In the run-up to Christmas, Lake House in Adderbury near Banbury, Oxfordshire is spreading joy and wonder by hosting a nativity with a touch of magic: a real camel, named Kokoso, visited the care home to take part in a traditional nativity scene alongside residents, their families, carers and volunteers.

Responding to a collective desire expressed by the residents, Lake House embarked on organising an unforgettable event centred around the camel’s visit, aiming to create an enchanting nativity scene that will bring the Christmas story to life for everyone in the care home.

“We strongly believe in listening to our residents and honouring their wishes, especially at Christmas,” explains Sally Cross, Home Manager at Lake House.  “When the idea of a camel visit at Christmas was suggested during one of our resident meetings, the shared enthusiasm and excitement was palpable.  We are thrilled to make this dream a reality and create a magical Christmas experience for our residents.  It’s not every day you get to see a camel in a nativity scene in a care home!” 

Resident John Webb took part in the nativity scene, donning a costume as one of the Wise Men.  John said: “I like animals and I’ve never seen a camel in real life. I think Kokoso is lovely.  We don’t realise how lovely animals are, until you meet them up close.”

Known for its camaraderie and family atmosphere, everyone at Lake House pitched in to help prepare for the camel’s arrival and make the nativity scene as special as possible.    Activities Co-ordinator Joanna Dixon and Administration Assistant Sarah Chilton made the costumes.  Joanna starred as Mary, Carer Suresh Appakudam as Joseph, Carer Shivam Shivam, handyman Dave Venables and resident John Webb as the Three Wise Men and Sally as the donkey.  The kitchen team prepared traditional treats from the Middle East, including fruit teas, Turkish delight and baklava, and the summerhouse in the dementia-friendly garden was decorated to look like a stable.

Residents from nearby sister home Larkrise, in Banbury, were also invited to visit and join in the festivities.

Dear family member or friend,

We have had a busy and sociable summer in our homes, and we look forward to full activities programmes, entertainment, and events with our local communities during the colder months.

During winter we know that Covid-19 and flu rates increase along with other infectious illnesses, e.g. Norovirus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). These can be very serious for older people and multiple infections can weaken anyone’s immunity. Now that Covid-19 vaccinations are open to over 65s and flu vaccinations are widely available through national pharmacies, we are appealing to family members and friends to have their vaccinations as soon as possible.

Care home residents and employees have already been getting their vaccines this month, usually delivered in care homes by local GP practices. You can book your own appointment via your local GP or using the National Booking Service: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/covid-19-services/covid-19-vaccination-services/book-covid-19-vaccination/.

Other actions we can all take to keep each other safe from winter viruses include:

• Washing hands on arrival at a care home, and frequently during visits.
• Catching coughs or sneezes in a tissue, disposing of the tissue in a bin and sanitising hands.
• Wearing a mask as a precaution, and when infection is present. Our homes have plentiful supplies of masks available on arrival or from a staff member.
• Staying home if you feel unwell or have spent time with someone who is ill.

We very much wish to keep our doors open so that visits can take place uninterrupted, however OSJCT care homes are subject to being closed to visitors, by the local Public Health England team, on a temporary basis when illness is confirmed in a home. If this occurs, your Home Manager will contact you if this happens.

Get your Covid-19 and flu vaccinations early, for the sake of your own health, your loved ones and everyone who works and lives in our care homes.

Everyone plays an important part in reducing winter illness spread. Thank you for your support to help us reduce the risk of winter illnesses and keep our doors open to visitors.

With best wishes,

Mike Stredder, OSJCT Operations Director

The Order of Malta has awarded Bronze Medals of Merit to ten OSJCT employees. These medals recognise their exemplary service to social care. Five attended a St John’s Day mass and investiture at the Brompton Oratory in London on Friday 23 June where they received their Bronze Medal of Merit from H.E. The Grand Prior of England Fra’ Max Rumney and H.E. The President of the British Association, Lady Celestria Hales.
 
Many of the medallists have worked for OSJCT for over 10 years and were recognised for their exceptional support and contribution to the Trust and its residents. Medallists attended the ceremony with a guest, and also witnessed the investiture of honours on Order of Malta members and volunteers.  
 
OSJCT employees who received their medals at the St John’s Day service are:
 
Ms Beverley Cottam, Senior Carer at Hartsholme House, Lincoln
Ms Nichola Grainger, Quality Improvement Lead, Care Quality Team
Ms Sally Hibberd-Burns, Carer at Spencer Court, Woodstock
Ms Ann-Marie Palmer, Finance Support Administrator, Central Support Services
Ms Sally Reynolds, Chef at Watersmead, Westbury
 
Other OSJCT medallists who were unable to attend the ceremony are:
 
Ms Marie Gormley, Care Leader at Willowcroft, Salisbury
Ms Helen Butler, Head Housekeeper at Meadowcroft, Thame
Ms Denise Parker, Care Leader at Paternoster House, Cirencester
Ms Catherine Meanwell, Housekeeper at Gregory House, Grantham
Ms Diane Perry, Senior Care Leader at Millbrook Lodge, Brockworth

Dr Jacobsen and five other swimmers will take part in a fundraising relay challenge from Rampion Wind Farm to Shoreham Beach, a distance of approximately 15km, this Friday 14 July.

Dr Jacobsen visits the care home every Thursday to care for residents.  She said: “Last year I took on the Bantham Swoosh swim (6km) with District Nurse Gill, to raise money for the minibus fund at Stirlings as we were aware that this was something that was really needed for the residents to help them get out and about.  We raised a massive £1700.

“This year I’ve stepped up to a bigger challenge of swimming as part of a relay team from Shoreham Windfarm to the shore (approx 15km).  The other swimmers are a mixture of my friends from Didcot Barramundi Swim Club and local Wantage friends.  I would love to try and raise more money for the minibus fund as it would be great to contribute to getting Stirlings one step closer to the bus.”

The care home needs to raise another £4,000 in order to achieve their overall target for the minibus. Home Manager Rebecca Mitchell said: “Nicky is an integral part of our home.  She is a wonderful doctor and has a great relationship with both residents and the team.  It’s nice that she’s so actively involved, and understands the importance a minibus will have in helping our residents to get out more.  I take my hat off to her for undertaking this swimming challenge on our behalf!”

To donate visit the care home’s JustGiving page.

Care homes across the Trust have embraced Pride month this June. Residents and employees took part in a range of events to support the annual celebration of LGBTQ+ communities.

At Goodson Lodge in Trowbridge the home ran a series of fun-filled Pride-themed activities which included Drag Bingo hosted by Miss Lucy Luscious Lips, an evening full of colour, glamour and glitter. Residents also enjoyed baking and knitting using rainbow colours as well as flower arranging, thanks to local florist Moonraker and Rose.

Goodson Lodge also held a coffee morning with Trowbridge Pride where residents and employees talked about inclusiveness and diversity before trying out some carnival skills with Clare's Circus.

Activities Coordinator Alex Damon said: “We all had a fantastic time during Pride. We took the opportunity to celebrate who we are as individuals and what we want to be in 2023!”

At Coombe End Court in Marlborough residents took the opportunity to wear Pride colours to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community. They were even joined by their resident cat, Henry.

Avonbourne Care Centre in Old Sarum decorated their home with Pride colours and organised Pride-themed entertainment with Chico, a regular singer at the home.

At Skirbeck Court in Boston residents completed ‘I am proud’ posters to share what they are proud of. They also enjoyed joyful entertainment from singer Nicky Dawson and enjoyed Pride-themed cakes and fruit salad.

Other homes ran their own Pride-themed events. Follow your local OSJCT home on Facebook to see photos and details of activities

The Trust Recognition Awards, awarded annually, to Trust employees, volunteers, and leaders, are open for nominations. All employees, residents, relatives, friends and members of the community and professional colleagues are invited to submit nominations.

Use this form here to nominate before the closing date – 31 July 2023. 

There are seven categories of Awards. Shortlisted nominees will be invited to Award ceremonies where winners will be announced.

• Exceptional Dedication to Caring Award 
• Outstanding Community Engagement Award
• Trust Efficiency and Development Award 
• The Empowerment Award 
• The Personal Development Award 
• Unsung Hero of the Year

• The Inspirational Leader Award

Laura Allam, Head of HR Reward and Recognition, said: “The Trust Recognition Awards are awarded annually, to recognise colleagues, volunteers and leaders across the Trust who go above and beyond to provide outstanding care and improved quality of life for our residents and clients.

“It is the Trust’s opportunity to say thank you and well done, be that for gaining a qualification, being one of our prestigious winners, or for achieving a long service milestone.

“It is important we recognise and celebrate such dedication and success, as what you do every day makes a huge difference to our residents and clients. I would therefore encourage you to nominate someone for one of our prestigious awards, to recognise them for going above and beyond and for modelling the Trust values.”

Click on the link to view the Trust Recognition Awards Booklet, which includes eligibility criteria and category details. Printed copies are also available in our homes, extra care housing schemes and offices.