For Mental Health Nurses’ Day (21 February), the team at a nursing home for people with dementia have shared how they support residents to live as full a life as possible.
Residents at Clifton Lodge in Balmoral Road, Westcliff, are cared for by a team including nurses, support workers, physiotherapists, and activities coordinators. The home is managed by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT).
Staff learn about their residents’ lives and what they like and dislike so they can organise activities they will enjoy.
The Reverend Sandie Woolford, an activities coordinator at Clifton Lodge, said: “Whenever a resident shows an interest in a particular topic, we contact their relatives to see if they can help or we will research books, accessories and items that encourage interaction.
“A while ago, staff found out that three residents used to play the piano or keyboard.
“They went out of their way to find them some keyboards so they could interact with them and bring back their memories of playing.
“If a resident enjoys entertainment, we will encourage them with dancing, singing, and using musical instruments.
“It brings the resident and the home to life with music.”
Staff also make sure residents who are unable to communicate verbally, or have less mobility, are able to take part in activities they enjoy.
This could include using a sensory tablet that has colours, shapes and sounds.
Sandie said staff aim to ensure residents are happy and engaged, and the relationships they build with residents and their families makes Clifton Lodge feel like a family.
She said: “At Clifton we know it is the residents’ home for their time of stay but it is also the second home for all staff. In fact, it is more like our home too as we spend so much time together.”
The home celebrated its 20th anniversary last July.
