiencing some physical symptoms of grief, such as: n Inability to focus. n Lack of energy. n Tightness in chest or throat. n Changes in appetite. n Lowered immune system. n Aches and pains.
Ways to cope with grief as an essential worker
As an essential worker, you might feel as though you’re unable to attend to your own needs right now whilst there is so much pressure on you to take care of our most vulnerable citizens. Remember that your wellbeing is equally as important. For your recovery, it’s crucial that you find a way to process your grief so that you can reach a point of acceptance and healing. Here are some healthy ways that you can try and process your grief during this time:
Speak to colleagues Try and open up about your feelings to those around you. In particular, the people who you work with will be able to empathise with your situation. Making them aware of what you’re going through will make your time at work much more manageable, especially if you need to reschedule shifts or have more breaks than usual. Lean on family and friends Grief might make you want to withdraw from people but it’s important that you don’t isolate yourself during this time. Lean on your close friends and family for support, as it’s with their advice and understanding that you will be able to heal quickly. The majority of people
have experienced loss to some degree during this pandemic, and you’ll be surprised by how many people will be able to empathise with your situation. Try different forms of self care Self care is about taking the time to focus on yourself and your own needs by doing something that relaxes and restores you. There are many types of self care activities you can try whether its crafting, exercise, meditation or journalling. Try and find something that allows you to channel your emotions in a positive way. Regularly practicing an activity that can restore balance to your life will give you something to lean on during this stressful time. Take care of your physical health Your physical and mental health are fundamentally linked to one another. If you’re struggling with your mental health, keeping your body physically healthy will help you to cope with your emotions and prevent you from getting overwhelmed. Make sure that you’re eating a healthy, balanced diet and getting regular exercise too. Remember, exercise releases endorphins to make you feel more positive which is especially beneficial for improving mental health.
Be patient with yourself Processing grief takes time; you might find that you go through periods of feeling better before experiencing further symptoms. If this happens, try not to let this frustrate you and know that your feelings are completely normal and valid in the circumstances. Remember that things will eventually get better and with time, you will reach a place of healing and acceptance. UKS Mobility owner Malcolm Simister gave his advice for care workers experiencing symptoms of grief during the pandemic. He said: “Even if you haven’t experienced a direct loss during the Covid-19 pandemic, you shouldn’t assume that what you’re experiencing isn’t grief. As a care worker, there are many factors that could trigger feelings of grief during this time. First of all, you need to understand that your feelings are entirely valid in this situation. You might be feeling as though your grief is less important than being there for your patients at this time however, your needs are as important as theirs. “Sometimes, the symptoms and feelings that come with grief can be overwhelming, and this can make it hard to complete everyday tasks. As a key worker, a lot of pressure is being put on you right now to perform at your best. Remember you’re entitled to breaks from your responsibilities if you need them. If necessary, try and schedule your shifts to ensure you’re getting as many breaks during the working week as you need. “Lean on family and friends and try to open up to your colleagues about how you’re feeling. Each person will be able to offer a different perspective and will have their own way of offering support. Remember that almost every person you open up to will be able to empathise to an extent since everyone has had to let go of something as a result of the pandemic, whether a routine, social arrangement or person they usually gain happiness from. It’s very likely that someone you open up to will be feeling the same way.”
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CARINGWEEKLY
Leader calls for plan to save care homes
Diana Lytle with a banner that was created to mark her 100th birthday.
Diana’s 100th birthday celebrated with picnic DIANA Lytle has celebrated her 100th birthday at Greenacres care home in Huddersfield. Staff at the home made sure that she enjoyed a special day despite their original party plans being cancelled due to the coronavirus isolation guidelines. Diana enjoyed a picnic style afternoon tea with some of her closest friends from the Meltham care home in the landscaped gardens, including finger sandwiches, fresh cream cakes and even a glass of fizz. Care assistant Elaine Richmond then surprised the group with an outdoor concert as she performed classic songs loved by the residents and of course, a rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ for Diana. Deliveries of flowers, balloons, presents and cards, including a special one from the Queen, filled Diana’s room as she enjoyed FaceTime calls with her family and friends. She said: “I feel blessed to have made It to my 100th birthday. I am especially thankful to all of the wonderful staff at Greenacres care home for all the effort they have put in to help me celebrate my birthday and make it a day to remember.”
Born in 1920, Diana and her two sisters were raised in the countryside on a farm the family inherited from her Grandfather. She enjoyed life on the farm, where they reared both livestock and poultry. Diana’s mother, Bertha Mason, was a stay at home mum who enjoyed teaching her daughters how to make their own clothes and her father, William Lytle, served in the army as a Major throughout the war. Diana’s dream was always to work with children, and this became reality after she studied childcare at college and began working as a nanny to wealthy families when the war began. Diana assisted with the children’s education and in return the family ensured that rationing was never a worry for her. General manager Verity Taylor added: “Diana is one of the most kind and compassionate ladies I know. “It was a pleasure to put together a special birthday picnic for her and her friends at the home. “We have decided to make our afternoon tea events in the garden a regular date in the diary as our residents had a great time – especially with the fantastic weather we are having at the moment.”
A SOCIAL care leader believes the true number of care home deaths from coronavirus is far higher than the official number of fatalities and highlights the need for a new national action plan to combat the crisis. Mario Kreft MBE, the chair of Care Forum Wales, was speaking after Care Inspectorate Wales revealed that just over 500 people had died of suspected or confirmed Covid-19. But that did not tell the whole story because a total of 2,165 people had died in Welsh care homes since March 1. That was 98 per cent higher than the number for the same period last year. He said: “The figures we’ve seen from Care Inspectorate Wales are very sobering and a stark warning that we need a national action plan. “I also suspect the statistics mask the true number of fatalities from Covid-19 which in reality are likely to be far higher. “They are almost certainly an underestimate. “Equally, the Office of National Statistics figure of 2,400 people dying in care home in England and Wales last week was reported as a good news story. “That shows the measure of misplaced policy that’s been adopted which has meant that care homes have not been protected and that the residents and staff have been treated like collateral damage. Mario believes that many of those will also have fallen victim to the virus – and in many cases it was imported into care homes after they admitted hospital patients.
Although they were not showing symptoms when they were admitted, the virus had spread like wildfire claiming more lives. Back in February Care Forum Wales launched a campaign to Shield Social Care and Save Lives. Among the main policies they called for were the early lockdown of care homes, a rigorous testing regime, an adequate supply of PPE and proper financial support to safeguard them from a double whammy of soaring costs and falling occupancy levels. Mario added: “There is no silver bullet to overcoming this crisis but we have stressed all along that a proper testing regime was an essential element and, despite promises to the contrary, that regime is still not properly in place. “Even when we were informed that residents with suspected Covid-19 were not going to be admitted to hospital, care homes were still not issued with proper PPE and people discharged from hospitals into care homes were not tested. “Quite frankly, it was a disaster waiting to happen and we’re not being wise after the event because we have been saying this all along. “Looking the future, we have also been stressing the need to ensure the sustainability of the social care sector in the long term. “In the words of the First Minister, the sector was already fragile going into this crisis and without an urgent national action plan we are going to have mass care home closures across Wales which would also have a catastrophic impact on the NHS.”
Positive stories wanted THE health and social care director at Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank is calling on everyone to flood social media with positive stories from the sector. Graham Harper has set the challenge to coincide with the weekly Clap for our Carers that takes place every Thursday evening at 8pm. He said: “I would like to see social media flooded with positive news
stories from the social care sector and challenge you to participate. “I’m not asking for money or donations, it’s just a simple share of a good news story which has made you smile reading it and should take no more than 30 seconds to post. “Feel free to either tag me or use the hashtag #positivenewsforcare and I will look to retweet or share it as well.”
Charity and operator join forces to support end-of-life patients A CHARITY and homecare provider have joined forces to support people at the end of life at home, helping to reduce the pressure on the NHS. St Helena Hospice has partnered with Bluebird Care Colchester and Tendring to provide its SinglePoint Virtual Ward service to patients and families in the comfort of their own homes, in the last days of life. The partnership comes as St Helena Hospice has adapted and expanded its SinglePoint service to act as a coordinator for all local services. This gives people the option to stay out of hospital if they don’t need to go in, and for end of life care to take place in the patient’s own home. The Virtual Ward is an extension of the SinglePoint service, where patients receive similar personal care from healthcare assistants as they would at The Hospice, but in their
own homes. The service frees up valuable bed space at the hospital, and local clinicians’ time, allowing them to focus on treating those who need to
be cared for in hospital. Melvyn Plum, managing director of Bluebird Care Colchester and Tendring, said: “Our whole team is immensely proud to provide vital
support to St Helena Hospice at such a critical time. “By utilising the latest cloud based technology we are able to streamline the referral process which allows an immediate response so we can put the care and support in place straight away. “Our care assistants are rigorously trained to provide a unique service of personalised care from check-in visits through to full live-in support, so we are perfectly matched to assist the hospice and help our local community.” The Virtual Ward team has access to the SinglePoint specialists for advice and guidance if needed, such as for help with managing difficult symptoms. They can also help with psychological distress, not only for the patient, but also for the family.
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CARINGWEEKLY
Staff uniforms washed in-house to reduce risk
Resident Marjorie Scott, one of the keen gardeners at Muirton House.
Home’s garden gets a lockdown makeover A BLAIRGOWRIE care home has transformed its garden during lockdown with help from the residents and a kind donation from a member of the local community. Muirton House has progressed its ongoing garden project during a period of restricted visiting to the home. Residents have been helping the home’s gardener Mick McKay to design a space they all love and can enjoy throughout the warmer months. Home manager Catherine Russell said: “The residents have loved watching the progression of our garden plans and they all appreciate the new outside space. “Some of our residents have also painted some personalised stones to place around the garden which
gives a nice touch of everyone’s individuality in the space we all love and share.” Tracie Dick, a friend of Muirton House, donated £80 to the project, which enabled the home to purchase some sleepers to make raised planters. The money was raised by Tracie making crochet rainbows and selling them to the local community. The garden design inspiration is centred around encouraging the residents to enjoy the space and motivating them to go out and exercise. Throughout the restricted visiting and when usual activities have had to be adapted, the new and improved outdoor area has allowed residents to get involved with planting and gardening.
A HAMPSHIRE care provider is washing uniforms in-house to minimise any infection risk to staff’s families during the coronavirus outbreak. Cornerstone Healthcare operates two specialist nursing homes; South Africa Lodge in Waterlooville and Kitnocks House in Curdridge. The laundry service has been introduced because of staff concerns. “We know that some staff have been worried about wearing their uniforms to and from work because of the risks it may pose to their families,” said CEO Johann van Zyl. “It’s important we respond to any concerns our staff have during this difficult period. Therefore, we’ve decided to bring in an in-house washing facility just for their uniforms.” Scientists at De Montfort University Leicester recently advised healthcare workers not to wash their uniforms at home because of the risk of contamination and because domestic washings machines don’t operate at high temperatures for long enough to remove micro-organisms. Cornerstone Healthcare, which employs 261 staff, has brought in extra laundry staff to make sure uniforms are ready on time for each shift. Staff have been given iron-on name labels so uniforms can be clearly identified, and designated laundry bags in staff changing areas to make sure uniforms are washed separately
to residents’ laundry. “This isn’t just on offer to staff who provide personal care,” said Johann. “Everyone who wears a Cornerstone Healthcare uniform can use this service.” The company has also changed the signs outside its homes to recognise the hard work of its staff and show its appreciation of them to the wider community. Signage at Kitnocks House and South Africa Lodge now feature the words ‘Thanks to our Heroes’ which will stay in place for the rest of the year. “It’s a small tribute to our amazing staff but we want everyone to know how much we appreciate them,” he concluded.
Karl Ward, provincial communications officer for the Freemasons of Yorkshire and East Ridings, presents the tablets to Saint Cecilia’s executive administrator Anne Brand.
Tablets donated to group RESIDENTS at a Scarborough care group can stay in touch with their loved ones during the coronavirus lockdown thanks to generous local Freemasons. Saint Cecilia’s Care Group has received the donation of some computer tablets from the United Grand Lodge of England. And they are using them to make video calls between their residents and their family and friends during the coronavirus pandemic. Saint Cecilia’s managing director Mike Padgham said: “At the moment I’m afraid our residents are in lockdown and unable to have face-toface contact with their loved ones and
friends, to help keep them and our staff safe during coronavirus. “Therefore we are reliant on using video calls to help our residents stay in touch with their relatives during this difficult time. “This donation of tablets is therefore absolutely brilliant and we are very grateful to the United Grand Lodge for the donation. “It is very generous and we want to say a huge thank you to them.” Thousands of personal computer tablets are being provided by Freemasons across England and Wales to more than 50 hospitals, care homes and hospices to help families stay in touch with their loved ones.
Without QCS we wouldn’t have been rated as an ‘outstanding service’ Rupert Stocks Registered Manager, Guyatt House
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CARINGVE DAY CELEBRATIONS
The Manor House Nursing Home at Chatburn in the Ribble Valley was trimmed up for VE Day with flags and bunting to create a ‘street party’ feel. All the residents and team wore red, white, blue and Union Jack hats, which added to the atmosphere, while the men who had been in the services wore their medals with pride. The residents had been busy for weeks leading up to VE Day with creative activities of painting, making collages, displays, pom-poms and tissue paper flowers. A gazebo trimmed was perfect for the residents to watch and listen to the entertainer while maintaining social distancing. Entertainer Maria Manchester transported the residents back in time with a singalong. Residents at Barnes Lodge care home in Tonbridge enjoyed a lunch of pie, mash and mushy peas followed by bread and butter pudding with custard to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day. This was all washed down with a tipple or two. Residents and staff also got busy decorating one of the big windows in the home, creating a display of memorabilia. While they couldn’t all be together to have one big party the residents didn’t miss out and had lots of fun decorating their bedrooms for this important day. Social activities facilitator Katie Samuels said: “This day is so important, especially as it marks the 75th year, lots of our residents have memories of the war, so it was great for us to listen to them reminiscing – we all learned a lot.”
Residents at Borough Care’s 11 homes across Stockport have marked the 75th anniversary of VE Day in a variety of different ways. Residents at Bamford Close in Cale Green visited the pub in the home’s grounds to toast the war heroes. At Bryn Haven in Brinnington residents tucked into a three-course lunch, followed by entertainment. And over at Shepley House in Hazel Grove everyone made the most of the weather with a party in the garden. Residents at Meadway Court in Bramhall also celebrated with a special party. Pictured are Bamford Close residents Margaret Eddleston, Minnie Hammond and Marie Greenhalgh. Residents of Watling Court, Dene Holm and Edward Moore House paid tribute to the 75th anniversary of victory in Europe. With slightly different celebrations planned due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, residents of the extra care scheme and residential care homes in Northfleet and Gravesend were still able to get into the spirit of VE Day and enjoy some celebratory activities. Crafting homemade Union Jack flags, watching old films and singing Vera Lynn songs were just a few of the ways residents celebrated together. And at Watling Court, residents swapped their ration cards for fish and chips or spam fritters, served in newspaper at the restaurant. Staff wore their Sunday best and residents were given cupcakes adorned with VE Day decorations made by housing officer Helen Goulding.
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Employees at Ribble Park Lodge – a new residential care home in Much Hoole village – came together for the anniversary of VE Day. The home was dripping in red, white and blue, with a selection of traditional cakes available. The soon-to-open home is currently expanding its team and is set to create more than 40 new jobs within the local area. Home manager Sara Beardall said: ‘I’m excited and looking forward to welcoming new residents to this beautiful home where we provide a quality lifestyle in comfort and safety. It’s wonderful to offer local employment opportunities and for Ribble Park Lodge to become an integral part of the community.”
Facebook Portals. The first 30 to be drawn by July 7 who have told us why their care home would like one will each receive a Facebook Portal. Enquiries: For more information on AYMES International visit https://aymes.com/ Terms and conditions 1. There are 30 Facebook Portals to be claimed. 2. All applications must be received by the closing date of June 30. 3. No purchase necessary. 4. Facebook Portals can be claimed by any member of staff working in a UK care home. 5. A maximum of one Facebook Portal will be available to be claimed per care home. 6. Facebook Portals will only be made available to care home staff requesting them for resident use. 7. A full list of care homes who have received the Facebook Portals will be available by emailing AYMES after (one week the closing date) 8. Promoter – AYMES International Office Ff10, Brooklands House 58 Marlborough Road, Lancing Business Park, Lancing, West Sussex, England, BN15 8AF.
Residents and staff of Connors House Residential Care Home formed a celebratory choir in a bid to boost everyone’s spirits and commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day. With the usual merriment off the cards due to the ongoing pandemic, staff at the Canterbury care home had to be a bit creative with their celebratory activities. But that didn’t bother them, as they decided to form a choir of staff and residents to get together and enjoy some singalongs and practice their musical instrument skills. Armed with the lyrics to some 1940s and 1950s classics and an abundance of instruments, the choir headed to the garden to make the most of the May bank holiday sunshine. Everyone had great fun singing along in the warm sunshine and reminiscing together, as many memories were recalled during the nostalgic activity.
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CARINGVE DAY CELEBRATIONS
Residents and staff of the new Castle View retirement village in Windsor really pushed the boat out for VE Day. The events took place across the village, in the Sky lounge, restaurant and reception, and with residents joining in with singing from their balconies while maintaining good social distance. “It was a fine day of celebration,” said Robin Hughes, CEO of Castle View. “And another great example of the community spirit that our residents and staff enjoy together.” Pictured are patriotic residents Mary Hardy, Jill Holmes, Christine Heybourn and Pauline Faulkner.
Residents at Barking Hall near Needham Market have enjoyed a memorable occasion for VE Day thanks to a special solo concert provided by Georgina Cristallino – also known as Suffolk Singer Gina – who sang to residents from within the grounds. The nursing home was adorned with bunting and decorations, and residents enjoyed a special lunch and an afternoon cream tea. Staff also dressed in 1940s’ clothing which really added an extra atmosphere to the occasion. Gina was invited as a special guest and delighted residents with a special ‘socially distanced’ performance of post-warera classics. She has toured and worked with different show teams around the UK and was greatly enjoyed by everyone. Two residents at Featherton House care home in Deddington have been awarded special edition RBL VE75 brooches for their service during the Second World War. Edna Sewell, 95, and Margery Hawes, 97, were presented with the brooches by Deddington’s Royal British Legion. Edna was trained as a writer in the Navy for three years, where she worked on signal books for convoys. Margery volunteered to join the WRAF and was in active service for five years. During her time in the Forces she was a plotter then a sergeant, and she was also required to sign the Official Secret Act.
Residents at Colten Care homes marked VE Day with a mix of pride, respect and reflection. All the south coast provider’s 21 homes staged commemorative events while observing social distancing restrictions due to the Covid-19 lockdown. In arts and crafts sessions in the weeks leading up to the anniversary, residents made Union flags, bunting and other decorations. And on the day itself there were tea parties, songs, poetry, copies of vintage newspapers and a host of opportunities to reminisce. Staff in some homes dressed up as Second World War Land Girls while others performed swing and boogie-woogie songs in the style of 1940s icons The Andrews Sisters. Residents joined people across all generations and communities in the nation’s two-minute silence and sang their own rendition of the famous Vera Lynn tune We’ll Meet Again.
St Mark’s nursing home in Stockton celebrated VE Day in style without letting the lockdown blues get in the way of them having a great time. The home took advantage of the glorious Bank Holiday sunshine and threw a garden party for residents and staff to celebrate the 75th anniversary. The party included dressing in period costumes, streaming bunting around the gazebos, and the summer house was decorated as a typical English tearoom. Staff brought back memories for the lady residents who had been land army girls as they donned dungarees and head scarfs. Second World War veterans commemorated VE Day at Royal Star & Garter Homes with celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s surrender. Residents joined in with the national singalong of We’ll Meet Again, and took part in the Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of World War Two, where they raised a glass. They also observed the two-minute silence and tuned in to see Her Majesty The Queen, the Royal Star & Garter’s patron, address the nation. The celebrations were supported by ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, who covered the costs of bunting and goody bags in Royal Star & Garter’s three Homes in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe, and provided biscuits, cakes and chocolates.
Residents at Blandford Grange care home in Blandford Forum, received a special performance for VE Day from singing duo Aphrodites, who performed from the home’s grounds. The pair performed a number of songs from the postwar era, which residents greatly enjoyed as part of a special event hosted to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day. To add to the day, staff also dressed in 1940s-themed clothing and afternoon cream teas were served to residents. A twominute silence was observed at 11am, with a special rendition of ‘We’ll Meet Again’ concluding the day’s events in the afternoon. A resident at HC-One’s Kirkwood Court care home in Newcastle received a video message from the Army for VE Day. Tommy used to be a warrant officer in the Intelligence Corps. He served in the Army for 27 years, with postings in Germany and Poland, and he has received a general service medal for his efforts. A member of staff from the home who had family in the Army reached out to them with the hope that they could record a personalised video for Tommy, explaining what life is like in the Army today and what changes it has seen over the years. Lieutenant Alex Schofield got back in touch with a video for Tommy, explaining his experiences of life in the Light Dragoons.
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