Our biggest concern, after keeping our home free of COVID-19, has been looking after our residents well-being during lockdown. It has primarily meant for residents that they have (until recently) been unable to have face to face time with their families and friends. We were concerned about their mental health, the increased anxiety from having precious time away from families and a sense of isolation.
Thankfully, at Summerdyne we are already one big family, so that support network from our team was there. And our team have gone the extra mile putting their anxieties about COVID to one side and bringing the sunshine into our residents lives.
Also, thanks to the dedication and hard work of the Summerdyne team, supported by the wide Heritage Manor company team we have not had COVID at our home at all and continue to be COVID free. This is due to the company sourcing PPE direct from China direct at the outset of the pandemic and rigorous infection control procedures throughout our home. Testing has also given added reassurance.
Our team are used to wearing face masks and residents can see them smiling with their eyes. We have had donations of headbands and laundry bags and a stream of sweets and treats donations from our community.
How we are looking after our residents well-being in lockdown
Welcome to Carol Ann
It takes a remarkable character to contemplate starting a new job at a time of lockdown and we are delighted that Carol Ann has joined our team. She is working with Sarah in their joint role as Lifestyle and Well-being Coordinators. This is so much more that providing activities. It is about looking at the whole person, their likes and dislikes, hobbies and interests and what makes them happy. We want residents to do everything they would do at home at their Summerdyne home.
Carol Ann has spent lots of her time really getting to know our residents, listening to their life stories and finding out what makes them tick. She has been a vital help in keeping residents in touch with families, through zoom, Skype, Facetime and email. Our residents have embraced all these new technologies – proving again that you are never too old to try new things. Although, sometimes a handwritten note with a hug is what is needed.
With this ethos, Carol Ann recently made candyfloss for residents. Some residents had never tried it before and a fun alternative to the sweet trolley!
Resident of the day
Everyday we have a resident of the day, who we take time to chat about at our team morning meeting. What can we do to make that person feel special?
These meetings involve all our team, from carers to maintenance. So everyone thinks about how they could contribute to that residents well-being. It could be choosing photos with a resident to be framed, for our maintenance chaps to then hang on the wall. Or, knowing that the Pop Up shop is coming in and they love a bit of retail therapy – helping with a wardrobe sort out from Summer to Autumn.
Making the most of the outside
A little bit of sunshine, a good dose of Vitamin D and time in the garden. Nothing like being at one with nature to boost well-being. We have spent so much time outside, this deserved a news post to itself. https://www.heritagemanor.co.uk/2020/09/garden-lockdown-joy/
Welcome to our new chef Jason
Jason is another new recruit to Summerdyne during lockdown and our residents have been sharing with him their favourite foods and recipe ideas.
Everyone looks forward to mealtimes and the delicious smells that waft from the kitchen get every ones tummies rumbling! Some recently new additions to the menu are smoked mackerel kedgeree with roasted red peppers, braised beef and onions and gammon with parsley sauce.
Jason can turn his hand to anything – which is great given we have a glut of tomatoes and marrows from the veggie patch!
Wendy was recently our resident of the day so Jason, knowing she has a sweet tooth, presented her with a meringue from Bewdley Load Street Deli which his finishing touches. It’s thoughtful touches which really do boost mental well-being.
Namaste and pamper days
We have introduced Namaste holistic therapy sessions – pampering our residents with sensory massages. Such a lovely way to unwind, release tension and have one to one conversations.
Leigh in our team is also a hairdresser, so throughout lockdown she has been cutting and styling residents hair.
Theme Days
Nothing like an event to look forward to, dress up for and have a good giggle.
American Independence Day was marked with a Country and Western themed day and an American diner style brunch.
We had a Downton Abbey themed day for one of our resident’s birthday – who’s a big fan of the show! We dressed up in 1940’s flapper clothes and fascinators for our ladies and watched Downton. A cheeky tipple for our residents with sherry. Thank you to our local community for donating the sherry glasses. Plus, a delicious Victoria sponge cake made by the birthday girl’s daughter, Louise. A truly lovely day.
