Have your say....
The Department of Health and Social Care have launched a five-week consultation to gather as many opinions as possible regarding making the coronavirus vaccine a condition of employment within Health and Social Care.
The closing date for contributions is Friday, 21 May 2021, please share your thoughts on the proposal by following the link below:
Making vaccination a condition of deployment in older adult care homes - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
April 2021 News
EASTER
Lots of Easter Eggs were around the home and games played throughout the day. The residents and staff alike enjoyed playing mix and match and bunny ring toss. All the residents and staff received an Easter egg from the Easter bunny too. There was also singing and dancing amongst staff and residents, a great weekend was enjoyed by all.
DB ANIMAL THERAPY
Unfortunately, Charlotte will be leaving us soon to progress her new venture, DB Animal Therapy. Charlotte first started at Farthings in 2017 and has worked in a variety of roles since then, she will be greatly missed by the Farthings Family. On 13 April Charlotte treated our wonderful residents to a glimpse of her new venture and brought lots of animals to meet them. From fluffy rabbits and guineapigs, to scaly snakes and lizards, to leggy millipedes to tortoises, Charlotte brought in a fabulous selection of animals for all of the residents to see and hold. As you will see from the photographs there were lots and lots of smiles!!
GAMES
We have enjoyed playing noughts and crosses and mix and match this month!
VISITS
We continue to facilitate lots of visits with loved ones, it has been lovely to see you all. It has also been warm enough to have visits in the garden some days!!
JIGSAWS
Jigsaws continue to be enjoyed amongst our residents, some completed individually and others as a small group.
NEWS
We had lots of discussions around the sad news of HRH Prince Philip passing away, newspapers were shared and we reminisced about the Royal Family.
SUNSHINE
At last the sun has come out, many of our residents have enjoyed sitting outside with their sunhats on enjoying the sun and the birds chattering!
STAFF
We have some staff changes taking place over the coming month, as previously mentioned our wonderful Housekeeper Charlotte will be leaving us to take up her new animal therapy venture, we wish her all the very best and hope to see her again very soon. We have recruited April into the Housekeeping role, April has over 7 years of commercial cleaning experience and we are looking forward to welcoming her to the team mid-May.
Our lovely Care Assistant Alexis has begun her new venture working within a school, Alexis has remained on our bank and we hope to see her again soon. Pauline (previously Activities Coordinator) has moved into the Care Assistant role. We have therefore recruited Emily into the Activities Coordinator role; Emily has several years’ experience of providing support and friendship and is looking forward to getting to know everyone in the coming weeks.
Lisa will also be moving on to a new dream venture, working a farm, she will be missed by all at Farthings, however Lisa has also decided to remain on bank and will hopefully be back soon with wonderful farm stories to tell.
We have welcomed Chayse our lovely Care Assistant back from maternity leave and have also recruited Amie into a Care Assistant role, Amie started with us in early May and has over 8 years’ experience of working in care.
Types of care available at Farthings
We specialise in providing care to older people, care which comes in many different forms. As a small care home with 22 en-suite bedrooms our team really get to know all residents, understand their needs, and encourage social friendships amongst residents living at Farthings. Below are some of the different types of care we offer:
Dementia Care
Around 850,000 people are living with dementia in the UK (www.alzheimers.org.uk). All of our staff undergo dementia training, and several have received additional training provided by Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Our aim is to support our residents to maintain their dignity and quality of life through a detailed understanding of their social history. By doing this we are able to support our resident to live the life they choose, we have an activities programme available for everyone and we can support our residents in our internal courtyard area which also features a fishpond with running water.
Residential Care
The most common feedback we receive from family members is that Farthings is a ‘home from home’ our aim is for this to always be the ‘feeling’ when living and visiting Farthings. As a smaller home our friendly team really get to know all residents, and their loved ones. Residential care includes own en-suite bedroom, nutritional home cooked meals cooked onsite, housekeeping, and personal support (such as help with hygiene, bathing, medication management) as well as access to GP services. There is an activities programme available in groups or on a 1-2-1 basis dependant on preference.
Respite Care
Caregiving for an elderly, ill, or disabled family member is a demanding job and no one is equipped to do it alone, respite services can provide a vital break (www.helpguide.org). Respite Care can really offer support, providing that much needed temporary rest so the caregiver can take a step back for a short period to take care of their own health needs, socialise with friends, perhaps catch up on sleep or take a well-deserved holiday knowing their loved one is well-cared for. Respite care can be planned or unplanned, in cases of emergency. Respite care offers an ideal opportunity to socialise with different people and forge relationships with other residents within the home. There are various mentally and physically stimulating activities available for all residents. In time, respite care can prepare a person to have a better transition into a full-time life in a care home.
If you are considering care for yourself or your loved one, please call our friendly team who will be more than willing to answer any questions you may have, 01777 838 219, alternatively you can email [email protected].
Covid safe visiting solutions are available for our residents and their loved ones
We are delighted to welcome relatives and friends back to Farthings to be reunited with their loved ones.
At Farthings we have many ways in which loved ones can remain in touch:
- Marquee Visit – a face to face visit with your loved one, currently the National Government Guidance allows two nominated individuals to see a resident face to face. We require a negative LFT coronavirus test prior to coming into the home and visitors are required to wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, all are provided on arrival.
- Gate Visit – we have a gate to our rear garden and welcome visitors to meet their relatives socially distant ‘over the gate’. A face covering should be worn whilst undertaking a gate visit.
- Window Visit – residents with external rooms can have a window visit at their bedroom should they wish. Alternatively, window visits can take place from our small sitting area on the front of the home. Many of our residents talk to their loved ones on the telephone whilst having a window visit.
- Virtual Visit – residents are welcome to utilise the homes iPads to have a video call with their loved ones, the staff team will support residents to do this if required.
- Telephone – everyone is welcome to utilise the home’s phone to converse with loved ones.
All visits must be pre-booked in advanced though our easy-to-use online booking system. Bookings can also be made through our friendly team who will make the booking on your behalf.
We are continually reviewing our visiting policies and make changes when we are able or instructed to do so, this is primarily lead by Government Guidance, Nottinghamshire County Council or Bassetlaw Clinical Commissioning Group as well as the Director of Public Health. Our priority remains to be the safety of our residents, colleagues, and visitors alike.
Sadly, sometimes our residents may require end of life care and in these cases, we will arrange compassionate visits for close family members to take place. We will support compassionate visits during periods of lockdowns and will do everything we can to support families during this sad time.
Should you have any queries regarding our visiting options please call our friendly team on 01777 838219 or email [email protected] we look forward to seeing you soon.
Animal Therapy
Our fabulous Housekeeper, Charlotte, will unfortunately be leaving us soon to start her new venture, DB Animal Therapy.
Charlotte kindly brought in a large selection of her therapy animals to meet our wonderful residents. There was something for everyone, from fluffy rabbits and guineapigs to scaly snakes and lizards to leggy millipedes and hardbacked tortoises Charlotte had them all!
Studies show that just 15 minutes with a trained dog, cat or another service animal can increase brain activity and serotonin levels in seniors. Serotonin is known as the “feel-good hormone” and plays a crucial role in bodily function as well as our experiences of positive emotions (www.theupsidetoaging.com) manlig-halsa.se. Furthermore, it is noted that simply having something to pet and touch can be relaxing. Relaxation reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and stabilises heartrates.
As you will see from the photographs everyone thoroughly enjoyed Charlotte’s visit and we hope to see DB Animal Therapy again soon.
Signs your loved one may be lonely and why a care home is the solution
The ongoing global pandemic has been challenging for most people, many people have been forced to stay at home with little interaction with their friends and family and they could be stuck in the same mundane routine. Which.co.uk reported that one in ten people aged 65 or over either always or often felt lonely. Furthermore, verywellmind.com report that loneliness has a wide range of negative effects on a person, inclusive of altered brain function, Alzheimer’s disease progression, cardiovascular disease and stroke and depression. Now is more important than ever to identify the signs your loved one may be lonely and find a solution.
Some of the signs your loved one may be feeling lonely:
- May be withdrawn from family and friends
- Struggling to find positives in life
- Sleeping more or not enough
- Not caring about their appearance
- Struggling to do simple tasks
- Lost or lacking appetite
Many people would not admit they are lonely or indeed struggling as a sense of pride and independence is extremely important for many people. At Farthings, our care home near Retford, this is recognised and we actively promote as much independence as we can whilst being on hand to give support as required. As a small care home the ‘Farthings Family’ can offer yourself or your loved one a sense of belonging and contribution to a community, empowerment is encouraged whilst having support on hand. Farthings offers a variety of activities to ensure you or your loved one remains active. Fresh nutritious home cooked meals are produced in our home from home kitchen.
If you or any of your loved ones are experiencing the feeling of loneliness please get in touch with us. We are here to help and support you. Our friendly team are contactable on 01777 838219 or [email protected]
March 2021 News
ST DAVID’S DAY
St David is the patron saint of Wales, to celebrate St David’s day on 1 March we had discussions about daffodils, which are coming along nicely in our raised flowerbeds in our courtyard.
WORLD BOOK DAY
On 4 March, Pauline our wonderful Activities Co-ordinator organised lots of reading materials for the residents, books, magazines, newspapers, and crosswords to celebrate World Book Day. Pauline also read a book for the residents to listen to which was enjoyed by all.
VISITS
We were delighted to receive the Governments Guidance on 20 February which stated from 8 March were able to commence welcoming one named visitor per resident back into Farthings. We have been so pleased to welcome some of you back for our marquee visits, following a negative Lateral Flow Test. We have continued with our online booking process and we are of course continuing with our gate, window and virtual visits which are enjoyed by so many.
We appreciate that the past year has been such a difficult time for our residents and their families and friends and we would like to thank you all so much for your patience and understanding throughout.
MOTHERS DAY
Our residents thoroughly enjoyed receiving their Mothers Day gifts from their loved ones on 14 March, thank you to all our wonderful families.
HEALTH AND FITNESS
Our first armchair exercise class was delivered by Barnsley Premier Leisure (BPL) via a pre-recorded link and facilitated by our Activities Co-ordinator Pauline and Charlotte in Support Services. This is a new project and we are working alongside Bassetlaw Commissioning Group (CCG) and BPL to facilitate online exercise classes or meditation classes in our home, being pre-recorded means we can utilise them at a time to suit our residents and as often as they would like to do them. The residents really enjoyed the armchair exercises.
ST PATRICK’S DAY
On 17 March 2021 St Patrick’s Day was celebrated, an Irish theme throughout the day. Irish music was played over lunchtime.
SPRING BEGINS
Finally, the official start to Spring was here on 20 March! After what seems like a very long winter we are looking forward to welcoming more of our families back into Farthings when Government Guidance allows.
PAMPER DAY
Jayne one of our fabulous Care Assistants organised a pamper day and pampered our residents, giving everyone who wanted one a manicure followed by an application of nail polish. Everyone was left feeling relaxed and happy. Thank you Jayne!
JIGSAWS
Our residents had a lovely time on 31 March completing jigsaws together around our large round table. There are many benefits in completing jigsaws, a study from Princeton University concluded that jigsaw puzzles can improve motor skills like dexterity. When you pick through small pieces, flip them over, and fit them into small places, it exercises all those small muscles in the fingers and eyes. A study from Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience explained that engaging your brain with activities like jigsaw puzzles can reduce the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s. In addition, the completion of jigsaws can inspire socialisation, boost cognitive ability, boost your short-term memory and offers mindfulness.
Health & Wellbeing - Exercises
During a Provider Forum on 3 March 2021 Barnsley Premier Leisure (BPL) presented in conjunction with Bassetlaw Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to raise awareness of virtual exercise classes. The CCG explained they had been tasked with obtaining support for the elderly within Care Homes who were suffering symptoms of Long Covid (currently classified as experiencing post-covid symptoms 12 weeks after having covid). During the process it was agreed the provision should be widened, not only for sufferers of long covid but any individual within a Care Home, especially due to personal trainers being unable to visit care homes currently.
As such BPL asked if anyone would be willing to trial their pre-recorded exercises classes and give feedback to the team on their suitability for care home settings. BPL advised there were a wide variety of classes available, from standing to seated exercises and tai chi to mindfulness. They were also willing to provide live sessions if that was something that homes would like and could also add or adapt content to suit the care homes requirements.
www.ageuk.org.uk reports that regular activity can:
- lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, some cancers, depression and dementia
- moving helps your thinking skills – like problem-solving, decision-making and remembering facts and words
- being active can lessen aches and pains, help you stay steady on your feet and boost your mood
So of course, Farthings jumped at this amazing chance and Charlotte volunteered Farthings to be part of the project. On 9 March 2021 Lynne had a virtual meeting with the CCG and BPL to discuss Farthings needs and wants and to establish a way forward with the project.
On 15 March 2021 the first Armchair Exercise Class was delivered and over 56% of our residents took part. All residents really enjoyed the session which focussed on exercising legs, arms, hands, feet and the body core.
We look forward to seeing how this project will evolve and aid our residents.
Safely Welcoming New Residents
We continue to welcome new residents to our home with strict covid secure procedures in place. Our team are on hand to discuss any concerns or answer questions you may have.
To safely welcome new residents to our home Government Guidance is always followed.
The process we follow:
- Discussions: will take place prior to any admission with the home’s Registered Manager, this may be with yourself or a loved one. It may also involve any professionals currently involved in you care for example a Social Worker, or home carers. This is to gain an overview of your current care needs.
- Assessment: if it is likely we would be able to meet your specific needs the Registered Manager will arrange a Pre-Admission Assessment. This is to meet you, discuss what your needs are and how you would like to be cared for. It will also enable us to give you and your loved ones more information about our home and the facilities we have available to you. Ordinarily, dependant on circumstance, this would take place face-to-face but rest assured all of our staff are tested three times per week and would be wearing all the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for your safety.
- Time: after initial discussions and assessments our prospective residents are given time to consider their decision, possibly alongside their loved ones. Should you decide you would like to move into our home, this can happen as quickly or as slowly as you choose. Some residents wish to move in the same day and others book their place for in a months’ time.
- Testing: we will provide a coronavirus test which is to be completed and returned a negative result prior to moving into the home.
- Moving In: you are welcome to bring any personal effects you wish, to help you feel at home. All our rooms are en-suite, and are equipped with a bed, bedside table, chest of drawers, wardrobe, chair and a television. Wi-Fi is also available throughout the home. You will be required to remain in your bedroom for the first 14-days after admission. This is in line with Government Guidance to prevent the possible spread of coronavirus. We will ensure you receive plenty of visits from our staff team, should you wish, and this will give you and the staff the perfect opportunity for some one to one time.
- Settling In: when you have been in the home for a day or so a full Care Plan will be developed with you. This will include all the information the staff need to ensure they care for you how you would like to be. In addition, the Activities Co-ordinator will spend some time getting to know you and will arrange tailored activities for your interests. You will receive another coronavirus test around day 10. Then when you have isolated for 14-days and received another negative coronavirus test you will be able to meet the rest of the Farthings family and explore the home.
How we ensure we remain Covid safe
Throughout the pandemic our number one priority has always been to ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of all our residents and staff.
We have developed and continually reviewed our protocols and processes throughout the pandemic to ensure the very latest guidance is followed.
We protect the people in our care by:
- Enhanced Cleaning: additional enhanced cleaning regimes are in place. We continue to use Virusolve+ cleaning products throughout the home, which is a highly effective cleaner and disinfectant against bacteria, micobacteria, fungi, viruses and spores. Virusolve+ continues to work for up to 7-days on surfaces.
- Accessible Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): PPE is in plentiful supply and is readily and easily accessible throughout the home. Regular PPE audits ensure stock levels are maintained.
- Testing: ‘soft signs’ are checked as a minimum twice daily for all of our residents, this includes temperature checks and checks for all symptoms. Furthermore, all residents receive a coronavirus test every 28-days. All staff receive testing three times per week. This enables us to take immediate steps should there be any positive results https://apotekerendk.com/cialis-danmark/. In addition, we ensure any visiting professional i.e. district nurse, GP have had a negative test within 3-days of visiting the home.
- Training: all staff have received specific Covid-19 training in addition to mandatory Infection Control training which is undertaken annually.
- Visiting: we have several options for safe visiting all of which can be booked through our dedicated visiting booking system, these are:
- marquee visits – one nominated visitor is able to visit their loved one inside our newly purchased marquee (a covid-19 test must be taken and negative prior entry)
- gate visits – face to face socially distant visits can take place through our courtyard gate
- window visits – face to face visits can take place through our smaller sitting room window, with loved ones communicating on telephones.
- virtual visits – the homes iPad has facetime, teams, skype, zoom etc which can be used, supported by our staff team.
- Legislation: we have undertaken our Care Quality Commission Emergency Support Framework call and are maintaining compliance. In addition, we are in regular contact with the Bassetlaw Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Nottinghamshire County Council (NCC).
- Activities: a wide range of activities are still on offer at Farthings to ensure our residents remain physically and mentally stimulated. Recently we have held online exercise classes, art classes, quizzes, topical discussions and cooking.
- Vaccinations: we are supporting the National vaccination programme and are absolutely delighted that 100% of our residents and staff have now had their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Several staff have also received their second dose. Furthermore, we will continue to encourage all new residents and staff to access their vaccination.
