A Guide to Finding the Right Care Home and Making a Smooth Transition

Changing Care Homes can feel overwhelming for both residents and family members. Whether a loved one has experienced a significant change in their health condition, requires additional Nursing Care, or simply needs a more suitable care home, the moving process can be emotional and complex.

At Ivonbrook Properties in Derbyshire, we understand that changing Care Homes is about much more than moving possessions from one residence to another. It is about ensuring comfort, dignity, personalised care and a better quality of daily life. Our three Residential Care Home settings are staffed by professional carers who work hard to create a welcoming environment where new residents can settle quickly and confidently.

Why Do People Change Care Homes?

There are many reasons why someone may decide to move care homes.

A resident’s health may change over time, leading to increased nursing needs or a need for specialist Dementia Care. In other cases, a family may feel that a current care home no longer provides the appropriate care or level of support required.

Common reasons for changing Care Homes include:

• Changing care needs
• Increased Nursing Care requirements
• A new diagnosis requiring Dementia Care
• Relocation closer to family members
• Concerns about care services
• Desire for more personalised care
• Changes in funding arrangements
• Availability of better social activities
• Need for specialist support for physical disabilities

A care needs assessment often highlights when a person’s care requirements have evolved and when a move to a new care home may be beneficial.

The Emotional Impact of Changing Care Homes

Leaving familiar surroundings can be challenging.

Many older people have built relationships with care home staff, fellow residents and their local community. Moving from a current home into a new environment may create feelings of uncertainty, anxiety and sadness.

Family members can also experience emotional stress. Many worry about whether they are making the right decision or whether their loved one’s needs will be met.

At Ivonbrook Properties, we recognise these concerns. Our care team works closely with new residents and their families to provide reassurance throughout the transition. We believe that emotional wellbeing is just as important as physical care.

By taking time to understand individual needs, routines and preferences, we help residents feel at home as quickly as possible.

Understanding the Different Types of Care Homes

Choosing the right care home starts with understanding the options available.

Residential Care Home

A Residential Care Home supports elderly people who require assistance with daily tasks, personal care and daily activities but do not need continuous Nursing Care.

Nursing Home

A Nursing Home provides all the support available within a residential home while also offering access to qualified nurses and nursing staff who can monitor complex health needs.

Dementia Care

Specialist Dementia Care services provide tailored dementia support for residents living with memory loss and cognitive decline.

Respite Care

Respite care offers temporary accommodation for individuals who require short-term support following illness, surgery or while family carers take a break.

Understanding these options helps ensure that residents receive appropriate care that matches their care plan and support needs.

How to Find a Suitable Care Home

Finding a suitable care home requires careful research.

Families should consider:

• Inspection reports from the Care Quality Commission
• Care Quality Commission ratings
• Staffing levels
• Availability of personalised care
• Social activities and community engagement
• Accommodation quality
• Location and accessibility for visits
• Healthcare professionals available on-site
• Experience supporting specific health conditions

Visiting a potential new care home is essential. Speaking with the care home manager and observing interactions between care home residents and care home staff can provide valuable insight.

At Ivonbrook Properties, we encourage families to visit our homes, meet our care team and experience our welcoming environment first-hand.

Making the Transition Smoother

A smooth transition starts long before moving day.

Several practical steps can help:

Involve the Individual

Where mental capacity allows, residents should be involved in decision-making throughout the process.

Share Medical Information

Ensure medical records, care plans and support plans are transferred promptly.

Bring Familiar Possessions

Photos, furniture, household gadgets and treasured belongings can help transform a room into a new home.

Maintain Existing Routines

Keeping familiar routines can reduce anxiety and support adjustment.

Communicate Regularly

Open communication between family members, healthcare professionals and care home staff helps prevent misunderstandings.

Funding and Care Home Fees

Understanding care home fees is an important part of changing Care Homes.

Depending on a person’s financial situation, funding may come from:

• Private funds
• Local authority funding
• Council funding
• Authority funding
• NHS Continuing Healthcare

A care needs assessment may determine eligibility for financial support.

Local councils and social services can also provide guidance regarding care costs and funding arrangements.

It is important to fully understand all costs before committing to a new residence.

How Technology Is Improving Modern Care Homes

Technology now plays an important role in modern care services.

Many care homes use digital care plans, electronic medication management systems and video calling technology to improve communication with loved ones.

Residents can stay connected through video calls, messaging apps and online activities, helping them remain engaged with family and friends.

Technology can never replace human interaction, but it can enhance quality of life and support independence.

Supporting Residents After the Move

The first few weeks are often the most important.

New residents may need extra support while adjusting to new routines and unfamiliar faces.

At Ivonbrook Properties, we focus heavily on helping residents settle in. Our professional carers take time to learn about each person’s history, interests, preferences and support needs.

We actively encourage participation in daily activities and social activities, helping residents build friendships and feel part of the community.

This personalised approach helps create a positive experience and reduces feelings of isolation.

How Care Homes Adapt to Changing Care Needs

The best care homes continually review each resident’s needs.

Changes in a resident’s health, mobility or mental wellbeing can affect the level of support required. Regular reviews involving healthcare professionals, family members and the care team help ensure that care remains appropriate.

At Ivonbrook Properties, our focus is always on delivering personalised care that evolves alongside the resident’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my loved one needs to change care homes?

Signs may include changing care needs, increased nursing needs, dissatisfaction with care services, social isolation, or recommendations following a care needs assessment.

What role does the Care Quality Commission play?

The Care Quality Commission inspects and regulates care homes across England. Reviewing inspection reports can help families assess quality standards and identify a suitable care home.

Can someone with dementia move successfully to a new care home?

Yes. With careful planning, strong dementia support, familiar belongings and consistent communication, many residents living with dementia adapt successfully to a new care home.

How long does it take to settle into a new care home?

Every individual is different. Some residents settle within days, while others may take several weeks or months. Support from family members and care home staff can make the process easier.

Can local authority funding transfer when moving care homes?

In many cases it can, but arrangements vary depending on the local council, the new local authority involved and individual circumstances.

Why Families Choose Ivonbrook Properties

At Ivonbrook Properties, Derbyshire, we understand that changing Care Homes is one of the most important decisions a family can make.

Our three Residential Care Home settings provide compassionate support, personalised care, engaging activities and professional care services designed around each resident’s individual needs.

Whether someone requires residential support, Dementia Care, respite care or assistance with changing care needs, our experienced team is committed to making every transition as smooth and positive as possible.

Contact Ivonbrook Properties Today

If you are considering changing Care Homes for yourself or a loved one, our friendly team is here to help. Visit our contact page to arrange a consultation, discuss care requirements and discover how Ivonbrook Properties can provide the right care home environment for your family.

You may also like:

• Dementia Friendly Activities
• What Does an Activity Coordinator Do in a Care Home?
• What Activities Can Support Dementia Residents in a Care Home?

Improving Quality of Life Through Meaningful Engagement

Dementia can affect memory, communication skills, cognitive abilities, emotions, and everyday tasks. For many older people living with dementia, maintaining social connections and participating in dementia friendly activities can make a significant difference to their overall health, emotional well-being, and quality of life.

At Ivonbrook Properties, Derbyshire, we understand the importance of meaningful engagement for people living with dementia. Across our three residential homes, our professional carers create supportive environments where dementia residents can enjoy stimulating activities, social interaction, and personalised experiences that reflect their individual preferences and life experiences.

By focusing on dementia friendly activities that are enjoyable, safe, and tailored to unique needs, we help residents remain engaged, connected, and fulfilled.

What Are Dementia Friendly Activities?

Dementia friendly activities are carefully designed activities that support individuals experiencing cognitive decline, memory loss, and dementia symptoms.

Whether someone has Alzheimer’s disease, Vascular Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, or Mixed Dementia, the right activities can encourage engagement, boost confidence, and promote positive feelings.

These activities are adapted to suit each individual’s abilities and interests. The sole purpose is not simply entertainment. Instead, they are designed to encourage cognitive health, emotional expression, social engagement, and physical health.

At Ivonbrook Properties, our care teams understand that every dementia diagnosis is unique. This is why activities form an important part of our Personalised Care Plans and daily routines.

Why Are Dementia Friendly Activities So Important?

Research from organisations such as Dementia UK, Age UK, the NHS, and the Alzheimer’s Society highlights the numerous benefits of meaningful activities.

The positive benefits often include:

• Improved cognitive functions
• Better communication skills
• Reduced feelings of loneliness
• Increased social connections
• Enhanced emotional well-being
• Better physical health
• Greater confidence and independence
• Stronger engagement with family members and carers

Activities cannot cure dementia symptoms. However, they can help individuals maintain cognitive skills for longer while creating opportunities for enjoyment and fulfilment.

Many residents also experience comforting memories and positive memories through carefully chosen reminiscence-based activities.

Popular Dementia Friendly Activities in Care Homes

At Ivonbrook Properties, our professional carers use a wide range of dementia friendly activities to support residents.

Music Therapy

Music therapy is one of the most effective dementia friendly activities available.

Songs from earlier decades often trigger powerful memories and treasured memories. Residents frequently remember lyrics, dances, and special life events associated with favourite songs.

Relaxing music can also reduce anxiety and help manage sleep disturbances.

Singing groups are particularly popular because they combine music therapy, social interaction, and emotional expression.

Reminiscence Therapy

Reminiscence therapy encourages residents to discuss happy memories, family photos, life experiences, and important milestones.

Activities may include:

• Looking through memory boxes
• Viewing family photos
• Discussing local landmarks
• Talking about childhood experiences
• Sharing stories about careers and family life

These activities help residents connect with loved one’s memories and maintain a sense of identity.

Art Therapy and Creative Activities

Creative activities provide a valuable emotional outlet.

Art therapy allows dementia patients to express themselves without relying entirely on verbal communication.

Residents may enjoy:

• Painting
• Drawing
• Colouring
• Craft projects
• Creative expression sessions

These stimulating activities often promote confidence and achievement while supporting fine motor skills.

Physical Activities and Gentle Exercise

Physical activities remain important throughout all stages of dementia care.

Suitable options include:

• Chair yoga
• Seated exercises
• Tai chi
• Nature walks
• Short walks
• Gentle stretching

Physical movement helps support mobility, balance, circulation, and overall health.

Where possible, our residents enjoy visits to local parks, local nature reserves, and other community spaces around Derbyshire.

Sensory Activities for Dementia Residents

Sensory activities can be particularly beneficial for people experiencing late-stage dementia.

Different sensory experiences help stimulate the brain and encourage engagement.

Examples include:

• Aromatherapy
• Handling textured objects
• Gardening
• Growing herbs
• Sensory stimulation boxes
• Hand massage sessions

A keen gardener may find particular enjoyment in planting flowers or growing herbs. Familiar activities often create calming activity opportunities while encouraging participation.

Social Activities That Reduce Isolation

One of the biggest challenges for many dementia residents is social isolation.

Social engagement helps combat loneliness while encouraging positive feelings.

Examples include:

Board Games and Card Games

Simple board games, card games, and word games can encourage concentration, communication, and friendly competition.

Community Events

Visits from local organisations, community centres, support groups, and local community groups create valuable opportunities for residents to remain connected to the wider world.

Memory Cafes

Memory Cafes have become increasingly popular throughout the UK.

These welcoming environments bring together individuals living with dementia, family caregivers, and support professionals for enjoyable activities and social interaction.

The Role of Caregivers and Family Members

Family members play a vital role in successful dementia care.

At Ivonbrook Properties, we encourage family caregivers to participate whenever possible.

Spending time together through meaningful activities helps strengthen relationships and creates new happy memories.

Families can contribute valuable information about:

• Individual preferences
• Favourite hobbies
• Significant life experiences
• Personal achievements
• Comforting memories

This information helps our carers deliver highly personalised dementia care.

Adapting Activities for Different Types of Dementia

No two individuals experience dementia in exactly the same way.

Someone living with mild cognitive impairment may enjoy complex cognitive activities, while a person with late-stage dementia may benefit more from sensory activities and calming experiences.

Successful dementia friendly activities should always consider:

• Cognitive abilities
• Physical health
• Communication skills
• Personal interests
• Current mood
• Unique ability levels

The right activities are those that bring enjoyment rather than frustration.

How Ivonbrook Properties Supports Residents Living with Dementia

At Ivonbrook Properties, Derbyshire, our three residential homes are staffed by professional carers who understand the importance of engagement, dignity, and personalised support.

We create activity programmes that combine:

• Music therapy
• Reminiscence therapy
• Art therapy
• Physical activities
• Social engagement
• Sensory stimulation
• Meaningful daily routines

Every activity is designed to support emotional well-being, cognitive health, social connections, and quality of life.

Our commitment extends beyond care provision. We strive to create warm communities where residents feel valued, supported, and connected.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best dementia friendly activities?

Some of the most effective dementia friendly activities include music therapy, reminiscence therapy, art therapy, gardening, chair yoga, memory box activities, and social engagement sessions. The best activity depends on the individual’s interests and abilities.

Can dementia friendly activities slow cognitive decline?

While activities cannot stop dementia progression, cognitive stimulation therapy and engaging activities may help maintain cognitive functions and improve overall well-being for longer.

Are physical activities safe for people with dementia?

Yes. Gentle exercise such as seated exercises, short walks, tai chi, and chair yoga can support physical health, mobility, and confidence when properly supervised.

Why is social interaction important for dementia residents?

Social interaction helps reduce feelings of loneliness, promotes positive feelings, supports emotional well-being, and encourages communication skills.

How do care homes provide dementia friendly activities?

Professional care homes develop personalised activity programmes based on residents’ interests, health needs, cognitive abilities, and life experiences. Activities are adapted to ensure they remain enjoyable and meaningful.

Why Meaningful Activities Matter

Dementia friendly activities are far more than simple entertainment. They create opportunities for connection, engagement, and purpose.

Whether through music therapy, reminiscence therapy, creative activities, sensory stimulation, or social interaction, meaningful engagement helps people living with dementia enjoy richer and more fulfilling lives.

At Ivonbrook Properties, Derbyshire, our professional carers work every day to ensure residents across our three residential homes experience dignity, companionship, and meaningful moments that enhance their quality of life.

Contact Ivonbrook Properties

If you would like to learn more about our dementia care services, dementia friendly activities, or residential care options, we would be delighted to help.

Visit our contact page today and speak with our friendly team about how Ivonbrook Properties can support your loved one with compassionate, professional dementia care.

You may also like:

• What Does an Activity Coordinator Do in a Care Home?
• What Activities Can Support Dementia Residents in a Care Home?
• Ageing with Grace: Exploring Care Homes in Matlock, Derbyshire

Finding the right care home for your loved ones can be a challenging task. However, in the serene surroundings of the Matlock in Derbyshire. You’ll discover two exceptional residential care homes: Ivonbrook and Darley Hall. With a commitment to providing compassionate care and a range of specialized services, these care homes have become trusted havens for individuals seeking a nurturing environment. Let’s delve into the heart of what makes these care homes truly remarkable.

Ivonbrook: A Haven of Comfort and Care:

Located in the beautiful Matlock area, Ivonbrook is a care home that exemplifies dedication to the well-being and happiness of its residents. Nestled at Darley Bridge, we are in close travelling distance from Matlock, Bakewell and Chesterfield. Ivonbrook offers a peaceful sanctuary for individuals in need of residential care. With a strong focus on personalized care plans, the team at Ivonbrook ensures that each resident’s unique needs are met with compassion and understanding.

At Ivonbrook, residents can enjoy a range of services tailored to support their individual requirements. From assistance with daily activities to specialized dementia care, the dedicated staff members are trained to provide the highest standard of care. With a warm and welcoming atmosphere, Ivonbrook becomes a true home away from home for those who reside there.

Darley Hall: Enriching Lives with Compassion:

Situated on the edge of the Darley Dale area, Darley Hall is another exceptional care home that prides itself on offering outstanding residential care services. With its close proximity to Matlock and surrounding areas, Darley Hall is conveniently located for families seeking a care home near Matlock.

Committed to fostering an environment of dignity, respect, and compassion, Darley Hall provides a wide range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of each resident. The dedicated team at Darley Hall is passionate about creating a supportive community where residents can thrive and maintain their independence with the reassurance of round-the-clock care.

Close Care Centre: Enhancing Quality of Life:

Ivonbrook Properties also offers a specialised “close care centre” for individuals who require more support while still maintaining a level of independence. This centre aims to bridge the gap between independent living and full-time residential care, providing a secure and supportive environment for residents. The close care centre is designed to enhance the quality of life for those in need of a little extra assistance, offering a range of services tailored to individual requirements.

Celebrating Achievements and Sharing Knowledge:

The Ivonbrook Properties website features a blog that celebrates the achievements of both Ivonbrook and Darley Hall. Filled with heartwarming stories and informative articles, the blog serves as a valuable resource for individuals and families navigating the journey of caring for loved ones with old age or dementia. Visitors can stay informed about relevant and topical news while gaining insights into best practices in elderly care.

Recognised Excellence: Good Rating from CQC:

Ivonbrook Care homes have earned a “Good” rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), a testament to their commitment to delivering high-quality care. This achievement showcases the dedication and professionalism of the staff, assuring families that their loved ones are in safe hands at Ivonbrook and Darley Hall.

In the tranquil landscapes surrounding Matlock, Derbyshire, Ivonbrook and Darley Hall stand as beacons of compassion and care. These exceptional residential care homes offer a wide range of services to cater to the diverse needs of their residents. With a focus on personalized care, a close-knit community, and a commitment to excellence, Ivonbrook Properties has established a reputation as a trusted provider of exceptional care.

Click here to get in touch today, we’re waiting to hear from you.

In 2022 Ivonbrook Properties achieved a rating of Good in all areas from the CQC.  We are very proud to have achieved this, especially considering the difficult period of the last 2 years, which put care services and families under so much pressure.

What is the CQC?

CQC is England’s independent regulator of health and adult social care.

They make sure health and social care services provide people with safe, effective, compassionate, high-quality care and they encourage care services such as care homes to improve.

They monitor, inspect and regulate services and publish their findings, which include performance ratings. This information helps people choose care services.

What is a CQC Rating

After an inspection, the CQC rate the quality of care overall and for five key questions,

The CQC are looking to find out if Care providers are:

• Safe,
• Effective,
• Caring,
• Responsive
• and well-led?

Why this CQC rating matters

It is a legal requirement for all providers to display CQC ratings.   As We mentioned earlier, the Management team at Ivonbrook Properties are immensely proud of all the staff who worked so hard to maintain standards.

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, care services and families using such services have had to live and work under extremely difficult circumstances.

To ensure residents are kept safe, and that care facilities operate safely whilst continuing to provide a professional level of care, many changes and new procedures had to be implemented and adhered to.  The constantly changing government directives meant that care teams had to be fluid in their response.

Care teams are human beings who also live in the wider world, our managers had to deal with staffing issues, affected by Covid and International politics.

We care like family

One of our mottoes is, ‘we care like family’, and every single resident at Ivonbrook and Darley Hall is important to us. We aim to deliver the best support to our residents, always and we are already taking steps to improve that care further.  Every single staff member contributes to this amazing rating.

Want to know more..

If you’d like to learn more about Ivonbrook Properties and the care that we provide, please get in touch today.

Darley Hall Care Home, Darley Dale, Matlock, Derbyshire.

Welcome to our latest video. We try to create insightful short videos of our care homes mentioning the services we provide and explaining the benefits of our properties. This short video is a brief overview of Darley Hall.

Video Transcription
“Hello, I’m Adam, the registered Manager at Darley Hall Care Home Please come in and have a look around.

This is the Darley Dale Dining Station, one of the many communal areas we have in the home.

This is the Snug,  one of the quieter areas of the home where residents can come and put their feet up and relax, with great views into the gardens.

Next we an example of one of the bedrooms at Darley Hall. We strive to furnish all our rooms to the highest standard.

Thank you for taking the tie to look around. If you think that Darley Hall would be suitable for you or your loved ones, please don’t hesitate to contact us.”

Darley Hall Care Home has something special for everyone

*Darley hall is just one of our two Derbyshire care homes.

In the first part of the video, you can see the expansive garden that accompanies Darley Hall. Beyond our borders, the hall sits in the lush green Derwent Valley with the villages of Darley Dale, Two Dales and Rowsley nearby.

Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall are both close by too, as well as the popular Derbyshire village of Matlock Bath, with its unique ‘seaside’ atmosphere.  So there’s plenty to do within a close distance, which makes taking your loved one out for day trips very easy.

The snug room is where our residents like to hang out together, they often listen to music, read books and magazines, watch TV or play a game. On activity days you can find residents taking part in arts and crafts activities here.

As Adam said in the video, we try to furnish the rooms to a very high standard. it’s important to us that the rooms are homely and comfortable as well as functional.

Get In Touch To Learn More

If you’d like to know more about our Derbyshire Care Homes, please click this link to contact us.

You may also like to read

• Arts and Crafts For The Elderly – Annies Art for Well Being
  
• Reflections of a Care Home Manager in 2021
• Care Training Centre & Partnership
• Dementia Symptoms – 5 signs to look for

Art and making it ourselves is part of what it means to be human. We have been doing it since prehistoric times for mysterious, sacred, and socially complex reasons. What we know for sure is that making art can benefit both our mental and physical wellbeing in a huge number of ways – and that we don’t even have to be good at it to reap the rewards. Here are just five of the ways making art can be good for us.

Arts and Crafts For The Elderly

Art can help our care home residents recovery if they are unwell and it can help us to stay healthier and happier for longer. Making art contributes to leading an expressive, fulfilling, and creative life.

Creativity helps to stimulate our minds and keep our brains active. It can help to boost our concentration, reminisce about our past and retain our memories.

Making art relieves stress and anxiety. It provides new sensory experiences and focuses our attention away from our daily worries.

Making art can boost our self-esteem and sense of accomplishment. It allows us to explore new things in a safe space and teaches us that it is okay to make mistakes along the way.

Art brings us together. When being creative with others we feel less isolated and more connected as a community. Art helps us to communicate things that are sometimes too difficult to put into words.

Art Therapy

As the number of people living in care homes rises, the need for participatory arts activities becomes ever more important to ensure that residents stay healthy, happy and connected.

The evidence supports the need for arts in care but we need to make it happen. now here’s a little info from Annie.

Since June 2018 I have been exclusively providing Art for Well-being and Inter-generational Art sessions at Ivonbrook and Darley Hall care homes.  Engaging in the arts is well known to alleviate anxiety, depression and stress whilst also creating a community activity helping to combat loneliness.

For myself, it is immensely satisfying to see residents, achieve an outcome that exceeds their initial expectations. To have a small impact on their quality of life within the care home setting, and create new treasured outcomes for their families to enjoy both now and in the future never fails to make me happy.

Below you will find an extensive selection of just some of the activities I run in Ivonbrook and Darley Hall Care Homes.

• • Painting Pebbles
  • Tissue paper mâché and air-dried clay sculpting
  • String Art and acrylics on canvas
  • Painting Pots and Planting bulbs
  • Felting
  • Making Pom Poms for sensory experience
  • Decoupage and making paper flowers
  • Tree of Life collage
  • The Big Picture Collage
  • Making Christmas decorations
  • Intergenerational Mexican wool Art
  • intergenerational contour line drawing
  • Intergenerational my favourite memory drawing
  • Card Modelling
  • Intergenerational bookmarks
  • Gondoliers and Masks
  • Egg Carton Flowers
  • VE Day Celebrations
  • Air Dried Clay Models
  • Painting butterfly boxes
  • Learning about watercolours
  • Painting Pumpkins
  • Learning about Pastels
  • Still Life Drawing
  • Watercolour and Leaf painting and many other activities.

Learn More

Learn more about the kinds of activities that we provide for our residents here at Ivonbrook and Darley Hall by contacting us.

You may also like to read

• CQC Rating – Good
  
• Reflections of a Care Home Manager in 2021
• Care Training Centre & Partnership
• Dementia Symptoms – 5 signs to look for

Care Home Activities Through The Pandemic at Ivonbrook and Darley Hall – Claire Wrightl

At both our care homes, over the last year, the staff have supported our residents by keeping them busy with a variety of activities. Here at Ivonbrook, we always follow the Government Guidelines on Covid. Despite the restrictions, we have been working hard to bring a little light into the lives of or elderly residents who might have otherwise felt isolated at such a time.

Since the start of the Pandemic up until April 2021 we have seen three lockdowns. However, we have managed to keep Covid at bay in our homes and everyone has pulled together to ensure we all say safe.

Recent Activities During the Pandemic

From bingo sessions to Italian day, from paper crafts to knitting, beauty therapy days to gardening activities. The company has enhanced the residents daily living by making each day filled with things to do.

Art for well being took place every week and the an art gallery was created which we like to call -  ’Annie’s Art’ ,

Keeping Residents Engaged

Over the festive period, We had carol concerts, celebrated Chinese New Year & Bastille Day.

The Ivonbrook and Darley Hall care teams really understand how important it is to keep our residents active and engaged. With physical exercise and mentally stimulating activities too.

Having Fun and Staying Safe

The residents families have been amazing and supportive understanding the need to protect all. They have worked with us to participate where possible whilst saying away when necessary.  So we would like to say a huge thank you to our residents families and the staff who complied to government COVID 19 regulations to keep us all safe and well.

Welcome to the Ivonbrook and Darley Hall Care Homes – August Newsletter for 2020.

Staff Focus of the month

Helen works tirelessly to provide our Residents with clean clothing and immaculate linens.

Nothing leaves Helen’s hands until it is ironed, perfectly folded and smells of roses.

After spending 30 years working in the kitchens at Highfields School, she left the catering industry and came to care for others in another capacity – forever utilising her caring nature to improve the lives of others.

Adam Hodgson, Registered Manager at Darley Hall Care Home described Helen as: “Hardworking and extremely good with the residents.

“She never fails to have a smile on her face and nothing is too much of an ask.

“She is a true asset to the Domestic Team at Ivonbrook Properties.

Bastille Day – En Garde!

This month, we brought France to Ivonbrook Properties.

Our homes celebrated Fête Nationale in style with clay work, snail racing and Beef bourguignon.

Vive le France!

Activities

This Month in History

1^st August 1774: Joseph Priestley discovers oxygen

Joseph Priestley (1733-1804), was an English clergyman, chemist and author who discovered oxygen while conducting experiments on different ‘airs’.

While employed as the tutor of the children of William Petty (2nd Earl of Shelburne), The British Minister and Chemist Joseph Priestley discovered the gas oxygen.

20^th August 1911: The first telegram is sent around the world in just 16.5 minutes

The first telegram was sent from the New York Times office to discover how long it would take for a message to cross the world by telegraph cable. The message, which travelled more than 28,000 miles, simply read “This message sent around the world”.

21^st August 1911: The Mona Lisa is stolen in France

Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting was stolen from the Louvre in Paris on this day in 1911. Italian handyman Vincenzo Peruggia decided to steal the 16^thcentury painting after being employed by the Louvre. He spent the night in a closet and was able to remove the painting with ease, hiding it under his clothes and leave the building.  He was then let out by a plumber after finding the doors were locked.

The painting was not reported missing until 24 hours later. It was not until two years later, in December 1913, that the painting was finally recovered. Peruggia received a seven-month jail sentence.

27^th August 1955: The Guinness Book of World Records is published

The first edition of The Guinness Book of Records was published on 27th August 1955 and printed 50,000 copies in its first year. By Christmas 1955 the book had become a bestseller in the United Kingdom.

Residents Reminiscence

With the start of the school holidays, we thought it would be interesting to see how our residents would spend their summers as youngsters and explore if the start of World War Two in 1939 had any impact on their ability to get away.

It was lovely to watch them become animated and smile at their recollections.

In a group session at Ivonbrook Care Home with Jean, J1, J2, N and B, the majority remembered visiting Blackpool as children.

J1 does not recall going with her Mum and Dad, but with her Grandma and two Aunties. Her sister was seven years younger so stayed at home with mum.  She remembers the Pleasure Beach, then known as the Pleasure Garden, but had no desire to go on the rides and only braved the donkeys once. Most of their time was spent on the beach.

J2 recalled going to Blackpool on a bus trip with friends when she was 16 or 17. She braved a ride on the ‘Big dipper’ but was terrified – it’s safe to say she never went again! She also recalled going to Mablethorpe but was not able to recall much detail about her visit.

N had some very clear recollections of going to Blackpool and staying in a boarding house with her Mum and Dad.

Everyone brought their own food - breakfast wasn’t supplied with the accommodation.

The guests had access to a dresser in the hall where they put their own food on a designated shelf.  N’s Mum told her later that the landlady was called Little Fairy. She never found out why.  She has clear images of a straw basket full of shells, making sandcastles with her bucket and spade and then sticking flags in them.  She also remembered her bucket had Mickey Mouse on it.

If you enjoyed our July Newsletter, please leave a comment. Or alternatively, if you have something that you would like to feature in the next newsletter please contact us to make your submission.

You may also like to read

• Arts and Crafts For The Elderly – Annies Art for Well Being
  
• Reflections of a Care Home Manager in 2021
• Care Training Centre & Partnership
• Ivonbrook Properties July Newsletter 2020 Edition