care home Archives - Page 9 of 9

Dorchester Dancers are fantastic!

Posted on 10 April 20176 January 2025 by dukadmin

Residents and staff at Steepleton Manor Care Home were treated to a special dance performance when Dorchester Ballet and Dance Club visited in late March. The dancers aged from six to sixteen performed a variety of routines including ballet, tap and modern.

A packed audience including the dance teachers, parents of the dancers, residents and staff clapped and cheered and are hoping for a repeat performance soon.

Dorchester Ballet and Dance was founded in 1958 by Ann Hannay and Elizabeth Goodchild MBE, who wanted to “make dance available to all, regardless of age, wealth or ability”. Dorchester Ballet and Dance are a family-friendly not for profit organisation committed to providing dance classes for children and adults at an affordable price and maintaining standards of excellence in teaching for dancers of all abilities.

Altogether Care expands its high street presence

Posted on 31 March 20176 January 2025 by dukadmin

We have received a positive response to the opening of our three latest Care at Home offices in West Moors, Poole and Yeovil.

Our ‘Care at Home’ branches offer local people an opportunity to explore and arrange care services for their loved ones by popping into see our specialist staff, who can assist in arranging a wide spectrum of care services for people who wish to remain in their own home but may require regular assistance.

We have been astonished by the high take-up of our care service and the high degree of customer satisfaction and happiness. This, we believe, is due to the scope and reliability of our local service for local people and its pick and mix characteristics. The engagement of our staff and their commitment to providing the best service is so rewarding and exciting to be part of. Care at Home is an important part of the local health and social care infrastructure, and for many people it provides a lifeline and a chance to remain safe at home for longer.

St. Patrick’s Day unites care home residents

Posted on 24 March 20176 January 2025 by dukadmin

Weymouth Care Home, Steepleton Manor, and Sherborne House united last week and joined forces on St Patrick’s Day to celebrate all things Irish.

Residents and staff from all three care homes enjoyed live Irish music as Accordionist Louise Dukes led the way with Irish tunes such as ‘Danny Boy’, ‘Molly Malone’ and ‘The Galway Shawl’, and residents enjoyed making Shamrock shaped collages. Over 35 people clapped and sung along to old Irish favourites such as ‘Edelweiss’ and ‘It’s a long way to Tipperary’.

Irish flags, balloons and decorations were put up especially for the day. All staff and residents thoroughly enjoyed the celebrations!

Understanding Dementia Care

Posted on 20 March 20176 January 2025 by dukadmin

Understanding how to care and support a person suffering from Dementia can be a challenge. Dementia is the umbrella term for a wide range of symptoms linked with the decline of memory to a level which then affects a person’s ability to independently function as they once did. The most common form of Dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease but there are also many other forms of dementia which are less common but display similar symptoms and will have similar effects upon the person suffering.

Living with dementia can have a big emotional, social, psychological and practical impact on a person especially as the disease develops. Forgetting short term memories and finding themselves very confused can upset, frustrate and anger someone suffering. In some cases their long term memories will be their strongest and nostalgic environments, pictures and music can be the triggers to open them up.

As the disease develops and the person begins to forget more this can affect:

• Personality
• Confidence
• Social ability
• Independent abilities and skills – at the beginning this could include driving and cooking but as the disease is progressive can develop to feeding themselves and controlling bodily functions

Despite the biggest impact being on the person suffering from this disease, their carer’s, family and friends will also face a huge challenge adapting to support and care. This video portrays one man’s struggles coming to terms with how his wife has changed from suffering with Alzheimer’s Disease. Often families wish to keep their loved one at home for as long as possible, in familiar surroundings, where they can care for them. But as a progressive disease it often comes to a point where professional care is required in the form of a specialist care home.

It can be difficult to choose which care home will be most beneficial to your loved ones care needs. Altogether Care’s specialist dementia care home is Sherborne House. Person-centred care is principle in our philosophy, believing that those living with Dementia who are well supported by a professional team giving them their time and energy are more likely to lead fulfilling lives for longer. Sherborne House has been furnished and decorated with Dementia in mind, incorporating sensory touches and memory triggers that research has shown really benefits the cognitive process. Clinical care is supported with a healthy diet, using fresh ingredients and menus to suit all tastes and requirements and at times we will also call upon various alternative therapies such as; physiotherapy, reflexology Reiki and aroma-therapy to complement clients care needs.

We understand how difficult it can be to entrust a care home with a loved one who you have watched suffer from the changes of Dementia which is why we offer you to spend the day with us to really get a feel for our homes.

To find out more about the tailored care that we can offer you, get in touch 01305 300 161.

Gracie is a hoot with the residents!

Posted on 1 March 20176 January 2025 by dukadmin

Animal therapy for care home residents has been proven to enhance wellbeing and positively encourages interaction. Regular contact with animals can not only aid sensory stimulation but also brings smiles to many faces. Here at Altogether Care, we regularly receive visits from furry four and two-legged friends to enhance the lives of those who live with us.

Last week residents at Steepleton Manor Care Home enjoyed some animal therapy when Gracie the owl from a Dorset based Owl Sanctuary dropped in. Everybody enjoyed stroking Gracie, who seemed to be quite at home despite the fact that it was not night time!

Photo: Anne Dixon with Gracie.

Valentine’s Wine and Cheese

Posted on 21 February 20176 January 2025 by dukadmin

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.

National Pizza Day at Sherborne House

Posted on 17 February 20176 January 2025 by dukadmin

Regular group activity within a care setting provides residents with opportunities to engage with others as well as providing a creative outlet. Ensuring that residents are regularly involved in group tasks not only contributes to overall wellbeing but also aids stimulation and maintains an active mind.

Participation in a variety of group tasks ensures that residents regularly feel involved, happy, and at ease.

This month, residents and staff at Sherborne House marked National Pizza Day on the 9th February by making their own pizzas together. Everyone enjoyed tucking into their home-made creations!

Photo: residents Amy and Raymond prepare to layer on the cheese!

Wellbeing at the core of care

Posted on 14 February 20176 January 2025 by dukadmin

Wellbeing; the new concept for quality of life, covering both physical and mental capabilities & emotions.

As we age, we experience more aches and pains than before, we might not be able to walk as far as we once did or stay up as late as we used to. But what does this mean for the quality of our lives? Will we become more isolated because of it, will this make us lonely and how might we cope if we lose a loved one?

Understanding wellbeing and its importance to an individual’s life is at the very core of personal centred care.

The fundamentals for wellbeing may sound basic to some, but if they are not met they can have an astounding effect on somebody’s life. These fundamentals include:

• Personal – Feeling safe and being listened to, valued and respected
• Physical – Able to get the help they need, when they need it and how they need it
• Comfort – Live in a place that suits them and their lives
• Lifestyle – Are able to participate in the things that matter to them and that they enjoy

Person centred care is based on the care worker understanding your own individual life; this includes many aspects such as your needs & wants both physically and mentally and your favoured lifestyle choices. Understanding, appreciating and being considerate when caring for someone will be key to helping them maintain good wellbeing.

Altogether Care’s perfect balance was coined to ensure our personal approach embraces physical and emotional needs to deliver just the right balance between independent living and professional care. Enabling you to enjoy life as you want with the assurance of us at your side.

With a complete range of care options available from Altogether Care you can select the right choice for you and as your needs change over time, it is simple to change your care options to suit you. To find out more get in touch on 01305 300 161 or visit our homepage.

Sowing seeds for springtime

Posted on 26 January 20176 January 2025 by dukadmin

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’.

Look who dropped in for lunch…

Posted on 24 January 20176 January 2025 by dukadmin

Residents at Steepleton Manor Care Home had two surprise lunch guests when Alpacas Jimmy and Oliver dropped in to visit at the 29 bedroomed care home. 80 year old resident John Redhead shared a special greeting with Jimmy, who lives at Alpaca Adventure in Shaftesbury with 28 other Alpacas and their owner Wendy Williams.

Alpaca’s main diet is grass but they also enjoy hay and dried food which is specially prepared for them. They originate from South America and the average sized Alpaca stands around 4ft tall to the top of its back.

Both Jimmy and Oliver often visit care homes and other local community members so regularly enjoy a pat or a cuddle. Residents fed the Alpacas who also visited the rooms of residents who were unable to join the group in the lounge.

Rachel Lewis from Steepleton Manor said, ‘It was a delight for the Alpacas to visit some residents who were in bed and then see a bright smile come to their faces’.

An exercise class where nobody drops out!

Posted on 18 January 20176 January 2025 by dukadmin

Residents at Steepleton Manor Care Home started the New Year with a healthy exercise regime that includes a keep fit class with a difference.

‘Parachute class’ involves all participants holding onto a piece of the circular parachute and making waves by moving their arms up and down. Once a mushroom shape is achieved by each person lifting above their head a beach ball is added to incorporate volleyball to the class creating team work. Residents try to pass the ball underneath the raised parachute. Encouraging team work, exercise and interaction between residents and staff.

Rachel Lewis, from Steepleton Manor said, ‘Parachute games provide a good opportunity not only to exercise, but to have a good laugh and enjoy a bit of competition between each other. It’s a popular activity with the residents as well as the staff’.

Happy Birthday John Redhead

Posted on 11 January 20176 January 2025 by dukadmin

Steepleton Manor resident John Redhead celebrated his 80th birthday on 10th January.

He enjoyed a chocolate and strawberry birthday cake and was given a book. John, who loves to read, lived in Blackpool and taught English to overseas students after studying languages at university. Staff and residents joined John in celebrating his special birthday.

He has been a resident at Steepleton Manor for 17 months and was born in Middlesex.

Steepleton Manor – Highlights of 2016

Posted on 6 January 20176 January 2025 by dukadmin

Residents and staff enjoyed a bumper year of fun activities in 2016.

Here are just a few:

Oscar the therapy dog enjoys a visit to see the residents.

Biscuit the Barn Owl sits happily on the arm of a resident. Woodlands Hatch Wildlife Haven took several birds along in April to mark the Queen’s birthday.

‘Cheers’ to tea and cake. Residents and staff raised money for Macmillan’s Coffee Morning.

Resident John Redhead welcomes a friendly Alpaca from Longthorns Farm, near Wareham.

Resident Mara McGregor with just one of her famous portraits. Mara has painted HRH The Queen along with other members of the Royal family. She also enjoyed a trip to see the Queen again in Dorchester this year.

Happy and scary faces for Halloween.

Art and craft is a favourite at Steepleton Manor.

The Christmas Carol service by candlelight with local vicar, Jean Saddington.

Sarah-Jane with her dog ‘Trousers’, who visited this Christmas to help residents make festive decorations.

Looking forward to more fun and excitement for residents and staff in 2017!

Terry celebrates his 80th

Posted on 4 January 20176 January 2025 by dukadmin

Terry Harknett, a resident at Steepleton Manor Care Home celebrated his 80^th birthday on 14th December.

He marked the occasion with a special white chocolate birthday cake, golden balloon and a party which he shared with his friends and staff at the 29 bedroomed, Grade II listed Victorian manor house in the village of Winterbourne Steepleton, near Dorchester.

What to consider before moving into a care home?

Posted on 18 July 20166 January 2025 by dukadmin

If you think the time has come to move into a care home, choosing the right one is an important and often difficult decision.

But before making that choice, there are often other questions and considerations to take into account. And one of the most common, is whether to get any financial help?

Local authority support

Contrary to what many believe, care homes and in fact, all social care services – aren’t free. That said you may qualify for support from your local authority.

To find out, you first need to apply for a ‘care assessment’, to confirm the level of support your local authority believes you need. If you’re assessed as needing a care home place, you’ll then be means tested to find out if you can afford to pay or contribute towards the cost of your stay.

Means test

The means test looks at your regular income (pensions, benefits or earnings) and other capital (savings and investments, land and property and business assets).

As it stands, if you have capital of over £23,250, you have to pay the full cost of your care home stay. However, if you own your own home and your spouse still lives there, the property isn’t taken into account in the means test. If your capital is between £14,250 and £23,250, you’ll be expected to contribute some of the costs but if it’s below, you qualify for the maximum level of support.

Care home figures

Around 240,000 care home or nursing home residents qualify for financial help.

That’s out of a total of 426,000 elderly and disabled people in residential and nursing care according to a recent market survey by Laing and Buisson. Around 405,000 of them are aged 65 or over, although only 16% of people aged 85 or over in the UK live in care homes.

Interestingly, even though the number of people aged 65 rose 11% between 2001 and 2011, the care home resident population has increased by just 0.3% in that time. One explanation is the general improvement in people’s health as they age which therefore means they do not need to go into a care home as quickly or for as long compared to earlier years.

Choosing the right home

When it comes to making the decision about which home to choose the importance lies with the research that is done beforehand. A mixture of recommendations, reputation, the internet and actually visiting the home is likely to be used. But with 13685 care homes in England as reported by the CQC, it can be difficult knowing where to start.

It’s important to get the perfect balance between professional care and a personal approach. So that you feel at ease with your surroundings & the care workers and that you are getting the care that you need.

This is why Altogether Care are committed to providing the perfect fit care solution to meet your personal needs. Believing that care should always be person-centric, shaped around what is best for you and what you prefer.

If you or a loved one are considering what the best form of care may be for the future, contact Altogether Care who can discuss the range of care solutions available which can be tailored to your needs and requirements. Whether that is care at home, respite, specialist dementia or care homes – our commitment to your care is clear with every option.

To find out more visit the website or contact us directly on 01305 300 161.

It’s a hoot at Sherborne House

Posted on 13 July 20166 January 2025 by dukadmin

Sherborne House Care Home in Yeovil currently has 27 residents and this month they got up close and personal to a feathered friend who came for a visit.

Ruby Hillman, a resident at Sherborne House enjoyed stroking ‘Brecan’ the owl and along with other residents was treated to a talk on owl behaviour by Sharandys Birds of Prey.

Thank you for your visit Sharandys Birds of Prey – we all very much enjoyed having you.

Ivy and Riley share special birthday

Posted on 29 June 20166 January 2025 by dukadmin

Sherborne House Care Home in Yeovil enjoyed special celebrations on 24^th June when one of their much loved residents celebrated her 101^st birthday.

Ivy Platt, moved to Sherborne House Care Home in February of this year but was born in London. She has a daughter and two grandchildren. Now a widow, she once worked as a secretary and enjoys a glass of sherry and some milk chocolate. Ivy is a keen knitter and still wears cardigans she knitted herself.

On the same day Riley Marshall turned one and enjoyed meeting Ivy at Sherborne House Care Home. Riley’s Dad who works at the care home allowed him to come and join in the celebrations for Ivy’s big day. The two of them immediately hit it off.

Caroline Sharp, Manager at Sherborne House Care Home said, ‘It was a big day for both Ivy and Riley and they both enjoyed having some fun with their families and friends’.

Yeovil Care Home is a finalist

Posted on 10 May 20166 January 2025 by dukadmin

Sherborne House Care Home in Yeovil reached the finals of the Care Awards 2016 which was organised by Care Focus (South West). An awards evening took place on 22^nd April in Taunton with a total of twelve separate awards for those employed in the care sector. Sherborne House employs forty two staff and was short-listed for the Outstanding Care team Award.

Caroline Sharp, Manager at Sherborne House said, ‘Although we didn’t win we were delighted to be nominated and attend the event. My staff always work hard in everything that they do and they are all winners every day’. Sherborne House specialises in Dementia Care and is part of the Altogether Care Group.

Ben McGrail from BBC Somerset hosted the awards evening and presented each category winner with flowers. Guests enjoyed a three course meal and a disco.

For more information please contact Ellie Phillips PR on 07834 752200

Why choose Altogether Care?

Posted on 16 March 20166 January 2025 by dukadmin

As they say, you work for the majority of your life and you are at your work more than you are at home. So it is vitally important to do a job that you love and are passionate about for an employer who appreciates what you do for them.

A career in care is hugely satisfying, having the ability to make a positive difference to an individual and their families’ life. Positions in care offer varied work and with everyday being different it gives you the chance to develop your skills and knowledge further. Working so closely with individuals receiving care gives you the opportunity to develop rewarding relationships whilst providing the company many crave.

Altogether Care, are an independent family owned business that has been running for over 30 years. We have strong family values which are embedded within all of our Care Homes and Care at Home services. But what are the advantages of choosing us?

We aim to be the employer of choice; being caring, honest, open, involving, creative and ethical. We recognise that every member of our staff are our biggest asset and are therefore always striving to develop rewards and benefit initiatives to demonstrate this. Our benefits include a Government recognised pension, training and development programme, mileage allowance plus more.

Altogether Care has recently introduced a staff benefit scheme which includes: retail discount vouchers, child care vouchers, discounted holidays and travel insurance, various leisure and restaurant vouchers, a hospital plan and much more.

We are committed to providing the very best in terms of quality care, the same we would want for our own family, ensuring our residents are treated as individuals and with respect and dignity.

If you’d like to find out more on pursuing a career in care with Altogether Care please get in touch.

See what some of our staff have to say about working for us:

Ami (Field Care Supervisor, Care at Home, Bournemouth)

I love my job with Altogether Care because I am able to interact with both carers and clients whilst developing my supervisory skills. Working as a Field Care Supervisor has been a big confidence booster, as I have to communicate with a wide range of people; health and social care professionals, family members and fellow colleagues. I am seen as the ‘face’ of Care at Home (Bournemouth) and I get great job satisfaction dealing successfully with any staff or client queries or concerns.

I particularly enjoy completing the initial assessment with a new client as you really get to know them and their past history – it’s both rewarding and fascinating.

Altogether Care has opened up a lot of opportunities for me. I have completed the Level 5 in Health & Social Care & have attended various training courses to build my portfolio.

Above all, probably the best aspect of my job is that I am not just sitting in an office. I am out there, in the ‘field of care’ ensuring that our carers are delivering a consistently high standard of care to our service users, something which really enhances their comfort and day to day standard of living. It’s a great reason to get up in the morning!

Balanced, personal and professional

Posted on 21 December 20156 January 2025 by dukadmin

The nature of assistance with later life care has become one of the challenging issues within society; it is crucial for people to properly research all the options available to them.

A recent report from the Alzheimer’s Society found that of the people who did carry out research prior to choosing a support option; 74% of family members would recommend their loved one’s care home and 68% would rate the dementia care provided to their family member as good.

These figures very much reflect our experience of the delivering person centred elder care that enables individuals to maintain independence and enjoy a good quality of life.

It is extremely important to us that we achieve a positive balance between providing the personal, physical and emotional support needed whilst maintaining the highest level of professionalism.We remain a family business which allows us the freedom to continue to focus on the quality, integrity and personal nature of the care and support provided which places the personal wellbeing of our clients at the very heart of our business.

With a wide range of care and support options available you can be assured of the right level of care from either the comfort of your home or the comfort of one of ours. As your care needs change over time we can provide a service that fits around not only what is important for you but also what is important to you.

If you’d like to find out more about how we could help you or someone important to you, please get in touch.

Tag: care home