May 2021 News

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

Our wonderful Activities Coordinator, Emily, joined the team on 18 May and has enjoyed getting to know the residents at Farthings.  Emily initially spent some 1:1 time with all residents, getting to know them and what their interests were.

SINGING

Lots of residents have enjoyed singing war time songs this month, in particular ‘I’m forever blowing bubbles’.  Retire At Home describes sharing music as “whether the music is listened to with headphones or enjoyed in a group, it will lift the spirits and promote a greater sense of life and living”.  Io9 states that “according to a recent analysis of 400 published scientific papers, the old adage that ‘music is medicine’ may literally be true.  The neurochemical benefits of music can boost the body’s immune system, reduce anxiety, and help regulate mood.”  In addition, there are the positive effects of exercise through dancing.

ETCH ART

Residents have enjoyed completing some etch art, with a great attention to detail.

REMINISCING

As part of Emily getting to know the residents lots of reminiscing has been taking place.  Reminiscing can have many positive effects on an aging adult.  Caring Senior Service summarises 9 reasons why reminiscing can be beneficial:

  1. Preserves family history
  2. Helps improve their quality of life
  3. Reduces symptoms of depression
  4. Promotes physical health
  5. Works through unresolved conflicts
  6. Eliminates boredom
  7. Improves communication skills
  8. Reduces stress
  9. Enhances self-esteem

VISITS

Visiting loved ones in their bedrooms re-commenced in May, we have had the privilege of seeing so many special moments with our residents and their loved ones, it has been wonderful seeing you all again.  Thank you to everyone who has visited for helping to keep everyone safe by following our home’s visiting policy and guidance.

STAFF

Our new housekeeper, April, has now started and is doing a fabulous job of keeping the home clean and tidy.

We will be welcoming Fagan back soon from her maternity leave and she will re-join our care team.  We have also recruited Claire into a Care Assistant role.

Our lovely Care Assistant, Chayse will unfortunately be leaving us soon.  Chayse is going to be spending more time with her two young boys and we wish her all the very best and hope she will visit from time to time when time and covid restrictions allow.

REVIEWS

We would be ever so grateful if you could take the time to leave us a review on either:

COMING UP

We have set a date for our Summer Fayre; it will be held on Saturday 21 August so please put the date in your diary!  Charlotte from DB Animal Therapy will be bringing some animals along and there will be the usual stalls selling items or games, there will also be a raffle held, tickets will be going on sale soon.  We are hoping the current coronavirus restrictions will be lifted in time to welcome all our friends and families back for a wonderful fun-filled day.  However, we will of course be following the Government and Nottinghamshire County Council guidance and as such details will be confirmed nearer the time when we are aware what and how we are able to host safely.


Important reminders from NHS Test and Trace

Accessing regular rapid lateral flow tests

Anyone can now get regular rapid lateral flow tests (LFT) without having symptoms.  Rapid lateral tests from the universal testing offer can be ordered through:

Order coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow tests - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

About 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms but can still infect others, this is why universal testing is so important.

Please continue to test regardless of the vaccine

It is vitally important that you continue to test regardless of whether you have had the vaccine or not.  While the approved vaccines provide protection to a vaccinated person from becoming seriously ill from COVID-19, we do not yet know if they prevent someone from passing on the virus to others.  You can still carry the virus on your body and clothes if you come into contact with it.

Everyone must continue to follow guidance, including wearing the correct personal protection equipment (PPE) and undertake regular testing to continue to protect themselves, the people we care for, your family, friends and colleagues.