Gateshead Care Home Staff Learn Sign Language To Benefit Resident

A whole host of members of staff at St Marks Court in Gateshead, which is part of Akari Care, are learning sign language to enable them to communicate more effectively with one of the home’s residents.

Nikki Coulson, Manager at St Marks Court and nine other members of staff are taking part in a 10-week course for the benefit of resident George Conway, (91), who is deaf.

The members of staff have various different roles in the home, from carers to kitchen staff to the handyman, which will make it as simple as possible for George to communicate with staff about all aspects of his care.

Located on Split Crow Road in Deckham, St Marks Court care home provides nursing care, including dementia care, for up to 60 residents.

Nikki Coulson, Manager at St Marks Court, said: “Everyone at the home agreed that it was really important for us to learn sign language to offer George the best possible care and we are always more than happy to do anything that will benefit our residents.

“It is vital for George to feel included and part of the community at St Marks Court and we didn’t want George’s hearing loss to be a barrier for him anymore.”