The “New-Normal” is a term that’s being used a lot in the media, but what does that actually mean for Astley? We also have welcomed some new faces to our home.
The New-Normal
Our residents are now used to the new-normal of our team wearing facemasks and smiling with their eyes and social distancing is more familiar. Our team have been since the onset of the pandemic, fully stocked with PPE. We have had lovely donations of headbands too from For the Love of Scrubs Groups. Who knew wearing a facemask for an 8 hour shift would make ears so sore!
Residents have also embraced technology, skyping, Face-timing and Zooming with their families – yet again proving that you are never too old to try new things. Family are always in our thoughts, but the warmth and friendship between our team and residents makes Astley Hall a happy, relaxed home. It gives residents that family support until they can see their families again.
Our new activities, well being and lifestyle co-ordinators
We also have some new faces at Astley and have welcomed Barry Moss and Sarah Donovan to our team as our new activities co-ordinators, stepping into Jayne and Lynn’s shoes. We had a lovely send-off for Jayne and Lynn, who captured the hearts of our residents, especially with their themed events and madcap fancy dress! They are both taking their careers in different directions, with Jayne now working for the prison service. We wish them both the very best.
Barry and Sarah have been spending the last few weeks getting to know each of our residents. Their role is more than providing activities and extends to the well-being and lifestyle of each resident: finding out what makes them happy on a day to day basis, their likes and dislikes, hobbies and interests. Ensuring they feel happy and relaxed and can do all the things they would do at home, at their Astley home. Person centred care is central to our beliefs and ethos of “You don’t stop having fun when you get old…you get old when you stop having fun”.
Barry’s passion is art, with a wealth of experience in printing and textiles. He began art therapy in Canada in the 1980’s working in social healthcare, using art as a means of communicating with vulnerable people. His mantra is that “people enjoy life no matter what challenges may be in front of them”. Sarah also has a career background in social healthcare, helping support the elderly to live independently in their homes. She loves to travel and enjoys a good book, already swopping and sharing stories and book recommends with our residents.
Should the “new-normal” actually be “getting back to normal”?
We think “getting back to normal” is now a more appropriate phrase to describe Astley. We are Covid free and have been Covid free for a month now. Our infection controls have always been and will remain stringent. We are continuing to work with NHS colleagues, Public Health England and our GP to ensure our residents stay safe and Covid-19 stays out of our home. Our residents care and well-being are, as always, at the heart of everything we do.
Our residents have been making the most of the recent glorious weather, getting out into the garden. Sarah and Barry had a lovely garden party with afternoon tea with residents. A perfect chance to get to know everyone and use the gorgeous vintage crockery that our local community have donated.
Our carer Ian, is our very own Frank Sinatra and has been entertaining residents with impromptu karaoke and sing-alongs. We have had birthday celebrations, in house yoga, and Sarah and Barry are putting together some new activity programmes for residents…. watch this space!