“I love my job, being part of the lives of our residents. At Whitefriars we are all a team, and I especially enjoy introducing new skills to our residents and supporting them to be as independent as they can.” Donna

Donna joined OSJCT Whitefriars in autumn 2019. She was inspired by seeing the difference made by the Activities Coordinator in her mam’s care home. Donna said: “I’m inspired by meeting and talking to residents and seeing the positive difference we make in their lives. I also enjoy working with residents’ families.”

The role of Activities Coordinator is a busy one, as some time is spent on preparing activities and administration as well as running sessions. Donna said: “I aim to be fair in spending time with all our residents each week. I always tailor the activities to each resident, and I run both group and one-to-one activities.”

Donna supports residents with differing needs, such as those who are mostly bed-bound or have dementia. She always finds ways of including everyone, whether that’s running through quiz questions in a bedroom, putting cake icing kits on trays so they are portable or organising seated exercise sessions in communal areas.

Donna is very creative and is always looking for new ideas. She may lead a conversation activity around stories in the local newspaper, try an activity recommended on a craft website, or design something based on information from the resident’s family or friends.

Connecting Communities

At Whitefriars community links are very important. Donna explained: “Many of our residents are keen to stay in touch with friends, neighbours, religious or other groups in their community. Moving into a care home is a big transition and so it’s vital that we support residents with their individual interests and help them to maintain connection with the community.”

Donna organises many events in the home which are supported by the community, such as church services, visits from local school children and a regular parent and child group. Residents often enjoy entertainment by local singers. Donna also arranges for residents to visit outside the care home, going to the local market, to garden centres or local shops.

The home has three regular volunteers, as well as support from residents’ families who join in with activities or events in the home. A popular activity is using the interactive, touch table which provides games via a high-tech display. Often Donna sees residents, volunteers and family members happily playing games on the table whilst she spends time with other residents.

Brian’s visit to the local gym

Donna gets to know each resident’s individual interests. When Donna spoke to Brian, she was inspired to organise a trip to the Rhino Gym in Stamford, where he had been a regular member before moving to Whitefriars.

The visit was great fun as Brian took his friend Frank who has an interest in boxing and also lives at Whitefriars. The gym owner showed Donna, Brian and Frank around, and they all had a workout. At the end of the visit, the gym made Brian an honorary member, with free admission any time and discounts on clothing and other products.