You may be aware that Zoe, myself, Mike (our Pharmacist) and his wife Sarah signed up for a raft race in aid of Sussex Sailability – a local charity that opens up the world of sailing to the disabled.
Several weeks ago our raft was created and on her initial venture onto the water …. sank!
More buoyancy was added and we arrived at the start line on Saturday full of expectation, hope and excitement!
The canon sounded for the start of the race from Jubilee Green to a mark just before the Norfolk road bridge and back.
It was lovely to see so many familiar faces in the crowds both along the shore and also on the pedestrian bridge – all shouting encouragement.
There were rafts of all shapes and sizes and as we approached the turn we were contesting 2nd place with a raft made on drainage pipes crewed by 8 guys who managed to pull away from us as we finished 3rd!
The Sussex Yacht Club hosted the event and it was there we headed back to for the prize giving.
Plans are already being made for next years race which will be in June.
Last week we held our regular staff meeting which as always was very well attended!
Preeda and Steve worked their magic in the kitchen to provide a wonderful buffet which was enjoyed by everyone.
We use these meetings to update our colleagues on all aspects of the Home and gives everyone the opportunity to discuss ideas etc in a group.
We also share any feedback we have had from our residents and their families – which I am pleased to say was very positive.
Equality & Diversity is now very much in the news and we have introduced this to our mandatory training this year. To support diversity we have given all staff present a multicoloured lanyard which are very eye catching.
Being in such a rewarding industry we always try to recognise our colleagues and we recently heard of a new initiative to celebrate those that work in Care. The Care badge – again we gave all staff present a badge which I’m sure will be worn with pride! You can find out more about this new incentive by following the link below:
We are always looking at ways to improve and so when a member of staff suggested introducing a ‘Resident of the day’ we set about putting it in place.
The resident of the day is asked to choose their favorite food for Breakfast, Lunch and Supper and also offered the opportunity to tell us all about themselves with a sherry before lunch.
On the day they will meet:
The Chef on duty to ensure we know the residents likes/dislikes and to discuss any new ideas for menus.
one of our deputy managers (Debs or Brenda).
one of our Care supervisor (Emma, Lucy or Sheri).
our local Pharmacist Mike Slator will attend with our Deputy manager to review medication and to answer any questions relating to it.
one of the housekeeping team to ensure they are happy with how their room is cleaned as well as their laundry.
Zoe & myself.
The idea being that this gives our residents an opportunity to discuss ideas and to ask questions about the care they receive, which may also assist other residents while feeling special for the day.
Lottie was asked if she would like to be our first resident of the day and we didn’t have to wait long for her decision!
Carrie spent time with her planning her day and agreed with Preeda the menu Lottie had selected.
Breakfast: Scramble egg, tomatoes and crispy bacon.
Lunch: Cold meat salad.
Supper: Caviar, Crackers and salad.
Lottie spoke to her family who arranged to bring in some clothes she had made in the past and she explained to everyone in the conservatory who she made them for and what the materials were. Lottie told us about what she had done in the past, countries she had visited, jobs she had had and everyone had a very enjoyable time. Lottie’s son also shared the occasion with us.
Lottie is a keen card player and offered to teach any other residents a few games and so an evening game was arranged.
As you can see Lottie had a lovely day especially the caviar and not forgetting the prosecco!
Thank you to Lottie for sharing her memories with us and also to everyone who made her day so special, she has asked to choose the next resident of the day and has said that we should do it more often!
Each year we are happy to accommodate Steyning Grammar School request for work experience placements for students looking to gain experience of the Care sector.
This year we welcomed Chris and Charlie who were brilliant assisting our residents and staff in the communal areas.
Both Chris and Charlie spent time talking to the residents and hearing about their experiences and were keen to learn more about caring.
Charlie – “I chose to learn about care to gain skills to help others who may struggle with day to day tasks”
Chris – “In the future I would like to care and help younger people with mental health issues. Learning to care for a wide variety of people with different needs will provide good experience. Many of my close family already work in care.”
Everyone at Valerie Manor wishes them both all the best for the future and thank you for all your help.
