Garden gigs bring joy to adults living with dementia and complex needs
S HAWKER • July 15, 2021
LMN ensemble Bowreed serenades AbleCare Homes residents at Hengrove Lodge above, Taff Duo performing outdoors for AbelCare residents at Patron House below.
The importance of this work cannot be overstated. Even pre-pandemic, those in care homes often encountered loneliness and isolation. Taking part in music is so beneficial to those living with dementia, as it improves communication, memory, enjoyment of life and creative thinking. In fact, all homes reported increased engagement during the musical performance, with participants being interested, chatty, enthusiastic and appreciative.
“We performed music outside, under apple trees, parasols and through windows. The atmosphere was great and the residents were so happy to be able to share in the joy of live music once again. The most memorable moment was when an elderly man with learning difficulties enjoyed performing ballet throughout our concert; dancing, pirouetting and twirling with staff members. He came up to us at the end of the concert, gave us a thumbs up and said ‘thanks for the great music!”– Taff Duo
LMN Singer/Songwriter Chris Webb performing outdoors for residents at Belvedere Lodge
The impact of musical performances lasts far beyond the activity itself, providing a talking point, a happy memory and the stimulus for new activity built into the fabric of care homes. A study by Live Music Now and the University of Winchester (entitled Live Music in Care) concluded that regular music-making enhances the working and living environment for care home residents and staff.
LMN Singer/Songwriter Chris Webb performing outdoors for residents at Crossley House
The majority of homes also reported increased engagement after the performance. Staff at one home said: "The musicians were engaging with the residents - it was fun and everyone that wanted to join in had a great time...would love for this to be a regular part of life."
"Quartet Community Foundation have been very helpful during the pandemic when we were no longer able to deliver the project as initially planned.” – Anna MacGregor, Live Music Now
Live Music Now
Abbie Nichols – Patron House
AbleCare Homes Trust is our linked charity set up to raise funds for extra entertainment for residents in the homes. In celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the Trustees have been busy securing funds to run our first inclusive garden parties since the covid-19 pandemic
The benefits of life in a residential care home
Sarah Dagger from Crossley House in Winterbourne, Karin Brownlie who manages Crossley House and Frenchay House in Frenchay Village and their colleagues who make up the Care Team at Rosewood House in Henleaze all celebrated success at the regional finals of The Great British Care Awards at Ashton Gate in July. Their dedication in supporting their residents, many of whom live with dementia, was recognised when they received glittering trophies for their devotion; being named some of the best social care workers in the whole of the South West. The team went on to the National Finals in September where over 1,000 of the most respected social care workers gathered to celebrated at a gala event in Birmingham.
Kay Best, Registered Manager at Belvedere Lodge tells us about her experience in social care.
Although the face of residential care has changed dramatically over the last four decades, the values and principles of the family have remained at the foremost in working with the great staff teams they employ. Sam says ‘We have modernised with the times and now offer care for older people with higher levels of need; there is a much greater demand for dementia care too. We have maintained our ability to provide this care in beautiful, homely settings where individual needs, choices and preferences are our first priority.’
|The AbleCare Homes Great British Care Awards Winners
An informal chat with Care Assistant, Kelly, who works at Frenchay House.
Top tips to make your visit a success
Ranging in size from 12 to 30 rooms per home, we offer boutique care homes with a charming, family, ‘home from home’ feel. All staff and residents get to know each other extremely well, our teams learn all about each individual they care for. We think small is more personalised; and in these times it is a safer way to deliver vital care services. Some of the most important features enriching the lives of our residents are good care, great food, interesting activities and comfortable facilities, all provided by kind and compassionate Carers. You can’t ever replace face to face care with technology however we have introduced our residents to a new type of tablet - installing full WiFi solutions, digital care planning programmes and obtaining iPads for the staff and residents to use. This has been very successful, with residents chatting to their families and taking part in fun games and reminiscence. Online surveys have been shared, gathering views of friends and family members at a time of huge change and gaining feedback on resident and staff wellbeing. Our social media has evolved into a support group, which we use on a daily basis to keep family networks involved in life in our homes, generating lots of comments, positive feedback and interaction. Staff wellbeing is extremely important; for us, providing crucial care services, it’s crucial to be a top-rated employer, where the best Carers enjoy working. The effect of Covid-19 on employment has brought a whole host of fantastic new recruits in with skills ranging from customer service to chefs. Our ‘Employee of the Week Award’ rewards a team member from each of our homes every week recognising the service they provide. Sharing staff profiles on social media has been pivotal in supporting teams with their wellbeing and good mental health, as an added benefit enabling families to learn more about them. AbleCare Homes has undergone a payroll re-structure gaining accreditation as a Real Living Wage Employer, something seldom achieved in our sector. We are proud to support a professional workforce. Kitchens are run by an experienced team who present a range of choices to meet preferences and dietary needs. Chefs talk to residents on a one-to-one basis; explaining what is available each day, making sure everyone is happy and discussing alternatives. Recruiting a Doctor on a short-term contract helped us to respond to some of the new challenges around testing and vaccination, supporting our Managers to set up new ways of working and providing information and guidance to ensure Covid-19 practices are thorough and robust. Despite the ups and downs of the last year and the many challenges we have faced, we are undoubtedly feeling extremely positive for the future. Safely welcoming visitors and enabling an Essential Care Giver to work with us caring for their loved one is the latest hugely positive step forward. As the sun starts to shine and we all start to get some natural vitamin D rather than the government issued drops, we have a positive outlook for this year ahead! Sam Hawker Managing Director AbleCare Homes
