Heanton Nursing Home Hosts Vibrant Mocktail Party

Heanton Nursing Home in Barnstaple recently turned up the energy with a vibrant Hawaiian-themed mocktail party, celebrating the spirit of community with its residents, affectionately known as family members. What began as a fun conversation about favourite cocktails soon evolved into an exciting event, fuelled by the family members' enthusiastic responses: “Oh yes, please, I’d love a cocktail if they’re going!”

The idea quickly gained momentum as the team envisioned a tropical-inspired gathering, filled with colourful, fruit-infused drinks, festive decorations, and Hawaiian music. The North Devon home was transformed, complete with decorations - including mini umbrellas for each mocktail, giving everyone a full, festive experience. Safe, washable shakers were brought in so that family members could mix and shake their own creations, adding a fun and inclusive touch to the afternoon.

The kitchen team prepared vibrant fruit platters that were as beautiful as they were delicious whilst team members dressed up in Hawaiian attire, including some borrowed shirts from team member Robin’s own collection.

Sabrina Stell, Home Administrator of Heanton Nursing Home said, “even though there was no alcohol, everyone agreed that the atmosphere and creativity made the event a huge success!” The mocktail party saw team and family members alike getting involved and sharing laughter and dancing - along with a few spills and plenty of smiles.

Heanton Nursing Home’s Hawaiian mocktail party highlighted the power of community and connection, showing how a shared vision and a little creativity can bring people together and brighten spirits. This event is just one example of the home’s dedication to the continuation of life, whilst building friendships, and celebrating every moment together.

A HEANTON NURSING HOME MEDIA RELEASE
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To find out more about Heanton Nursing Home please visit: https://www.heantonnursinghome.com/

Ilfracombe Carnival Dazzles Edenmore Nursing Home Residents

Residents of Edenmore Nursing Home enjoyed a delightful evening filled with laughter and excitement during a special visit to the local Ilfracombe carnival.

Four residents, affectionately known as family members, along with five team members, made their way to the starting point of the procession. Joining the Ilfracombe Community, who wouldn’t let the weather dampen their spirits, they cheered on the carnival from the sidelines along the high street. Each family member was armed with their own bags of change to donate to local charities participating in the carnival. They admired the fabulous floats, lively dancing, music and vibrant costumes that were on display. With the support of the team, they were encouraged to independently choose which charities to donate to.

“Everyone in the carnival came over to us, and some even had photos with our family members!” said Registered Manager Gayle Cooper “the family members had so much fun, I’m sure a return visit is in order for next year!”

When asked if the family members enjoyed their evening out, one family member at Edenmore Nursing Home said, “This has been amazing,” and another added that he “loved every minute.”

The North Devon Nursing Home is committed to ensuring a continuation of life for the family members at Edenmore by providing them with fulfilling and active opportunities. This visit into the community to see the carnival is a perfect example of that commitment.

To find out more about Edenmore Nursing Home please visit www.edenmorenursinghome.com

When asked the family members what they thought post carnival-  

Peter - "loved every minute, can we do it again tomorrow?"  

Penny - "had so much fun, brings back memories."  

Kate - "I loved it". 

Gladys - "this has been amazing, I would pay money to watch this" 

Pam - "had a massive smile on her face" 

AN EDENMORE NURSING HOME MEDIA RELEASE

Heanton Nursing Home Wins Italian-Themed 'Armchair Day Out'

Heanton Nursing Home in Barnstaple was recently named 'Care Home of the Day' by Creed Food Services during an off-site training day at Nisbets in Bristol for their fantastic culinary skills.

Their reward was an Italian-themed celebration held at the care home featuring Italian cuisine, themed decorations, and the joyful company of residents (referred to as family members), their friends, and families.

Following a vibrant mocktail party the day before, the family members were in for another treat — this time with an Italian twist, filled with the colours red, white, and green! The team created an unforgettable day starting with transforming the lounge with vibrant honeycombed balls, flags, and table settings, before inviting families to join in the festivities. There was something for everyone, from dancing and postcard writing to playing a variety of instruments — all leading up to the main event of pizza and ice cream, giving the chefs a well-deserved break.

Tracy Grant, Group Catering Lead for Evolve Care Group whom Heanton are a part of, praised the team’s efforts; “Katie, John, Gerry and Danielle were brilliant at the catering training.  They are a credit to their home, and I hope they got as much out of the day as I did!”

Heanton Nursing Home, rated OUTSTANDING by the CQC, is committed to supporting its family members on their unique and complex journeys, honouring their individual values, beliefs, and identities. The Italian-themed 'Armchair Day Out' is a wonderful example of this commitment to enriching the lives of those in their care.

HEANTON NURSING HOME MEDIA RELEASE

To read more about the Catering Day please visit https://www.heantonnursinghome.com/evolve-care-group-catering-training-day/

Complex Nursing Home Celebrates Afternoon Tea Week

Residents and the team at Heanton Nursing Home celebrated Afternoon Tea Week in style with an enchanting English Garden Themed party. The event celebrated the British tradition while creating a social gathering throughout the home.

The day began with a planned activity for residents, affectionately known as family members of flower arranging which offered a multi-sensory experience which can improve motor skills (the gentle movement of moving hands and fingers) encouraging mobility for those who are less mobile.

The arrangements were then used to decorate their living room at the Barnstaple Nursing Home, perfectly matching the Garden Party theme. The space was further brightened up with balloons and favour bags to get everyone in the celebratory spirit! In the afternoon, thanks to the catering team, an array of beautifully decorated handmade cakes, biscuits, sandwiches (and of course tea!) were displayed for all to enjoy. Trays were prepared and taken up to the rooms of the less mobile family members – just one example of the inclusive and thoughtful care the team at the Barnstaple Care Home provide.

Lesley Heale, a Care Assistant at Heanton Nursing Home, shared, ‘just the little extras like the pretty plates and cardboard teapots made it so special for us all.’ She added, ‘and of course a little favour bag with a selection of prepacked biscuits and various sweets for family members to enjoy in their own time. Just WOW.!

The CQC-rated OUTSTANDING Nursing Home supports family members on a complex journey and is dedicated to supporting the continued well-being by honouring the individual values, beliefs, and identities of people living there. Celebrating Afternoon Tea week with a party for all to be involved in, is a prime example of this dedication.

HEANTON NURSING HOME MEDIA RELEASE
To find out more about Heanton Nursing Home please visit https://www.heantonnursinghome.com/

Edenmore Nursing Home Opens Vintage Sweet Shop

Edenmore Nursing Home in Ilfracombe, North Devon, recently opened their take on a vintage themed sweet shop. This has brought together residents (fondly referred to as family members), and their families, as well as team members who have a sweet tooth!

The North Devon nursing home’s ethos, "A Journey Paved by the Past," is reflected in this new addition to the home; by offering a variety of timeless confections, the wish is that family members will experience a sense of familiarity and evoke feelings of nostalgia and comfort, as the sight, smell, and touch of the treats connect them to moments from their past.

“We created this as lots of our family members regularly ask to go to the sweet shop in town” explains Registered Manager, Gayle Cooper “and with the guidance of our care team, who not only explain the colours and flavours of the sweets, but also promote independence by encouraging family members to make their own choices.” There are further plans to add a retro cash register and scales, adding to the vintage theme.

Easily accessible to all in the main hallway of the home, the shop also has become a destination for social interactions, further echoing the home’s vision of recognising the values, beliefs, and identity of each person who calls Edenmore Nursing Home their home.

Media Release from Edenmore Nursing Home

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To find out more about Edenmore Nursing Home please visit www.edenmorenursinghome.com

Dementia Voices Matter

As the results of the 2024 UK General Election are in and a new government is in place, opinions on the outcome are plentiful. However, amidst the continuing discussions on policies and leadership, there remains a crucial yet often overlooked topic. Adult social care, particularly the best interest of individuals living with a Dementia who choose to vote, or don’t have a voice is not often discussed.

When researching more on this subject and what the 2024 General Election might mean for individuals on a Dementia journey, I found that a person living with a cognitive impairment can cast a valid vote if they choose to, which is an encouraging and empowering aspect of our democratic process. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 outlines that having a cognitive impairment does not automatically disqualify someone from voting.

Living with early or middle stages of Dementia and having the ability to vote could mean no support is needed, but what about individuals who are on a later Dementia journey? The Mental Capacity Act 2005 emphasises supporting individuals with Dementia in making decisions based on their identity.

Imagine if …

You are voting via postal vote, a piece of paper with boxes, words, and logos that you don’t understand being put in front of you, a pen that you don’t recognise but is placed in your hand. Someone then gently supporting you, guiding you to hold the pen and mark the paper where you want to because this is your choice. 

This could be encouraging independence, engagement and a person-centred approach, giving someone on a Dementia journey the choice to participate in democracy as an equal citizen. But what if the person offering support sees the vulnerability as an opportunity? What if that person voted Labour but the person they are supporting is, and has always been, a staunch Tory? There could be a question of integrity, as the supporter could take advantage of the situation and influence the person to vote differently. What if you simply scribbled an X in the wrong box? You wouldn’t understand, you wouldn’t know you have voted for an opposite party, something that is part of your identity.

Voting is a fundamental part of democracy, supported by principles of equality and non-discrimination. The challenge is to ensure that the person voting with Dementia is protected.

The Ability to Vote

While the right to vote is clear, the ability to vote can be compromised. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, about 850,000 people live with a Dementia in the UK, a number that is expected to rise. The Alzheimer’s Society states that decisions made for a person who can’t decide must always be in their best interests.

Complexity of Voting Processes and Lack of Support

Support is crucial for helping those in the later stages of Dementia engage with the political process. Unfortunately, many don’t get the support needed to understand candidates and issues, leaving them confused and unable to make informed decisions. Processes we take for granted, like registering to vote, understanding manifestos, and going to polling stations, can be overwhelming for those living with a Dementia. The requirement for ID to vote also adds extra barriers.

Liz Thompson, Registered Manager of Sundial Care Home, mentioned that two residents (fondly referred to as family members) usually opt for postal voting. One lady typically receives help from her husband but has decided not to vote this time. Liz explained, “Although someone living with a Dementia has the right to vote, it can be really difficult. It’s ultimately up to the individual to decide what they want to do, regardless of our opinions.” Liz added that whether family members choose to vote in person, by post, or by proxy, their care team supports them by helping them vote. With the 2024 UK General Election now behind us and a new government in place, we need to start talking about the unseen issue of giving a voice and protection to individuals living with a Dementia in care homes.

Despite their right to vote, the reality is that most people with a Dementia living in care do not cast their vote. Given that many of them were active voters before their diagnosis and that voting should still be important to them, this brings up some important questions: Where is their voice? Who is thinking about and protecting them? Who in our society is advocating for social care and protections that our elder generation needs – and let’s not forget that one day, our elder generation will be us. 

It’s up to us, as a society, to ensure that their voices are heard. We need to find ways to support their participation in our political system, protecting their rights and ensuring that their interests are considered in the decisions that shape our society.

Link to Alzheimer’s Society: Making decisions for a person with dementia who lacks mental capacity: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/can-people-with-dementia-vote

Evolve Care Group Media Release

For more information, please contact: https://www.evolvecaregroup.com

Heanton Nursing Home Celebrates New Garden Water Feature

Heanton Nursing Home are admiring the newest addition to their garden – a beautiful stone water feature. Generously fundraised and donated by Alan Fulford, husband to Dorothy, a resident at the North Devon care home.

Alan shared his motivation behind the donation, mentioning that ‘Dorothy loved to sit by the fountain at home.’ He and a friend attended numerous car boot sales selling gold to raise the funds needed to purchase the same fountain that he and Dorothy enjoyed together. Now, they can continue to enjoy the feature at Heanton Nursing Home. Danielle, a Kitchen Assistant, said how Dorothy ‘asked me to take her out to see it’ after a shopping trip, and after they settled in the garden listening to the calming stream, Dorothy said “oh it’s peaceful isn’t it.”

Heanton Nursing Home encourages a Continuation of Life to Family Members living at the home; and the stone water feature with multiple waterfalls can be enjoyed by all family and team members as it has been expertly positioned on the patio, to compliment the stunning grounds overlooking the estuary. Bree, an Admin at Heanton said how ‘our other family members are also enjoying it and sit out there longer than usual,’ and adds ‘we have also had comments from visiting professionals about how lovely it is.’

To thank Alan for his gift, the home has arranged for a plaque for the wall above the fountain, which will remind all of his kindness and generosity.

 

Heanton Nursing Home Media Release 

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To find out more about Heanton Nursing Home please visit https://www.heantonnursinghome.com/

Bastille Day with Carole Mann at Edenmore Nursing Home

While everyone was caught up in the excitement of the football final on Sunday 14th July, Carole Placet Mann had her mind on a more special occasion: Bastille Day, the French celebration of independence and freedom. 

 

Bastille Day, on 14th July, marks the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, a big event in the French Revolution. The day is celebrated with parades, fireworks, parties, and public gatherings, symbolising French unity and the values of liberty and equality.

Carole, originally from France, was born in the 1960s near Versailles, in the suburbs of Paris. For her, Bastille Day has always meant holidays, fireworks, marching bands, and the best French food you can imagine. She fondly recalls street banquets with neighbors, all celebrating the Republic.

This year, Carole spent Bastille Day at Edenmore Nursing Home, where she works. She joked with her colleagues, hinting at bringing out the guillotine if they made a mess in her kitchen. Carole's life up till now has been quite a journey. She studied languages in the 1980s and moved to England at twenty. After ten years as a personal assistant in Hammersmith, she switched gears to special needs education, working in places like California and Vietnam. Carole has been married to her husband, Mike, for thirty years. They have traveled a lot due to his job, raising two children, Eliza and Philip, along the way.

Joining the Edenmore team

Carole joined Edenmore in Ilfracombe over four years ago. She started as a carer and became a home-maker after a year. She considers everyone at Edenmore Nursing Home her second family. Known for her hospitality, Carole makes sure visitors always get a drink or something to eat. She also ensures her teammates never skip lunch, playfully warning to put their names on the food and fluid charts if they do.

Aprons
True to her home-maker past, Carole is easily recognisable in the hallway by her unique kitchen aprons with big pockets, a collection that is now at 27. Her daughter recently mentioned that another one is on the way. Carole’s apron collection started in her childhood in Normandy, where her parents were farmers. Her mum always wore an apron, and she bought Carole her first one, with polka dots, when Carol was just nine years old. Carole didn’t like getting her clothes dirty, and the habit of wearing an apron stuck with her.

Carole’s love for aprons is just one of the many ways she brings a piece of her heritage to Edenmore. Through her food, stories, and warm presence, Carole continues to share her culture with the residents, fondly referred to as family members, making Edenmore Nursing Home a place where diversity and tradition are celebrated.

We like to celebrate the lives of the people who live and work with us. One of the ways in which we do this is to write about and share their inspiring stories. 

 Edenmore Nursing Home Media Release

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To find out more about Edenmore Nursing Home please visit www.edenmorenursinghome.com-

 

Edenmore Nursing Home Commemorates D-Day with 1940's Party

Edenmore Nursing Home in Ilfracombe, North Devon, recently hosted a heartwarming 1940's themed party to commemorate D-Day. This special event brought together residents (fondly referred to as family members), and team members in a nostalgic celebration that paid tribute to the fallen service men and women in Normandy.

The D-Day commemoration event was a collaborative effort, capturing the essence of the 1940s with authentic decorations, 1940’s music, and a little bit of dancing. Family members and team members dressed in polka-dots, headscarves, and khaki, with a prize awarded for the best-dressed. The home was decorated with patriotic bunting and Union Jack table cloths, evoking a feeling of life 80 years ago.

The home enjoyed for a traditional afternoon tea, within a vintage atmosphere. Edith Ozelton, a beloved family member, enjoyed a glass of Shloer, a non-alcoholic sparkling juice drink. The menu included homemade bread with jam and butter, Spam sandwiches, and of course, cake.

"Edenmore’s approach to life recognises the values, beliefs, and identity of each person," added Home Manager Gayle Cooper. "By understanding a person’s life history and journey, we strive to support the continuation of life of our family members.” “This event was a beautiful opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the spirit of patriotism. D-Day 1940's party is just one example of the many ways Edenmore Nursing Home nurtures a warm and inclusive community atmosphere.

Edenmore Nursing Home Media Release 14 June 2024

To find out more about Edenmore Nursing Home please visit www.edenmorenursinghome.com

Honouring Tony Haynes: A Legacy of Dedication and Service in the RAF

In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, we are celebrating the military service of Anthony 'Tony' John Haynes who has chosen to continue his life’s journey at Heanton Nursing Home. His military journey began on 5th January 1971, when he joined the RAF with a desire to follow in the footsteps of his father, Flight Lieutenant Walter Haynes, a pilot during World War II. Tony aspired to become an engineer, a goal he achieved with distinction over his 15-year career in the RAF.

Tony's two older brothers, Roger and Richard, also dedicated their lives to service, spending a combined 60 years in the Royal Navy. As an Aircraft Propulsion Technician, Tony's expertise took him across five tours of duty at RAF Halton, Valley, Lossiemouth, Coltishall, and back to Halton. He worked on numerous iconic RAF aircraft and even had the privilege of flying in some. Tony's dedication to passing on his knowledge was evident when he transitioned to the role of Technical Instructor, mentoring the next generation of aircraft engineers.

Tony's achievements were recognised with a promotion to Sergeant in December 1977, a milestone he holds with great pride. Beyond his technical skills, Tony also competed in show jumping, representing the RAF in various competitions. In October 1985, Tony and his wife Dorothy (Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Dorothy (Woodcock) Haynes), a member of the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS), were married in a joint forces wedding. They met at a formal Mess Dinner at RAF Halton. They began their married life on the Chequers Estate, where Dorothy served as Curator.

Upon leaving the RAF in June 1986, Tony continued to serve at Halton as a civilian instructor before moving to Saudi Arabia to instruct and work for BAE Systems on Tornado aircraft.

Learning was a priority for Tony, who earned both an HNC and ONC in Engineering during his time in the RAF and went on to complete a bachelor's degree in 1999 whilst working full time.

Tony and Dorothy have two supportive children, Adam and Ruth. Upon Adam and Ruth leaving home to pursue their own lives and after 27 years in Lancashire, Tony and Dorothy retired to North Devon in 2018. Throughout his life, Tony has been a caring and loving family man. Living with Dementia has been heartbreaking for his family and friends.

Dorothy Haynes MBE expresses her heartfelt gratitude to the team at Heanton for their exceptional care and support during this difficult time. Their dedication to Tony's well-being has been a source of comfort and strength for the Haynes family.

At the core of Heanton Nursing Homes's philosophy lies a commitment to nurturing independence no matter what complexity you live with.

To find out more about Heanton Nursing Home please visit  https://www.heantonnursinghome. 

Heanton Punchardon

Barnstaple

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Edenmore Nursing Home Gets Arty!

Edenmore Nursing Home was delighted to welcome Sarah Fenner this week, from Creative Minds on Wednesday.

Creative Minds art sessions allow people to express themselves through the creative process, and they deliver these sessions to many types of venues including care homes.

Art can remind people of what they can do, not what they can’t do. This creates a sense of pride when residents, fondly referred to as family members, display their art in their home and it can also help to build individuals confidence through finding this new skill or hobby.

Art for people living with a Dementia is beneficial because it provides a non-verbal means of expression, allowing individuals to communicate thoughts, feelings, and memories that may be difficult to articulate verbally. Gayle, the Home Manager, summed-up the event by saying “Having creative minds visit us inspires our family members to connect, be creative, learn new skills, and most importantly have fun. Art can be a mood enhancer, the family members themselves are less heightened and more engaged.”

At the core of Edenmore Nursing Home's philosophy lies a commitment to fostering independence and embracing life's spontaneous moments. By facilitating activities like this, the care home aims to create an environment where residents, feel empowered to explore new experiences and forge meaningful connections outside their immediate community. 

 

 

 

 

Edenmore Nursing Home Media Release May 2024

 

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To find out more about Edenmore Nursing Home please visit www.edenmorenursinghome.com

To find out more about Creative Minds please visit https://creativeminds.art/

 

Edenmore Nursing Home, Ilfracombe - Fulfilling a Meaningful Wish for Robert Hearn

Robert Hearn has lived at Edenmore Nursing Home in Ilfracombe since March 2023 and sadly lives with advanced cancer. In a conversation with one of Edenmore’s care assistants, Carol, Robert wistfully said that a wish before his next journey was a simple one, to have a pint of his favourite cider with his friends in his old local pub The Village Inn in Westward Ho!. 

So Carol and Gayle, Edenmore’s Home Manager, didn’t hesitate to make arrangements! Timing for the 45 minute journey was perfect as the home had recently bought a new car specifically for residents, who are fondly referred to as family members, so this was momentous also as Robert was first to have a run out in it! 

First step was for Gayle to contact Roberts’ closest friend, Peter Mills, who then arranged for other friends of Robert to meet in the pub. As Robert entered The Village Inn,” the sheer emotion was indescribable” says Gayle who went along with Robert and Carol, “literally all of the pub welcomed him, the love shown was just beautiful, the familiarity for Robert, sat at his usual table, with his favourite bird magazine ready to read, and the most important part a pint of cider! 

Carol and Gayle was there to support Robert and also to make memories, “this is why I work in social care, this is my purpose, some call this person-centred care but to me it’s simply about seeing a person and doing what’s in my heart which is simply being compassionate”. Part of the support in the home for Robert is for eating and drinking and Gayle said with a smile on her face “at one point I had to support the pint of cider whilst Robert was drinking, he joked that he thought I was taking it off him and asked if he could have another one, he chuckled for a long time when I said I can’t tell you how many to have, that’s your choice, so he continued with a couple more!”

After a pint (or two) Robert, Gayle and Carol headed down to the promenade for a stroll, again something Robert used to enjoy doing after a pint when living in the area. Gayle continued “I thought walking in to the pub was emotional but the car journey back was another level of emotion, Robert cried for most of the journey but happy emotions, he just kept repeating thank you, thank you, and how overwhelmed he was with his friends turning up to see him.”

The Team at Edenmore are there not only to support Robert to be comfortable and to show nothing but love and compassion during this time leading to his next journey, but to ensure Robert still lives with dignity, encourages independence and to ensure Robert is able to make choices, his choices, not confined to any society norms that may be perceived during this journey, he has lived life and still remains living life until he chooses not to.

The support on the Westward Ho! Community Facebook page has been explosive, just evidencing the love and support this truly remarkable gent is surrounded by.

 Robert and friends at the The Village Inn in Westward Ho!.

Young Robert holding a baby badger and a baby fox

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 To find out more about Edenmore Nursing Home please visit www.edenmorenursinghome.com