care home – Page 4 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Care home fighting fit for 2022 with record occupancy rates

AN EDINBURGH care home has recorded a strong bounce back from the last two years of lockdowns – with record occupancy numbers as it looks to expand its team for 2022.

Despite the challenges brought on the care home sector, Cramond Residence is optimistic for the year ahead with occupancy rates up 65% on this point last year.

The home is set to hire additional members of staff to take its team to more than 100, in response to the continued growing demand.

Located in Cramond, the care home was launched in late 2018 and offers uncompromising nurse-led care, as well as respite and dementia specialist services and offers small group living in nine luxuriously-appointed homes.

Throughout the pandemic it has been able to use its purpose-built layout and cutting-edge air filtration system and laundry facilities to minimise cross-infection.

Christian Daraio, Client Liaison Manager at Cramond Residence said: “After an unprecedented two years for the industry, we finally have positive momentum.

“Our clients and their families are placing their trust in us and we’re thrilled to be reaching record occupancy levels.

“The biggest obstacle we now have to us providing care for more older people is recruitment. We’re hopeful that we can cut through the current workforce crisis by offering some of the highest salaries in Edinburgh, competitive terms and conditions and a great team environment.

“Putting the wellbeing of our residents and staff has been and continues to be our main priority and as we continue on the path to normality, we are looking forward to increasing our offering over the coming months.”

The home is looking for applications from lifestyle coordinators, qualified nurses and catering assistants, with particularly high demand for nursing staff and care assistants.

Included in the home’s current offering for residents is a tailored monthly activity programme, curated by its dedicated lifestyle team, bespoke physiotherapy sessions by boutique physiotherapy experts, Balanced as well as specialist dementia care.

Throughout the duration of the pandemic, the home offered a range of virtual activities, including linking up with the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions to deliver a programme of interactive tours of some of Scottish most famous attractions, to keep residents stimulated and engaged.

Cramond Residence offers high quality care for up to 74 residents offering a small-group living concept in nine houses, with all residents enjoying an exceptional range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care from a highly-trained team.

To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Pensioners jazz up their afternoon with exclusive performance

ELDERLY care home residents were treated to an exclusive music concert thanks to the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival.

With restrictions easing, Cramond Residence was delighted to welcome Jed Potts and the Hillman Hunters to perform in the garden, while residents watched from the comfort of the home’s conservatory.

The blues trio, inspired by 1950s and 1960s classic American blues, delivered a powerful performance to residents at the Edinburgh home who enjoyed dancing the afternoon away.

Fiona Alexander, Chief Organiser of the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, who facilitated the performance, said: “Care homes have had it very rough over the last 18 months, so to be able to liven up the resident’s afternoon and give them something to look forward to is very special.

“A big focus of this year’s festival has been to expand past our usual performances, and connect with new audiences, hence the link up with Cramond Residence.

“I can’t speak for the residents, but the band put on an excellent performance and everyone seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves.”

Started in 1978, the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival has provided a platform to showcase the very best Jazz and Blues artists from around the world and is one of the largest jazz festivals in Europe.

The 2021 festival took place between the 16^th and the 25^th of July and included a mixture of online and in person performances.

Athena Liakeas, Activities Coordinator at Cramond Residence, said: “There is a host of positive mental, physical and social benefits that come from music.

“Despite all of our residents having varied tastes in music, the performance seemed to go down a treat and everyone had a great time. It definitely brightened up the afternoon.”

Cramond Residence provides a combination of luxury accommodation and the highest quality of care, with all residents enjoying a wide range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care.

During lockdown, Lifestyle Coordinators led activities from The Residence Cinema, connecting to residents in their own private house lounge or in their bedrooms via smart TVs to encourage two-way communications.

Places in the care home start from £1850 a week.

To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Joy Rides at Cramond

Care home residents have ‘wheely good time’!

A CYCLING initiative at an Edinburgh care home aiming to get elderly residents out in the fresh air and interacting with the community has got off to a speedy start.

With restrictions easing, Cramond Residence was delighted to resume its partnership with Joy Rides – a customised electric tri-shaw bike that carries two passengers and a “driver”.

Residents at the care home to the north of the city enjoyed venturing out every other week before the pandemic on bespoke trails with Joy Rides founder and cycling enthusiast Lissa McIntyre.

Joy Rides was created in 2019 and is a one woman show helping passengers combat feelings of isolation and loneliness, whilst improving health and well-being all while having fun on the front of a tri-shaw bike.

Lissa McIntyre, said: “From a very young age I’ve had a passion for cycling – there is nothing better than feeling the wind in your hair and forgetting your worries for a little while.

“No other form of transport gives you the same sense of freedom as a bicycle does, so I wanted to ensure people who couldn’t cycle were able experience this feeling – albeit minus the strenuous pedalling!

“When doing my initial market research, I noticed there was a lack of outdoor activities available for older people within the city so I wanted to close this gap and offer them the same experience and enjoyment.

“Riding on the tri-shaw gives you the freedom that comes with being on a bike outdoors with the security that a reliable, safe person is in charge behind the wheel.”

The Joy Rides project resumed in June, and aims to allow residents and other customers to filter back into their local communities without stress or unease following months of lockdown.

Lissa, said: “There are a host of positive mental, physical and social benefits that come from getting elderly people out in the fresh air, especially as many have not left the home for a long period of time.

“During the trip residents are encouraged to socialise with others from different parts of the home and are often keen to have a chat with locals.”

Residents often request the cycle to go along Cramond promenade to view parts of the city they don’t often see, such as the view to the Forth Bridges in Queensferry and across the water to Fife.

Between every session the tri-shaw bike is thoroughly cleaned, on top of this both the driver and passengers are required to wear a mask during the trip with health and safety being paramount.

Places in the care home start from £1850 a week. To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Veteran Dad shares words of wisdom ahead of Father’s Day

Residents at a care home have been sharing their favourite memories and most important piece of advice in advance of Father’s Day.

89-year-old Matthew Dunnigan, who resides at Cramond Residence in Edinburgh, has shared the advice he would like to pass to future generations of fathers is to treasure all of the time you have with your children and show them as much warmth, care and love as possible.

Matthew also shared one of the biggest perks of fatherhood is being able to socialise with his two children as they got older, adding: “When they were young, I was always Dad but when they grew up, I became a friend too, and that was very special”

Cramond Residence, where Matthew is currently a resident, will be putting on a dedicated Father’s Day spread, with tea, cakes and sandwiches, to help residents celebrate the special day in style, despite restrictions.

Music students perform exclusive gig for care home residents

ASPIRING musicians from Edinburgh College blew care home residents away during a private garden concert.

The three performers, Nualla Macgregor, Seonaid Wilson and Chloe Mak, visited Mansfield Care’s Pine Villa to deliver an outdoor musical extravaganza consisting of singing, piano, clarinet and clarsach – a Celtic harp.

Inspired by a class project, the group, NCS Collective, chose to play for the Midlothian-based care home after it was recommended to them by a teacher.

Band member, Seonaid said: “After hearing about the concerts our teacher had performed at Pine Villa, and how much the residents loved it, we all decided to perform there ourselves.

“It was our first concert out of lockdown and first concert at a care home so we were especially keen to organise a socially distanced performance to bring some in-house entertainment while venues are still closed.

“It was amazing to finally be able to make music again and perform for other people. It was really gratifying.”

After hosting a successful concert in April, the group were eager to schedule a summer performance in the sunshine.

The band perform a variety of songs from Disney anthems to The Beatles and are all selected by the residents themselves.

Clarsach player, Nualla, added: “It’s important to us that we perform songs the residents want to listen to, so we prepare a questionnaire with lots of different choices for residents to fill out.

“From there, we compile a set list and rehearse together ahead of the concert. Some top picks included Abba, Disney, The Beatles and pop songs – which were all so fun to perform and very different from our usual classical music set list.”

“We’re hoping to keep this going on a regular basis and arrange for concerts every couple of months if we have the time and if the residents want us back.”

Denise Williams, Pine Villa Care Home Manager in Loanhead, said: “It was amazing. We had residents tapping their feet and singing along, they really enjoyed it.

Margaret Morton, resident at Pine Villa said: “It was lovely sitting in the sunshine listening to the music.

Rena Flavell, resident at Pine Villa added: “The harp music was very special, it was all really lovely.”

20 year old Chloe said: “It was a great time! I think both the staff and residents really enjoyed it. The residents loved seeing all of our individual instruments and talents, so we prepared more solos as well as ensemble pieces.

“As classical performers, this isn’t something we usually get to do, so seeing how much everyone at Pine Villa enjoyed our performance was really inspiring and has definitely encouraged us to go back.”

Mansfield Care specialise in small, friendly residential care homes in Edinburgh, Borders and west of Scotland; each designed to an exceptional standard with state-of-the-art facilities.

The Mansfield Care ethos is inspired by the kind of care we would wish for ourselves in later life – supportive, friendly, bright, positive, empathetic, respectful and homely.

Innovative tech keeps care residents’ families in the loop

CARE HOME residents have been able to instantly share important information about their health and wellbeing with loved ones throughout the pandemic, thanks to a bespoke digital care system.

When Cramond Residence closed its doors to visitors back in March 2020, its tailored technology-enabled care system showed its true value by providing real-time updates on residents’ health and wellbeing with family, through an app called Access Care planning.

The care plans are developed with the residents and their family, as well as key workers and named nursing staff. Plans are individually adapted for each resident on their arrival to ensure it reflects their healthcare history and care needs.

It covers everything from the food they eat and exercise or physiotherapy they take, through to any prescribed medication and palliative care they may require.

The technology has been in use since the care home opened in 2018, but became indispensable during the pandemic. Throughout lockdown, families were able to log on and view their loved one’s information at the click of a button, giving them peace of mind and reassurance wherever they are in the world.

Ross Bijak, Clinical Care Manager, said: “Our online healthcare system has received a lot of positive feedback from resident’s families in recent months – it means they have access to real-time information around the clock.

“Lockdown was extremely tough for families who weren’t able to visit, and for our residents themselves. I think one saving grace has been this technology which is able to provide some comfort and reassurance to families.

“We’ve had families calling us just to chat about something they’ve read on the app, or to share their delight in seeing a specific item like physiotherapy or certain exercise in the plan.

“Although the plans are created when residents first enter the home, they are regularly updated and reassessed as people’s health and care needs change.

“For example, we have built specific care plans focused around visiting requirements and Covid-19.”

The digital care plans take into account a whole range of factors, including a resident’s skills, strengths and experiences to create the best, bespoke care plan for them which puts their needs first.

Cramond Residence provides a combination of luxury accommodation and the highest quality of care. Set in a leafy location, it offers small group-living in nine houses, with all residents enjoying a wide range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care.

To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Care residents travel the world without even packing a suitcase

RETIREES prove you are never too old to travel as they make their way across the continents sampling different cuisines and experiencing new cultures all from the comfort of their home.

Cramond Residence care home in Edinburgh have been running themed events during lockdown, each one based on a different culture, to continue providing enriching experiences and keep residents entertained.

Each themed event consists of traditional music from the chosen destination, culturally appropriate activities, and a special menu to match. Residents will be took a trip to Italy in April, after visiting India in March and China in February.

Lisa Sohn, Lead Lifestyle Coordinator at Cramond Residence, said: “The residents love our themed events as it gives them a chance to reminisce on their favourite holidays and trips whilst some can experience new cultures of countries they haven’t visited before.

“In our ‘trip’ to Italy, our head chef, Patsy McKenzie (above), will be hosting a master class on pizza making where Residents will be encouraged to make their very own pizzas.

“There will also be games and a presentation on the history and culture throughout the month.”

Since restrictions were reinforced at the beginning of the year, residents have been isolating in nine self-contained small-group living units within the purpose-built care home, to help with infection control.

Residents have access to Android tablets and are encouraged to use video conferencing apps to stay connected with friends. Each group’s lounge area can be connected via video to bring the whole home together.

The innovative use of technology has meant that Lifestyle Coordinators at the plush home have been able to deliver a rich activity schedule, including a virtual reality whisky distillery tour, a St Andrew’s Day ceilidh and a trip around the world.

Lifestyle Coordinators lead activities from the high spec cinema room, connecting into each lounge, or each bedroom, encouraging two-way communications with the residents.

Lisa added: “Staff have been working extremely hard over the past few months to think of new activities to keep residents entertained and connected during lockdown.

“It’s so important to organise meaningful and stimulating activities for the residents as this boosts their mental and physical well-being. The themed events have been a major hit across the board. It’s something fun for everyone to get involved in.

“We’re constantly receiving suggestions of where residents would like to travel to next, the list is never-ending!”

Cramond Residence offers high quality care for up to 74 residents utilising a small-group living concept in nine houses, with all residents enjoying an exceptional range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care from our highly-trained team.

To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Cramond care home holds classes to help reduce falls

WITH the easing of lockdown restrictions, an Edinburgh care home is resuming its physiotherapy-led falls prevention class which looks to prevent falls and support residents’ mobility and wellbeing.

Cramond Residence had been holding weekly classes with reduced numbers, led by the home’s lifestyle coordinators, but as of early April they have reinstated the specialist physiotherapists from Balanced to resume their classes as normal.

The classes are available free of charge to all residents and take place weekly. Prior to attending, residents are individually assessed by a physiotherapist and split into groups based on their physical ability.

Lisa Sohn, Lead Lifestyle Coordinator at Cramond Residence, said: “The falls prevention classes have been very popular amongst residents, we have quite a few regulars who attend.

“It’s a great way for residents to socialise while also encouraging mobility and helping to keep them safe. Although classes are not mandatory, we do encourage residents to take part as much as possible to build up and maintain their strength.

“The pre-class assessments mean that residents are split into either seated or standing groups, ensuring everyone gets the most out of their sessions.

“The aim of the classes is to prevent potential falls and give residents the confidence to move around either independently or semi-independently, based on their needs and abilities.”

The falls prevention programme has been part of the care home’s programme since it opened in 2018, and was temporarily facilitated by lifestyle coordinators during lockdown to minimise risk for residents.

Throughout lockdown, residents have been isolating in nine self-contained small-group living units within the purpose-built care home, to help with infection control.

Lisa added: “It’s great to have Balanced back to take over the classes and provide their specialist support – it’s another step towards ‘normality’ for the residents which is not only fantastic for their physical health, but for their mental wellbeing.

“We’ve recently been able to bring residents back together again in larger groups, following social distancing guidance, which has also helped greatly with socialisation.”

Alongside the fall’s prevention programme, the 74-bedroom care home offers customised individual care plans for each resident based on their care needs, and a varied activity programme to keep them both mentally and physically stimulated.

Cramond Residence offers high quality care utilising a small-group living concept in nine houses, with all residents enjoying an exceptional range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care from our highly-trained team.

To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Local care home hosts Spring Olympics!

Mansfield Care, Pine Villa, Loanhead residents participating in their activities afternoon including using the new sports table. Pictured Sandra Wood, Rena Flavell and Charles Davis-Cole

A CARE home has hosted a ‘Spring Olympics’ event for its residents to fulfil their cravings for competition and activity.

Organised by the care staff, the week-long series of competitions at Mansfield Care’s Pine Villa featured rounds of pool, Jenga, and basketball, with a Sports Quiz to close the tournament.

It comes after the residents enjoyed a programme of competitions throughout the winter months which inspired the care staff to curate the Spring Olympics, creating opportunities for healthy competition and action.

Denise Williams, Pine Villa Care Home Manager in Loanhead, said: “The residents are all very competitive so we thought this would be a fun way to stay active and play some fun games.

“Seeing as the winter games week was such a success, we wanted to make this even better. We spent a few weeks organising and planning the activities that were requested by the residents, rearranging a few tournaments due to weather but still managing to fit in games everyone enjoyed.

“It was great fun. We tried to make it a little more competitive this time round by splitting residents into teams.

“We hosted three separate games so that after each event we scored up the points and announced the winner at our closing ceremony where our residents enjoyed a spot of afternoon tea.”

As part of an ethos to provide the care we wish to receive in later life, Pine Villa, one of 11 care homes run by Mansfield Care, specialises in bespoke services to support its resident’s wellbeing.

Denise added: “We want residents to live in a stimulating environment and have activities and plans to look forward to. It’s been really challenging over lockdown with visitor restrictions, but the team has been extraordinary and really stepped up, coordinating more activities to meet our resident’s needs.

“These types of activities really help support our residents’ mental and physical health, so we feel it’s important to get creative and organise active games and events. Everyone enjoys them and looks forward to them, staff and residents alike.”

The resident-led activities are organised by the wellness coordinator to ensure resident interests and hobbies are catered to, creating a fun and fulfilling environment.

Mansfield Care specialise in small, friendly residential care homes in Edinburgh, Borders and west of Scotland; each designed to an exceptional standard with state-of-the-art facilities.

The Mansfield Care ethos is inspired by the kind of care we would wish for ourselves in later life – supportive, friendly, bright, positive, empathetic, respectful and homely.

Easter at Belleville Lodge: Bonnets, Bunnies and Buns!

RESIDENTS at an Edinburgh care home are welcoming the Easter holidays with a splash of creativity with personalised Easter bonnets ahead of an eventful weekend.

Featuring an Easter Egg Hunt, Easter Service and a visit from the Easter Bunny, the staff at Mansfield Care’s Belleville Lodge has gone above and beyond to give residents an exciting Easter.

Leading up to the festivities, residents have spent the last week decorating bonnets by making paper flowers and bunnies to decorate their hats.

Following the arts and crafts, residents will be able to attend an Easter service along with festive hymns, followed by fresh hot cross buns in the lounge.

On Sunday, if weather permits, the residents will hopefully be able to take part in an Easter egg hunt, organized by the staff in the Belleville Lodge garden with a visit from the Easter Bunny.

Margaret Russell, Manager at Belleville Lodge said: “With the current restrictions we are unable to have a church service so we thought we would have one ourselves on Good Friday, and have a few Easter hymns.

“The residents love afternoon tea; so we’ve also planned one after the Easter service with Hot cross buns.

“Easter is a really special time of year for some of our residents and so we always make an effort to do something special. The residents love decorating Easter bonnets, it’s a very relaxing and creative activity for them.”

Mardie Esterkin, 87, a resident at Belleville Lodge said: “It’s a nice ceremony and celebration to have.

“The place is decorated with bunnies and a Happy Easter sign hanging above the window. It’s just nice to celebrate this happy occasion. Easter is a lovely time of year.”

Bet Gordon, another resident at Belleville Lodge who took part in the decorating said: “It is a special time of the year as spring is coming. The home is decorated with lots of daffodils which is lovely.

“I love the afternoon teas with Matron, she always makes them so special.

“I am looking forward to the Easter Egg hunt in the garden and the visit from the Easter Bunny.”

Belleville lodge is one of 11 care homes operated by Mansfield Care who specialise in running small and friendly residential care homes across Edinburgh, the Borders and the west of Scotland.

The dedicated staff at Mansfield Care put the needs of its residents at the forefront of everything they do, keeping an active social planner around the interests and requests of the residents.

Led by an ethos of providing the care we would wish for ourselves in later life, Mansfield Care offers bespoke care that supports resident’s health and wellbeing.

For more information on Mansfield Care, visit: https://www.mansfieldcare.co.uk/