Orchard Care Homes have launched a new award scheme to recognise the activity coordinators of the group.
This scheme comes as part of the company’s national initiative to develop a high quality activity offering across every home in the group.
Cherry Trees Care Home in Rotherham and The Hawthorne’s in Birkenshaw, Leeds, were the first to receive one of the scheme’s awards this month.
The award praised the Yorkshire-based teams for their approach to engaging residents in regular activity tailored to their interests.
Lisa Webster and Lisa Glynn, Activity Coordinators at Cherry Trees Care Home in Rotherham, were praised for the amount of residents participating in the homes ‘vibrant’ plan of activities.
The Home Manager of Cherry Trees Care Home, Sharron Whaley, commented: “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. Speaking about the award The Hawthorne’s Home Manager, 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.
