This week is Dementia Awareness Week, and we have lots going on around the home including a 1940s garden party picnic, Mad Hatter themed tea party, a music concert, the Springhill Great British Bake Off as well as a raffle and sponsored leg wax. We’re supporting the Alzheimer’s Society’s ‘do something new’ campaign and will continue raising awareness on dementia while having a thoroughly good time.

At Springhill Care Home, we have a person-centred approach to care, with specialist services and facilities that are designed to support those whose lives are affected by dementia.

Residents can enjoy the benefits of a whole range of activities designed to stimulate positive memories, such as our sensory garden, arts and craft afternoons, musical therapy and holistic treatments.

Our dementia forum is a welcoming place for relatives and friends of residents we care for in our dementia service to come together and share their experiences of living with dementia.

*Dementia is caused when the brain is damaged by diseases such as Alzheimer’s or a series of strokes. Symptoms may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, speech and problem-solving. There are currently 850,000 people with dementia in the UK, a figure which is expected to rise to more than a million by the year 2021. 

Alzheimer's Society Resources

• Get the facts and dispel the myths about dementia.  - Five things you should know about dementia, click HERE
• Watch the latest TV advert from the Alzheimer's Society HERE 
• #DoSomethingNew campaign - Find out more HERE

Congratulations to Springhill’s Robin Eddleston, named as Britain’s best when it comes to dementia care.

Robin, a senior healthcare assistant, won the National Dementia Carer of the Year title at the Great British Care Awards, the industry’s premier awards event.

Responsible for residents in the home’s dementia service, Robin, who supervises a team of staff, Robin has previously been named winner of the awards’ regional heats.

He said: “I’m incredible proud to have won this award and I’d like to thank all the team at Springhill for all their support and encouragement since I joined them.”

Robin, of Oswaldtwistle, joined Springhill Care Home two-and-a-half years ago following a 20-year career in the printing industry, and now holds Level Two and Level Three Diplomas in Health and Social Care.

Theresa Swan, learning and development manager at Springhill Care Home, added: “Robin has quickly grown to become a well-liked and trusted member of staff, popular with both residents and their families.

“To achieve this accolade is a major result for anybody, and this goes double for Robin who until a few short years ago had not worked in the care sector.

“We’re all immensely proud of him and couldn’t be happier to see him receive this award.”

Robin was joined at the awards ceremony at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham by colleagues Jan Wilkins, general manager of Riversway Nursing Home in Bristol, who was a finalist in the Registered Manager Award.

A team from Affinity Supporting People, Springhill Care Group’s supported living service, were also finalists for the Care Team of the Year Award.

Have a look at our pictures from the night in our facebook album HERE

Ann Whitaker, 50, was born with cerebral palsy. Aged just three months, her parents were advised to ‘put her in a home’ because she would never be able to walk or talk.

Defying this advice, along with similar repeated by many specialists during the early years of her life, Ann led an active lifestyle throughout her childhood, enjoying swimming, horse riding, hydrotherapy, speech therapy and physiotherapy. Encouraged by her parents who wanted her to lead the fullest life possible, Ann’s independent nature shone through and she grew into a bright young woman.

During her teenage years, Ann discovered the Alexander Technique, a treatment which aids relaxation and confidence building. She also made progress with regards to her speech which became clearer.

After making the decision to move into independent accommodation, Ann eventually settled at Springhill. During her time here, she has made great improvements with regards to her mobility, now able to walk well with minimum assistance.

A lively presence around the place, Ann always gets involved in the activities and goings on around the home, making lots of friends along the way. Ann has now written an account of her life at Springhill and what it means to her to have her independence. She has asked us to share her story:

Ann’s story

“I have lived at Springhill Care Home for three years and am now going into my fourth, and I have no regrets. All the staff treat me like an adult and with full respect. The first time I visited Springhill I somehow knew that I could make this my home for the rest of my life. For the first time I was treated with respect, and it wasn’t long before I began to feel like a person in my own right.

“As time went on I began to put my full trust in staff and began to communicate with them so I could help them to understand what I wanted. If they could not understand me the first time, they would ask me to repeat.

“I have a large bedroom with plenty of space and my own bathroom which gives me complete privacy.  One thing I noticed straight away was when a member of staff entered my bedroom they always knocked first to give me notice. The staff are so kind and helpful and if you ever need anything doing, they always try to get the job done within the same day.

“During the week we have activities every afternoon, like crafts and music. Entertainers come in once or twice a month to entertain us. All the residents at Springhill have got used to me and I try to visit them daily. We also have different church groups coming in on a regular basis. It was through Celia who brings communion every week that I got to know the people from the parish. Last year I got invited to go to Lourdes with them and had a wonderful time. Because of this I have made some good friends.  

“In December I celebrated my 50^th birthday and the staff were so good to throw me a party. I invited my family and friends and they all said what a wonderful warm greeting you receive as soon as you walk through the door at Springhill.

“I think one of the main things I have learnt is how to approach staff by myself, at one time I would have asked my father to ask if I wanted anything doing, but now I feel confident asking myself.

“I am totally satisfied and love living here at Springhill.”

Ann Whitaker

It’s time to celebrate the long-service achievement of another member of staff here at Springhill Care Home.

Deborah McDougall has worked as a chef in our kitchen for an incredible 15 years. Her efforts and loyalty were marked with a presentation of flowers by support services manager Karen Fairclough, surrounded by her colleagues.

Karen said: “Deborah is a very hard working and reliable member of our team who keeps everything running smoothly in the kitchen, which is highly important given the role nutrition plays in a modern healthcare environment.”

We are lucky to have a team full of such dedicated staff in our home. Congratulations on reaching your impressive milestone Deborah, from everyone at Springhill.