Oak Trees Resident Mary Tyler celebrates 108th Birthday

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Kim Wilson

Mary Tyler celebrates her 108th birthday and accredits her age to ‘a good cup of tea’!

On the 6th May 1904 Gladys Tyler, but known to all as Mary, was born and 108 years later she celebrated her special birthday surrounded by friends and family.

Mary is widowed and lived with her daughter-in-law until August 2011 when she moved into Oak Trees care home in Bridgwater. When asked what the secret for a long and healthy life was Mary replied, “I don’t know really, I just like my cups of tea!”

A small tea party was held in the dining area of Oak Trees on her birthday, she was joined by close family and received lots of cards, including one from the Queen. The home celebrated Mary’s birthday with a party on Tuesday 8th June and presented her with a bouquet of flowers from its parent company Somerset Care.

Somerset Care Welcomes Spanish Visitors

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Kim Wilson

Somerset Care played host to a group of health and care professionals from Spain last week, who came to learn about the company’s award winning ‘PETALS‘ dementia care. The visitors were from Mutua de Terrassa, Barcelona, a not for profit organisation.

They first visited Somerset Care in 2011 after hearing about their dementia care through Bradford University, with whom Somerset Care work very closely. The visitors requested a return trip this year to look at Somerset Care’s latest developments in the field, in particular its work on dementia care environments (for which it won a national award in 2010) and personalisation of the service.

Jane Lynch, Assistant Director of Residential Care and Dementia Care Specialist, said, “Somerset Care is very proud of its dementia care service and is pleased to show its work off to colleagues in the care sector. We hope that our visitors have found their visit to some of our ten dementia care units useful, they have told us how impressed they are and that they intend to go back to Barcelona and implement some changes to the way they deliver person centred dementia care.”

Somerset Care will welcome a further international visitor next month when a health care professional from Australia comes to learn about its dementia care.

Alyson Martin – The Big Interview

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Kim Wilson

In January 2012 Somerset Care welcomed Alyson Martin as their new Chief Executive. We caught up with Alyson for Acacia Time’s Big Interview.

1. Alyson, you have had a long and varied career within Somerset Care, can you describe your journey within the company?

I started my career in Somerset in 1983 when I took over the Manager’s position at Sunnymeade in Chard. However my career in care started almost by chance at 16 years old when I was an Assistant Manager in a small family run care home that my “in laws to be” used to own in Bristol. I soon realised that although I had not deliberately chosen to come into care work I thoroughly enjoyed the role and therefore have remained in the care sector throughout my career. I had a brief spell in children’s services when we moved up to Derbyshire in the 1970′s, but as soon as the opportunity arose I moved back into services for older people.
In 1991 I was Manager at Sunnymeade when Somerset Care was set up, it was a time of uncertainty as this type of not for profit service had not been tried before. I have to say that it was the very best decision that Somerset County Council ever took! Over the years with Somerset Care I have held a variety of responsibilities from, managing care homes, taking the lead for Quality Assurance, writing policies and running training courses, so I feel I can understand the business from all angles. I became a Director for the company in 1992 and have seen its development over the years.

2. What have been your key memories whilst working within Somerset Care?

There have been many “people” memories. Having cared for and supported many older people over the years through the opportunities and challenges they faced throughout the 20th century, I feel that my life is a richer place for having been able to play a small part in supporting them, as many of them reached the end stage of life.
I have always been a strong advocate to develop my team and take a great pleasure to see others progress and make a success of their careers. As I was preparing for my recent interview I reflected back and remembered that I had played a part in nine of my staff progressing to be Managers of care homes or community bases.

3. What challenges and responsibilities do you expect to face as Chief Executive?

I feel that I am well placed to take the helm for the company, I have spent many years in senior positions within the company and I have a strong knowledge of the services we deliver and the challenges our teams face on a daily basis. The current economic climate that the whole country faces makes providing services a difficult environment in which to operate. But I do believe the breadth of the service base as well as the wider geographical spread has positioned the company to survive and be stronger for the future.

4. How do you expect the company to change in the future?

We will need to continue to expand our services, examples include diversifying our training, continuing the end of life services and extending the innovative PETALS services for people with dementia. Support services for learning disabilities will grow and we will continue to need to update our care homes. It will be increasingly important that we maintain quality services to both those who commission our services as well as those who are private customers. As well as promoting our services we need to ensure we continue to value our staff. I recognise that we have to continue to direct our efforts towards ensuring this means financial rewards as well as the other aspects of supporting staffing and providing excellent training.

5. What are your hobbies and interests away from Somerset Care?

Frank and I have 2 sons living away from home so trying to fit in visits to see them takes up a lot of our time, as well as supporting our 3 cats, a dog and 5 ducks (sadly no eggs). Walking and bird watching is also something I enjoy when the weather is good and trying to get fitter by regular slots at the gym.

Somerset Care – Integration Supports Growth Plans

Posted on April 2, 2012 by Kim Wilson

Somerset Care has announced that from 1st April its four care companies are combining into one larger provider offering services at Somerset Care Ltd. It is also forming a new company, called Somerset Care Support Services Limited, to assist in supplying aspects of our services. In particular this includes local authority care and support related work.
The decision to integrate has been taken to allow residents and customers receiving care across Southern England to access high quality services through one integrated care company. From its beginnings in Taunton in 1991 the company now provides services in 15 local authority areas and the use of one company name will allow for further growth, as well as the sharing of expertise throughout its businesses. Its training company Acacia Training and Development will continue to trade under that business name, reflecting its different market.
Alyson Martin, Chief Executive of Somerset Care, said, “Clients and staff will not be affected by the integration, as we will continue to provide the same high quality services using the same staff. The integration of our businesses is merely a way to simplify and streamline our processes, to increase strength in our increasingly competitive sector.”

Somerset Care embrace life histories with Forget Me Not Book

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Kim Wilson

Somerset Care and Forget Me Not Book are working together to enhance quality of life and service delivery by offering a new ‘Life History’ service, which involves creating a memory book.

The online memory book created at Forget Me Not Book allows the capture of personal, enlightening and fun stories or anecdotes which when combined with photos provides a rich insight into the life and character of a person. The content can then be printed into a beautiful book.

Jon Lale, Director of Forget Me Not Book said “We are very excited to be working with Somerset Care as they roll out the use of our website across their care homes, and look forward to working with both staff and families.

We didn’t coin the phrase ‘Person Centred Care’ but it quickly became evident that we had developed something that helped care homes deliver it. What’s been impressive about working with Somerset Care was how open minded they were and how hard they are working to integrate Forget Me Not Book into their processes.

It’s clear that Somerset Care are leaders in their field and we are confident our partnership will have a major impact on the well-being of those in care.”

If you want to create an online memory book for a loved one or even yourself visit www.forgetmenotbook.com or send them a tweet via Twitter @forgetmenotbook

Volunteering – A day in the life of Sophie

Posted on March 7, 2012 by Kim Wilson

Sophie Pettler has kindly offered to answer some questions about her volunteer work.

Sophie is 17 years old and is currently studying at a local sixth form for her A Levels, in her spare time she volunteers at Greenhill House in Cheddar.
How long have you volunteered at Greenhill House?
“I started volunteering in July 2011.”
Why did you chose to volunteer for Somerset Care?
“I chose to volunteer for Somerset Care primarily to develop better skills working with people of different ages and levels of health as this relates to my aspirations to become a Doctor. I continue to come weekly, not just for this reason but because I find spending time at Greenhill House enjoyable, rewarding and a worthwhile way to spend an afternoon.”
What tasks do you undertake while volunteering?
“When I first started I introduced myself and sat in the lounge chatting to the residents, occasionally playing scrabble or helping out with daily activities. More recently I have been trying to make myself more useful by helping to prepare the tea and anything else that needs doing. With time the residents started to recognise me and I am aware who may like to chat and where to find them. My confidence has increased which has helped me a lot!”
Why do you think volunteers are important to the care sector?
“Volunteers are important as an extra support to staff and carers who work incredibly hard but are often very busy. It is also important to have fresh faces for the residents; it’s nice for them to chat with someone different who can encourage them to share stories from their life.”
What do you enjoy most about being a volunteer?
“One thing I enjoy about being a volunteer is when you know that you are appreciated by a resident. It may be that they just appreciate a short chat or you have helped them to find something or brought them a cup of tea, but it is nice to know you are there being helpful. Another thing I admire, especially as a potential medical student, is the phenomenal ages some of the residents have reached, and in such good health. Working at Greenhill House has further inspired me in my hopes to be a Doctor, showing me the difference modern medicine has made in improving people’s lives.”

Thank you to Sophie for taking the time to give everyone an insight into being a volunteer in the social care industry.

Somerset Care at Home in Taunton wish Jean and Sandra a happy retirement

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Kim Wilson

Staff at Somerset Care at Home in Taunton said farewell to two dear friends and loyal colleagues last week as Jean Hutter and Sandra Gage retired after a combined service of 54 years.

Sandra started working for the company in 1981, with Jean starting 8 years later in 1989. They both worked in the Wellington area as care and support workers.

The team at Somerset Care at Home in Taunton arranged a retirement party at the office to bid farewell to them both. Fellow colleagues from the past a present attended the gathering enjoying drinks, nibbles and sharing memories.

Sandra and Jean were presented with an arrangement of flowers, vouchers and a copy of Somerset Centenarians to thank them for their continued hard work over the years.

Speaking on the occasion Sue Alderman, Community Services Manager said, “I would like to thank both Sandra and Jean for their continued support and commitment to Somerset Care at Home over the years. On behalf of everyone in the office I’d like to wish them both a happy and relaxing retirement”.

Somerset Care support National Wear Red Day 2012

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Kim Wilson

Somerset Care is helping to promote National Wear Red Day 2012.
Wear Red Day is organised through the British Heart Foundation, who celebrated their 50th Birthday last year.

The day allows people to show support and promote awareness of heart disease.
The British Heart Foundation advises that heart and circulatory diseases cause more than one in three of all deaths in the UK, accounting for more than 191,000 deaths each year, at an estimated cost of £30 billion to the economy.
National Wear Red Day 2012 will take place on Friday 24th February and you can get involved in several ways. One simple way is to use the Red for Heart Randometer on facebook. This lets you pull a lever and it generates some brilliant fundraising ideas.
To get involved you can email the British Heart Foundation on red@bhf.org.uk, call them on 0300 330 0645 or visit their website http://www.bhf.org.uk

Critchill Court celebrate Dignity Action Day

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Kim Wilson

On February 1st Somerset Care celebrated Dignity Action Day.

Dignity Action Day is a chance to raise awareness of the importance of dignity in care.

Critchill Court residential home in Frome celebrated with a Dignity Action Day party, full of activities for the residents, visitors and staff to enjoy. The residents made and decorated cupcakes, listened to a local musician and made bookings for the ‘wash and go’, a make shift car wash for zimmer frames and walking sticks.

As well as the fun activities Jess Symes, Critchill Court’s Dignity Champion and her mother made ribbons which they sold on the day. In total they raised £60 for their dignity fund, which is used to purchase items for the residents.

Apprenticeships

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Kim Wilson

With around 250 apprentices employed by Somerset Care we would like to raise awareness for National Apprentice Week. Somerset Care employ apprentices in Care, Administration and Support Services.
Apprenticeships are a great way to begin your career. You earn and learn on the job and at the same time, gain nationally recognised qualifications and enjoy career progression opportunities.

Now in its fifth year, National Apprenticeship Week is the time when all eyes are on Apprenticeships and it’s all about raising the profile amongst employers, individuals, teachers, parents and the media.

When is National Apprenticeship Week?

National Apprenticeship Week 2012 will take place from 6-10 February 2012.

Alongside employing hundreds of apprentices Somerset Care also works along side colleges, such as Strode and Bridgwater College and offer students the opportunity to do their work placements and work experience within Somerset Care.

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