New Years Eve was a time when residents reflected on the year. They are rightly proud of what they have achieved. Our 2022 garden transformation was designed, fundraised for and project managed by our residents. They decide events and activities and fundraising goals and have a Social Committee and Residents Ambassador. All these things give meaningful occupation, which is fundamental to our health and wellbeing, identity, self-esteem and belonging.
We have decided to include a resident in our staff interview process going forward. Yesterday, we asked Ian to be part of a carer interview and what an enlightening experience! Firstly, the candidate thought it was an amazing and unique idea. Secondly, Ian had some very interesting questions for her. His questions included:
- What is missing from “Care” in Care Homes?
- What should we be looking for in someone who does not have care experience?
- What is the difference between care delivered by a carer and a nurse?
- Should there be more therapy offered in Care Homes in your opinion?
- What do you think about the current suggestion of people being discharged from acute hospital settings to hotels?
Ian certainly put the interviewee through her paces and gave us valuable insight into things that matter to a resident.
Our staffing team are feeling proud: 10 out of 10 in reviews
Our staffing team, with Charmaine at the helm, are also proud of their achievement. We started the year with the highest score possible from www.carehome.co.uk where people can submit care home reviews. We have achieved a review score of 10 out of 10.
One review says “A care home’s success is all about how the staff follow the ethos and takes time for its residents – West Eaton is exemplary.”
Festive highlights
There was such a warm glow of family and friendship at our home this Christmas. Our staffing team pulled out all the stops to make sure there were smiles all round.
We enjoyed carolling from both Leominster Priory Choir and the Baptist Church Choir. Then we welcomed year 6 children from Ivington C of E Primary School, Leominster. They sung a beautiful version of Away in a Manger which they created themselves.
We welcomed families and friends for our Christmas party and residents made a superb (boozy! and beautifully decorated) Christmas cake, plus other bakes and gifts for the party. It was a really special occasion with a huge festive spread. We had a Christmas tree ornament competition, raffle and the fantastic organist Hilary Lyon.
With snow on the ground we hoped for a white Christmas, but it made the visit from Santa even more enchanting. Thank you to Julie Wedgeburry and her team of reindeer ponies! Such surprise and delight from our residents seeing Santa and the elves trot up the garden path. And then, when even the ponies came into our home to meet residents, it was just magical.
Plans for 2023
We are arranging more musical and themed events. Starting with a celebration feast for the Chinese New Year and then Burns Night with haggis, neaps and tatties. Our resident bakers have opted for healthy granola bars and soups so far. However, we will be marking International Chocolate Day at the end of January – any excuse!
We have weekly movement and music classes with Dance To Health and GWorks putting us through our paces. And we are getting out to Leominster. A garden centre trip is a must to plan the year’s flowers and veggies and finish off aspects of our garden planting scheme. We are also keeping bird feeders in the garden filled up in readiness for the RSPB Big Birdwatch Weekend.