Jennis and Sandra at Bourne House are just two of our residents for whom having some meaningful tasks and responsibilities is proving to be very rewarding.  Both have always been keen to help out and now home manager, Kamila, is supporting them to do that in a more structured way. With the support of the team in Bourne House, Jennis and Sandra now have their own uniforms and jobs to do. Their tasks, on the days they want to help, include things like laying tables ahead of mealtimes or setting up for creative activities.

Sandra says, “I lay the tables for lunch, and I get drinks for other residents. I like helping out. It’s nice to help other people.” 

Jennis loves to support the activities team and likes to help with bingo.

For Jennis and Sandra, and lots of residents living in care homes, being able to ‘work’ in the care home creates a sense of belonging and independence.  Residents are able to see the results of their efforts, and hearing a ‘thank you’ from a member of staff can lead to a sense of purpose and being valued.

Our care homes are strong communities and having residents who feel part of that helps foster meaningful relationships. It’s another way of building social interaction, and maintaining independence; tasks like laying the table can support fine motor skills. That in turn helps boost confidence, through being able to successfully complete a task that has been set. 

Both Jennis and Sandra now have a uniform and a name badge to wear to 'work', which marks the presence of routine, and allows the team to support them appropriately.

The team is keen to empower residents at Bourne House to get involved wherever possible. They are always looking for fun ways to ensure residents live dignified lives, and to give them choices about what they do. Being able to offer meaningful activities, and to help Sandra and Jennis like this, means a lot to the team, and to the residents.