Category: Blog

At Lee Mount, we understand the profound impact of staying connected with the community on our residents’ well-being. A few years ago, a survey revealed that many of our residents missed engaging in everyday activities such as shopping, visiting cafes, attending church, going to the library, watching movies at the cinema, and even simple tasks like posting a letter. This insight prompted us to rethink our approach to community engagement and develop strategies to help our residents maintain these connections.

The Challenge of Maintaining Everyday Activities

When individuals move into care homes, they often stop participating in the activities they once enjoyed by 80-90%. This significant reduction in engagement can be attributed to various factors, including the transition to a new living environment, the need for increased care, and logistical challenges related to outings. Activities like cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, and going out become less frequent, impacting their overall quality of life. Recognising this issue, we were determined to find ways to help our residents continue to engage in the community. However, this is not as simple as it sounds. There are numerous challenges, such as managing a busy care home environment, ensuring adequate staffing, arranging transportation, conducting safety and risk assessments, and more.

Developing a Routine for Community Engagement

Over time, we have developed a robust routine to facilitate community outings. We now have two dedicated activities coordinators, one of whom focuses specifically on organising community trips. This dedicated approach ensures we can provide consistent and meaningful opportunities for our residents to engage with the community. We have also signed up all our residents for the Access Bus service, which has significantly helped with transportation costs. This service is invaluable in making outings more accessible and affordable. To ensure fairness and safety, we tailor our outings to meet the individual needs of our residents. Those who require more support or have higher mobility challenges are often taken out one-to-one. This personalised approach allows us to cater to each resident’s needs, ensuring they can safely enjoy their time out.

The Positive Impact of Community Trips

The benefits of our community trips are now becoming increasingly evident. Our residents are building meaningful links within the community and becoming familiar faces at local businesses and events. The local community and businesses have been incredibly supportive, welcoming our residents and helping them feel included. We have observed a significant positive impact on our residents’ general well-being. Regular outings have boosted their spirits, provided a sense of purpose, and allowed them to maintain independence. The joy and satisfaction derived from these activities are immeasurable. Our commitment to being person-centred in our approach is highlighted by our efforts to tailor outings to individual interests. For instance, one of our residents, a devoted fan of the band Status Quo, is set to attend a surprise concert at the Piece Hall in town. We are all very excited about this personalised outing and showcasing our dedication to making our residents’ dreams come true.

Building Strong Community Links

Engaging with the community goes beyond just providing outings. It helps our residents feel valued and connected, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness. The relationships formed with local community members and businesses enrich our residents’ lives and foster a sense of belonging. We encourage other care homes to consider the benefits of facilitating community engagement for their residents. While there are challenges to overcome, the rewards are well worth the effort. The positive impact on residents’ well-being, the strengthened community ties, and the joy of seeing residents thrive make it a truly worthwhile endeavour.

At Lee Mount, we have a proud tradition of fundraising for local charities, having raised thousands of pounds over the past 7-8 years. While raising money for important causes is a significant outcome, the benefits of these efforts extend far beyond financial contributions. Engaging in fundraising activities has profound positive effects on our staff, residents, and the wider community.

A Break from Routine and a Source of Joy

Fundraising activities give our staff and residents a refreshing break from the daily routine. The preparation and execution of these events offer a much-needed change of pace, providing everyone with something exciting to look forward to. Whether it’s planning a bake sale, organising a charity auction, or hosting a community fair, these events inject a sense of purpose and enthusiasm into our daily lives. For our staff, these activities can alleviate day-to-day work stresses, fostering a more positive and cohesive team environment. The collaborative nature of fundraising projects encourages teamwork and creativity, helping to build stronger bonds among colleagues.

Resident Engagement and Empowerment

One of the most rewarding aspects of our fundraising efforts is the active involvement of our residents. Many of our residents take great pleasure in contributing to these events by crafting items for sale, manning stalls, or even choosing the charities we support. A particularly heartwarming example is the story of one of our residents who, as part of her 100th birthday celebrations, chose to support Overgate Hospice. She was passionate about giving back and continued to raise funds for Overgate every year until she passed away. Her dedication not only raised substantial funds but also inspired others to get involved and showed the profound impact that these activities can have on individual lives.

Building Strong Community Relationships

Fundraising activities significantly strengthen our connections within the local community. By supporting local charities, we build relationships with these organisations, often leading to ongoing collaborations. For example, our sustained efforts in supporting Overgate Hospice have resulted in a strong, mutually beneficial relationship. Overgate regularly provides our staff with specialist training in end-of-life care, enhancing our residents’ quality of care. These relationships are invaluable, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. They also allow our residents to interact with the broader community, enhancing their social well-being and sense of belonging.

Enhancing the Service Reputation

Participating in fundraising activities can also enhance the reputation of care home services. Commitment to the community and local causes helps build trust and respect from current and prospective residents and their families. It shows that the care home is dedicated not only to the well-being of its residents but also to the welfare of the wider community.

Personal Recommendation

Based on our experiences at Lee Mount, I highly recommend that other care home services consider engaging in fundraising activities. The benefits are manifold: financial support for worthy causes, improved staff morale, enriched resident lives, stronger community ties, and a positive public image. Fundraising is more than just raising money; it’s about building a vibrant, connected community and enriching the lives of everyone involved. By Manjinder (Boo) Dhiman Registered Manager/Director

Building strong relationships and connections is crucial in any job role, but it holds special significance for an Activities Coordinator. This role demands more than just showing up for a paycheck; it requires passion, dedication, and genuine care for the people you serve.

Beyond the Job: Creating a Second Family

For me, the clients I work with are not just part of my job—they are like a second family. They are friends and, in many ways, feel like my own grandparents. Establishing strong bonds with them makes delivering activities more effective and enjoyable. Without these connections, it becomes challenging to encourage participation and engagement in the activities we plan.

The Foundation of Effective Activities: Strong Relationships

A solid relationship foundation makes activities more meaningful and enjoyable for everyone involved. Clients are more likely to participate and engage when they feel a personal connection with the Activities Coordinator. This bond fosters trust and makes tailoring activities that resonate with their interests and preferences easier.

Dedication and Personal Connection

I have dedicated myself to building these relationships. I want my clients to see me as a shoulder to cry on, a helping hand when needed, and a safe, trustworthy space filled with fun. This dedication involves learning about their backgrounds, likes, dislikes, and those unique quirks you pick up through conversations. It also means allowing them to get to know me, creating a mutual trust that enriches our interactions.

More Than Just Activities: Genuine Engagement

Being an Activities Coordinator is about more than just organising events and activities. Sometimes, it’s about sitting down for a good old natter over a hot cup of tea. Often, everyone needs your time and attention to feel that their thoughts and opinions matter. Listening and engaging in meaningful conversations are just as important as any planned activity.

Person-Centered Care: A Key to Success

Person-centred care is at the heart of my approach. By appreciating and incorporating clients’ likes and interests into activities, we create familiar and enjoyable experiences. This personalised attention makes the activities more engaging and reinforces positive memories and feelings, strengthening our bond.

The Rewards of Strong Connections

The impact of these strong connections is evident. I see smiles when I walk into the room, hear clients telling me I am a godsend, and feel their trust in me for advice and support. These moments remind me of the difference I am making in their lives, making even the hard days worthwhile. Building strong relationships and connections is not just a part of the job for an Activities Coordinator; it is the essence of it. These bonds make the role rewarding and fulfilling, turning a job into a vocation and clients into a second family. By Sherrie Steptoe Activities Coordinator

My journey at Lee Mount Residential Home began in March 2019, when I joined as a junior care staff member on the night shift. Thanks to the support and opportunities provided by Lee Mount, I have grown and developed both personally and professionally over the years.

Starting as a Junior Carer

When I first started, I was eager to learn and make a difference. Working nights allowed me to develop a deep understanding of our resident’s needs and preferences by engaging with them and reviewing their personalised care plans. The management team recognised my dedication and enrolled me in an NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care. This opportunity was pivotal in my career progression.

Transitioning to a Senior Carer

After two years on the night shift, I transitioned to a senior carer role on the day shift. This change was challenging initially due to the increased interaction with family members and various healthcare professionals, including doctors, district nurses, and specialists from different organisations. However, this experience enhanced my understanding of the importance of working in partnership with other professionals, increasing my knowledge and skills.

Expanding My Skills and Knowledge

Throughout my time at Lee Mount, I have completed numerous training courses on topics such as dementia, mental health, and fire safety. I expressed an interest in end-of-life care, and my managers supported me by enrolling me in a specialised training course at Overgate Hospice and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary. This course covered pain management, skin integrity, spiritual preferences, and end-of-life care planning, which I recently completed, earning the title of End of Life Champion. Additionally, I have completed a course in skin integrity and wound care, further enhancing my capabilities as a champion of care. These training opportunities have been invaluable in helping me provide the best possible support to our residents.

Becoming a Team Leader

With continued support from the management team, I have progressed from a senior carer to a team leader. In this role, I work closely with other staff members, supporting their development and ensuring we provide high-quality care to our residents. I have built strong relationships with external professionals, staff, and family members, all of which contribute to the well-being of our residents.

Looking to the Future

Having been at Lee Mount Residential Home for five years, I am now enrolled in an NVQ Level 4 in Health and Social Care, which I aim to complete this year. My goal is to continue learning and developing my skills to provide the best support possible to our residents, staff, family members, and the management team. I am committed to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment that ensures the highest standards of care for everyone at Lee Mount. My journey at Lee Mount has been incredibly rewarding, and I am grateful for the opportunities and support I have received. I look forward to continuing to grow and make a positive impact on the lives of our residents. By Jemma Ogden Team Leader