Residents and staff at Sherborne House enjoyed another weekly ‘Music with Malcom’ session on Wednesday 26th.
Malcom has been visiting Sherborne House every Wednesday for the last 15 years to perform a variety of songs, with residents enjoying plenty of sing-a-longs! Pictured is resident Amy with Malcom. We are looking forward to next week’s session!
Paula House received a special 10-year service award this month and a heartfelt thank you from the Chief Executive at Altogether Care for her dedicated passion in each of the various roles she has carried out in her last ten years with the organisation.
Originally a chef at Cheverels Care Home in Maiden Newton, Paula transferred to Steepleton Manor and continues to work as a Senior Team Leader also covering the position of chef when required and working an additional day each week to transport residents on their mini bus outings.
In addition to her various skills, Paula is well known for her chocolate cake and quiche!
The occasion was marked with a buffet for Paula and she was presented with flowers and a £100 voucher.
Residents recently enjoyed their own Teddy Bear’s Picnic at Sherborne House – the day was spent reminiscing about childhood with stories about their own teddies they had been given as children – and some as adults!
Everyone enjoyed singing Teddy related songs and tucked into Barney Bear Cakes. Despite rain forcing them to come indoors, they all had a great time and got to share laughter and stories relating to Teddy Bears.
The inconclusive result of the recent General Election does little to clarify how the future of social care will look. The delicate balance of power in the House of Commons could mean that difficult and emotive issues around how increasing care needs will be funded get sidelined.
Despite announcements of an additional £2bn over 3 years, the long term issue of how we pay for care is still unresolved. The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services estimates that £20.8bn will be spent on care this year (including service user contributions), a cash rise of 5%. In spite of this they expect that £824m of savings will still be needed. At the same time there are hundreds of empty beds in care homes as commissioning bodies lack the funds to place people with the appropriate care.
Political uncertainty could also mean that it’s harder to make progress with practical challenges such as better integration of health and care services and digital transformation of the care sector.
On the other hand, it could be a golden opportunity to take party politics out of the equation, to build a consensus on the changes that are needed and how they will be delivered and funded. Definitive answers over how much people will be expected to pay for their own care, and in what circumstances, would be welcomed by all.
What do we know?
Whatever happens there are clear trends that will continue. Affordability, efficiency and productivity will be recurring themes as we attempt to deliver more with less.
Delivering more care in people’s own homes is generally seen as a good thing. It is a trend we expect to see continuing – whether that’s domiciliary care visits or live-in care. Domiciliary care is more cost effective and better for many service users if the appropriate support structures are in place.
More imaginative approaches to commissioning that focus not just on hours of care delivered, but also on the support needed to help people live more independently and avoid social isolation are emerging. Shaping services around local needs and commissioning for outcomes rather than activity are still important goals; these aren’t simple but are worth pursuing.
Reshaping services so that there is better integration between health and care professionals is essential. The new CQC inspection framework due to be implemented in the autumn is largely an effort to align inspection criteria and language with health services. This is one step on the route to better integration.
With better integration improved and coordinated discharge planning will reduce delayed transfers and ensure that elderly and vulnerable patients can be safely discharged earlier and at any point in the week, including weekends. Finding ways to include carers and family members more effectively into the care planning process will be critical if we want to make this work consistently.
Affordability will inevitably be a significant driver as local authorities and other commissioning bodies struggle to make the best use of their budgets. Demand may continue to grow faster than budgets and finding solutions won’t be easy.
Generally though, there seems to be a sense of greater realism in the air, particularly over funding. This will hopefully lead to a non-partisan and objective debate about the type of care services we want and how these will be paid for.
What we can say for sure is that the issue is not going to disappear so needs to be addressed to ensure that those reaching their older years have certainty there is a system to support them.
Residents and staff at Sherborne House took part in National Music Day on the 21st June by singing, dancing and celebrating all things music! Ninety year old Ruby Hillman enjoyed playing a tambourine.
The residents regularly participate in music sessions with local entertainers who encourage as much singing and dancing as possible. Sherborne House Manager Caroline Sharp said, “Our residents love music and apart from being relaxing, it’s a great opportunity for everyone to sing, dance or simply and enjoy”.
June Bailey celebrated her 95th birthday on 29th June with a scrumptious chocolate cake and a party with the other residents and staff at Sherborne House. An ice cream van also paid a special visit.
June has lived at Sherborne House for nine years. Born in Dorset, June was a WREN during the Second World War and became the first female stock broker in London.
She loves singing and dancing and has made many friends at Sherborne House.
Sherborne House resident Ivy Platt celebrated her 102nd birthday on Saturday (24th June). Family and friends joined in the fun with a birthday cake, flowers and balloons. Originally from London, Ivy lived in Bridport before moving to Sherborne House in Yeovil 18 months ago.
Ivy has a daughter and two granddaughters. She loves to spend her time knitting and has created many of her own outfits. When asked what her secret to a long life is she replied; ‘Chocolate, lots and lots of dark chocolate’.
Staff and residents were delighted to be part of Ivy’s big day.
Sherborne House Care Home will celebrate the completion of its new extension with an open day on Friday 16th June at 2.30pm. Altogether Care, who own Sherborne House, a home that specialises in dementia care, are now delighted to offer a dedicated Nursing Care wing, with additional living spaces and refurbishment to the existing building.
Deputy Mayor of Yeovil, David Recardo will attend and cut a cake and assist in welcoming local people to see the new facilities. Bruce Trigger, Yeovil’s Town Crier will also attend.
Responding to the growing demand arising from an aging population, Altogether Care sees the Sherborne House extension as a chance to make the best use of the structures and open spaces already available on the Sherborne House site. The new extension has created nine additional bedrooms plus additional day space capacity that will improve the Home’s facilities.
Brian Westlake, Chair of Altogether Care said, ‘Most people with dementia move into a care home once their dementia progresses to a certain stage. Some people with dementia also have other illnesses or disabilities that make it difficult for them to remain at home. We are pleased to be able to increase local facilities for people suffering with dementia and or general nursing needs to improve their quality of life and give peace of mind to their families’. Sherborne House also offer Respite and Day Care provision.
Altogether Care is a family owned business offering a wide spectrum of care facilities in Somerset and Dorset. Sherborne House has been rated ‘GOOD’ by CQC in their last inspection published in May 2017.
Animals are renown for having a therapeutic effect on people of all ages. But animal therapy can be particularly beneficial for the elderly, as they can provide those who do not normally receive animal contact with companionship, as well as enhancing their wellbeing.
Lofty the miniature therapy horse brought smiles to resident’s and staff’s faces at Weymouth Care Home recently when he visited every room and spent time with each resident. His size made it easy for him to ‘access all areas’ and he even gave certain residents a kiss!
A few days later, residents received a visit from two friendly Alpacas who paced around the lounge and enjoyed lots of fuss.
Residents at Weymouth Care Home were recently treated to a rare sight when a cute 10-week old baby owl called Crystal dropped in and got to meet every resident. Local rescue centre Mike’s Owls ensured that everybody got to see the young owl up close.
Residents at Steepleton Manor had a grand sing-a-long earlier this month when local band Jurassic Drifters dropped in to play some tunes. An eight piece band performed tunes from the 60s on banjos, guitars and ukuleles, with toe-tapping and familiar songs providing residents with a trip back in time. Staff and residents really enjoyed the performance and look forward to a return visit in the future.
What is Live-in Care?
It’s not surprising that this modern solution to care is popular. Live-in Care provides a direct alternative to care homes. It combines high levels of care with the added independence and reassurance of living life in your own home. Whether you or your loved one requires personal one to one care assistance, domestic help or if companionship and independence is all that is desired, a tailored service can be created to suit your needs.
Your carer will move into your home with you, allowing you to stay in your own safe environment surrounded by your own possessions and community. This is also very advantageous if you have pets, where many care homes are unable to accommodate individuals pets, your carer will be able to assist in helping to keep your pet by your side. With the right encouragement and support, you or your loved one is able to continue living an independent, enriched life without the worry about receiving the right level of care.
Your one on one carer will learn what you need help with most and what you can ably do independently – so care is suited to your individual needs. Spending so much time one on one means they get to know you; sharing smiles, laughter, trips out, social activities and meaningful conversations together.
Live-in Care can also be provided for end of life care, so there is no need for uncomfortable upheaval to a different environment such as a hospice. Understanding that this is an extremely emotional and difficult process, your carer will offer the highest quality of care as adaptably as possible. Reassuring and supporting both you and your loved ones every step of the way.
Live-in Care Fees
The fees associated with Live-in Care vary depending on level of support required during the day and potentially the night to suit your needs, but may be more affordable than you think. Live-in Care is comparable in cost to residential homes and compared to some of the more elite homes, is a much more cost effective option. In many instances one live-in carer can provide care for a couple, which is a far more viable financial option compared to the cost of two beds in a residential care home.
For more information on funding care, we have put together a guidance document outlining the current Government arrangements which can be found here.
For more information on Live-in Care from Altogether Care or to discuss your requirements with us please contact us on 01202 894 925. Alternatively, visit our website or email contact@altogethercare.co.uk. Or if you would like to speak to us in person why not pop into one of our local branches, to find a local branch to you take a look at our map here.
Residents at Steepleton Manor were treated to a lively performance from Dorchester Historical Dance Group. Dancing 19th Century style in costumes to match, the eight dancers moved to the music whilst residents and their families enjoyed a step back in time.
Dorchester Historical Dance Group have been meeting for over 50 years and perform a range of dances from the 11th-19th century. The residents are looking forward to their prompt return and a possible ‘Tudor style’ afternoon.
We are delighted to announce that a major refurbishment at Sherborne House has been completed which will accommodate a brand new nursing care wing alongside dedicated dementia care. The new nursing care wing extension will mean that Sherborne House increases its capacity to 38 bedrooms, with spacious living areas allowing residents access to landscaped gardens.
Admissions are now being taken for the new wing which opens on the 1st May 2017.
For more information please contact us on 01935 423210 or visit the Sherborne House website.
We recently received a testimonial letter from the family of one of our Sherborne House residents who recently passed away – we are so happy to hear that our staff made such a difference to Doris’ life. Thank you to the family of Doris Britton for such kind words.
On behalf of the family of Doris Britton, We would like to express our gratification to Sherborne House Care Home, Yeovil. Once we as a family accepted that Mum/Nan was unable to return home after a long stay in Hospital, we were able to see the positives to this environment and how this Care Home could meet the individual needs of our beloved Mum/Nan.
The professional Care started at the assessment stage, where the Care Home took time to consider if their environment was the most appropriate to meet Mum/Nan’s needs.
Thankfully for us, this Care Home was felt to be a suitable match.
Mum/Nan transferred to Sherborne House Care Home and on her arrival the staff had already supported in preparing her room, making sure this was a welcoming place for her to spend time, a room which could be described as Home from Home.
Sadly for us, Mum/Nan quickly became unwell, meaning she was classed as End of Life. This proving to be a sad time for the family, however, this time was made more bearable with the care and support we as a Family witnessed for our Mum/Nan and also for us as her Family.
During this time, Family spent time within the home 24/7. All family members were made to feel comfortable and welcomed. A bedroom was provided for us to allow us a space to rest, sleep and gather our thoughts, this room was available for the duration of the time Family were at Mum/ Nan’s bedside. This amounted to 7 days in total. During this time refreshments were frequently offered and provided.
Mum/Nan received excellent personal care and all elements were documented in the appropriate way. This resulting in Mum/Nan being comfortable and having her personal care needs met.
What quickly became apparent was the knowledge all staff have in regards to all aspects of the care sector. Whenever questions were asked, the responses were always clearly explained, leaving us with an understanding of the situation.
The atmosphere within this home is very welcoming and this is down to the staff being able to work effectively as a team. Staff members support each other and embrace their roles showing a passion for their jobs.
Care staff knew when to report concerns to the Nurse in Charge and Mum/Nan was promptly seen, the situation assessed and dealt with effectively at all times.
The Manager, Caroline showed us she is hands on in providing the care, as well as effectively managing the Home.
Nothing was too much trouble for any of the staff, they all frequently went above and beyond and often asking how we as a Family are coping and feeling.
The Home registered Mum/Nan with an excellent compassionate GP, Dr Steven Wood and made contact with the Vicar to visit. Pets were also welcomed.
Staff members sat with Mum/Nan to ensure she was not alone and all said Goodbye to her, even shedding a tear, as they saw Mum/Nan as part of their extended family.
Sherborne House Care Home recommended AJ Wakely &Sons (Sherborne) as the Funeral Director. We would like to thank them for the Care and Love they have shown to Mum/Nan and the Family. They are a very professional company with compassion and empathy.
Finally, we as a family would like to thank everyone at Sherborne House Care Home for the love, support and Care our wonderful Mum/Nan received and for how you made us feel welcomed and valued throughout this difficult time.
Your love, support, and compassion throughout was very much appreciated and always will be.
-The Family of Doris Britton.
Here at Altogether Care, we believe that regular group activity is the key to maintaining wellbeing and peace of mind, which is why we create weekly task-based activities that involve the celebration of national holidays. This ensures that residents regularly feel included in group tasks where they can interact with others, providing residents with something different to do and encouraging an active mind.
Earlier this month, residents at Sherborne House celebrated St. Valentine’s Day where a selection of wine and cheeses were available for residents to enjoy– in moderation!
Photo: Residents Ruby and Amy (pictured) made the most of the occasion.
Residents at Sherborne House Care home made the most of a visit from a younger member of the community recently when 6 year old Emme Else joined in a painting session. Emme had some free time and wanted to share it with the 24 residents in Yeovil.
Sheila Bundy (pictured) was thrilled to spend time with Emme who brought a smile to the faces of each resident.
Caroline Sharp from Sherborne House said, ‘Emme specifically wanted to spend time here at Sherborne House and her cheerful personality made us all smile’.
Photo: Sheila Bundy (Sherborne House resident) with Emme.
Residents at Steepleton Manor enjoyed a noisy afternoon when they took part in a Rhythm and Drumming Workshop with local musician and singer, Magdalena Atkinson.
Residents had the opportunity to try out a variety of different drums and listened to Magdalena sing whilst she danced to different songs with various rhythms. Everyone clapped along in time and enjoyed creating their own music by singing and using a drum.
Rachel Lewis from Steepleton Manor said, ‘The drumming and rhythm session was a great success and our residents are all hoping that Magdalena will return soon’.
Photo: Resident David Mahoney, 84, with Magdalena Atkinson
Residents enjoyed celebrating Burns night at Steepleton Manor Care Home with ‘Highland’ games, haggis hurling, shortbread and scotch pancakes.
Residents dressed up for the occasion and took part in a Burns Night quiz and word search. Scottish music ensured everyone could enjoy a Highland fling dance and the night ended with singing Auld Lang Syne.
Rachel Lewis from Steepleton Manor said, ‘Everyone enjoyed lots of games, music, dancing, laughter and fine Scottish food’.
Photo: Emily Burr with resident David Mahoney
Residents and staff enjoyed some indoor gardening this month when they sowed trays of seeds to add to the gardens at Steepleton Manor later this year.
Rachel Lewis, Activities Co-ordinator said, ‘We all enjoyed having green fingers and getting our hands dirty. The seeds will no doubt grow quickly in our warm home! One of our residents had spent many hours in his own garden, so was delighted to be able to sow seeds in the comfort of his chair’.
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