Thursday, 7 August 2025

Rain or Shine, Nursing Home’s Annual BBQ Welcomes Loved Ones

Hatherleigh Nursing Home in Okehampton, Devon, held its annual family BBQ for its relatives, friends and family members (residents). This event is usually held in the nursing homes modern outdoor living space, however despite the unpredictable Devon weather, the BBQ still went ahead in full force – this time indoors. Home Manager Ashley commented, “It takes more than a storm to dampen spirits at Hatherleigh!”.

The purpose built nursing home welcomed around 40 relatives into their indoor living spaces. Chef, Faye, cooked up a delicious indoor BBQ grill with burgers, sausages, and an array of salads for everyone to enjoy. “I’ve never seen it so packed here, the atmosphere was brilliant, everyone tucked into the BBQ and ice cream whilst it was chucking it down outside, everyone was laughing about it,” said Administrator, Tamsin.

Cold N Rolled was also welcomed back after last year’s success, a unique, family-run business offering a fun and interactive ice cream experience. Their setup in the doorway of the home’s cinema room allowed those to watch their desserts being freshly crafted with an array of different flavours and toppings to choose from.

Hatherleigh Nursing Homes annual family BBQ continues to be a success, rain or shine each year, bringing loved ones together and using that time to strengthen bonds within their care community. The event reflects the home’s commitment to delivering well-led, meaningful experiences as part of a responsive approach to family members needs and preferences.

Hatherleigh Nursing Home’s Annual BBQ Welcomes Loved Ones

Hatherleigh Nursing Home’s Annual BBQ Welcomes Loved Ones

If you would like to learn more about Hatherleigh Nursing Home, please visit https://www.hatherleighnursinghome.com/lifes-journey-continued/

Tuesday, 5 August 2025

A Day in the Life - From Domestic to Care Assistant at Devon Care Home

At Edenmore Nursing Home in Ilfracombe, care is more than a job – it’s a community, a purpose, and a chance to be part of something bigger than yourself. Every act of kindness, every shared smile, and every moment of support adds up to something truly meaningful. Our team is united by the desire to make a real difference in people’s lives. Every member brings their own story, their own spark, and their own strengths, working together to create a place of dignity, compassion, and belonging. Being a care assistant at Edenmore means knowing that what you do each day matters – not just to those you care for, but to the whole community.

Daisy is one such person - this is the story of someone who began by keeping things clean and tidy in the background, playing a vital role in creating a safe, welcoming environment. Over time, she found her purpose on the frontline of care, growing into a different role where she continues to support others and make a meaningful impact. Her journey shows that at Edenmore, every role matters – and everyone has the opportunity to grow and find meaning in the work they do.

When someone starts at Edenmore, regardless of their position whether in care, domestic, maintenance or any other role, everyone takes part in the same training. This shared foundation means that everyone understands the core values of compassion, dignity, and person-centred care. It also opens up the possibility for growth and change. If someone, like Daisy, discovers a different passion or calling after joining, they already have the knowledge and support to explore that new path.

Daisy’s Journey in to Care

Having moved from Birmingham to North Devon in 2023, Daisy joined the Edenmore team at just 18 as a Domestic Assistant, keeping the home clean, safe and homely. As a Domestic Assistant, you naturally begin forming relationships with the people living in the home but without being directly involved in their personal care. Over time, Daisy felt drawn to becoming more involved; to support the family members she’d built connections with in a more meaningful and personal way. It was this connection that led her to explore a new career path in care.

Foundations of Care

Daisy first spoke with Gayle, Edenmore’s Home Manager, and shared that she felt she would find greater fulfilment working in a care role. Gayle encouraged her to explore this further, and she was soon put forward for shadow shifts, where she joined a new team - learning the role while working together towards the shared goal of maintaining dignity, encouraging independence and a continuation of life for family members.

A Typical Day at Edenmore

Mornings

‘A day to day at Edenmore begins at 7:30am when we take handover from the nurse in charge and find out everything that happened on their evening shift. I do enjoy working both night and day shifts so sometimes I'm hearing from the night or the day team. Handover is both a lovely way to check in with the team before the shift over a coffee or tea. This could include a new family member joining, an upcoming event that day, or that the needs have changed for a family member.

If I am on a day shift, we support all the family members with getting up when they are ready (there are no set times, we’re not an institute we’re a home). For some family members I provide personal care in the form of supporting to take a shower, a bath or a flannel wash. My goal around personal care is to make that family member feel as safe, dignified and comfortable as possible, as I can only imagine how daunting and embarrassing it must be. It is important to me that family members have the option to choose their own clothes to wear, whilst anticipating their needs and wants to the best of my ability. I will then assist that person getting dressed and to look and feel their best, which could involve a shave for the gents, or a new hairstyle for the ladies. Doing the ladies and gents hair is one of my favourite parts of personal care, I love being able to encourage family members to have a pamper, the ladies particularly like having their makeup and nails done.

For some of our family members, communication can be in different forms, so the importance of building trust is really important. Some of our family members are non-verbal, or have minimal communication abilities, which makes building this trust sometimes a bit delicate as everyone is different. A lot of supporting our non-verbal family members is about active listening and creating a safe, comfortable and supportive environment using mindful communication techniques such as paying close attention to body language, using eye contact to show I am engaged with them, and being aware of my posture as to not come across as imposing.

During breakfast we often sit all together and enjoy music and chats with meals, which is not only a great way to encourage family members to eat, but I’ve also had some of my most memorable laughs that way too! A lot of our family members require support with their food and drinks, this can vary from supporting them with eating their meal, to spoon-loading or nurturing. I have found that supporting someone with their meal is a great way to connect and start building trust too. Whilst some family members sit close together, hold hands and chat the whole way through, some of our more introverted family members prefer more space and time to connect. A particularly rewarding part of my role is when you can actually see that with every word over a meal, it becomes easier for family members to open up and form their own connections.

Another really important responsibility of mine is using Caredocs, a system to record daily notes to document the morning for each family member I support, if it wasn’t documented, it didn’t happen. I do this throughout the day, normally after breakfast, mid-afternoon and just before my shift ends - it takes about 2-3 hours out of my 12-hour shifts to complete. Not only is this part of our compliance, but it allows us to share what the family members get up to, as well as feeding back to the clinical team about any changes/concerns/thoughts that we noticed throughout the day.

Afternoon

Lunch is different every day, with alternatives served for those who may not like, or cannot eat the main options. For our family members on soft or pureed diets, we always have wonderfully decorated desserts and main meals. We serve snacks and drinks of family members' choice throughout the day, and we love helping them to eat a well-balanced diet and keep hydrated.

After lunch, some family members choose to rest, while others enjoy a quiet moment with the TV, a good book in the Edenmore library, or a creative activity – always with a cup of tea close by. The afternoons offer plenty of ways to stay engaged in ways that feel familiar and meaningful. Some of our gentlemen enjoy painting, building, or helping out with maintenance tasks – one even recently "interviewed" for a spot on the maintenance team and helped paint the hallways. Many of our ladies find comfort and purpose in folding laundry, tidying tables, or doing the dishes – continuing the everyday routines that feel like home. There are also themed music sessions, special visits (including some unforgettable ones from the local zoo), and even the occasional singalong led by Manager Gayle herself - depending on your taste in music, of course!

For family members with more complex needs or limited communication, we focus on sensory experiences which include music, lights, textures, or spending time in the garden. When the weather’s nice, we love going out into the Ilfracombe community using our car, and even in colder months, a trip to the park in a big coat can be a lovely change of scenery.

Evening

When it comes to a night shift it's all about making sure our family members feel safe and comfortable in their home, and helping them to get relaxed and unwind before bed. This looks different for every family member and sometimes midnight dancing and singing is what they want to do!

Night shifts involve supporting everyone to reposition in bed, help everyone use the toilet and stay hydrated overnight. This can also involve comforting some of our family members as the switch between day and night can be a little unsettling at times, so we keep things gentle and soothing.

Either way, night or day, there is always something to keep you busy, and always something to be done, at least at Edenmore we can have a laugh and a cuppa whilst doing it!

The Heart of Care

It's been a whale of a journey so far for me at Edenmore, understandably with lots of ups and downs which is something to be expected working in such a fast-paced environment with lots going on! The most challenging part of my role is the emotional demand, as seeing family members health decline as they move on in their journey is really hard. Being so involved in people’s lives, it is very easy to grow attached to them and their wonderful relatives who visit often, and it can be really upsetting to come in to work one day and hear they won’t be back. We’re often invited to funerals, and we receive the most thoughtful thank you cards which means the world to us because it reminds us just how important our job really is.

Although I think it is such an honour, and so beautiful to guide and support people on their final journeys, it really does take a toll sometimes. It is a blessing to feel things so deeply, and I have learnt it is never just me, there is always someone to wipe my tears when it gets too much and remind the team that we all have each other.

Care isn't for everyone, and it is definitely something you have to love doing, day in and day out. I admire each and every one of my team members who work so hard to support the home (and keep up with my drama of course!). My team's love for the family members and each other is uplifting and I couldn't think of a better group of people to work with. We have made friends for life and can be a challenging but rewarding job, it's so important that you work together and get on.

But honestly? Our family members are the ones who make every day that little bit brighter. We’re so lucky to spend time with such incredible people. To learn about their lives, their careers, their travels, their quirks. No two days are ever the same because no two people are. And that’s what makes this job so special.’

A Day in the Life - From Domestic to Care Assistant at Edenmore Care Home

To find out more  about Edenmore see here: https://www.edenmorenursinghome.com/

Monday, 28 July 2025

Life on the Water: Dirk Kennedys Identity at Heanton Nursing Home

At Heanton Nursing Home, we believe that every person carries a story worth telling. One that continues well beyond age or diagnosis and Dirk Kennedy’s life is a powerful reminder of that. Now living with a Dementia, Dirk is no longer able to write every word of that story himself. But it’s far from lost. What started as an effort to honour him has grown into something more: the early chapters of an autobiography, still in progress. What follows is just a glimpse. Because Dirk’s story is still unfolding but what you will come to understand, is simple: Dirk Kennedy’s life is anything but ordinary.

Dirk had always intended to write his life story, a project encouraged by his mother, who believed his experiences were worth sharing. A wartime birth in a Glasgow bomb shelter, early years spent living aboard a sailing boat, and a youth filled with clever ideas. His life was full of remarkable detail. As a teenager, he built a boat in his bedroom and launched it into the River Thames. As an adult travelled across England in a caravan pulled by a Clydesdale horse! He went on to explore art, writing, and craft! Sharing his stories through poetry, spoon carving, and exhibitions. His time at sea left a strong impression, and after surviving a dangerous storm and being thrown overboard, he began painting the ocean as he had experienced it firsthand.

Dirk is also remembered for his kindness. Whether it was cooking for others, campaigning for safer roads, or helping neighbours, he always looked out for those around him. His values, shaped by Buddhist teachings and a belief in living simply, remain at the heart of who he is But like many, Dirk’s journey took a turn when he was diagnosed with dementia. 

The diagnosis was never something he fully understood, and with time, it became harder for him to finish tasks, remember details, or continue writing his long-dreamed-of autobiography. That’s where Heanton Nursing Home comes in. To help preserve Dirk’s legacy, Rafaella Faccio at Heanton’s communications team is working closely with his family to complete his autobiography. It’s more than a project; it’s a tribute. A chance for Dirk to hold his life story in his hands, not as something lost to dementia, but as something reclaimed. 

Living at Heanton, Dirk is surrounded by a team that recognises not just his needs, but his identity. He is still drawing sailing maps, using it to navigate around the home, and watching the boats drift by at Fremington Quay. He kindness still shines around the home, steadying wheelchairs, washing dishes and holds tightly to his independence, choosing his own clothes and decisions that keep him feeling like himself. Because here at Heanton, we believe dementia doesn’t erase a person. It just asks us to see them more clearly and walk beside them with compassion, dignity, and love. it stands as a powerful example of how personalised care can preserve identity, not just in the present, but for the future. 

Life on the Water: Dirk Kennedys Identity at Heanton Nursing Home

 
Life on the Water: Dirk Kennedys Identity at Heanton Nursing Home

 To read the full story please visit Life on the Water: Dirk Kennedys Identity at Heanton Nursing Home - Heanton Nursing Home

Life on the Water: Dirk Kennedys Identity at Heanton Nursing Home