Providers making a difference
Over the course of the year more than 4,730 people received some sort of long-term care from Adult Social Care and we wanted to share some of the stories where direct care and support providers both from Council and external agencies are making a difference.
Pomp and Pageantry
We have had many big Royal events over the last year which have not gone unnoticed or uncelebrated by our providers.
In June, Belvedere Park Care Home residents celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in style. The residents proudly waved the Union Jack flag to commemorate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 70 years of service.
Unfortunately, later in the year on 8th September 2022, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away at the age of 96. To celebrate the life, reign and service of the Queen staff and residents at Copthorne Lodge Housing with Care scheme found heartfelt ways to celebrate, such as a memory tree; a tree in the foyer that people could write messages on a heart which were then hung on the tree.
They also shared memories;
"I watched the Queen's Coronation when I was about 2 or 3 and I thought how glamorous she was. I knew it was something special even then"
Residents also made black memorial ribbons and badges which they could keep as a souvenir.
Providers also looked forward to celebrating the coronation of King Charles III in May 2023.
Blue Light Bonanza
Coventry care home goes the extra mile for a blue light breakfast!
The Knowles Care Home was recognised in October by Dementia UK for their selfless gesture to a resident called Geoff living with Vascular Dementia in the home.
The manager decided to hold a ‘Blue light breakfast’ to help him reminisce on his days in the Police. Ex-colleagues were invited to take part in the day which saw a number of activities take place.
The relative of another resident said “She knows I am a serving Police Officer and told me about another care home resident Geoff who used to be a Traffic Police Officer in the 1970’s and 80’s, at the same station I was based’.
She wanted to do something special for him, by hosting a ‘Blue light breakfast’. I didn’t know Geoff but wanted to do something for a member of our Police family.
I agreed to help, and the idea quickly snowballed. The care home turned their carpark into a mock crime scene, I loaned an old-style traffic car, and invited some of Geoff’s old work colleagues along.
I took Geoff for a drive in the traffic car, and we all had breakfast together – it was a fabulous morning!
Small ideas can have a huge impact and create memories. To see Geoff enjoying the experience was completely humbling.”
Reminiscence can be a meaningful activity for people with Dementia, it makes a positive impact and can be an effective tool for improving wellbeing. Gestures such as this one from the Knowles offer joy to both the resident and their loved ones. Well done to the Knowles Care Home!
Story originally shared on a Dementia UK Facebook post.
Staying together and overcoming adversity
A mother and her son who has learning disabilities were subject to financial abuse being targeted by people who took their money and savings saying that the money would be used to help get them a new home. They measured the rooms making them believe that they were helping with a potential move. Safeguarding concerns were raised and investigations undertaken by the Police. They initially moved out of their property due to concerns that it wasn’t habitable, and that the son needed help with his care needs and to ensure he received support with health conditions including diabetes.
They were supported to consider a move to a Housing with Care scheme where they would each have their own flat, next door to each other. Lots of reassurance was needed alongside support with finances, appointments and purchasing furniture for both flats. Since moving they have settled very well and have made lots of new friends. Staff support the son’s care needs and ensure that his mum is involved with decision-making to help support her son.
They said;
‘I like living here because I feel safe and have met new friends’ (Son)
‘I have good memories of where I lived because I was born and grew up there with my family. This changed because there were people who were nasty and horrible. I could not sleep at night and was worried about my son all the time. I am now very happy in my new home and never want to move again, I am safe and happy’ (Mother)
Brendon gets out and about
Brendon is a 44-year-old man with learning disabilities and was referred to our Adult Social Care Outreach Support Service and we talked to him about what he wanted to achieve. We heard that he spent most of his time with his family, didn’t use public transport and didn’t have much experience with road safety and awareness.
Brendon has changed dramatically since he has received support, has achieved a lot of his outcomes and become much more confident.
Brendon now uses public transport. He also now attends various groups which he wasn't doing before. He attends woodwork at FarGo Village, where he makes his own way by public transport or by taxi. He attends a music group and he has met new people and joined a walking group, which he makes his own way there and back home. He has become confident, sociable and will try other social activities like going to the gym or any other events happening in the City.
Brendon’s parents said; ‘Since Brendon has received support from ‘Richard’ (Outreach Support Worker) we have noticed a change in Brendon’s character and confidence. He seems much happier within himself, more relaxed, more outspoken, conveying his sense of humour. The support has opened so many new doors and opportunities’.
Laura takes control
When Laura returned to work following an accident, she felt bullied and intimidated and experienced severe depression. Laura left work due to illness and poor mental health and was unable to keep up with her bills. She did not leave her house for several months. As part of the Mental Health Crisis Intervention Team’s response, she was referred to the Social Intervention Collective (SICol). With the support of our Adult Social Care Outreach Support Team it was clear social circumstances were affecting her health and wellbeing.
The team supported Laura with her mental health recovery and to regain control of her finances and apply for benefits.
Laura said; ‘You saved my life. I was going down a hole with no way back. You didn’t ever judge me and showed compassion to my situation. You were always on hand to deal with letters and contact companies that were demanding money. I still have my ‘off days’, but I am free of any debt which is a big relief. With my short-term memory condition, you gave me tools to remember things and I am really grateful to you for changing my life’.