We have welcomed our new home manager Shenda Wilson to Abberton and she has been settling in over the last couple of months, getting to know her team and all our residents.
Shenda has a wealth of experience having worked in the care sector since 1998, working her way through roles initially from Care Worker to Area Manager, each role learning and developing along the way, each bringing its own rewards and making a difference. Over the years she has progressed from hands on one to one care, to support and mentoring and then to Management.
In Shenda's words "It is a good feeling to work in the care sector and make a difference. It is most important to support each individual, and follow the ethos ‘nothing about me, without me’. I love the Heritage values and transparency and from my first visit to Abberton I knew the moment I walked through the door, what a good feeling the home had - so homely and both residents and staff supported and happy."
The power of music as a therapy
Our home has been filled with music this past month. The Black Cactus Choir brought their beautiful harmonies and with voices soaring, their songs could be heard throughout our home. Our tall ceilings really do have such good acoustics!
As a total contrast, we also welcomed the amazing Miss Terry with her comedy drag tour, absolutely belting out the hits – we felt like Tina Turner was in the room!
We have also welcomed the U3A choir for singing and enjoyed refreshments and a good catch up together afterwards.
Coming up in July, we have more music and movement with Louie and Oscar from Longevity, a visit from Esme, the cellist and our favourite entertainer, Alex Southgate.
Our Lifestyle and Wellbeing lead Tracey sings for residents too and understands how powerful music can be, not just in bringing everyone together, but as an important dementia therapy. Musical memory is processed across multiple, highly resilient regions of the brain, and therefore music can be the last and most effective way to connect with someone with dementia. Research has shown that the songs you enjoyed between the ages of 10 and 30 are most memorable. Familiar songs can be calming and soothing and can provide a spark - brightening someone’s face and encouraging interaction such as toe-tapping, humming and eye contact.
And pet therapy
Pet therapy can also brighten residents’ days. For some, there is nothing like the unconditional love of a pet and many of our residents had pets of their own. We regularly welcome Essex Therapy Dogs to our home and one little dog Dottie is such a hit with residents. She has a beautiful calm temperament and is so loving, small enough to cuddle up to.
We also find that electronic pets can give genuine emotional support, particularly for those with anxiety. Our electronic cat can stretch out like a cat and move its paws, and to hear the gentle purr and feel it’s soft fur can be a real comfort.
We now have the sound of cheeping as our Incredible Eggs have hatched. Residents were closely monitoring the incubator, anticipating their arrival and are now helping rear 7 gorgeous downy chicks! In July, we also have a visit from Together Animals Assisted Therapy, with their bunnies and furry friends.
In other news!
Congratulations to Carmen and Bill who celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary with a special fine dining dinner for two followed by a party to celebrate with everyone at The Abberton Arms. Our pub garden will be open in the summer for drinks on the lawn under our fabulous new gazebos.
We are also having a beach party, cheese and wine afternoon, an afternoon tea and our BIG summer event is our Fete on 25th July. This will be from 12.30 - 4pm and everyone is invited. Do come along and meet our fabulous team and residents.
