in OSJCT homes pg 07 The latest stories from across our homes pg 08-09 Celebrating our volunteers pg 18-19 Trust in Care WINTER 2021 · EDITION 42 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ORDERS OF ST JOHN CARE TRUST In the press pages 04-05
Inside A message from Dan, this our Chief Executive Issue Oxlip House celebrate their 10 year anniversary 03 04 In the press 06 15 Improving Wi-Fi and network connections 16 As the temperature drops and the nights draw in, I am thankful for the warmth and cheer our residents, their families and friends, and our care teams, bring to our services. Winter is a special time of year, with Christmas itself a time to get together with loved ones and friends. Help and advice I remain incredibly grateful to all our employees for ensuring that our services are happy and safe places for all who live in, visit and work in them. Year-round, day in, day out, our care teams show unwavering dedication, compassion, resilience and creativity, supported by committed employees behind the scenes. I am proud of everyone within this organisation for all that they do and achieve, and though a little different to usual, we were able to celebrate our employees’ achievements in this year’s ‘virtual’ Employee Awards, which included our Chairman’s Commendations and the new Ferrers Innovation Awards; and in London at a small gathering for the BASMOM Awards. Find out more on pages 6 and 20-21. BASMOM awards 07 Caribbean culture in OSJCT homes 08 10 The latest stories from across our homes Recruitment 18 20 21 10 12 13 14 Rated Top 20 Carehome.co.uk Food in our Care Homes Tripology and Wellford Gardens 16 Volunteering Employee Awards and Chairman’s Commendation Awards Christmas card entries 24 Please keep in touch with our Home Managers and Area Operations Managers - we welcome your ideas, feedback, or concerns, at any time. By working together, we can continue to do what we do best for those that live with us: providing high-quality loving care. Christmas carol competition winner 23 Where we are May you all stay safe, and have a healthy and happy festive season! www.osjct.co.uk @OSJCT 0800 988 8133 year anniversary, one year late Clients, OSJCT employees and catering staff at the Extra Care Housing (ECH) scheme Oxlip House in Bury St Edmund’s recently celebrated ten years since opening. The modern housing scheme for over 55-yearolds was opened in October 2010, but last year’s party was postponed until this year due to COVID-19. care team who provided ongoing support to clients during scary pandemic times and gave up their free time to run corridor activities to combat feelings of loneliness in the scheme. Around 45 clients, 21 OSJCT employees and 10 restaurant staff joined the celebration which included a buffet meal. Tara Barber, who joined the scheme at the start and became Domiciliary Care Manager in 2019, spoke at the event to thank the loyal team of carers, and Calvers Catering, which runs the onsite restaurant and supplied food for the celebration. Deputy Manager Jane and carer Laura attended the event. They also joined the scheme along with Tara when it opened, and many employees have worked at the home for over five years. Tara credits this loyalty to the supportive team environment and the scheme feeling like family. I would like to thank all of our residents, and their loved ones, who continue to show support and appreciation for our dedicated care teams. Thousands of you have written positive reviews on the leading independent consumer website carehome.co.uk. And thanks to your support, we have once again been named as one of the Top 20 care home providers in the country, with an average score of 9.5. Ferrers Innovation Award and Chairman’s message 22 Oxlip House celebrates their Dan Hayes Chief Executive 02 Client Alf Gray shared his gratitude for the celebration and those involved in running Oxlip House. He said: “To all the carers at Oxlip House, a big thank you for all your hard work, and of course to the managers and the catering team. You helped us all out during the pandemic, and we do appreciate all the help you gave us.” Speaking at the event Tara said: “I am incredibly proud of the whole “Oxlip House is again alive with music and laughter. We are looking forward to many more good times ahead.” ECH Assistant Regional Director Louise Axtell said: “ECH is the perfect place to work for experienced care workers who enjoy flexibility, along with team support. Our employees can take on as few or as many hours as they like, and unlike many domiciliary roles, care happens in one place, so once you are at work, there’s no travelling, or risk of getting stuck in traffic. You can spend more time doing what you love, caring for our clients.” ECH schemes are recruiting! To find out more: 0808 120 8946 www.osjct.co.uk/heroes 03
Some of the highlights from across the Trust over the past few months. Find more news stories online at www.osjct.co.uk/news The pilot explored and measured the impact on, and the benefit to, the physical and mental health of the residents in the care home from visits by the racehorse. Findings from the pilot will be used to promote wider support for the project. Racehorse visits Coombe End Court as part of wellbeing project Residents at Coombe End Court in Marlborough met racehorse Ouzbeck during September and October as part of a sixweek pilot project to learn about the impact of horses on the wellbeing of elderly care home residents. The care home was chosen for the pilot by the three organisations collaborating in the project, racing charities Greatwood and Retraining Horses, and the sport’s community partnership Racing Together. These events enable residents to interact with the former racehorse in a way that suits them, such as watching, stroking, and grooming him and chatting to the Greatwood team. Residents came out to see Ouzbeck on the care home’s front lawn, in small groups assisted by the team from the care home and Greatwood staff. Kelly Edwards, OSJCT Coombe End Court Home Manager, said: ”We were very happy to be involved and residents have been talking about Ouzbeck’s visit since. One lady was really excited, having been involved in racing herself. It has been a great confidence boost after the pandemic and a huge boost for all of us who took part in this project.” Marston Court takes on 11/11 challenge Peter’s 100th birthday celebrations Inspired by the 11th day of the 11th month, residents and employees at Marston Court in Oxford took on 11 challenges to raise funds to support the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. The team at Grace Care Centre in Thornbury organised special celebrations for resident Peter’s 100th birthday. Peter had requested a party and entertainer for himself and friends at the home. Following this clear instruction, the team booked a belly dancer to come to the home for the day and entertain Peter and the other residents whilst they enjoyed an indoor BBQ. Each challenge focused on sharing and learning a new skill, with residents and employees teaching each other in a united team effort. Head of Care at Southfield House scoops apprenticeship awards The challenges included: learning to drive scooters; upcycling a coffee table using decoupage techniques; learning to play ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful’ on handbells; making samosas; crocheting and embroidering poppies. Head of Care at Southfield House, Rachel Kelman, scooped two awards - the Care Services Apprentice Award and Overall Apprentice of the Year 2021 - at a special awards ceremony held by Lincoln College Group. Resident Jean Arnatt, aged 94, said of the 11/11 challenge: “It is so important to remember the soldiers who fought in the war, and I will do anything I can do to help.” Rachel is among 30 learners from Lincoln, Newark and Gainsborough colleges to be recognised for her success, hard work and determination at the annual Lincoln College Group Awards. Rachel said, “It was such an honour and surprise to win both awards, I love my job and I am looking forward to gaining more qualifications with the Trust.” Mrs Arnatt was a schoolgirl during World War II, but that didn’t stop her from joining the Wrens in 1944, aged just 17 ½. During the war, she also worked as a messenger for the Oxford Civil Defence, and was a leading member of the Pea-Nut Club, which raised money to support airmen critically burned in action. The challenges culminated on Remembrance Day with a coffee morning which included a special performance of handbell ringing to showcase the newly learned skill. Gregory House in Grantham introduced a new initiative ‘Stop the Clock’ where each morning, everyone who works at the home is encouraged to stop what they are doing, sit with residents and spend some quality time with them. Residents love to chat and talk about their families and interests. They also enjoy hearing about the lives of staff members. Peter is very popular amongst everyone at Grace Care Centre, and they all wanted to go above and beyond to make the weekend special. Another resident, Tony, who has a passion for baking, worked with the home’s Head Chef, Raz, to bake a 100th birthday cake for his friend Peter. The final cake was a true masterpiece with each number a different flavour of fruit cake, Victoria sponge and chocolate. The team also decorated the café and dining areas of the home especially for the party and wore 1940s attire on the day to mark one of Peter’s favourite eras. Peter was delighted to receive his card from the Queen and an engraved glass from OSJCT. Congratulations Peter! 04 Stop the Clock each morning at Gregory House 05 Since taking part in the Stop the Clock initiative, the team have learned that: Ute is an avid fan of the Royal family; Jean once met Stephen Hawkins whilst working at the University of Cambridge; Derrick spent many years volunteering in Uganda; Jenny is super proud of her son who is a Head Teacher; and Erica loves to dance, although she says she doesn’t have too much energy for grooving these days. Resident Jean said: “It’s a busy home and taking time out to chat makes me very happy.”
in OSJCT homes Team members receive Order of Malta awards for exceptional service Recent presentation ceremony honoured 2020 and 2021 recipients. The ceremony was conducted by Fr. Ronald Creighton-Jobe, C.O. and honoured award recipients from 2020 and 2021 after last year’s event was postponed. The list of current employees who have received awards is: 2021 Awards Caroline Alford, Cross of Merit, Head of Operations Kerry Dearden, Cross of Merit, Deputy Chief Executive In total, 27 awards have been made to OSJCT employees for their service, Tammy Raeburn, Silver Medal of Merit, Peripatetic Operations Manager, Wiltshire covering a time when care home teams Patrycja Chojnecka, Silver Medal of Merit, Activities Coordinator at Monkscroft Care Centre persevered despite the most challenging I retired in 2020 and became a and experience. I and my fellow Lois Harris, Silver Medal of Merit, Night Nurse at Henlow Court of circumstances caused by the COVID-19 Trustee of OSJCT. Centre Trustees are proud to contribute Claire James, Silver Medal of Merit, Senior Nurse at Windsor Street Care pandemic. BASMOM awards are open to to the management and good Margaret Painter, Silver Medal of Merit, Head Housekeeper at Paternoster House employees in any role, with at least 10 I had limited experience of care governance of OSJCT. Rachel Kelman, Silver Medal of Merit, Head of Care at Southfield House years’ long service. Recipients in this year’s homes and extra care housing, but as ceremony included activities coordinators, Sharon Tatum, Silver Medal of Merit, Home Manager at Old Station House a member of the British Association We work with Dan Hayes and his carers, chefs, and nurses. Karen Wilson-Samms, Bronze Medal of Merit, Domiciliary Carer at Orchard Military Order of the Sovereign Meadows leadership team, and we encourage, Sarah Staples, Bronze Medal of Merit, of Malta which is one of the two Chef at Digby Court advise and support them in ensuring In September 2020, I was Three rare Crosses of Merit were awarded Orders which sponsor OSJCT, I knew that the Trust’s values shine through Valerie Wallace, Bronze Medal of Merit, Carer at Whitefriars privileged to have been invited to to Kerry Dearden, Deputy Chief Executive, how proud the Order of Malta was of all of the services which it provides. Teresa Andrews, Bronze Medal of take over as Chair of the Board ofMerit, Housekeeper at Watersmead Tracey Wardle, Finance and IT Director, the care homes operated by OSJCT The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted Trustees. and Caroline Alford, Head of Central and I was interested in becoming the dedicated and impressive From my very first encounter I have Operations. involved. care which all at OSJCT give to 2020 been hugely impressed by the Awards our residents and tenants despite Jackie Wood, working for calibre of the peopleSilver Medal of Merit, Head of Operational Finance Sarah Staples, Chef at Digby Court in I have been helped greatly both by these difficult times. I and my fellow Karen Armstrong, Silver Medal of Merit, the Trust at all levels and the care Senior Nurse at Monkscroft Care Centre Bourne, Lincolnshire, has worked for the the senior management team and Trustees are proud of each of the and attention given to the welfare Merit, Carer at Rodley House Trust since 2005, having joined as a partLorraine French, Bronze Medal of my fellow Trustees. So, I have had a over 4,500 people who work and of our residents. Bronze Medal of Merit, Handy Person at Rodley House time carer. She was awarded a Bronze Paul Dovey, busy and absorbing eight months volunteer for OSJCT. Medal of Merit at the ceremony. She said: Karen Gibbons, Bronze Medal of Merit, Laundry Assistant at great deal more detail Stirlings learning in a My professional life was spent as a what running Stirlings I very much look forward, once the Activities barristerAngelaQueen’s Counsel, of Merit, Activities Coordinator atcare homes and other and Lindsay, Bronze Medal “It was an honour to be selected to receive services for nearly COVID-19 emergency is finally over, and later as a Charmaine Putt, Bronze Medal of Merit, Carer at Brookside 3000 elderly and circuit judge and the Medal. The ceremony was wonderful, infirm people demands. to being able to meet many more of Deputy High Court Judge at the of Merit, Chef at Marden Court Julie Brown, Bronze Medal everybody was full of admiration and the people working for OSJCT and Central Family Court, and Medal of Merit, Head of Care at Athelstan House as a Lucy Ponting, Bronze appreciation for all the recipients. I feel Our Board is composed of Trustees the residents of our care homes and nominated judge of the Court very privileged to work at Digby Court Lisa Lawlor, Bronze Medal of Merit, Administration Assistant at Gregory House with a wide range of relevant skills extra care housing.” of Protection. with a great bunch of people and caring Andrea Brooks, Silver Medal of Merit, Home Manager at Beckside for our residents is a very fulfilling role Connie Mcgowan, Silver Medal of Merit, Head of Care at Hartsholme House for me.” Tracey Wardle, Cross of Merit, Finance and IT Director A message from the Chairman, Mark IN THE PRESS 06 06 when they get older.” The presentation of Medals of Merit and Crosses of Merit by the British Association of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (BASMOM) for exceptional services in the field of social care took place in October in a prestigious ceremony held at The Brompton Oratory, London. Cheltenham care home Monkscroft Care Centre frequently enjoys carnival music and vibrant colours thanks to the Caribbean roots of Home Manager Doreen Paisley and Nurse Eleanor Alexis. Doreen (pictured left) was born in the UK after her parents emigrated from Jamaica. She trained as a nurse in London for a career in care, which made her mum proud. After showing her mum around her workplace Doreen said: “My mum was really impressed by the ambiance, and by the professionalism of nursing. She was reassured that nursing homes can be well maintained, caring places with a feeling of family.” Eleanor (pictured right) was born and raised in St Lucia and joined the team at Monkscroft in 2016. She said: “I have a dream of opening a nursing care home in St Lucia, and I am working in the UK to learn the best approaches to care. I believe that people deserve the best care.” The experiences, sights and sounds of the Caribbean shared by Doreen and Eleanor have lit up the smiles of many residents at the care home. Doreen said: “Our residents love to see the traditional bright colours of the Islands. We’ve run carnivals and music events to entertain them. It brings a vibrancy that everyone reacts to positively.” “ We connect through music; the beat of the Caribbean music gets many of our residents up and dancing or moving in their chairs.” Eleanor added: “When I first joined the care home, a resident asked me about Steel Pan music, and I shared my memories of growing up near to the sea where a traditional group played regularly. We’ve been playing the music in the care home ever since.” 07 Meet Gerline Ninety-five-year-old Gerline lives at Isis House, near Oxford, and has clear memories of coming to the UK in 1950. The Barbadian has never forgotten her roots despite living in predominantly white British communities. She remembers her heritage and culture by enjoying traditional Barbadian foods, root vegetables like okra with steamed or fried fish. Emily Fenn, Activities Coordinator at Isis House said: “Gerline is a wonderful resident, she is very happy to reminisce and tell stories about her homeland, and her experiences as a young person settling in the UK at the time of the Windrush movement from the Islands. We often arrange some singing and dancing in the home, and Gerline is one of our most enthusiastic residents to take part.”
across our homes Autumn arrives at Langford View At Langford View, in Bicester, residents have been getting into the autumn mood with a seasonal display in each lounge. They collected leaves, conkers, and acorns to bring into the home and put on display. They also made autumn wreaths, bunting and hedgehogs using leaves to represent the hedgehog’s prickles. Disney characters visited Grevill House Employees at Grevill House in Charlton Kings dressed up in Disney character costumes and t-shirts for some fun at the home. The residents were very amused and entertained at seeing the team in a different light. Everyone had a great day, and it created a cheerful atmosphere in the home. Residents become ‘Geocachers’ at Ashwood Care Centre A Disney themed quiz, with character pictures and Disney music, took place in the lounge in the afternoon. Residents fondly remembered their favourite films from their early years. A geocache or ‘cache’ is a small waterproof treasure box hidden outdoors. Geocachers seek out these hidden goodies guided by a GPS enabled device or free app on their phone (geocaching.com) which uses coordinates, or ‘waypoints’ downloaded from the geocaching. com website. It is free to take part in and there are lots of geocaches to be found in and around the Warminster area. The day finished with a lovely tea party, including delicious Disney cakes for this special event made by the amazing kitchen team. The Ashwood geocache has a travel bug, a trackable tag that will travel from cache to cache, across towns, counties, and even countries. The home’s team set this up as an exciting activity that the residents can participate in. Every month they can track where the bug has been on maps and see how far it travels. Residents shared memories about the season, one remembered going to an outside toilet and seeing a hedgehog in there. This made everyone laugh. Others recalled baking conkers, and other techniques used to make them stronger for conker games in the playground. IN OUR HOMES 08 Resident Leslie (pictured) has been checking on the geocache and travel bug. The geocache has had five visitors so far and the travel bug has travelled over eight miles. Leslie plotted its journey on a map and discovered it’s travelled to Southwick, Trowbridge and over the Somerset border. Earlier in the year they picked daffodils to make spring wreaths. Each gardening afternoon was finished off with hot drinks and homemade cakes. Madley Park House’s end of summer tea party Residents and team members at Madley Park House held a fun party. Entertainer Cody was pleased to return to the home, having been a frequent visitor before the pandemic. He entertained partygoers with a medley of classics and took requests from residents. Everyone enjoyed singing along and many joined in with dancing. Ashwood Care Centre residents have been geocaching. The home in Warminster organised this exciting outdoor treasure hunting adventure for the digital generation. Residents in their rooms also met the characters as team members popped in and out during the day and there were a lot of jokes between the residents and carers. Gardening at Whitefriars Several avid gardeners at Whitefriars in Stamford have been active around the grounds of the home. Led by Activities Coordinator, Sue Mottram, residents Jackie, Jenny, John and Kath, have been helping to sweep the patio, organise the greenhouse, and fill seed trays. Ted flies high at Oxlip House Resident Sheila said: “Being able to watch Cody play the guitar again was wonderful.” Ted, a client at Oxlip House in Bury St Edmunds, often enjoys sitting on his balcony to watch planes from the local airfield. For his 90th birthday his family arranged for him to have a flight from Bury St Edmunds to Sudbury where he used to live. Ted was also lucky enough to be given the opportunity to fly the plane himself! 09 The tea party featured a large array of cakes, some of which were donated by relatives and others cooked by the home’s fantastic kitchen team. Residents also enjoyed an afternoon tipple, or soft drinks. The event was organised by the home’s team of Activities Coordinators, Gill Hamblin, and Kerry Hyatt. Kerry said: “After a tough year and not being able to hold our usual events, we wanted to have a joyful afternoon where everyone at the care home could let their hair down and really have some fun. It was so heart-warming to see the huge smiles on our residents’ faces, the entire room felt full of love and happiness.” Resident Peal said: “It was so good to see everyone up and dancing, it was a lot of fun!” IN OUR HOMES
wear ll superh e cape s… roes ...som Who works in OSJCT care homes and schemes? OSJC e wear unifo T rms! Are you a Hidden Hero? Join our team of Care Assistant Heroes to make a difference every day and get rewarded. Work for us and benefit from ongoing training, wellbeing support, and a range of discounts on shopping, days out, restaurants and much more... ...and the pay is pretty good too. Various full time/part time hours, day and night shifts available. The care sector attracts many loyal and values-driven people to work in the many different settings which deliver health services and support to those vulnerable or poorly. However, in recent years job vacancy rates in health and social care have steadily risen. OSJCT’s recruitment teams are busy attracting new workers into our homes, and this winter the Trust has launched it largest recruitment drive ever, which focuses on the ‘Hidden Heroes’ working in our care homes. OSJCT employees are indeed ‘Hidden Heroes’, gaining national admiration and recognition during the pandemic. The Trust’s Employee Awards (featured on page 20-21) highlight many of the wonderful team members who work in our care homes, schemes, and offices. For some OSJCT really is a job for life, for others it’s a vocation they found later in life. It to pu ’s time t yo back urs on! Pia Tara Pia, a former long haul cabin crew member, is now an OSJCT carer, having joined in 2020 after taking redundancy from British Airways. Pia took the opportunity to choose a new career to suit her caring and compassionate nature. As a natural team player Pia quickly fitted in to the busy and friendly care home. Young mum and former financial services manager Tara chose to move into the care sector after having her daughter. She said: “From day one of working at Willowcroft I felt happy. Since having my daughter my perspective on working changed, and when I was spending time away from her, I wanted a job that felt good. Moving to Willowcroft gave me that. Pia said: “I feel very at home in the care home, and I love listening to residents’ stories.” Another recent highlight has been seeing residents explore a newly decorated lounge, she said: “Some were shy and a little unsure, but they soon enlivened friendships. Two residents Ute and Betty have a special alliance. They always sit together and chat away, but with one eye on us, the carers, and the other residents.” 10 ero? re H Join oaurre Ca ua yo Are den Hid fc m o eroes h tea ers care .uk/ 13 1714 t.co 0 osjc 0345 Fly into your next care career: osjct.co.uk/heroes Are you a hidden care hero? Visit: osjct.co.uk/heroes Helena Helena, who worked for many years as a PA, joined OSJCT in 2012 as a night carer. She is now Head of Care at Boultham Park House in Lincoln. She credits her move into social care to the admiration she felt for carers who came to care for her mum at home in the months before she died. “I can’t sing Home Manager Carol’s praises enough. She has been incredibly supportive to me over the last two years. I really feel that working in care is my calling. It gives me a warm feeling to see residents looking happy with joy shining from their eyes.” As well as being a very proficient housekeeper, Tara is growing in confidence as a carer. She said: Helena said: “Seeing my mum’s carers at their jobs looking after her made me think, I really want to do that. I took the opportunity when I moved to Lincoln to be closer to family members, to become a carer. And it’s now a job I love.” “ Being a carer has made me a better mum and being a mum makes me a better carer.” Within two years of joining OSJCT, Helena became an acting senior care leader and is now Head of Care. “Care training at OSJCT is excellent and everyone can progress. I look for carers who show good empathy with residents, who listen and who talk to them when working with them. I think our team is brilliant.” RECRUITMENT “ Not all superheroes wear capes... ...they wear OSJCT uniform!” Sam Sam’s role covers the whole picture of care at Bourne House, from looking after the residents’ welfare and ensuring all their needs are met, to supporting the team of carers to do what they need to do. He also undertakes care auditing and enjoys problem solving. Sam is a Care Leader at Bourne House, part of Avonbourne Care Centre near Salisbury. He joined the Trust in 2012 as a carer and took on more responsibilities and training as he progressed in his career to his current role. Sam is committed to a career in healthcare and has long-term goals focused on nursing or working as a paramedic. Speaking about his favourite part of the role, he said: “It’s helping the residents, making sure they’re happy. If there’s one little thing I can do that makes their life that little bit better, I feel like I’ve achieved something.” 11 RECRUITMENT
by residents and families The leading care home reviews website, carehome.co.uk, has named OSJCT one of the Top 20 care home providers in the country. CEO Dan Hayes said: “ It’s fantastic to know that so many residents and their families have taken the time to recommend us. I’m incredibly proud of the whole team, who work tirelessly to deliver quality care, and create a safe homely environment, for all those living with us.” The awards are based on reviews of care homes written by their residents, as well as their friends and relatives, with thousands of providers battling it out to make it into the Top 20. RATED TOP 20 OSJCT has over 3,000 reviews on the site and an average score of 9.5. The Trust has been named in the Top 20 providers since 2016. Food in our Carehome.co.uk holds reviews for over 17,000 care homes with the aim of making people’s search for a care home easier. The independent customer feedback gathered on the site enables the Trust to ensure they keep on delivering the highest quality of care and support to residents and their families. Care Homes Edwardstow Court and Monkscroft Care Centre, Marston Court and Gregory House are all currently rated 9.9. Residents and family members can complete a review using a CareHome.co.uk feedback card available from all our care homes. 12 13 FOOD IN OUR CARE HOMES
Vanessa Gail, Quality Improvement Lead has developed ‘Tripology’, a game for elderly residents and carers to use to raise awareness of the causes of falls and measures to avoid them. Copies of the ‘snakes and ladders’ style board game were delivered to all OSJCT care homes in October. Falls in the elderly are common. Around a third of people aged 65 and over, and around half of people aged 80 and over, fall at least once a year, and 20% of hip fracture patients entered long-term care in the first year after fracture. Factors which contribute to falls include poor strength and balance, underlying health issues such as low blood pressure and poor vision, acute infections and poor decision-making. Improved Wi-Fi and network connections The game aims to reduce the rate of falls in care homes. If this is proved to be the case, it may be made available to other care home operators later next year. Vanessa created the board game to complement regular falls prevention training, and to create something fun and useful which could be played by residents and carers together to facilitate discussions about ways to maintain positive health and work practices. Care homes are undergoing a network and Wi-Fi upgrade to offer residents, visitors and visiting professionals, a quality experience whenever they need to connect to a digital device. The upgrade programme is due for completion in spring 2022. Many homes are already reaping the benefits. A Brand New Luxury Care Home under construction in Oxfordshire: Wellford Gardens We are very excited to share information about the Trust’s brand-new luxury care home being constructed in Wheatley, Oxfordshire. Frontier Developments are the developers of the site and commenced demolition and land preparation in June 2021. OSJCT will operate a new purpose-built care home on the site which will provide older adults with first-class, all-inclusive care in the comfort of luxurious surroundings. What is planned for the site? Conveniently located on the outskirts of Oxford, and close to the A40 and M40 for easy transport links, Wellford Gardens will open in 2023 and will offer an exclusive destination care environment. to the area such as opportunities for employment, living, and social engagement. This stunning new luxury home will We look forward to updating benefit from beautifully landscaped you soon on further exciting Bicester gardens and stylish state-of-the- Charlbury developments at Wellford Gardens. Quainton Weston-on-the-Green art facilities, including a bistro café, Wassesdon Woodstock private dining, treatment room, and Kidlington Brill much more. Yarnton A44 A41 Witney A40 Eynsham Wellford Gardens’ all-inclusive care options will support all residential and dementia needs and will provide true peace of mind for its residents and their relatives. Stanford Aylesbury M40 Haddenham A34 A418 A420 Oxford A40 A4142 Wheatley A418 Thame Princes Risborough Chinnor A4010 Stadhampton Abingdon IT Business Relationship Manager, Ed Blagrove, explained: “Technology underpins many forms of entertainment and activities which our residents enjoy such as streamed theatre and sports performances, documentaries and drama through Netflix and other services, and joining online gaming communities. Watlington in the vale Milton The home will become a central part of the Wheatley community and will provide long-term benefits A418 Grove Over the past decade our residents’ use of technology has increased significantly. And through the pandemic being able to rely on efficient Wi-Fi to support video calling and other online communication so that family members, friends and residents could stay in contact became even more important. Benson M40 Didcot “We have been upgrading the new network connections and associated guest Wi-Fi across OSJCT homes to allow our residents to experience their hobbies and passions and catch WELLFORD GARDENS 14 FOR ILLUSTR ATION PURPOSES ONLY up with their loved ones with full confidence in the reliability of the technology. William, a resident at Henry Cornish, uses the Wi-Fi to connect with family on his tablet, as well as for paying bills and looking things up. He said that he is pleased to learn Henry Cornish has been upgraded and is looking forward to getting back into using the internet a bit more after the sale of his house goes through, which is taking up a lot of his time currently.” What is happening in each home as part of this upgrade? • The network connections into care homes are being improved, allowing speed of up to 200 megabytes per second. This means that multiple users can stream content without buffering or interrupted service. • ThebeingconnectionsOver 185 new Wi-Fi in homes are remapped. access points have been added across the Trust. This ensures a clear connection from anywhere in the home so that there are no Wi-Fi connection ‘black spots’. Electronic care records are coming to the homes! OSJCT will be introducing an electronic care record (ECARE) system into homes over the next two years. ECARE will further assist teams in ensuring that residents are always at the centre of care, with information on care plans and daily notes available through a handheld device. Caroline Alford, Head of Central Operations, said: “We have undertaken an extensive procurement process, looking at the best systems available, and involving close collaboration across departments, including colleagues in homes and schemes to select our new partner in this project.” Feedback from those who have looked at the system included: “I can’t wait to use it”, “really easy, user friendly”, “simple and straightforward”, “time-saving will be brilliant”. In the first half of 2022, a small number of selected homes will become early adopters of ECARE in preparation for a phased rollout in the next two years. These homes will give feedback to the project team to ensure that ECARE will work in an optimum way across all homes. • By thewill have a secure guest Wi-Fi end of the project, each home which means that GPs and other health professionals can access and update confidential records onsite, rather than waiting to return to their surgeries or clinics. 15 eCare UPCOMING PROJECTS
Help Advice Vaccinations At OSJCT COVID-19 vaccinations, booster jabs and flu vaccines are all important to reduce the risk of infection outbreaks (which result in the home closing to all but Essential Care Giver visits). All care home employees have now had a full COVID-19 vaccine course or are medically exempt. we help you throughout the process of choosing the right care for you Choosing a care home is an important decision. Prospective residents and their family members will often consider many homes before settling on the right one for them. During this whole process, OSJCT’s friendly customer service and sales team, along with employees in each care home, are available to help. The Trust is a respected and experienced not-for-profit provider which can help and support residents, family members and friends, at every stage of their journey from initial enquiry to moving in. Continual support is available to loved ones, and their family and friends, as they are welcomed into the care home. Each home has a dedicated team of compassionate care employees who help new residents settle in. There is always something happening, and care home activities teams will ensure there is never a dull moment. They get to know every resident and their interests so they can make sure everyone in the care home regularly experiences fun and happiness. Whether residents prefer sitting quietly reading a book, joining in a sing song, baking, or getting involved with crafts, there is always something enjoyable for residents . To speak with our friendly team about moving into one of our homes: Please call 0800 988 8133 or email enquiries@osjct.co.uk. • Garden gazebospods, or visiting garden (in warm weather) Visiting Visiting in OSJCT care homes takes place subject to sensible precautions and national guidance. The emergence of Omicron, the new variant of concern in the UK, is a reminder Book your showround today 16 www.osjct.co.uk Whilst OSJCT policies provide options for regular visiting, it is not always possible for every home to offer all types of visits, at all times. All visits should be organised in advance through the care home and take place in dedicated visiting areas which can be cleaned before and after the visit. Visits in OSJCT care homes take place in several locations which include: in selected homes Residential Care Each home has an up-to-date Dynamic Risk Assessment which considers important factors affecting visiting such as outbreak status, community infection rates, weather, availability of visiting spaces and resources available to manage visits. Family members and friends can ask to see the Dynamic Risk Assessment for their loved one’s home. New residents can enjoy visits from a named contact on their moving in day, and in the following days, and residents can nominate regular contact visitors or Essential Care Givers (ECGs). is available Respite Care Help & Advice Under new legislation any visitor to a care home such as a health visitor, tradesperson, or entertainer, but excluding under 18s and family and friends visiting current residents, must all prove that they have had a full course of COVID-19 vaccination or are medically exempt. Nursing Care Nursing Care Dementia Care Our homes were swift to organise flu vaccinations and COVID-19 booster jabs for residents with support from their local GP services. Currently over 90% of residents have had two COVID-19 vaccines and over 60% have had COVID-19 booster and flu jabs. Our Customer Care Team and home teams are here to answer questions and offer guidance at every step of your journey into care. They can help you to book a virtual tour, arrange a visit in person, organise a meeting with a Home Manager and help with moving in day. to continue to be diligent and cautious in all decisions and actions. OSJCT teams work in line with Government guidelines to manage the risk of Covid-19 transmission to residents, many of whom are extremely vulnerable to that virus and other contagious illnesses which are more prevalent in winter. and if they feel unwell, for any reason, they are asked to postpone their visit whilst symptoms are present. Care home residents are among the most vulnerable in society, even minor coughs and colds can develop quickly into more serious conditions for them. On arrival at a care home all visitors must show their lateral flow device test result, have a body temperature check, and put on PPE before being guided to where to meet their relative. All visitors must adhere to the Visitors Charter and ECGs must sign and comply with the ECG Visitors Agreement. Here are some pictures of recent family visits. • Resident Lilian meeting with daughter Doreen in Westbury Court’s visiting room. • Margaret shared some special time with her daughters Annemarie and Veronica, on her 95th birthday which was celebrated with a decorations, gifts, and cake. They said: “Thank you so very much for your thoughtfulness and kindness. You made it a very special day which we will always remember.” • Dedicated visiting rooms • Window visits • In bedrooms for those who are bedbound Despite high rates of vaccination, adherence to PPE, and enhanced cleaning in homes, infections still occur. Therefore, all visitors are asked to consider their own health, 17 Help & Advice
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