Many people wish that they could wear their pyjamas to work… and recently that wish came true for staff at Sherborne House, where both residents and staff participated in a pyjama day to raise money for charity.
The event was held to raise money for the Children’s Heart Foundation, in honour of Sebastian Leader who has undergone three heart operations. Residents and staff enjoyed a comfy day in their pyjamas, onesies and slippers, raising a total of £66.06.
Well done to all those involved!
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.
William the miniature donkey from Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary visited Steepleton Manor Care Home recently and took advantage of some extra fuss and attention from staff and residents. Daphne Morrison, 99, (pictured) made the most of meeting him.
For some residents, it stirred up memories of the past and for others it simply provided the chance to stroke an animal usually found in fields, on beaches or in Christmas Nativity events.
Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary is a charity so all proceeds from their visit will go directly to help rescue donkeys. The charity rescues and cares for donkeys both in the UK and worldwide and was formed in 1969 by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen, MBE.
We are proud to sponsor the team kit for Verwood Ladies football team, who play on Tuesdays at Potterne Park. The team have won a number of matches since they formed in 2015, and despite finishing one from the bottom of the league last season, they are now fifth place in the Dorset Women’s league.
Karla Jordan, defensive midfield, said, ‘We currently have around twenty players and the club is looking to enter the South West Women’s league next season. We have fantastic training facilities and a great pitch. We are working closely with Verwood Girls, and always looking to grow our squad. It’s important to develop the future of women’s football locally and beyond’.
Photo: Verwood Ladies Football Team
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.
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.
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
Loneliness is a feeling that many people will experience at least once in their lives, whether
it’s from being isolated at school, moving to university, becoming a stay at home parent, having mobility issues, bereavement or retiring. The feeling for many cannot be described easily, it is not only emotional but it can also affect overall physical and mental health.
Our outlook on life can also be affected, which then makes for a vicious circle, becoming ever more socially isolated and lonely.
The group to be most affected by loneliness is often older people; a mixture of retirement, loss of a partner, difficulties with independence & mobility and not living close to their family can make loneliness a sad inevitability. Research from Age UK indicates 200,000 older people in the UK have not had a conversation with friends or family for a month and 3.9 million agree their television is their main form of company. So what can be done to beat loneliness before it strikes?
Social activity
Social activity is important in all walks of life – it gives us the opportunity to talk, engage in hobbies and get out and about. Loneliness is often associated with social isolation so part of beating this issue can be found in the engagement with social activities. Dancing clubs, art and book groups, charity volunteering and befriending programmes are a great way to maintaining wellbeing whilst being social.
Knowing who can help
It can be difficult to get the ball rolling; knowing where to find clubs, the ability to access them and keeping the momentum going. But there are many organisations out there to help – British Red Cross run many local projects to help older people retain their independence and beat loneliness. Age UK is another great source of advice, guidance and local projects to help combat loneliness.
For those in care, accessing different clubs can be more difficult however, social activity can be promoted through clubs, entertainment and activities being brought to you. This is something that is seen at Altogether Care. Having an active social calendar within homes encourages social interaction, gives variance between the days and promotes wellbeing. Even if your loved one is coming to stay for a short period of respite care, we still encourage them to get involved with social activities which they may not get the chance to normally.
Nobody should feel alone when it can be so easily combatted.
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.
Terry Harknett, a resident at Steepleton Manor Care Home celebrated his 80th 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.
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!
As you grow older, you may begin to discover you need a little support with the day to day tasks than you did when you were younger; this of course is a natural cycle of life. There may come a time when you would like to receive a more comprehensive level of support and begin to consider the options available; assisted living, residential care and nursing care. When considering what is right for you or someone close to you it is likely that the priorities will be ensuring it is within the location you’d prefer, with the facilities you require, that the staff team are experienced and qualified to provide the support and that it feels like somewhere you could call home.
When you are seeking support in later life, it’s important to find a home that will offer assistance and activities which keep you stimulated and that contributes positively towards a good quality of life. The importance for us is to always provide support that is person focussed, treating you as an individual and shaping the support provided around your care needs and those things which are important to you which make life fun and enjoyable. Altogether care’s residential and nursing home Steepleton Manor is an example of a service which meets both of these priorities admirably.
The Grade 2 listed Victorian manor house, benefits from a well-stocked library, fine food freshly prepared each day, hair dressing salon, kitchen garden, swimming pool and croquet lawn.
The in-house activities co-ordinator facilitates a variety of programmes designed to help you to stay active, alert and engaged. Our team of qualified experienced elder care nurses and support staff can support you with residential, respite and nursing care in a setting that has character and charm located in the heart of Thomas Hardy’s Dorset, worlds away from the feel that so many other services in the care sector offer.
For more details on Steepleton Manor or any of our other care options please contact us today. We welcome visitors and would be really happy for you to come by and meet the team to see the manor for yourself. Over tea and homemade biscuits in the library our experienced and supportive team can explain how the care and support will work for you, they can offer you an assessment of your needs and clearly explain how much the support will cost and the options available for payments.
We look forward to hearing from you.
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.
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