Double finalists for Care UK

Colleagues at two Care UK homes have reached the finals of the National Activity Provider Association (NAPA) Awards, which recognise exceptional activity professionals for their commitment and skill in approaching wellbeing.

Tiffany Thompson, Lifestyle Lead from Perry Manor in Worcester and Kimberley Atkin, Lifestyle Lead from Sherwood Grange in Kingston Vale have been shortlisted by judges in awards which are open to a wide range of sectors including health, housing and social care. The pair have been recognised for the innovative and creative ways they support individuals through an activity-based approach.

 

Tiffany and her team have attracted praise for how they support those living with dementia to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives. They have achieved this by forming several resident-led groups including a film club and golf lessons led by a former sporting resident. They have also fostered a close relationship with local Brownies – one resident renewed her Brownie promise making her the oldest Brownie leader in the country.

A life story book, packed with memories, photographs and achievements, is created for each resident when they move into Perry Manor. The book is updated throughout their residency so that their loved ones can see their life in the home.

The lifestyle team also use the Jackie Pool PAL tool to help understand the needs of those living with dementia. It enables the team to create activities in which residents can participate independently and is part of an ongoing partnership with the University of Worcester which provides insight for occupational therapists, expanding the benefit to a wider community of health professionals.

Kimberley and her team have reached the finals of the NAPA Awards in the Arts in Care Homes category. Sherwood Grange residents are an artistic group: over the past 18 months they have entered and won a variety of art, poetry and short story competitions. They have created artworks which have been auctioned to raise money for an NHS charity and some residents have even entered the Royal Academy of Art’s Summer Exhibition.

Artistic pursuits are central to how Kimberley and her team ensure residents live a full life. In pre-pandemic times she organised visits to exhibitions and workshops, even arranging a visit to northern France for landscape painting.

Activities are relevant to each resident because Kimberley takes the time to get to know each resident well. Every activity she organises – arts and crafts, creative writing, music and the performing arts – is exciting, unusual and embraces the diverse lives enjoyed by residents.

The winners will be announced on 1^st October.