Find out more - and see more pictures - on Page 2!

p12 Have a go at our Christmas Quiz!

p3 Littleport Grange's Fireworks Display!

ISSUE NO.2 DECEMBER 2019

life

If you’ve got a similarly heart-warming story to share about what's been going on at your home, we would love to hear it and potentially feature it in the next issue!

Drop an email to: marketing@minstercaregroup.co.uk Marketing Manager Minster Care Group

MayaMaya

LET TER FROM THE

DESK��itor's

A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2020 to one and all! To commemorate this festive edition and the second quarterly edition of Minster’s newsletter, we want to focus the spotlight on some of our long-serving staff members across our Minster homes.

At the heart of a good home are the staff that make it so. We at Minster appreciate that working in care can often feel like an exhausting and thankless job and that it takes a certain resilience, patience and empathy to stay in the industry. Whether you’re a home manager, carer, nurse, kitchen staff, maintenance or activities coordinator, you are all contributing significantly to making the living experience that much more meaningful for our homes’ residents. For that, we tip our Santa hats to you in gratitude this festive season.

This issue features a few interviews with long-serving staff members at some of our homes and for those that didn’t get their stories featured here, you can still look forward to participating in our very first Christmas competition (page 10) and you can look forward to being featured on our Minster website blog and Facebook page!

We know that some of you will be working this festive period and we thank you immensely for your service and hope that wherever you spend it, that you are happy, well-fed and most importantly, feel appreciated!

Yours Sincerely,

An initiative first made popular in 2017 by the Health Foundation UK, Croftwood Care Home in Cheshire have reinjected new life into the ‘Pimp My Zimmer’ campaign. On the 17th of September this year, the home was visited by students from Woodside Primary School, who worked with residents and staff to help create original, personalised ‘pimped up’ zimmer frames for the residents.

CROFTWOOD EDITION

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Minster Care Group Head OfficeThe Old Stables, 1 Grove Hill Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 3A AKeep up with our latest updates: minstercaregroup.co.uktel: 020 8422 7365 fax: 020 8422 8698

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Spearheaded by the Halton Borough Council, who introduced the idea as a competition for care homes in the area, Croftwood decided to participate by recruiting the help of Woodside Primary School students, who went across to the home on Tuesday the 17th of September for a day of ideating and designing. They then worked on decorating the frames every day until the photos were ready to be sent to the Halton Borough Council on the 27th of September.

Woodside Primary School picked three winners from Croftwood and the home’s second prize winner, William Bolton, also went on to win the Council’s 2nd place prize for his Fish Tank designed frame!

3rd Ernest Jones1st Margaret Peggy Lilly 2nd William Bolton

The initiative has, according to Health Foundation UK’s research, said to have helped to reduce falls in some care homes by up to 60%.

CROFTWOOD EDITION

WOODSIDE PRIMARY SCHOOL'S WINNING ZIMMERS

ISSUE NO. 2 DECEMBER 2019

PAGE T WO

This year’s Guy Fawkes Day fireworks at Littleport Grange Care Home in Ely, Cambridgeshire, saw the biggest turnout yet. About 800 people from the care home and local village turned up to enjoy the stunning display in the sky.

Guy Fawkes' DayFireworks

AT L I T T L E P O RT G R A N G E

ISSUE NO. 2 DECEMBER 2019

PAGE THR EE

SP TLIGHTRecognising & celebrating some

of our homes' longest-serving staff membersTrisha O’Hare

Activities Coordinator & CarerTHE L AURELS

How long have you worked with the home?I have now been with The Laurels 12 years in total and look forward to the next 12 years! I currently do a dual role – I started at the home in July 2007 as an activities coordinator and within 6 months, I started doing care shifts as well, which is the role I assume till today.

Do you have a story to share about one particularly memorable day working at the home?It might not be a happy memory but to me it is. One of our female residents had learning difficulties but she had no family and became poorly and was taken into hospital. One evening, at about 9pm I was sat at home and my phone rang to see if I would go to the hospital to sit with this lady who was approaching end of life. I sat with her till 4.30am, holding her hand until she passed away. I felt that was the least I could do as this lady shouldn’t have had to pass away on her own with no one there.

In all the years I have worked at The Laurels we have never had any residents that has reached 100 years old. Last year, we had a lady who turned 100 and it was an absolute pleasure to be able to organise a party for her and although she had her telegram from the queen, she didn’t believe she was 100 and insisted she was still 98. We had to hide the banners that said ‘Happy 100th birthday’ as she refused to come out of her room until we did. Once she came out of her room, we didn’t again mention she was 100 years old and she had a fabulous time dancing the afternoon away to the entertainment booked for her birthday to spend with staff, residents her family and friends.

What made you want to stay with the home for all this time?I want to give back to people, I want all the residents I care for to live a fulfilling life for the time they are with us, to treat others how you expect to be treated. My nana went into care and I would hope they treated her the way I treat my residents, like they are my own family.

How long have you worked with the care home and what inspired you to work in the care industry?24 years. I wanted to help others to improve their physical and mental health. I want to make people feel valued and important and that each person is respected.

Do you have a story to share about one particularly memorable day working at the home? Every day is a memorable day working in Freeland House!

What made you want to stay with the home for all this time?To keep helping people and promoting independence. Freeland House feels more like a home and it’s a big extended family for me now.

What are some of the challenges of your job?Trying to get people to engage in activities, so a lot of encouragement is needed.

What advice would you have for anyone who wants to work in the care industry?Do it. You feel good about yourself and seeing the smiles on peoples’ faces because of something you have done is truly heart-warming. It is hard work but very rewarding. You hear all about these peoples’ lives and they are incredible people. Freeland House has got my heart and I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else.

Carol Harris Head of Department – Activities, Hostess, HairdressersFREEL AND HOUSE

ISSUE NO. 2 DECEMBER 2019

PAGE FOUR

Francis Finney, a domestic assistant at New Milton House. She has been at the home since 26th May 1996 (23 years). She goes above and beyond her duties. She takes on decorating the home for special events, donating items for raffles, tombola’s and making hampers, decorating the tables, getting residents birthday and Christmas presents, wrapping them at home etc. The list goes on.

Jackie ‘Jackie of all trades’ Johnson, Activities Assistant, Cook and Domestic Assistant at Parklands Care Home in Poynton. She has also worked as the Maintenance Assistant. She has been at the home since 1996 (23 years). Her main advice is, “Smile – it costs nothing but can make you and the other people feel amazing.”

Mentions

Stella KirbySenior Carer MOWBR AY NUR SING HOME

How long have you worked at the care home?I have been here 47 years. I started at the age of 15!

What inspired you to work in the care industry?I started part-time at the age of 15 and the Matron at the time then asked If I would like to do care work. I said, “Of course!” and jumped at the opportunity and have been here ever since. I work nights as I’m used to it, as when I had my children, it was easier to do nights than days. My eldest is 37 years old!

What is your approach to being a good carer?I try to be an easy person and to not say I’m a senior carer. All I expect is that all carers work as a team and if a problem occurs, we discuss it and get a good outcome. I expect that we are here for the residents and that any problem can be solved. We each have our responsibility and being in a nursing home, we have the nurse on duty to turn to.

What made you want to stay at the home all this time?After working here for all these years, Mowbray is like a second home to me, I’ve even chosen the room that I want! You meet so many people, residents and you can’t help but become attached to them. I even managed to encourage a resident who was fond of me, but you really didn’t want to be in the care home and told her one night when she was particularly upset, that we were doing our best to make her comfortable and to enjoy whatever life she was able to make here and that if I couldn’t succeed in that, that I may as well go home and never return. Tables turned and we formed a good relationship. When she got poorly and I was not on duty, my colleague would always let me know how she was doing. You form bonds with the residents and find that you will do whatever you can for them.

What advice would you have for anyone who wants to work in care? To be compassionate, patient and understanding to the people in your care. To listen and not to rush them and to understand the person they were before they came to the home.

ISSUE NO. 2 DECEMBER 2019

PAGE FI V E

SpecialSpecial

LO N G - S E RV I N G STA F F M E M B E R S AT O U R OT H E R H O M E S

CHEANEY COURT

“I would like to compliment the staff and management for their care and support especially when situations are challenging. They are always kind, caring and considerate towards us both.”

• DB, Wife of Resident/Service User

Words of thanks

ABBEYWELL COURT

“I have found my experience of Abbeywell Court extremely good. When visiting my brother I have found I am greeted by all the staff in a warm and welcoming way. My brother's behaviour can be very challenging at times but he is always treated in a respectful and dignified way. Special mention to the activity coordinator who is marvellous, arranging stimulating and enjoyable activities.”

• JC, Sister of Resident/Service User

IDEAL HOME

Our brother was very happy at Ideal Home, he felt at home, in a friendly, caring, family environment. The staff always had individual time for him and were very caring and attentive, nothing too much trouble.

His bedroom was a good size, clean and well presented. He was encouraged to have his personal furniture and possessions. His clothes etc freshly laundered.

Family visits welcomed with tea and biscuits offered, staff always available for updates.”

• Angela S, Sister of Resident/Service User

How long have you worked with the care home? 24 years

What inspired you to work in the care industry?I worked in a factory and in shops. I hated factory work. I trained at Sherwood House and moved to Golborne House to be an activity coordinator. I love being hands on with people.

Do you have a story to share about one particularly memorable day working at the home? It has to be the 104th Birthday surprise for Betty. We received over 4,000 cards and gifts for her from all around the world. We had TV and radio giving interviews with her, Liverpool football club called with a special shirt for her presented by Ian Rush. It was really special day for her and for us.

What advice would you have for anyone who wants to work in the care industry? Having an understanding of their situation and being able to put yourself in their shoes really helps you to deal with some challenging and difficult situations. Having a laugh with residents and making them smile is worth everything to them. Most importantly, treat people how you would like to be treated, as we will all be old one day.

Lorraine MarshallActivities CoordinatorGOLBORNE HOUSE

ISSUE NO. 2 DECEMBER 2019

PAGE SI X

ABBEYWELL COURT

Name Role Start Date

Carol Barlow Housekeeping Staff 2/4/1998

Sue Fell Housekeeping Staff 30/10/1998

Jayne Bowen Housekeeping Staff 7/6/2001

Hazel Beech Housekeeping Staff 11/10/2006

Lynn Adams Care Staff 29/10/2007

Joe Calsarin Care Staff 13/3/2007

Amanda Swann Care Staff 28/3/2011

Neil Staton Maintenance Staff 11/12/2006

Ben Locke Kitchen 27/2/2014

FREEL AND HOUSE

Sarah H., Senior Carer at Freeland House for 21 years. She previously worked as a Graphic Designer and made the switch to care after doing some volunteer work. She was inspired after seeing carers making a difference to the lives of residents on a daily basis.

Norman Kew, Maintenance and Gardener at Freeland House. He has worked at the home since October 2002.

Bobby and Ian, both Senior Care Assistants at Freeland House for 17 years. They both believe firmly in having a compassionate nature and to keep furthering yourself through NVQ courses and constantly engaging with staff and residents to learn more about the role and how to be at your best.

ASHGROVE CARE HOME

Name Role Start Date

Jade Austin Kitchen assistant 16/02/2004

Sarah Finnemore Cook 25/01/2013

Julie Johnson Laundry 03/09/2002

Jill Loveday Laundry 20/07/2000

Lesley Martin Afternoon cook 25/05/1998

How long have you worked with the care home and what inspired you to work in the care industry?13 years. As I had previously been working in the building trade, I thought my knowledge would be very useful in the care industry.

Do you have a story to share about one particularly memorable day working at the home?All days are memorable and no two days are ever the same!

What made you want to stay with the home for all this time?It is local to where I live and as you start getting older, you get comfortable with your surroundings, just as I am with this home.

What are some of the challenges of your job?Every day is a different challenge. Mostly, maintaining the upkeep of the home’s décor and ensuring everything is in its best condition

What advice would you have for anyone who wants to work in maintenance in the care industry?Dedication is key, along with a very broad knowledge of equipment that is used around a care home!

Neil StatonMaintenance/HandymanABBEY WELL COURT CARE HOME

ISSUE NO. 2 DECEMBER 2019

PAGE SI X

LO N G - S E RV I N G STA F F M E M B E R S AT O U R OT H E R H O M E S

Linda RigbyDomestic SupervisorHOURIG AN HOUSE

Christmas is a time of giving and our magnanimous staff members at Crossways Care Home are doing just that and more. In addition to a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings and after party for the residents, the home is opening its doors to older people in the local community.

In a bid to fight loneliness amongst older people, a very pertinent challenge that the UK’s ageing population faces, the home is offering a chance to 11 older people from the local community, a chance to join them for the Christmas dinner and after party. As it is a first-come-first-served offer, those who don’t manage to book a seat at the dinner table are invited to an after party at the care home, with live entertainment, refreshments and a DJ!

We are extremely proud of our caring staff at Crossways and hope this Christmas event will be a truly memorable one and set the tune of giving at the home for years to come.

You can read more about it here: bit.ly/2XT2uDZ

STATION ROAD, LOSTOCK GRALAM, NORTHWICH, CHESHIRE, CW9 7PNTEL: 01606 45559

SUNDAY 8TH DECEMBER 2-4 PM

Children’s Candy Cane TrailSanta’s Grotto • Local Stall Holders

Ra�es • Refreshments

Christmas CarolsPLAYED BY BARNTON SILVER BAND

WESTHAVENNURSING & RESIDENTIAL HOME

Tickets available for purchase from Westhaven Nursing & Residential Home,

10 Lighthouse Road, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 2EB. Telephone: 0151 632 1737

DOORS OPEN 7PM16TH NOVEMBER

HOYLAKE SOCIAL CLUB

INCLUDING BUFFET

& ENTERTAINMENT

TICKETS £10Ball

This event is helping us fundraise for the

Alzheimer’s Society and our Residents’ Fund

GLITZ & GLAMOUR

mulberry_xmas_A2.indd 1

14/10/2019 10:54

H O W C R O S S WAY S I S FIGHTING LONELINESS

T H I S CH R I ST M A S. . .

Find out more by emailing: marketing@minstercaregroup.co.uk

Planning an event?Planning an event?We can help to promote it to a wider audience!

How long have you worked with the care home? I have worked at Hourigan for 29 years

What inspired you to work in the care industry? Before working at Hourigan, I worked at the cotton mill, I worked there for 25 years. I came to Hourigan because I wanted a change in career and then I fell in love with care.

Do you have a story to share about one particularly memorable day working at the home? No particular day stands out, I have always enjoyed my job, the home, staff and residents. Every day is different and that’s what I love. The best time of the year is always Christmas, and actually working Christmas day is my favourite. Spending time with the residents, we (staff) always dress up in fancy dress and make it extra special. Seeing all the residents faces and watching them all open their gifts is amazing.

What advice would you have for anyone who wants to work in the care industry? It’s not for everyone, if your heart is in it then give it a try. You need to have a love for people. It’s not an industry – it’s a home from home. I personally treat all the residents like my own family. No one comes into care for the money, but for the wellbeing of others and knowing that you have made a difference is how you need to look at it.

ISSUE NO. 2 DECEMBER 2019

PAGE EIGHT

MULBERRY MANOR

Linda Batty, Head Cook. She started at the home in 2013 as domestic staff and kitchen assistant who helped get it ready for re-opening in January 2014 as did Steve Szczepkowski and Tracey Brockbank who is Head Housekeeper.

Elaine Carr who started as a night cleaner and then as an HCA when the home reopened in January 2014.

LEYCESTER HOUSE CARE HOME

• Jeanette Oldbury – Home Manager (36 years – 12 with Minster Care)

• Sandra Donnelly 30 years• Joanne Johnson 19 years• Julie Angus 16 years

SOVEREIGN HOUSE

• Margaret Evans – Admin• Pauline Cuttiford – Activities• Ellen Wilkin – Deputy Manager• Valerie Stanley – Domestic• Jazz Pujji – Domestic• Surjit Lall – Carer• Amy Lucas – Carer• Khailda Mahmood – Nurse• Sarbjit Govind – Carer• Emma Walker – Carer

MOWBRAY

Name Role Start Date

Cathy Hawker Care Assistant 1988 (31 years)

Gladys barber Chef 1998 (21 years)

Lisa Baker Care Assistant 1996 (23 years)

Julia Loveridge RGN 1996 (23 years)

Jeanne Millson RGN Restarted with Minster again in 2015 (Been a

RGN for 50 years)

Diane O’DonnellRegistered Nurse on NightsWESTHAVEN

How long have you worked with the care home?I have worked at Westhaven since 1992 and worked for Minster Care since it bought the home in 2005.

What inspired you to work in the care industry?I worked as a registered nurse in The Royal Liverpool Hospital and obviously only spent a short time with patients. I moved to working in the care industry because I wanted to make a difference to the people I cared for. I wanted to be able to give personalised care, build good relationships and ensure that our residents are looked after just as we would want our loved ones to be looked after.

What advice would you have for anyone who wants to work in the care industry? Go for it! It is such a rewarding job and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.

If you are a Registered nurse you get more time with the residents. If you are a carer or considering applying for a care position, every day is different. If you are thinking about becoming a nurse in the future and end up working in a good care home such as Westhaven, you will be given valuable experience that will help you in your chosen career.

ISSUE NO. 2 DECEMBER 2019

PAGE NINE

LO N G - S E RV I N G STA F F M E M B E R S AT O U R OT H E R H O M E S

This is the first competition we are running for Minster and what better way than to open it up to all our exceptional staff members? We will be selecting 3 lucky winners from the pool of nominees across all homes. In order to select our winners, we are looking at criteria such as:1. Their attitude/what makes them stand out2. Demonstrable difference made to the lives of the residents

and/or family members3. Their relationship with staff

FOR LONG-SERVING STAFF MEMBERS

1st Prize: 1 night and 2 days' staycation for 2 at a selected destination in the UK. Meals and transport included*

2nd Prize: £250 reward • 3rd Prize: £150 reward

T H E T E R M S

1. Each home is eligible to nominate up to a maximum of 1 exceptional staff member only. This is open across all job roles, as long as the nominees are currently employed at the home.

2. Nominations cannot be made by nominees themselves.

3. Nominators should answer the below questionnaire for those nominated. Please keep answers as brief as possible (2 lines per question max).

4. Those featured in this newsletter can be nominated.

5. Each nominee name and their questionnaire should be sent to maya@minstercaregroup.co.uk from the respective home’s manager’s email in a single email. This is to prevent multiple entries per home. Multiple entries from different emails will NOT be accepted.

6. In the event that a Manager has been nominated at any home, the email should come through the Area Manager’s email address instead.

7. All nominations must be received via email by Monday the 23rd of December.

COMPETITION

Attractive prizes/rewards stand to be won!

ChristmasISSUE NO. 2 DECEMBER 2019

PAGE TEN

Q U E S T I O N N A I R E

STAFF REFERR AL SCHEME

All Winners Will Be Announced Around The New Year Via Email And On Minster’s Facebook! For the amazing staff that might not be nominated or don’t win any prizes this time, don’t fret! We are also opening up a…

For every new potential staff member you refer to any of our Minster homes and if they are successfully hired, we will offer you a £100 reward**We will also be running periodic competitions going forward, on our Facebook and online blog. You can also look forward to the launch of Minster Life Awards in 2020.

* 1st Prize staycation: within the local/neighbouring area of the winner’s residence

** Reward subject to internal checks. The new hire must have been employed at the home for a minimum of 6 weeks upon referral

Name of nominee and role: How long have they worked at the care home?

Why have you nominated this person (summarise their best characteristics)?

What has the feedback from residents and/or family members been about this person?

What is their relationship with staff like?

ISSUE NO. 2 DECEMBER 2019

PAGE ELEV EN

1. Who was famous for saying ‘Bah Humbug!’? 2. How many points does a snowflake have?3. In what language is Santa knows as Père Noël? 4. Unscramble this popular carol: NIJGEL LSELB.5. The Twelve Days of Christmas song mentions which fruit tree?6. What is Boxing Day also known as?7. How many days are there in December?8. Unscramble this pretty Christmas decoration: LESNIT9. How many reindeer did Santa have?10. True or false? There are four Sundays in Advent11. What item would you find a joke and paper hat inside?12. What three things did the 3 Kings take to baby Jesus?

V L N S A C E W B V

L H L Y W T U L I P

N G H H U P O I C W

K T H V S A G W L G

F T C J E N A A C K

O I I B C I R R X D

D M P A C M A M J Q

R E M U R X I E V T

F G C L E A N T V Y

B C A L I V E M U T

B N U R G E C Y F L I N G I PR O M H A D H K U H L H S M AV P D C R N G S P R O U T S ZJ E A I D I R N U K J P G Q MV M F P E S E J J L H L Y T WD A F A N W E C S A G D X D NE A O K C R N L R N Z H J W GC B D Z F E V E R R C Y A L XZ R I N T N W X D Y E L X H TK F L N Z E H I Z Z Z E Q W BS W B T L W C H A H N F E G PE W N Z U U L L G A Z E Z D XC W B T U A J M Y T U G K O NP S K R C P M B R C R O C U SZ C B C H A N G E H M F I N X

☐ ALIVE ☐ CLEAN

☐ RAIN ☐ TIME

☐ TULIP ☐ WARM

☐ CHANGE ☐ CROCUS ☐ DAFFODIL ☐ FEVER

☐ FLING ☐ GARDEN ☐ GREEN

☐ HATCH ☐ RENEW ☐ SPROUT

R E S I D E N T S ' C H R I S T M A S Q U I ZR E S I D E N T S ' C H R I S T M A S Q U I Z2019

Send your answers to maya@minstercaregroup.co.uk and 3 lucky residents from our homes stand to win a little prize!

*1 resident/1 entry per home

Minster Life’s

Wovdseavch ChallengeWovdseavch Challenge - can you complete both?- can you complete both?

care group

Minster Care Group Head OfficeThe Old Stables, 1 Grove Hill Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 3A AKeep up with our latest updates: minstercaregroup.co.uktel: 020 8422 7365 fax: 020 8422 8698

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