New Activity Award Launched Across Orchard Care Homes
A new award scheme that recognises and gives credit to the activity coordinators of Orchard Care Homes, has been set up as part of the company’s national initiative to develop a high quality activity offering across every home in the group.
The first homes awarded the Centre of Activity Excellence accolade are in Yorkshire, with teams praised for their approach to engaging residents in regular activity tailored to their interests. Cherry Trees Care Home in Rotherham and The Hawthorne’s in Birkenshaw, Leeds, received their awards this month.
Lisa Webster and Lisa Glynn, Activity Coordinators is Cherry Trees Care Home in Rotherham, were praised for their team approach to delivering a vibrant plan of activities in the home that sees high numbers of residents participating on a regular basis.
Comments Sharron Whaley, Home Manager; “We’re delighted that the activities team has been recognised for the work they do. This is a bustling home, with many characters, who are always keen to get involved. We regularly have over twenty residents taking part in an activity, and it is a core part of home life that brings many different functions from the home to work together. Armchair aerobics and quizzes are always lively events.”
Sandra Marsden, Activity Coordinator in The Hawthorne’s, Birkenshaw, was praised for her dedication to the role, offering a full and varied activity programme in the home that ranges from one-to-one reminiscences sessions, to quizzes, slipper soccer and trips out.
Comments Heather Middleton, Home Manager; “Sandra is always thinking outside the box. She is forever looking at ways to enhance the lives of our residents here in the home, and they absolutely love her. Many of the family members comment on the positive impact Sandra and her activities have on the lives of their loved ones, and we are extremely happy to receive this accolade, as Sandra is an excellent role model for other activity coordinators.”
Tracey Tomlinson, Director of Customer Experience at Orchard Care Homes, said “Life in the homes is anchored around the activities available, and we are committed to providing these at the very highest quality.”
“Cherry Trees and The Hawthorne’s are two excellent examples of homes where staff work well together, led by vibrant Activity Coordinators and the wider team’s enthusiasm for their residents. This new award is a way for the company to give back to our employees, to share their good news and to give them credit for the work that they do. We hope that they will learn from and inspire each other.”
To achieve the accolade of Centre of Activity Excellence, each home must achieve certain criteria, this includes: meaningful activities are delivered within the home and they are person centred, all activity recording is up to date, activity information boards are maintained, and the activity coordinator is managing a defined monthly budget.
At least one Centre of Activity Excellence will be established in each cluster area of Orchard Care Home across the country. The designated centre will then act as a go-to point to give support and training to those homes in its vicinity.
