Keith’s new lease of life

A WIDOWER has credited the retirement village he lives in with helping him to find companionships in later life.

Keith Pointer, a resident at Richmond Villages Wood Norton, has conversed and built firm friendships with fellow retirees after losing his wife Jane in October 2020.

The Worcestershire retirement village has an extensive activities programme, which Keith says is beneficial in bringing people together.

Keith said, “I think it is very important – it’s what keeps us going and wards off dementia.

“I always join in whatever is going on around me. I very seldom remain in my apartment alone. The events at the village are most beneficial at bringing people together. There are a multitude of activities to attract everybody and nobody feels left out.”

Keith has since met a new female companion, who he says is the best thing that has happened to him for a long time.

The pair, who now live in adjoining apartments, both believe life in the retirement village is like a permanent holiday and a wonderful place to be.

A WOODBRIDGE care centre has been awarded the ‘Michelin star’ of dementia training during an event which also celebrated the opening of its newly refurbished dementia suite.

Rendlesham Care Centre recently received its ‘My World’ accreditation for providing outstanding care and support to those who are living with dementia, including residents, their families, carers and colleagues.

The ‘My World’ training is the only accredited programme at City and Guilds level and aims to provide high quality care, training, care home design as well as advice and support for individuals and their families.

Rendlesham, which is led by home manager Cosmin Tiriteu, was applauded for achieving the high standards required to meet the dementia accreditation across four key areas: care, the environment, people and advice and guidance – all of which are considered vital to help people living with dementia lead a good life.

Cosmin, a highly qualified nursing professional, has been the home’s manager since 2021.

He is known for his high level of training – with Rendlesham’s training levels rarely falling below 99 per cent – supporting several members of his team to undertake qualifications including two My World Dementia trainers and three dementia ambassadors.

He said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded our ‘My World’ accreditation in recognition of our commitment to providing the highest quality dementia care.

“As a team we have worked together to ensure we are continually improving and this award is a testament to that hard work and the dedication of our staff to the people they care for.”

During the event the home welcomed colleagues from Suffolk County Council, the NHS Continuing Healthcare team and the Commissioning and Crisis Intervention team, as well as Rendlesham team members, and participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of its new dementia suite, Oak 1. Guests were shown around the suite, which has been designed to provide care and support to residents living with dementia, and familiarised with the amenities on offer.

Cosmin added: “The event was a huge success and a great way to celebrate the achievements of the staff and management at Rendlesham.

“Our team does what it does out of a genuine passion, but it’s always wonderful to have an opportunity to show just how much we appreciate them and shine a light on all that they bring to life at the centre – without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

Orchard Care Homes has recruited Richard Wormwell as head of recruitment to lead the company’s talent and acquisition programme across its 23 homes. He has worked extensively within the talent and acquisition arena across the healthcare sector, heading recruitment divisions within specialist eating disorder services, mental health and acute NHS providers. Richard said: “I’m excited to take on this new opportunity to lead Orchard Care Homes with its ongoing recruitment and retention programme. Attracting dedicated, passionate staff to deliver first-rate care within our homes is at the heart of our business, especially as occupancy rates and the demand for residential care continues to rise throughout the UK.”