Oak Springs’ residents kick off Grand National fun!

Care home residents kick off Grand National fun…

Residents at Oak Springs Care Home in Liverpool got into the spirit of the Grand National with a special event today (Thursday).

The care home, part of Sandstone Care Group, held its annual open day and encouraged residents to celebrate the first day of the world-famous horse-racing festival.

Residents were visited by rescue pony ‘Merlin’, from Woodlands Animal Sanctuary, while live entertainment and glasses of fizz added to the race day atmosphere.

The day was rounded off with everyone having the chance to place their bets and cheer on their horses.

Earlier in the week, residents put their crafting skills to the test as they created homemade hats and fascinators, with prizes for the ‘best dressed’.

Resident Terence Symes, 72, said: “We made our hats together this week and I have been eager to get mine on and have a great afternoon with everyone!”

The Aintree-themed event was part of the care home’s open day, inviting members of the public to take a look around the 74-bed purpose-built centre.

Andrea Lyon, Care Home Manager at Oak Springs, said: “Our activities coordinators at Oak Springs have done it again – we have brought Aintree Racecourse to Oak Springs and it’s great to see the home being transformed.

“Today’s nod to the Grand National and its deep history is a fantastic opportunity for our residents to chat and reminisce together about their memories of watching and attending the races.

“We always love getting everyone together for our open day and it’s a great way to bring residents together and get into the spirit!”

 

Sisters celebrate National Siblings Day at Burscough Manor

National Siblings Day is a chance to celebrate just how much our brothers and sisters mean to us.

It was created by American Claudia Evart, who lost her sister Lisette and older brother Alan as a young child; the former paralegal developed a national holiday to remember them, falling on her sister’s birthday, April 10.

And today a Burscough care home celebrated siblings who work together at Sandstone Care Group.

Kirsty Faulkner, 38, and her sister Gemma Ivanov, 39, work together at Burscough Manor Care Home on Liverpool Road.

Kirsty is a Non-Clinical Deputy Manager with a 20-year career working in care, and Gemma, a Senior Care Assistant, has worked in care for 14 years.

The sisters have been working together for almost two years, starting at Ribble Court Care Home and moving over to Burscough Manor when Sandstone acquired it.

So, how do the sisters like working together?

Kirsty said: “We see each other more and, as we don’t live close, it’s a blessing.

“We work in the same way and share the same work ethic. We finish each other’s sentences all the time and the residents love the fact we are sisters. I am not a ‘stresser’ and Gemma is the opposite, so I am known to keep my sister calmer throughout our shifts!”

Gemma agrees that younger sister, Kirsty, has a calming effect on her.

“It’s the extra support she gives me,” she said.

“We trust each other and that makes the job very easy. I can always call on her when I need help. I have struggled with anxiety in past, and to know she is here gives me real comfort, she picks up when I’m stressed and helps me get through it. Even though she is my little sister, I am proud of her being my manager and couldn’t think of anyone better to do the job she does.”

#NationalSiblingsDay2024 #ItsaSiblingThing

 

     

Telford Hall offers free workshop on caring for loved ones with dementia

Telford Hall Care Home opened its doors to members of the public to help them understand how to better care for their friends and family with dementia

Families and loved ones of those living with dementia will have the chance to get expert advice as part of a series of workshops being launched by Sandstone Care Group.

The first workshop, held on Wednesday 20 March at Lawley Bank Court, next to Telford Hall Care Home in Shropshire, offered participants invaluable insights and practical strategies to support and assist their friends and family members facing dementia-related challenges.

The four-hour session was hosted by Jay Chaplin, Sandstone Care’s Regional Training and Development Manager, who has more than three decades of experience in the care sector. It focused on empowering attendees with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the changing needs of individuals with dementia.

Now, following the workshop’s success, a number of sessions have been planned, with the next one being scheduled for Thursday 16th May.

Jay said: “Caring for individuals with dementia can be really challenging, so it’s vital that we can provide support and education to help people to get a better understanding of how best to give care in these circumstances.

“Our workshops equip family members and friends with effective strategies to enhance the quality of care and support for their loved ones.”

The workshop, which was free to attend, covered various topics including understanding dementia, identifying triggers, and addressing concerns that impact the lives of individuals with dementia and their caregivers.

Attendees were provided with comprehensive handouts and were also given the opportunity to tour Telford Hall Care Home, which offers specialist nursing, dementia, and residential care services, as well as short-term respite stays.

The workshop received overwhelming support from the local community, with attendees expressing appreciation for the valuable insights they gained and the opportunity to ask for expert advice.

Following its success at Telford Hall, the workshop scheme is set to be rolled out across other Sandstone homes, giving more families the chance to access vital support.

Valerie Herbert, Area Manager for Sandstone Care Group, said: “We’re committed to fostering a supportive environment for both residents and their families.

“With these workshops, our goal is to empower caregivers with the knowledge and resources needed to provide compassionate and effective care to their loved ones.

“It can be incredibly daunting and overwhelming when a family member starts showing signs of dementia, so we want to give a helping hand to these people when they need it most.

“We’d encourage anyone interested in learning more about how to care for people with dementia to come along to our next session.”

 

Priesty Fields Care Home opens its doors for three-day community event

Priesty Fields Care Home invited the local community to explore the facilities and enjoy activities and entertainment across three consecutive days in March.

Priesty Fields Care Home in Congleton is one of nine homes across the country managed by Sandstone Care Group, which offers residential, nursing, respite, and tailored professional care services.

On Friday 15th, Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th March, the home is gave visitors the chance to look around the facilities, which include 78 bedrooms fitted with en-suite wet-rooms; spacious lounges; dining rooms; a cinema room; and a hair and beauty salon.

On Friday, Red Nose Day celebrations kicked off the weekend open event, with residents and staff donning their red noses in aid of Comic Relief.

And, over the course of the weekend there was plenty going on at Priesty Fields to keep visitors entertained, from arts and crafts activities to live entertainment.

Cheshire’s Silk Radio provided the musical backdrop, broadcasting live from Priesty Fields on Friday from 10.30am-3pm and interviewing staff live on air about the open day.

On Sunday, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations got underway, with themed activities and music to get everyone into the spirit. Green themed arts and crafts activities, an Irish pub quiz, and even a tipple of Guinness in the home’s Gastropub were available to enjoy.

The Beartown Rickshaw took residents to get out in the fresh air, travel slowly, meet people, chat with their driver and enjoy a relaxing ride. They offer free leisure rides to anyone experiencing social isolation or limited mobility who wants to get out in the fresh air safely and securely. They travel to Congleton Park, Astbury Mere, Biddulph Valley Way, or ride around Congleton town.

Even the Mayor of Congleton, Cllr Rob Moreton, made an appearance.

Priesty Fields’ Home Manager Gill Williams hopes people in the local area considering a care home for their loved ones enjoyed the opportunity to have a look around.

She said: “At Priesty Fields we have brilliant facilities and compassionate, knowledgeable staff delivering a high level of person-centered care to all of our residents.

“With our weekly activities roster, our residents are encouraged to keep up their treasured hobbies or try new ones, keeping them active and engaged.

“This open weekend was a chance for anyone in the local area facing the difficult decision to place their family member in residential care to see how wonderfully looked after our residents are.”

 

 

Inseparable family trio share their secret to working together this Mother’s Day

Grandmother, mother and daughter team say their special bond helps create a “rewarding experience”

A three-generation family have shared their unique experiences of working together and how it has helped them flourish in their roles, to mark Mother’s Day.

Felicity Roberts works alongside her mum, Michelle Kidd, plus her daughter, Sophie Rickard, at Fleetwood Hall Care Home and believes their close bond is the key to success in their individual jobs.

Felicity, who is currently activities co-ordinator at the 62-bed home, moved to the North West with her family back in 2016 and quickly fell in love with working in the care sector.

From the kitchen to laundry, plus caring for residents, Felicity has worked across various roles and was keen to bring both her mum and daughter on to the team.

Felicity, 39, said: “We relocated to the area from the South East as we wanted a slower pace and to be able to give the children a better quality of life, and we haven’t looked back once.

“That’s largely due to being able to build a career at Fleetwood Hall and, importantly, being able to work alongside my mum and Sophie every day. The three of us, plus my younger daughter, have a very close bond and have all previously lived with one another and will often go on holidays together, so we know each other inside out.

“Working under the same roof and knowing each other so well means we can support each other when needed as we know when one may need a little encouragement or, sometimes, some no-holds-barred honesty…that’s certainly the key for us!

“It’s also extra special for me to watch Sophie train as a care practitioner and watch her grow and develop her skills to help enhance the lives of our residents here. Similarly, I feel very lucky to be able to spend so much time with my mum – life can become very busy and I’m sure there would be times when we would struggle to make time for each other if we didn’t work together.”

Nineteen-year-old Sophie joined Fleetwood Hall three years ago as a domestic assistant, before moving on to training as a care practitioner, supporting residents with their everyday care.

Sophie said: “Working with family can be such a rewarding experience, as it often means you are surrounded by people who genuinely care about you beyond the workplace.

“There’s a strong sense of loyalty that’s hard to find elsewhere plus, you get to share successes and tackle challenges together, which can bring you all closer.

“Of course, we have to make sure we stay professional at work and, if anything’s going on in our family home life, we make sure to leave it at the door and pick it back up outside of work!”

A residential and dementia care home, Fleetwood Hall will be making Mother’s Day extra special for residents on Sunday with a home-cooked roast dinner, plus special cards and flowers being handed out.

Michelle, 56, who works as a laundry assistant, said: “Sophie and I will be working on Sunday and then I will be heading to see Felicity for dinner, so we will all get to see each other at some point throughout the day.

“I have been in my granddaughter’s life from the beginning and was even present at her birth, so to be able to work alongside her and watch her grow into such a beautiful and caring young lady is a pleasure. It’s rare to have generations together in one place other than special occasions so I feel very privileged.”

Joanne Warren, Care Home Manager, said: “It’s clear to anyone who meets them that Michelle, Felicity and Sophie have a very close connection and our residents will often comment on how lovely and unique they are to be able to work together.

“It takes a certain bond to be able to work with family, but I think these three ladies have certainly discovered the secret!”

 

 

Are you interested in progressing your care career?

Apprenticeships are often thought of as an alternative to traditional education routes such as A Levels and university for school leavers, but they are also useful for starting a new career, or progressing in your career, later on in life.

We spoke to Lisa Dixon, a Senior Care Practitioner at St Helens Hall Care Home, about how her Level 3 Team Leader Supervisor Apprenticeship has allowed her to learn on the job and take the next step from her Care Practitioner role with Sandstone Care’s support.

  • Tell us about you and your career so far

When I left school, I went to college and studied Nursery Nursing to Level 3. I then worked in a nursery for 10 years, progressing my career as far as possible. During the pandemic, I became interested in caring for older people; I’d had a relative diagnosed with dementia and, through learning about the condition, decided this was the route I’d like to go down.

I really empathised with the need to care for vulnerable adults – dementia is such a complex illness, and it must be so difficult to experience when there is no cure, for both the individual and their loved ones. I decided to change careers and applied to work at St Helen’s Hall, moving to the area from Widnes. Here, I started as a Care Practitioner and excelled in my role, with Sandstone giving me amazing opportunities for training and development. After I was fully trained in medications, I was approached by managers to take up a Senior Care Practitioner role, which I would need to take a Level 3 in Team Leader Supervisor apprenticeship for. I couldn’t say no!

  • What apprenticeship are you studying and what does it involve?

I’m studying a Level 3 Team Leader Supervisor apprenticeship while working full time on nights at St Helens Hall. The apprenticeship covers everything you would need to know to lead a team at a care home, from the financial side of things to the day-to-day running of a care home, going over policies and procedures, and safeguarding for residents. I catch up with my course tutor every three weeks and do a mixture of assignments and practical exams.

  • What made you want to do an apprenticeship?

I was put forward for a senior position which would require me to undertake further training. It’s great that I was able to be promoted into the position straight away and do my learning on the job. I’ve always worked in care-related roles and love what I do. When I saw senior managers administering medications and making sure our residents’ health was looked after carefully, I knew that’s what I wanted to do.

  • What’s your current role and what do you enjoy most about it?

As a Senior Care Practitioner at St Helens Hall, no two days are the same. I’m always on my feet and the role requires me to be forward thinking and adaptable. I really enjoy that I’m always learning something new – we often get new residents with a new condition which I enjoy researching and learning about. I’m really lucky to learn from the brilliant carers working alongside me as we all have different experiences and knowledge to share. When district nurses come to the home to administer care, I pick up on their expertise and use the opportunity to ask questions about how I can support our residents.

  • What do you plan to do after you’ve completed your apprenticeship?

I’m looking forward to completing my course and being a fully-fledged Senior Care Practitioner. In the future I’d love to progress to become a night manager. I’m already trained to help new recruits with their training and it’s wonderful to support the development that Sandstone offers its staff. I plan to stick with Sandstone for rest of my career – the support they have given me has been second to none.

  • What would you say to anyone considering an apprenticeship later in their career?

Don’t think about it, just do it! It’s the best thing I ever did. At 33, I thought apprenticeships were just for school leavers and that, financially, it wouldn’t be doable for me with bills and a mortgage to pay. I couldn’t have been more wrong, and with the support of my managers, I’ve been able to advance my career. It’s definitely the way forward for anyone who wants to change or grow their career later on in life.

Sandstone Care Group has nine homes located across the North West and the Midlands. For more information, visit www.sandstonecare.co.uk

#SandstoneCareers

Couples at care home share their secrets to ever-lasting love

Monica and Ron, Burscough Manor Care Home

Couples at a care home in West Lancashire are marking Valentine’s Day by sharing their secrets to ever-lasting love.

The lovebirds, who have collectively been married for an impressive 90 years, live at Burscough Manor care home in Ormskirk, one of nine homes managed by Sandstone Care Group.

As they celebrated their happy marriages on Wednesday February 14th, they reminisced on their relationships and happy memories over the years.

Ron and Monica Mason have been living at Burscough Manor since March 2023. The happy couple from Liverpool met at work at the old Birds Eye Factory in Kirkby, and would often go out dancing in Liverpool together.

Their favourite memories include family holidays with their four children to Majorca and Turkey. Their children now have children of their own, meaning there are lots of grandchildren to dote on.

At Burscough Manor, Ron and Monica celebrated Valentine’s Day with a romantic meal and attended a Valentine’s Day party for all residents, where they reminisced on their fondness for going out dancing together.

When asked how they have kept their spark for 25 years, Monica said: “Listening to each other helps, as does taking space from each other when you’re fed up – absence makes the heart grow fonder!”

Ron joked: “I can do what I want – as long as I’ve asked Mon!”

Another couple at the home, Bob and Joan Liggett, have been married for a spectacular 65 years and share three sons together.

The married couple are from Liverpool and met in a dance hall in the late 1950s. Joan says she “always wanted to be Bobby’s girl”. So, when Bob proposed to Joan, she said yes without hesitation.

Bob and Joan ran a pub together in Liverpool where they spent 20 happy years serving thirsty customers together, before moving premises to a city centre pub on London Road for a further five years.

They also marked Valentine’s Day with a romantic meal at the care home and joined in on the party, for which Sandstone Care Group arranged a live singer to entertain the loved-up couples.

Joan said the key to their marriage is good old-fashioned love. “I love Bob, and he loves me – I hope!”

 

Liverpool care home residents ‘dig for dignity’

Dig for Dignity

Green-fingered residents at a Liverpool care home put their gardening skills to the test by creating their very own garden room and planting a ‘tree of dignity’.

Residents at Oak Springs Care Home in Wavertree joined together to mark Dignity Action Day with a ‘Dig for Dignity’, by potting plants, scattering wild flower seeds and planting a new apple tree in their courtyard.

The group of residents worked with their carers to create a new garden room offering a place of peace and tranquillity, and a space to enjoy all year round.

As part of the day, they also shared their thoughts on what ‘dignity’ meant to them and why it was important.

Ann Hives, 84, said: “Dignity at our age is extremely important, especially as we become less able to do the things we may have taken for granted during our lives.

“So, being surrounded by people who respect you, have manners and are sociable means the world. Getting together with everyone to plant our new tree and help create our new garden room has been fantastic – I’m looking forward to what else we can add and watching our flowers bloom!”

Taking place on 1st February, Dignity Action Day raises awareness of the importance of dignity in care, health and care providers the chance to stage an extra special day.

Following their day of gardening, residents at Oak Springs, which is run by Sandstone Care Group, are now looking forward to enjoying their new space and adding to their collection of plants, trees and shrubs.

Andrea Lyon, Care Home Manager, said: “Each year, we make sure we celebrate Dignity Action Day, so this year we thought we would get everyone together for a spot of gardening.

“We have been discussing with our residents what they would like to see in our outdoor areas and they told us they wanted more colour and a place to take in their surroundings.

“The garden room will hopefully be somewhere they can go and enjoy with fellow residents or even when their loved ones come to visit.

“We’re now looking forward to seeing how our garden spaces take shape as we move into the Spring, and we involve more of our residents in growing our flowers, plants and trees.”

   

Superstar worker recognised with award

An employee at Oak Springs Care Home in Merseyside who goes “above and beyond” in her role has come out on top as the latest ‘Sandstone Star’.

Sharon Tague, who is a Laundry, Domestic, and Bank Care practitioner for Sandstone Care Group, has been given the accolade thanks to her positivity and empathy, which saw employees, residents, friends and family nominate her for the employee recognition award.

Sandstone Care Group’s nine homes each have a suggestion box stationed in the foyer along with an online form, where employees, residents, friends and family can leave a short note in recognition of the colleagues whose hard work makes a difference to residents. These notes, called ‘High-5s’, are then sent on to the recipients in a golden envelope so they can see the positive impact of their work.

Sharon was awarded Employee of the Month for her home in December 2023 when Oak Springs Home Manager, Andrea Lyon, reviewed the High-5 nominations and picked a winner.

She said of Sharon: “Sharon always goes above and beyond to help on the units at the drop of a hat, even offering to cover care roles at the last minute. She has a broad skill set as she was a care practitioner earlier in her career, and she is also medications trained.

“She keeps this knowledge up to date so that she can help when needed, despite having moved into a housekeeping role due to personal circumstances.

“Whatever she is doing, Sharon is polite and respectful to both residents and visitors and always does it with a big smile.”

All Employees of the Month from the previous Quarter are then considered for the position of Sandstone Star, with the chance to win a bouquet of flowers, a bottle of fizz and £100.

Out of 24 nominations, Sharon and her dedication to Sandstone’s values stood out.

Having worked for Oak Springs Care Home since April 2018, Sharon carries out numerous roles at the facility, with colleagues praising her positive attitude and eagerness to help others, whether it be taking up extra shifts or providing exceptional care to the home’s residents.

Sharon said: “I am in complete shock. All my colleagues work to exceptional standards, and I am honoured to be part of this amazing team and to be recognised for my dedication to Sandstone Care.

“I love working to assist the residents of Oak Springs and I am glad my work reflects this.”

Launched in 2022, the Sandstone Stars initiative celebrates the hard work and commitment of Sandstone Care Group’s colleagues. Staff have the opportunity to scoop Quarterly Awards with the chance to win £100, a bottle of fizz and a bouquet of flowers.

Steven Hamblett, Operations Director, said: “Sharon demonstrates a real team player approach by going above and beyond the expectations of her role. Despite her circumstances meaning she had to give up her job of choice in care, she has maintained her skills and training to help when needed, and regularly offers to provide cover in other roles even if it means huge personal sacrifice.

“Sharon very clearly demonstrates our values in her work, particularly positivity and empathy for her team and residents. We are incredibly lucky to have her with us at Sandstone Care. Well done to Sharon, our very deserved winner!”

Jay Chaplin, Regional Training Manager, added: “Sharon is completely dedicated to Oak Springs, keeping up with medications competency and training to ensure she can help with care when required, even though this is not part of her main role.

“As a versatile and compassionate employee, she is a valued member of housekeeping as well as the care bank team and we’re so pleased to see her hard work recognised with this award.”

 

Longridge Hall Care Home opens its own pub for residents

Residents of Longridge Hall Care Home don’t have to travel far to enjoy a pub experience – they only need to nip into the next room.

For the care home near Preston in Lancashire has just opened its own in-house pub for its residents. And it is proving a big hit.

Christened The Lodgers Arms and complete with its own bar, lounge furniture, pub games and a range of alcoholic and soft drinks, the venue was the idea of staff and residents.

The home’s Registered Manager Tracey Hartley said: “We had a chat with residents and family members about an unused space on the ground floor that we wanted to do something a bit different with.

“It was agreed that a traditional pub would benefit a lot of residents and would also create a great social space that can be used by all.

“We’ve spent the past few months decorating the room and getting it all ready for its official opening over the Christmas period. We’ve had a brilliant response from residents and their families who love its atmosphere. It feels just like going to a real pub, is a real social occasion, and it is bringing back some lovely memories for our residents.

“Everyone in the home who wants to pop into The Lodgers Arms can do so and if anyone needs care assistance then we’re right at hand.”

Resident Arthur Fowler, 88, said: “Having our own in-house pub is a fantastic idea and a great addition to the care home. I don’t have to go far for a good pint and it’s also a great place to meet my friends in the home.”

Resident Edward Platt, 86, said: “It’s grand in The Lodgers Arms and I’m looking forward to spending more time in here!”

The home’s Activities Coordinators are planning weekly gentlemen’s afternoons to be held in the pub throughout the year.

This month will also see the start of quarterly dementia coffee mornings in the space with local professionals attending. The venue will also be available for relatives to book for any birthdays or celebrations.