#nevertoolate

Image provided by The Links Care Home.

It’s never too late to achieve anything.

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WelcomeAs we approach the end of 2018, it’s the perfect time to recognise and celebrate all of the wonderful things we’ve achieved for our residents this year.

We’re all about helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and in our care homes and villages that means ensuring our residents have the best quality of life possible and continue to benefit from happy, meaningful experiences.

I’m so proud of our Care Services team. Together we understand that getting to know each of our residents as unique people, with different personalities, histories, backgrounds, likes, dislikes and wishes is just as important as knowing their care needs inside out.

It means that we can not only provide our residents with great care but we can help them to achieve their aspirations too.

Here is a collection of some of our favourite stories from 2018 that illustrate the difference we make to our residents’ lives.

Thank you to The Lindsay Care Home for initiating the #nevertoolate. It has since been adopted throughout our homes and we’ve seen some great examples of homes and villages going the extra mile to make residents’ wishes come true.

I really hope you enjoy reading them.

Joan Elliott General Manager Bupa Care Services

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Your carriage awaitsIn one of the first examples of the #nevertoolate campaign, colleagues at The Lindsay in Bournemouth laid on a very special surprise for residents.

After expressing their delight at the royal wedding, the team arranged for a horse drawn carriage to take residents on a ride around the local town. Dressed in their finery, the residents had a royally good time.

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All that jazzSometimes older people can struggle to get out and do the things they used to enjoy. When this happens at our care homes, we bring the fun to them.

After falling in love with jazz music aged 14, John Trevor Lee went on to study the subject and regularly attended jazz nights to see his favourite bands.

Recently though, John’s not been able to get out as much as he used to and has forgone his regular concerts.

Knowing about his passion for the music, colleagues at our Southlands Care Home transformed the home into a live music venue, inviting John’s favourite band – the Savannah Jazz Band – in to perform. From the smile on his face, it looks like they hit the right note!

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A moo-ving storyThere’s nothing like a bit of friendly competition to inspire creative thinking, as residents from Richmond Village, Nantwich learned this year.

When the team entered an inter-village competition called ‘The English Countryside’, they decided that if they couldn’t take the village to the country, the country would have to come to them.

After posting a request for a real live cow, the owners of Halton Farms in Alsager responded by offering their champion cow, Midnight, who recently won her class at the Cheshire Show held in Tabley near Knutsford.

Nicola Jackson, Senior Village Adviser at Richmond Village, Nantwich said: “The annual competition between Richmond’s Villages around the country is quite fierce, so we wanted to do something different that would also mean a lot to our residents, many of whom have been involved with farming in the area with some owning large dairy herds.

“It has been so special – the competition involves everyone, residents, relatives, staff, volunteers and the local community – it’s a lot of work but results in so much laughter!”

Patricia Cole is one of the residents at the village who used to have a farm. She added: “It was wonderful to have a cow come to visit us. She was beautiful, and so well behaved.”

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It has been so special – the competition involves everyone, residents, relatives, staff, volunteers and the local community.

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94 + 11: a surprising formula for friendshipWhile working to bridge the gap between different generations, the team at Colonia Court in Colchester arranged visits from a local school.

While all residents enjoyed the visit, 94 year-old Thora Bennett and 11 year-old Christie Wettasinghe were brought together over a shared love of maths. Both agreeing that it was their favourite subject, the pair quizzed each other with regular questions and equations.

They enjoyed it so much that they now have regular visits!

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A fitting send offIt’s never easy when a resident passes away, but colleagues at The Lindsay in Bournemouth went above and beyond to pay their respects to one resident.

Following the death of his wife, John Windsor-Pleydell had few links outside of the home, and quickly developed close bonds with the staff.

To pay their respects the team hosted the funeral service at the home, celebrating John’s life and sharing their favourite memories.

Claudia Carvell, Home Manager explained: “The idea of John having an empty funeral service wasn’t something we were happy with, so we decided to have the service in the home surrounded by his newly-found family and friends.”

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We endeavour to find the things our residents used to enjoy or have never tried and make them a reality through our never too late initiative.

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Changing of the GuardsFew of us can say we’ve had a brush with royalty, but David Ball is a former Coldstream Guard and spent time as a Queen’s Guard at Buckingham Palace.

After telling colleagues at Knights’ Grove in Southampton, they arranged a visit to Buckingham Palace, also stopping by his former barracks to meet a serving Coldstream Guard.

As well as getting a tour of the barracks, David was able to watch the inspection and selection of the Guards, followed by the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the palace.

Danni Davies, Home Manager said: “We endeavour to find the things our residents used to enjoy or have never tried and make them a reality through our #nevertoolate initiative. David speaks fondly about his time in the Guards so, together with his family, we emailed Buckingham Palace to ask for a visit. To everyone’s pleasant surprise – they were happy to have him!”

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Flying highColin Drayner has always loved planes and spent time in both the Air Corps and the RAF, where he learnt to fly himself.

Knowing his passion, the team at Allington Court in St Albans arranged a surprise flight allowing him to take to the skies once again.

The flight was taken in a Cessna 172 which set off soaring from Elstree Aerodrome. After the flight the team arranged a visit to the Hendon Aircraft Museum. Joined by nurse, Vijo Martin, Colin had an amazing time reliving his memories.

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Happy hikersWhen a group of adventurous Richmond Village residents mentioned they’d like more outdoor activities, colleagues jumped at the chance to set up a Nordic walking group.

Catering for all abilities, the walks begin at Richmond Aston-on-Trent, before venturing into the beautiful South Derbyshire countryside.

Joanne Wilson, Village Manager said: “We really try to come up with new and different activities for our residents and encourage our colleagues to ‘go the extra mile’ to deliver interesting things for them to do. I think they have excelled themselves!”

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A soaring success for RAF veteranA 96-year-old RAF hero took to the skies nearly 75 years after last piloting an aircraft – thanks to colleagues at The Links in Poole.

Great-grandfather Bernard Rye had longed to be airborne once again, but thought his flying days were over until the home arranged a surprise trip. Bernard was whisked aboard a Piper PA Cherokee Six for a 30 minute flight over Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

Bernard joined the RAF in 1940 and toured the world in his Tiger Moth and Avro York planes. He even had the honour of piloting Louis Mountbatten, the 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma, during his time in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).

Bernard was nominated for the flying experience by Zoe McCarthy, Activities Lead.

She explained: “Everyone’s got ambitions that they’d like to achieve and being in a care home shouldn’t get in the way of that. We all love hearing Bernard’s stories from his days in the RAF and he absolutely lights up when he tells them. That’s why we wanted to help him relive it, and organised this surprise for him.”

Speaking after his flight, Bernard said: “It’s been over 70 years since I flew myself, and I never expected I’d be taking to the skies again. It took me back quite a way, and I’m very grateful to the team for making it happen.”

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Everyone’s got ambitions that they’d like to achieve and being in a care home shouldn’t get in the way of that.

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The event came about from Teresa’s drive to enrich the lives of the individuals in our care through activities.

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Fitting surprise for birthday veteranA veteran resident at Elm Grove in Cirencester had a wish come true, while celebrating his 81st birthday revisiting his military days.

Colleagues at the home arranged for Colin Kohler to visit The Royal Wessex Yeomanry where he had an opportunity to watch the men parade, perform a weapons inspection and get a demonstration of their tank simulator.

Colin’s wish was granted thanks to the efforts of the homes’ Activities Coordinator, Teresa Wheeler, who organised the entire trip.

Kim Chivers, Deputy Home Manager said: “The event came about from Teresa’s drive to enrich the lives of the individuals in our care through activities – by finding activities still close to their hearts. As his birthday was approaching, she felt it would be really nice to do something in line with Colin’s interests.

“She approached our local Territorial Army centre who were very enthusiastic in helping make this plan a reality for such a decorated soldier.”

Colin’s broad military background with the Marines, SAS and RAF was extensively researched by the men of The Royal Wessex Yeomanry and they were eager to learn more about his experiences.

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Going the extra mile(s)A keen runner, Elizabeth Barber had completed four marathons – taking part in her first aged 58. At 72 though, she suffered a life-changing stroke which left her paralysed and unable to speak.

Medics feared she would not recover. But after extensive treatment at Tenterden House in St Albans, Elizabeth began to slowly regain her strength, co-ordination and mental aptitude.

While supporting her recovery, the team learned of her love for running and – with St Alban’s Half Marathon approaching, they agreed to walk the route, before meeting Elizabeth near the end to cross the finish line together.

Elizabeth said: “After my stroke I was just lucky to be alive. When it began to dawn on me I wouldn’t complete another race, I was devastated. The support of the nurses here has always been fantastic, but now they are quite literally going the extra mile.

“Running was such a big part of my life, and so to have the thrill of crossing a finish line once again is really special.”

Delia Abaza, Deputy Manager arranged the tribute and was among those taking part in the race. She added: “After her stroke, she was in a very bad way and the doctors had said she might not be able to walk or talk again, but we knew Elizabeth was a fighter.

“She’s come such a long way in the last couple of years, and – while the route is a challenge for us – we’re all so happy to be taking part and help Elizabeth cross that line.”

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Running was such a big part of my life, and so to have the thrill of crossing a finish line once again is really special.

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On your bike!After working as a welder during WWII, Edna Wilson developed a passion for motorbikes and had dreamt of hopping on a Harley Davidson. At 97 though, she had all but given up on the idea until colleagues at Hatfield Peverel organised a special treat.

The home organised the experience at their summer fete and, while she didn’t take the bike for a spin, Edna was delighted to climb on board, kitted up with the Harley Davidson motorcycle vest, complete with badges and the helmet.

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Lettuce be friendsWhen St Mark’s in Maidenhead arranged a visit from Miller’s Ark Mobile Farm, resident Isobel Dixon struck up a lovely bond with the guinea pigs – so much so that she shed a tear when it was time for them to leave.

Knowing how beneficial animal therapy can be for residents, and touched by the joy the animals brought Isobel, colleagues at the home surprised her with a visit to the local pet shop where they adopted a cute little guinea pig for her to take home.

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It’s something I’ll never forget, and I’m so grateful for everyone at Bupa for setting it up – it still makes me smile just thinking about it.

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Having a Ball!Great grandmother Pat Moore was left speechless after colleagues at Elmstead arranged a surprise meeting with her musical hero, Michael Ball.

Pat has been a huge fan of the singer after first watching him in Les Misérables in 1985, seeing him more than ten times since. At 86 though, she had given up on her dream of ever meeting him.

Sally-Anne Taylor, Receptionist at the London home explained: “We run a wish granting programme for residents – if a there’s something they’ve always wanted to do, we do everything we can to make it happen. It was no surprise when we heard Pat wished to meet Michael Ball. Everyone here knows that she’s a super-fan – just mention his name and she’ll start grinning!”

After weeks of trying to get in touch with Michael, Sally managed to arrange a personal letter and video message. But when she heard Pat’s daughter had booked tickets for them to see Michael’s show, she got back in touch to arrange a surprise meet and greet.

Michael met Pat at the stage door, presented her with a red rose and a kiss, before sitting and chatting and posing for photographs.

Pat said: “I didn’t think I’d ever get to meet Michael. I’ve always loved his voice and his music, and it was actually quite overwhelming to finally meet him. He’s kind, charming and has a lovely smile. It’s something I’ll never forget, and I’m so grateful for everyone at Bupa for setting it up – it still makes me smile just thinking about it.”

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Dial-a-dogAfter a resident at Richmond Village, Nantwich told colleagues that she missed the company of her dogs, the team decided to bring in some four legged friends.

After a great response to their call-out on Facebook, the team now has four dogs and their owners who come in for regular visits.

Barbara Hughes, resident at the village, owned several dogs over the years and was delighted to ‘borrow’ a dog called Cookie. She said:

“I had a wonderful time stroking Cookie. It made me so happy, as it reminded me of my dogs. It’s so relaxing just sitting and stroking them, and I’m so grateful to these lovely people for bringing their dogs to see us – it makes such a difference.”

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Little people make a big impactColleagues at Abbotsleigh Mews in Sidcup have seen fantastic results after arranging regular visits from children at a nearby nursery school.

After studying the positive impact that spending time with children can have on elderly people, Home Manager Tracey Cheeseman felt inspired.

After arranging the visits, she said: “The children now come to us once a week, and it is a joy to see. In some cases the age gap between the two is over 90 years – and yet they are able to come together and take part in activities such as singing and story-telling.”

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Big day bouquetsWhen Lynn Fern got engaged, she couldn’t wait to tell her friends – including one special guest at The Mellowes in Gillingham.

An Activity Coordinator at the home, Lynn had struck up a firm friendship with 88 year-old resident, Betty Smith.

Keen to have Betty involved in the wedding, and knowing her love of floristry, Lynn asked whether she’d like to be in charge of the bridal bouquets. Betty was delighted to accept.

Lynn said, “She’s so good with her hands and really enjoys arranging flowers, so I thought it would be a lovely way of including her in the wedding preparations. I’m delighted that she accepted my invitation to attend on the day too.”

An arts and crafts enthusiast, Betty also enjoys bingo and knitting, and has previously done the Christmas table decorations at The Mellowes. Speaking about her involvement she said:

“I’m looking forward to Lynn’s big day. I’m honoured that she asked me to do the bridal bouquet and just hope the sun shines!”

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I’m looking forward to Lynn’s big day. I’m honoured that she asked me to do the bridal bouquet and just hope the sun shines!

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To share stories from the East and

Continuous Improvement contact

Navpreet Panesar

navpreet.panesar@bupa.com

07714 767 004

To share stories from the

West contact Julie Walsh

julie.walsh@bupa.com

07715 854 452

To share stories from Richmond

Villages contact Claire Fry

claire.fry@bupa.com

01332 794 303December 2018 BPR 03918