As a result, residents decided they wanted to learn more about Alzheimer’s and Dementia so that they could better help and understand those living at the home who have also been diagnosed. One of The Orders of St John Care Trust’s Admiral Nurses, Angie Williams, was invited to Langford View to give a dementia awareness presentation which included resources and information from Dementia UK, the organisation that funds Admiral Nurses.

Admiral Nurses work alongside people with dementia and their families, providing them with the specialist dementia support they need. They were named after the founder of Dementia UK, Joseph Levy CBE BEM, who himself had vascular dementia and was known affectionately as ‘Admiral Joe’ because of his love of sailing. OSJCT works closely with Dementia UK and was among the first care providers to employ its own specialist Admiral Nurses.

Angie’s presentation was well attended: residents were completely engaged with the subject and asked lots of questions throughout. Being sensitive to the fact that there may have been people in attendance who themselves live with dementia, Angie ensured the presentation was given in a manner that promoted the positive aspects of dementia as well as raising awareness of some of the difficulties people may experience.

Following the very informative session and refreshments, attendees all received a Dementia UK badge and further reading materials about dementia.

Langford View Home Manager, Farida Ait-Tales, said of the event: “I think it’s marvellous we were able to do this for our residents. Angie was able to inform them and answer their questions. It was a very successful session and I know residents got a lot out of it. It will help them understand how they can support their fellow residents and be sensitive to what their friends here at Langford View might be going through.”

Due to the success of this event residents have asked Angie along with Beverley Cotton, Langford View’s Activities Co-ordinator, to talk to them about attachment therapy and the role of reminiscence which is planned for Dementia Action Week in May.

To find out more about how OSJCT works with Admiral Nurses or what support is available at Langford View please phone the home on 01869 252343.

As a result, residents decided they wanted to learn more about Alzheimer’s and Dementia so that they could better help and understand those living at the home who have also been diagnosed. One of The Orders of St John Care Trust’s Admiral Nurses, Angie Williams, was invited to Langford View to give a dementia awareness presentation which included resources and information from Dementia UK, the organisation that funds Admiral Nurses.

Admiral Nurses work alongside people with dementia and their families, providing them with the specialist dementia support they need. They were named after the founder of Dementia UK, Joseph Levy CBE BEM, who himself had vascular dementia and was known affectionately as ‘Admiral Joe’ because of his love of sailing. OSJCT works closely with Dementia UK and was among the first care providers to employ its own specialist Admiral Nurses.

Angie’s presentation was well attended: residents were completely engaged with the subject and asked lots of questions throughout. Being sensitive to the fact that there may have been people in attendance who themselves live with dementia, Angie ensured the presentation was given in a manner that promoted the positive aspects of dementia as well as raising awareness of some of the difficulties people may experience.

Following the very informative session and refreshments, attendees all received a Dementia UK badge and further reading materials about dementia.

Langford View Home Manager, Farida Ait-Tales, said of the event: “I think it’s marvellous we were able to do this for our residents. Angie was able to inform them and answer their questions. It was a very successful session and I know residents got a lot out of it. It will help them understand how they can support their fellow residents and be sensitive to what their friends here at Langford View might be going through.”

Due to the success of this event residents have asked Angie along with Beverley Cotton, Langford View’s Activities Co-ordinator, to talk to them about attachment therapy and the role of reminiscence which is planned for Dementia Action Week in May.

To find out more about how OSJCT works with Admiral Nurses or what support is available at Langford View please phone the home on 01869 252343.

This annual competition sees each care home go head to head in a competition, which aims to break down negative perceptions of living in a care home, by showcasing some of the most unique and unexpected activities organised for our residents.

Watersmead kicked off with a day of Darts led by The Wiltshire Darts Team. This activity proved particularly engaging for the gents in the home, many of whom would have played a casual game with friends in the pub on a lazy Saturday afternoon.

Residents gathered in the main hall and watched on as each took their turn to approach the board. One resident, Terry, wowed the crowd with a bullseye and impressed even himself. Cheers erupted as the darts landed and echoed through the halls of the home, creating the wonderful atmosphere which Watersmead regularly enjoys. Encouraged by the carers, residents delighted in the theatre of it all.

Next up was a day of Archery, provided by Moving Mountains Outdoor Skills and Education Ltd arrived brandishing bows, arrows and targets! These were set up outside the doors of the hall which lead out onto the patio. A safety net was hung, and residents of all abilities were encouraged to have a go, some seated in wheelchairs and others standing.

The Watersmead team were particularly impressed with how well the Moving Mountains group managed to ensure each resident was engaged, regardless of ability and limits. One by one residents took their aim and the power of the arrows as they took flight, showed the residents just how much energy they could transfer into the bow string, breaking down their own perceptions of age and frailty. This type of activity really helps to re-instil feelings of control and power back into residents who may, at times, feel that the world is simply moving around them, whilst they look on.

Residents reminisced of days from their youth where they would enjoy outdoor pursuits and the impact of this showed as the strength seemed to reappear in their muscles, re-energised, they fearlessly approached the task with vigour and confidence.

The final activity of the week was a mini sports day prepared by the homes Activities Team; Natasha and Sara. The sun shone down into the garden as residents enjoyed bean bag throwing, hoopla and egg and spoon races. All participants won a medal, but the ultimate winner was Ray who won the most gold medals. Residents beamed as the carers did their own races and laughed at the surprising ferocity of the competition.

As the week drew to a close, residents had many new stories to share with their friends and families. A sign that the efforts of the team were absolutely worthwhile.

The dining area and corridor leading up to the dining area were transformed into an old western set, which included bales of Hay (provided by Marsh Farm, Walberton) and crafted decorations designed by the residents gave the home that old western feel. Staff and residents were dressed up as Cowgirls and Cowboys ready for the main event of line dancing.

Children from a local school, Residents friends and families and people from the local community arrived promptly at St Wilfrid’s Arundel Priory for an American style Hoedown. The day was packed full of amazing activities for all ages. Two ponies arrived at 10:30 much to the surprise of the residents, staff and children. The children and residents were taught the safe way to feed the ponies and lots of carrots were eaten!

Once the ponies had eaten the home out of carrots, it was time for the main event, Line dancing! The staff had practised their best moves in the run up to the day and all that hard work payed off as they put on a fantastic show. It was then time for the school children to learn how to line dance, a few brave children came up to learn and once they got the hang of it, got to line dance to a full song.

As the morning drew to a close, American style food was served up and this included burgers, hotdogs and key lime pie.

It was an amazing day and we look forward to welcoming the community again at our other events later in the year.

An exceptional year for the Trust with those recognised spanning a diverse range of categories across many of our homes in Lincolnshire.

Our Apple Trees home in Grantham, Skirbeck Court in Boston, and Southfield House in Spalding have Sheri Rawdon, Jane Harwood, and Amy Oliver nominated for the ‘Residential Care Award’, respectively. Cheryl Gilderdale, Conny McGowan and Jackie Gilbert from Hartsholme House in Lincoln have been acknowledged for the ‘Outstanding Care Team Award’. Whilst for the ‘Healthy Nutrition Award’, Tracy Creek, Sandra Cox and Sarah Staples from Southfield House have been chosen.

Caroline Dunagan, Assistant Operations Director for Orders of St John Care Trust, commented: “Delivering the highest level of person-centred care is our utmost priority. Therefore, for our employees to be recognised as finalists at these awards is a testament to all of the passion and dedication our employees have in meeting the needs of our residents. It is important to acknowledge the dedication and commitment to care. I could not be prouder to have them as part of the team.”

Lincolnshire Care Association (LinCA) is holding its awards on the 28th of February at The County Assembly Rooms in Lincoln. The county awards celebrate those on the front line of social care and showcase the very best of the sector.  These awards recognise the skills and dedication of this vital workforce of front line worker and managers.

Les Bilsby and Audrey Gardener were broadcast at the start of Gloria Hunniford’s ‘Food: Truth or Scare’ TV show the morning of Tuesday 26th of February. They responded to questions based on nutrition and lifestyle which included what they like to eat for breakfast and anything they tended to avoid.

Audrey noted that she did like toast and marmalade for breakfast and Les was partial to fish and chips for dinner. Turnips happened to be something Les definitely avoided!

Dan Hayes, Chief Executive at OSJCT, comments: “We were delighted to see our two residents featured on the national programme and to have been able to help BBC1 Food: Truth or Scare.”

This episode also investigated if when we eat is as important is what we eat along with the negative impact of germs in our kitchen.

Watch the full programme on BBC iPlayer at:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0002v89/food-truth-or-scare-series-4-episode-2

When Lea was working at OSJCT Stirlings in Wantage, she had spent much time with Doreen who spoke of her sister Cynthia a great deal. The two sisters had unfortunately lost contact as the families moved away from each other due to circumstance. When Lea moved to Longlands, as the Home Manager, she happened to see Cynthia’s name and the penny dropped. What an amazing coincidence that they were both at OSJCT homes. Thereafter, Lea organised for the sisters to speak on the phone and then the face to face reunion.

Lea comments: “It is beyond words and an honour to have been able to bring Doreen and Cynthia together again. I am so happy to have seen the connection and to put everything in motion with the help of the OSJCT team here at Longlands and at Stirlings. To make their wish come true and to see the joy on their faces is something I will never forget.”

Cynthia’s sons Adrian and Laurance said: “It is so wonderful what The Orders of St John Care Trust and Lea Mason did to help bring together our mother with our aunt. Both our families were present at the reunion and it was one for all of us as relatives, too. It was really moving to have witnessed such a special moment between the two of them.”

Cynthia and Doreen enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea with their families, other residents and the carers at the home with a beautiful cake to mark this wonderful occasion.

Doreen expressed she was “absolutely over the moon” to be with her sister again. Cynthia noted that before the reunion: “I had everything I wanted but not my precious sister.”

*Photo courtesy of Oxford Mail*

At OSJCT, our employees are dedicated to our residents and it is very fulfilling to be able to help and to support their wishes.

In collaboration with Oxford Mumbler’s Maddy Burgess, Isis House activity co-ordinators Chanice Lyne and Maddie Pill helped to organise this engaging event across generations. The morning brought in a fabulous turnout of residents and parents and children from the local community. Activity tables and stations were placed throughout the large main hall in the home and accommodated all age ranges. Residents and the children alongside their parents interacted, conversed and played together. The morning’s activities were closed with a good old sing-a-long of nursery rhymes.

Activity Co-ordinator, Chanice Lyne commented: “We try to give our residents new experiences through various activities regularly held at Isis House. Children and the elderly have a connection and we have also found that dementia residents relate very well to the young and make an emotional link and where understanding is clear. It is also wonderful for us to help support the local community through such an event.”

She continues: “We are working closely with Maddy Burgess from Oxford Mumbler and will be hosting an activity session once a month here at the home. It gives our residents a delightful time, aids the parent child group and most of all it is lovely to see all the engagement and interaction.”

Maddy Burgess who runs the franchise Oxford Mumbler said: “I run the franchise for Oxford Mumbler and the aim is to bring children under the age of five along with their parents/carers to various activities in Oxford. The collaboration with The Orders of St John Care Trust was always a good idea because the home is so inviting and the elderly and children get on so well and through activity. Our first session was a huge success and I would like to thank both the parents and OSJCT for making this happen. We will be doing this at Isis House every first Friday of each month.”

At OSJCT, our employees are dedicated to our residents and it is very fulfilling to see them so happy and to be able to initiate experiences and support their well-being.

Both residents and the uniformed service personnel spent the afternoon talking over cups of tea and slices of cake whilst being entertained by a guitarist who played and sang a medley of songs.

Flight Sergeant Pete Newnham came along to the event and surprised his wife’s grandmother, Marge Kingdon. He said: “A real pleasure and an honour to be invited to the Valentine’s tea dance and to also be able to catch up with Gran.”

Wing Commander Neil Bunce was also present and greatly enjoyed the afternoon and noted: “It was a great opportunity to meet the residents at OSJCT Madley Park House care home and to learn about their life stories and to tell them more on RAF Brize Norton. It was so nice to make some new friendships across generations.”

Laura Berry, Madley Park House Home Manager, commented: “We were very thankful to RAF Brize Norton for coming to join our tea dance. The residents had a wonderful time and really enjoyed conversing with the service personnel whilst having a lovely afternoon tea. Our employees as a Trust are dedicated to our residents and it is very fulfilling to see them so happy and for us to be able to initiate experiences such as this event and in liaison with our local community.”

Preparations for Valentine's Day began in earnest last week, where residents started hand making decorations to transform the Compass Café into a love-themed dance hall. They painted, glued, stuck and made hearts out of crinkle paper. They turned handprints into love bugs and talked about what was most precious to them in the world.

On the day, the ladies of Avonbourne Care Centre had a bit of a pamper morning, having their hair and nails done. Laughter filled the air as they talked about their husbands and gentlemen of the past. The men, on the other hand, took it a bit easier; having a bit of a shave and throwing on a bit of cologne while the rat pack played in the background.

As the day drew to a close and the night crept in, you could feel the anticipation in the air. Everyone gathered ready for what was set to be an enjoyable evening. They were met with mocktails at the door including ‘Faux-secco’, an alcohol-free Prosecco, Love potion punch and canapes. Musician, singer and tap dancer, Neil Patterson, provided the entertainment for the evening. Neil is a regular entertainer at Avonbourne and as with his previous performances, didn’t disappoint. He sang a number of swing tunes and showed off his tap dancing skills. Residents and staff hit the dance floor as the night went on and laughter and music filled the air through the night. Judging by the smiles on everyone’s faces as the dance ended, it was clear an amazing time had been enjoyed by all.

The team and residents at Avonbourne would like to send a big thank you to everyone who came along to make the night so special and look forward to welcoming them again to the home’s upcoming events in March.

If you’d like to get involved at Avonbourne to help enrich the lives of its residents, the home is always on the lookout for people who share their passion for care. There are many ways you can get involved:

• Our Jobs Page
• Volunteering
• Entertainment and Activities