A Career Built on Compassion, Jojo’s Story

Every person who works in care has their why. For Jojo (Joanne), House Lead at Sundial Care Home, a career in care was never just about finding a job, It was about giving something back to her community. Inspired by her two grandmothers, who both worked as auxiliary nurses at the local hospital in Ottery St Mary, caring has always been part of her life. This is her story.

Jojo joined Sundial more than nine years ago after almost leaving the care sector altogether.

"My previous care home closed after a change in ownership, and it wasn't being run well. Despite staff raising concerns, nothing changed, and I nearly decided that care wasn't for me anymore…. then I found Sundial."

"I was welcomed with open arms from my very first day. Although I already had qualifications, including my NVQ, BTEC and Diploma in Care, I wanted to start again as a Care Assistant and learn the Evolve Care Group way of caring."

Evolve Care Group offers every team member the opportunity to take part in its bespoke Evolve Care Academy. Designed to support ongoing learning and development, the programme equips team members with the skills and confidence to grow in their role and progress their career.

Since then, Jojo has progressed from Care Assistant to House Lead, later becoming a Care Practitioner and now Induction Lead, while remaining someone her team know they can rely on.

"I'll happily step into any role if I'm needed, whether that's supporting the care team or even helping with the odd maintenance job. We're all here to support each other."

Looking back, Jojo says training has shaped not only the way she provides care, but also the way she understands herself.

"One thing that has always stayed with me from the training is being asked, 'Who am I?' Learning about yourself first, through ideas like Thomas Kitwood's Flower  and understanding your own values, helps you understand the people you support even better."

Like Jojo, many team members at Sundial Care Home have been supported to progress through the Evolve Care Academy.

When asked what a typical day looks like, Jojo shared:

“There really isn't one. Of course we support family members (residents) with their daily needs, but we also have time to sit together, laugh together and simply spend time with people. Sometimes it's a group activity, sometimes it's supporting an individual to do something they enjoy, and sometimes it's just offering reassurance when someone isn't feeling themselves."

She also shared:

"That's what makes Sundial special. It's warm, homely and compassionate. We genuinely care about one another. The team feels like an extended family, and Liz, our Home Manager, has always believed in us and helped me become more confident over the years."

For Jojo, the most rewarding part of working in care has always been the relationships she builds with family members. Looking back over her nine years at Sundial, one relationship in particular continues to stay with her.

Marilyn first came to Sundial for respite care before later moving into the home permanently. Over time, Jojo and Marilyn developed a close bond.

"I had an amazing bond with Marilyn. She didn't always communicate with words, but through smiles, holding hands and simply being together. We laughed together, smiled together and sometimes cried together, especially after her beloved husband passed away."

Jojo supported Marilyn through one of the most difficult periods of her life, building a close relationship not only with Marilyn but also with her daughter, who often said Jojo was her mum's special person.

As Marilyn's health sadly declined, Jojo became one of the few people she would still accept food and drink from.

"Towards the end, she often wouldn't accept food or drinks from anyone else, but she would from me. She wasn't just someone I cared for; she became one of my closest friends."

The pair spent many evenings watching The Chase, sharing stories about their families and holidays, and looking through photographs. They even discovered they had both visited the same place in Portugal and had each swum with dolphins there.

When Marilyn passed away peacefully, Jojo later returned to that same place during a family holiday.

"I knew Marilyn would never be able to go back because of her health, so seeing the dolphins again felt like something I could do for her. It was my final goodbye."

Looking back on more than nine years at Sundial Care Home, Jojo says it's the relationships she has built that have made her career so rewarding.

"Seeing people happy, sharing laughter and knowing you've made a difference, those memories stay with you forever."

For Jojo, caring for Marilyn is just one of many moments that she will carry with her. Whether it's encouraging someone to continue doing the things they love, sharing moments of laughter, or simply being there when someone needs support, it's the privilege of becoming part of people's lives that continues to remind her why she chose a career in care, and why she stayed.

Finally, when asked to describe Sundial Care Home in just a few words, without hesitation Jojo shared:

“Rewarding. Extended family. Love and compassion.”

If you would like to learn more about a career at Sundial Care Home near Sidmouth, visit https://www.sundialcare.com/join-our-team/

 

Heanton Nursing Home welcomes former pupils back for St Christopher’s reunion

Heanton Nursing Home welcomed dozens of people from the local community through its doors when former pupils of St Christopher’s School, which was based in the historic building until 1985, returned for a special reunion.

For former pupils, walking through the building brought back plenty of memories, from the rooms and original staircases they once used to stories of travelling to and from school. While the former classrooms have since become living areas for family members at Heanton, many were pleased to find the beautiful view across the burrows unchanged. There was plenty that was new to discover too, from the extension to the grounds and flowering lawn.

The reunion also gave family members at Heanton the chance to be part of a much wider community occasion, sharing their home with people who had their own memories of the building. Family members spent time outside amongst the visitors, enjoying the company and conversations, alongside a friendly neighbourhood cat who regularly visits Heanton and also joined the gathering!

Home Manager Abigail Denford said: “One of the things we heard again and again was how beautiful the view still is. Heanton has obviously changed enormously since it was a school, but it was lovely seeing people recognise parts of the building and then share those memories with the people who live here now. Being connected to the community around us is really important to life at Heanton. A nursing home shouldn't feel separate from the community it belongs to, and days like this are a lovely example of what can happen when people come through our doors and spend time together.”

There is something rather special about seeing people return to a building that was once such a big part of their childhood. Heanton has changed considerably since the days of St Christopher’s, but at its heart, it is still a place filled with people, friendships, conversation and care. The children who once filled its classrooms have grown up, and today a new generation of people call Heanton home.

For more information about life and activities at Heanton Nursing Home, please visit Activities in Care – Heanton Nursing Home

Former Flight Engineer’s Life in the Skies Remembered

A former flight engineer whose career took him from aircraft hangars at Gatwick to the skies around the world has had his remarkable story put into writing by the team at Edenmore Nursing Home.

Born in July 1940, Colin was placed for adoption by his mother and spent his early childhood in foster care before moving to More Place War Nursery during the war. It was not a particularly happy period of his childhood, and one he has spoken little about with his loved ones. When Colin was five, however, his life changed for the better when he was adopted.

His adoptive parents lived in Kent and were an older couple who had sadly been unable to have children of their own.

Young Colin was quite mischievous, his daughter Lisa shared, ‘He once accidentally burned down the scout clubhouse!’ It’s not entirely clear how this happened, but it wasn’t deliberate and is a story now told fondly, with plenty of laughter.

Colin went on to become a flight engineer, a career that required considerable mathematical and technical knowledge. As Lisa explained, ‘In those days, I think someone could show an aptitude for something and, with a little luck and determination, progress from there.’ His career reflected both his natural ability and his determination to succeed.

Colin began his aviation career in 1964 with Ace Freighters at Gatwick Airport, working as a ground engineer on Lockheed Constellation aircraft before obtaining his Flight Engineer’s licence.

His career later took his young family to Zambia, where he worked on Hercules C130s, before returning to the UK and joining Laker Airways as a Flight Engineer on the Boeing DC-10.

Flying long-haul routes around the world, Colin combined his engineering knowledge with life as part of the flight crew. If an aircraft needed repair work after landing somewhere such as America or Barbados, he had the expertise to carry it out himself.

His daughter, Lisa, also has vivid memories of growing up around her dad’s career. She and her brothers would visit aircraft hangars, go aboard the planes and watch the ground engineers at work. On some flights, Lisa even travelled in the cockpit jump seat alongside her dad.

After Laker Airways went into administration, Colin later returned to flying with Dan-Air on the Boeing 727 and subsequently worked on Boeing 747s before joining Monarch Airlines as a Flight Engineer on the DC-10.

Today, Colin lives at Edenmore Nursing Home in Ilfracombe, where conversations about aircraft and his flying days remain one of the best ways for those around him to connect with him. Laker Airways, in particular, still holds a special place in his memories.

His aviation career is just one chapter of a much wider life story, which his family and the team at Edenmore have recently brought together – from Colin’s early childhood and family life to his love of gardening, Jaguars and dogs, and his life today at Edenmore.

To read Colin’s full story, visit: From Humble Beginnings to High-flyer: Colin’s Story

Edenmore Nursing Home offers 24-hour nursing and residential care by the North Devon coast. To learn more about life at Edenmore, visit www.edenmorenursinghome.com

Aloha Ilfracombe! Edenmore Brings Hawaii to North Devon

Edenmore Nursing Home recently transformed its garden area for their Hawaiian-themed ‘Aloha’ party.

Balloons, banners, paper fans and tropical hanging decorations were strung through the trees and along the fence, while the home’s new garden furniture arrived just in the nick of time! A Tiki mocktail bar was set up alongside a photo booth, complete with inflatable props and blow-up musical instruments.

Family members who chose to join the party were encouraged to wear something bright or add a Hawaiian lei, while team members got into the theme with Hawaiian shirts and holiday wear.

Almost all of the home’s family members chose to spend some time in the garden, including people who often prefer their own space or usually receive their care in their rooms. Some preferred just to stay for ten or twenty minutes before returning to their household or bedroom, while others settled in for longer. A number of relatives also came along for the afternoon.

Edenmore is made up of separate households, allowing people with similar care needs to live together in smaller communities within the home. It is currently preparing to open its newest household, The Quays, which will welcome people who are self-funding.

Head Chef Mike took charge of the barbecue, serving burgers, sausages and skewers, followed by puddings including large trifles and ice cream.

Sydney, the Home Manager’s grandson, proudly took charge of the Tiki bar. He followed the mocktail menu, added ice, shook the drinks and made his way around the garden asking family members and relatives what they would like. Family member Diana was particularly taken with the mocktails, and when Sidney returned to ask whether she would like another, her answer was a definite, ‘Well, yes!’

There were a number of games throughout the afternoon and plenty of photos taken in the photo booth before Roberto, who regularly visits the home for Chair Zumba sessions, joined the party with music and singing. Hands and feet soon began tapping along to the beat, with Diana and Harry, who particularly love music, getting up to dance.

Home Manager Gayle shared about the day, ‘There were just so many lovely moments. At one point Harry and Brian each picked up one of the blow-up instruments and began to ‘play’ beside each other. I said to Emma [Home Administrator], “Just look.” They had simply picked them up themselves and started playing together.’

Events like these at Edenmore give family members plenty of different ways to spend an afternoon together and socialise, whether that means sitting down to some good food, listening to music, joining in with a game or simply enjoying the atmosphere. For some, it might just be ten minutes outside with an ice cream, a little sunshine and a change of scenery.

Edenmore Nursing Home offers 24-hour nursing and residential care by the North Devon coast. To learn more about life at Edenmore, visit www.edenmorenursinghome.com

Heanton Nursing Home Team Skydives to Raise for Dementia UK

A team of colleagues from Heanton Nursing Home have raised an incredible £4,502 for Dementia UK after taking on a charity skydive.

Months of planning, fundraising and community support led to the unforgettable challenge, which saw 11 participants jump from 15,000 feet, around 2.3 miles above the ground, freefalling at speeds of approximately 125mph before descending under parachute to the ground.

Representing Heanton were, care assistants Helen Barr, Shaju Manikuzil, Nihal Kadannalott, Anitha Ramannagari and Harpreet Bansal. Care practitioner Ella O’Connor and house lead Sivi Vargheese, who were joined by family and friends to complete the skydive.

For Helen Barr, who organised the fundraiser, the challenge carried an especially personal meaning as it was completed in memory of her father, who lived with vascular dementia.

Helen said: “This was about so much more than doing a skydive. I wanted to raise money for Dementia UK, but we also wanted to do something in memory of my dad. It was an emotional day, and during the jump I felt especially close to him. Watching everyone overcome their fears and achieve something they never thought possible, made me incredibly proud. There were so many hugs, happy tears and so much team spirit when we were all safely back on the ground.”

Among those taking part was Paul Mantle, a close family friend of Helen’s who has partial sight in one eye. Determined to complete the challenge, Paul raised more than £1,000 with the support of The Castle Inn in Landkey, which organised a quiz night and received fantastic backing from its customers and the local community.

The fundraising effort extended far beyond those making the jump. Relatives of family members living at, or who had previously lived at the home gave generously in support of the fundraiser.

For the team, those donations were especially meaningful. The continued support from families whose loved ones remain part of daily life at Heanton alongside those who continue to feel connected to the home after their loved one has sadly passed away, reflects the lasting relationships built between the home, its team and the families it supports.

The team also received a donation from Evolve Care Group, the family-owned care group that includes Heanton Nursing Home, helping the group reach its final fundraising total.

 Helen said the generosity shown throughout the campaign had been overwhelming.

“It took a lot of planning to make this happen, but every donation, every message of encouragement and everyone who supported us made it all worthwhile. One in nine people will develop dementia, so raising money for Dementia UK is something that means a great deal to us. To be able to do that alongside such an amazing group of colleagues, family and friends, is something I’ll never forget.”

The fundraiser is another example of the close-knit community that surrounds Heanton Nursing Home, where team members, family and relatives regularly come together to support one another, both inside and outside the home

 

To learn more about working with Heanton Nursing Home, or to begin your own journey in care, please visit Devon Nursing Home – Join our Team – Heanton Nursing Home