COLTEN

www.ColtenCare.co.uk Spring 2021 Life-enhancing care * Our homes’ Companionship others. “It’s wonderful,” she says. “We are looked after very well. I had a very Teams are delighting residents good impression when I first visited the with new and inspiring home, I was very impressed, and that hasn’t changed at all. Every night I say experiences during lockdown thank you for my care. I’ve felt very reassured since coming here.” “It’s wonderful!”. So says one of our residents describing the care, activities There is similar praise from families at and experiences we continue to offer our Outstanding-rated New Milton despite lockdown. home, Kingfishers. Derek Brown was a Thanks to a dramatic expansion of our resident there for just under a year Companionship Team, we have been having been admitted after a hospital helping all colleagues maintain and stay. His condition stabilised sufficiently enhance our residents’ wellbeing and that he was able to return to the home he quality of life. shares with son Ewan at the start of 2021. “It’s amazing what the team did to We appointed 18 new recruits over the care for him,” says Ewan. “It has been a winter to help with group activities such horrible period for people everywhere as arts and music sessions and deliver during lockdown but it’s no-one’s fault. meaningful and inspiring one-to-one The staff were absolutely wonderful in time. keeping him safe.” The new team members include singers, Tracey Tarrant, whose mother lives at musicians and teachers. Together they Bourne View in Poole, said: “It is a have been providing our residents with worrying time for everybody, and people an extra 469 hours of companionship everywhere are trying to get their heads opportunities each week. around the severity of it all, but we have Shaign Hancock, whose mother Frances as much peace of mind as it’s possible to lives at our Salisbury home Braemar Singer and pianist Nicky Stevens, a member muster knowing mum is receiving Lodge, said the Companionship Team of the 1976 Eurovision-winning group excellent care in a comfortable, safe there have given her great Brotherhood of Man, has joined our environment. encouragement. “She participates in Companionship Team. Find out more about most of the activities and she comes our musical activities with residents on p4. “The staff are truly caring, loving people who treat your family member as if they onto Zoom smiling and engaging in and a half years ago. Since then, Shaign were their family member. With their conversation about her social life. It is says she has become a ‘new person’ amazing. In fact, on Zoom, she looks thanks to the care she receives. support, mum has come on in leaps and younger and younger every time.” bounds and re-found her confidence and Frances agrees, saying she would independence to a level we never Frances moved to Braemar Lodge three certainly recommend the home to thought possible.” * Correct at time of going to print Inside p3 p6 p7

How music has helped The day our residents Love is in the air for 15 Lush indoor oasis brighten up the lives of had a Zoom dance couples celebrating brings the outside residents and staff in lesson with ex-Strictly Valentine’s Day at our in all year round at lockdown - p4-5 dancer Robin Windsor homes Belmore Lodge www.ColtenCare.co.uk

Mark Aitchison, Chief Executive, Colten Care

Bringing joy with music Nurses at Dorset County Hospital with hampers prepared by Colten residents Welcome to our spring 2021 edition. We have strengthened our focus on companionship to Hampers of gratitude keep providing a broad range of activities and choices for residents, delivering them in Hospital staff on the frontline of imaginative ways so we can navigate the intensive care during the pandemic constraints of the pandemic. have been receiving hampers and messages of support from our Residents have continued to enjoy regular residents and staff. celebrations such as birthdays and Valentine’s Day along with fantastic new experiences such We have made a series of donations as a Zoom dance session with Strictly to several intensive treatment units, professional dancer Robin Windsor. or ITUs, in hospitals serving the same communities as our homes. We have deliberately invested in new Companionship Team members with the ability to They include the Royal Hampshire perform and entertain. They include Nicky County Hospital in Winchester, the Stevens, a singer from the Eurovision winning band Dorset County Hospital in Brotherhood of Man, and Sam Hurst, a guitarist Dorchester and Queen Alexandra and singer who has worked with residents to Hospital in Portsmouth. produce a music video for a Covid-themed song The idea of donating hampers to Castle View resident Hilda Steed with he wrote called ‘Hands, Face and Space’. ITUs came from Helen Smith, Home soaps and toiletries ready to include in We have boosted our team strengths because Manager at Wellington Grange in a ‘pamper hamper’ we know just how powerful and valuable Chichester. Helen has worked companionship is for people’s daily living. The previously as an Accident and The second is a ‘munchies’ hamper, past year has heightened the need for a renewed Emergency Sister and her partner, with goodies to eat such as energy- focus on activities, companionship and Dr Matthew Williams, is an ITU boosting snacks, granola bars and experiences because of the lack of opportunity consultant at Queen Alexandra. bags of nuts. for face-to-face contact with loved ones. Helen said: “Many hospital staff Each hamper includes heart-shaped In wider community activities, we report on our have been experiencing added notes from residents and staff. We initiative to provide pamper and goodie hampers pressure, anxiety and fatigue during have called these written messages for those heroic frontline staff working in our the pandemic. ITU is such a highly ‘Hearts of Kindness’. local hospitals’ intensive care units. We all need skilled area of a hospital and you Wellington Grange resident Pen some pampering from time to time. can’t just replace colleagues who go Trinnick said: “This comes from the We continue to receive much praise from off sick. Some people have been at heart, from all of us to them. Their care residents and families for doing our best to keep breaking point. Most of the public for us is much needed and they need people safe during this terrible pandemic. We don’t know what it’s like. to take care of themselves as well.” report on some of their comments in this edition “We had a think about what we All the hospitals receiving the and we thank everyone who continues to write could do to make ITU staff feel a bit hampers have expressed their to us. We will always put our residents at the very more supported and we thought thanks. “We were overwhelmed by heart of everything we do and your recognition some hampers and messages from the generosity of this,” said of that commitment is very much appreciated. our residents and team members, Winchester Hospital representative I hope you enjoy your spring Chronicle. You can showing their heartfelt appreciation, Lynn Eathorne-Long. receive more information on individual homes by would go down well.” At Dorset County Hospital, joining the mailing list for our quarterly community We have gifted two different types Fundraising Manager Louisa Plant newsletters. Please speak with your Home of hamper to each hospital. One is a said their delivery was a “lovely, Manager, or email [email protected] ‘pamper’ hamper, containing thoughtful treat” while speaking for and we will add you to the list. If you have any toiletries such as moisturisers, hand Queen Alexandra Hospital, Dr feedback on the Chronicle, please tell us at cream, body lotion, luxury soap and Williams described the hampers as [email protected] . shower gel. an “extremely generous donation”. 2 NEWS Spring 2021 Ex-Strictly pro Robin invites our residents to dance It’s not every day you enjoy your very own dance session with a professional from TV’s Strictly Come Dancing. That’s why it was so special for our residents to go online and meet Robin Windsor, who starred on the show from 2010 to 2015. They are among the first in the UK to practise moves and receive personal tips under Robin’s new ‘A Step Back in Time’ dance initiative for older people delivered via Zoom. Homes in Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and West Sussex all logged on for the live and exclusive session with our residents using Zoom chat to interact with Robin and ask questions. As well as a focus on jive, the fun included upper body movements for chair-based participants and the chance to sing along with Robin’s fellow presenter, West End performer Rebecca Lisewski. “It was absolutely great,” said John Parfit, who joined in from the residents’ lounge at Braemar Lodge in Salisbury. Professional dancer Robin Windsor with his Colten Care students on Zoom “Robin and Rebecca got the whole tapping along. Amid smiles and laughter Colten group swinging.” all round, he singled out two residents There was similar praise at The Aldbury for special mentions. He said Rita Clay, in Poole, with resident Marion who lives at Newstone House in Humphreys saying: “I loved it. The Sturminster Newton, was “good enough interaction was really good.” to be in next year’s Strictly” and he gave Ruth Horrocks, from Whitecliffe House After opening the session with a talk in Blandford, the top score of ‘Ten’ for about his time on Strictly, Robin went on her dancing. to demonstrate and teach a variety of moves that got residents stepping and Robin said: “I thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the lovely residents from Colten Care who took part. We had so much fun and they definitely showed off Rita Clay, a resident at Newstone House in some great moves. I’ve created ‘A Step Sturminster Newton, was told by Robin that Back In Time’ especially for care home she was “good enough to be on next year’s residents. I want it to be a chance for Strictly” older people to express and enjoy Meaden from TV’s Dragons’ Den. themselves through song and dance. It’s all about helping to improve your mood Asked by a Colten resident what his and supporting your physical and mental most embarrassing Strictly moment wellbeing.” was, Robin recalled finishing a dance with Lisa Riley, adding: “We were going up the Robin’s celebrity partners during his time stairs to speak with presenter Tess Daly on Strictly were radio presenter Sara Cox, but I missed a step, fell and landed right John Parfit, a resident at Braemar Lodge, actors Lisa Riley, Anita Dobson and Patsy in the lap of a lady audience member. She takes part in the Zoom session Kensit, and business personality Deborah was fine about it!”

NEWS 3 www.ColtenCare.co.uk

TLIG STIO O H E N P T U S S Q

Colten’s got talent

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S A love of music has brought much sang publicly for the first time in a View, singing with her guitar or keyboard.

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comfort, happiness and inspiration to Christmas video. Also at the home are Southampton

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O T residents and staff overS the past year. Solent University music student Lois I G T I L At the same time, we have recently Howard-Walsh and University of Homes have staged their own in-house strengthened our Companionship Team Chichester music performance graduate entertainment, including wonderful with a host of specialist ‘creative Naomi Rides. singing, violin and piano playing. companions’ who lead interactive singalongs and music sessions. Salisbury music teacher and university Team members in different job roles lecturer Anna Boddy joined Braemar have performed live and shared video Fifteen of our 21 homes now have at Lodge, delighting residents by taking a clips filmed by colleagues. In quieter one- least one experienced musician in their portable piano into bedrooms to play. to-one moments, carers and companions team or are actively supporting residents with musical interactions. have sat and shared a favourite song or Pianist and cellist Caroline Pugh, a two at a resident’s bedside. New recruits include guitarist, teacher graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, is working at Whitecliffe One example of a group recording that and performer Mark Austin at Court FACT File Lodge, and Tom Clements, a singer and House, while singer Rebecca Osborne, a has gone public is a cover of the Simon & visiting entertainer for several years, has Garfunkel hit Cecilia recorded on film by guitarist, at Abbey View. Tom has joined Avon Cliff. Natasha Fisher playing at St Catherines View staff and residents at Kingfishers. released two albums, won music awards in Salisbury and Dorset, and was a semi- At Belmore Lodge, Lauren Cooper, a It was done as part of a national finalist in ‘Bournemouth Unplugged’. singer and guitarist, leads music intergenerational initiative, Together Cellist Caroline Pugh with resident Sylvia Stokes at Whitecliffe House. When Sylvia told Singing the Covid sessions while fellow companion Joanne with Music, which links care homes with Caroline she played the violin, Caroline brought her son’s violin in for Sylvia to try out and Natasha Fisher is a dance academy Hope sings to residents who are resting schools and young people at a time when the pair played a duet of Amazing Grace graduate who uses her musical talents to and relaxing in their rooms. safety mUe Kssage we have all had a taste of isolation. lead group sessions at St Catherines O Kingfishers residents also have their own Bethan Bayliss, guitarist and Staff and N Kingfishers’ video features on the ‘request show’ thanks to Bournemouth Companionship Team Member at Linden Y Together with Music Facebook and residents at pianist Simon Woodley. Using tablet House, has learned many residents’

Newstone House O Instagram pages. computers, staff at the home have been favourites and pleasantly surprises

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catchy musI ic individual residents.

Fernhill Companionship Team Member video about theD ir At Wellington Grange, residents have Anne Marie Knight had just started to sing experience of been marvelling at the talent of professionally as part of a duo when Covid prevention. Healthcare Assistant Sarah Yffer, a performance restrictions were put in ‘Hands, Face and Space’ is an original song former professional violinist. place. She continues to sing for residents. written by Sam Hurst, Companionship Team When she lived in Australia in her late Elsewhere, other team members have Member, pictured above in the video. teens and 20s, Sarah played with various given solo performances, sometimes Sam created the music mix on a laptop, orchestras accompanying celebrities stepping out of their comfort zones. using production software to play in drums, Violinist and Healthcare Assistant Sarah such as Elton John, Tony Bennett, John They include Abbotts Barton bass and keyboard alongside the vocals and Yffer at Wellington Grange Williams and Julio Iglesias. Healthcare Assistant Kirby Sharp who guitar. He was helped by Fiona Pritchard, our Music and Arts Partner, who offered lyric suggestions, devised choreography and did the filming. Resident Linda Porter said: “We really enjoyed taking part, singing along to the song and doing all the hand movements. It was great to be involved.” Watch the video

Visit www.YouTube.com/ColtenCare to Nicky Stevens, a member of Brotherhood of Man and a Eurovision Song Contest winner, at see Newstone House’s performance Amberwood House

4 NEWS Spring 2021

The power of music has helped keep spirits high Colten’s got talent for residents and staff A love of music has brought much sang publicly for the first time in a View, singing with her guitar or keyboard. comfort, happiness and inspiration to Christmas video. Also at the home are Southampton residents and staff over the past year. At the same time, we have recently Solent University music student Lois Howard-Walsh and University of Homes have staged their own in-house strengthened our Companionship Team Chichester music performance graduate entertainment, including wonderful with a host of specialist ‘creative Naomi Rides. singing, violin and piano playing. companions’ who lead interactive singalongs and music sessions. Salisbury music teacher and university Team members in different job roles lecturer Anna Boddy joined Braemar have performed live and shared video Fifteen of our 21 homes now have at Lodge, delighting residents by taking a clips filmed by colleagues. In quieter one- least one experienced musician in their portable piano into bedrooms to play. to-one moments, carers and companions team or are actively supporting residents with musical interactions. have sat and shared a favourite song or Pianist and cellist Caroline Pugh, a two at a resident’s bedside. New recruits include guitarist, teacher graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, is working at Whitecliffe One example of a group recording that and performer Mark Austin at Court House, while singer Rebecca Osborne, a has gone public is a cover of the Simon & Lodge, and Tom Clements, a singer and visiting entertainer for several years, has Garfunkel hit Cecilia recorded on film by guitarist, at Abbey View. Tom has joined Avon Cliff. staff and residents at Kingfishers. released two albums, won music awards in Salisbury and Dorset, and was a semi- At Belmore Lodge, Lauren Cooper, a It was done as part of a national finalist in ‘Bournemouth Unplugged’. singer and guitarist, leads music intergenerational initiative, Together Cellist Caroline Pugh with resident Sylvia Stokes at Whitecliffe House. When Sylvia told sessions while fellow companion Joanne with Music, which links care homes with Caroline she played the violin, Caroline brought her son’s violin in for Sylvia to try out and Natasha Fisher is a dance academy Hope sings to residents who are resting schools and young people at a time when the pair played a duet of Amazing Grace graduate who uses her musical talents to lead group sessions at St Catherines and relaxing in their rooms. we have all had a taste of isolation. Kingfishers residents also have their own Bethan Bayliss, guitarist and Kingfishers’ video features on the ‘request show’ thanks to Bournemouth Companionship Team Member at Linden Together with Music Facebook and pianist Simon Woodley. Using tablet House, has learned many residents’ Instagram pages. computers, staff at the home have been favourites and pleasantly surprises screening his performances directly to people when she plays their special song. individual residents. Fernhill Companionship Team Member At Wellington Grange, residents have Anne Marie Knight had just started to sing been marvelling at the talent of professionally as part of a duo when Healthcare Assistant Sarah Yffer, a performance restrictions were put in former professional violinist. place. She continues to sing for residents. When she lived in Australia in her late Elsewhere, other team members have teens and 20s, Sarah played with various given solo performances, sometimes orchestras accompanying celebrities stepping out of their comfort zones. such as Elton John, Tony Bennett, John They include Abbotts Barton Williams and Julio Iglesias. Healthcare Assistant Kirby Sharp who Kingfishers resident Betty Parker watches a performance by pianist Simon Woodley Singer Nicky is Amberwood House’s new pop star signing Among the new recruits to our A classically trained singer and pianist, residents being happy because of Companionship Team is singer and Nicky has been a professional what we do as a team makes all our pianist Nicky Stevens, a member of musician all her adult life. work so worthwhile.” the 1976 Eurovision-winning group Like other performers, she and her Amberwood House resident Kathleen Brotherhood of Man. bandmates had been looking forward Bonner said: “Nicky has the most Their song Save Your Kisses for Me, to a busy season of gigs until the Covid beautiful singing voice and it’s went on to be a number one hit in 33 crisis hit. She then saw a Colten Care countries, holding the top spot in the recruitment advert, applied and got a absolutely amazing to think we have a UK for six weeks and becoming one of job at Amberwood House. Eurovision Song Contest winner Nicky Stevens, a member of Brotherhood of Man and a Eurovision Song Contest winner, at the most successful Eurovision songs “It’s absolutely fantastic,” Nicky says performing songs live to us in our own Amberwood House ever. of her new role. “Witnessing our lounge.”

NEWS 5 www.ColtenCare.co.uk Hundreds of cards bring 100th birthday surprise for Marjorie

A surprise delivery of more than 300 There were also Skype calls with relatives goodwill messages cheered an Abbey and friends, and a birthday cake specially View resident on her 100th birthday. baked by chefs at the home. Staff at our Sherborne home knew Abbey View Home Manager Sarah Marjorie Potter had only a few family Harper said the aim of reaching out to members to help mark her big day, so the community was to gather and they invited community contacts to send present 100 cards, one for each of in cards too. Marjorie’s years. The well-wishers included school and “We couldn’t believe the response,” said nursery representatives, and members Sarah. “We had gathered 318 cards by of the Postcards of Kindness social the morning of Marjorie’s birthday and media initiative. the final count was an amazing 337. I A remarkable 337 cards ended up being thank everyone who contributed. It really delivered to a very surprised Marjorie. made Marjorie feel very special. She is a “I was thrilled,” said the former post quiet and genteel lady, always with a office worker and boys’ school secretary. ready smile. The surprise she had on her “It was all so unexpected. I couldn’t Marjorie Potter with some of the 337 cards birthday has kept that lovely smile believe so many people wanted to wish sent by well-wishers on her 100th birthday going.” at Abbey View me a happy birthday. I was presented Asked for her secret of longevity, with this huge pile of cards and I opened children at Sherborne’s Forget Me Not Marjorie said: “Having good parents and and read every one of them.” day nursery. They brought along a card a wonderful husband. Also, I’ve never As well as the postal delivery, Marjorie of their own and sang ‘Happy Birthday’ smoked and I always kept myself fit by had a surprise Covid-safe visit from outside her window. dancing.” Love is in the air Fifteen couples who live at our homes celebrated Valentine’s Day with romantic lunches specially arranged as a surprise by our care teams, companions and chefs. The in-home diners were personally invited to sit down to homecooked Sunday roasts at private tables reserved just for them and Above: decorated along Valentine themes. George and Muriel Bokota on Valentine’s Flowers, bubbly and chocolates were on hand Day at Linden House, and left, Fred and as husbands and wives exchanged Iris Woodford at Woodpeckers Valentine’s cards and greetings. There were similar sentiments from George and Muriel Among them were Fred and Iris Woodford, who enjoyed their Bokota at Linden House in Lymington. The couple, who have first Valentine’s Day since celebrating their 65th wedding been married for 67 years, sat down to roast lamb and all the anniversary last year at Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst. trimmings followed by a rhubarb dessert. “Our Valentine’s lunch was lovely,” said Fred. “I’m as much in The home’s Companionship Team Leader Chris Dimmick said: love with Iris today as I was when I first met her. We were both “We had kept the lunch date a surprise. George was delighted 15 when we met and we’ve spent more than 70 Valentine’s to see Muriel and be able to give her his card in person.” Days together in all. Nine other homes laid on surprise Valentine’s lunches for “I took it for granted we would do the same this year, but the couples: Belmore Lodge, Abbotts Barton, St Catherines View, staff really made it an extra special occasion. We thank Canford Chase, Brook View, Abbey View, Newstone House, everyone who helped make it possible.” Wellington Grange and Braemar Lodge.

6 NEWS Spring 2021

Lois Barber, a resident at Avon Cliff, enjoys a Burns’ poetry reading from Companionship Team Member Brian Knight

Spirit of Burns comes Resident Rose Ellis performs the official ribbon-cutting to open the new botanical alive in our homes lounge. On her left is Belmore Lodge Home Manager Julie House and on the right Operations Manager Julie Jones Residents enjoyed celebrating Burns Night in honour of the famous 18th century bard Robert Burns. Bringing the outside In line with tradition, poetry recitals were the order of the day along with lunches and suppers featuring haggis, neeps and tatties. in at Belmore Lodge While Covid constraints meant we could not welcome visiting bagpipers and dancers as we Belmore Lodge has ‘brought the The first-floor lounge is set to usually do, residents nevertheless had fun. outside in’ with the launch of a become a focus for Belmore’s garden At Avon Cliff in Bournemouth, Companionship peaceful indoor oasis to support club which meets regularly Team Members Brian Knight mental and physical wellbeing. throughout the year. and Rebecca Osborne wore The Lymington home’s new botanical Club enthusiast Jean Denham said: kilts with their PPE and lounge features lush plants in a “I’m really looking forward to having performed Highland bright, airy space that will evolve in our garden club sessions here in the dancing together. Brian line with the seasons and residents’ lounge, in particular to learn about also called at residents’ interests in gardening. the variety of plants.” bedrooms to read out selections of Burns’ A living wall and planters contain plant Home Manager Julie House said: “It’s varieties known for being among the widely acknowledged that plants are poetry. Jack Morey, a best at absorbing carbon dioxide and good for you. resident at Brook “I told him he looked releasing oxygen into the air. very fetching in his View, spells out the “Gardening and engaging with the ‘skirt’,” said Lois Barber, Burns Night message They include dragon trees, spider natural world is a positive and while fellow resident Ray Paice said: “It was plants, aspidistras and mother-in- therapeutic activity that improves very amusing and got us into the spirit of the law’s tongue, all helping to create a both mental and physical wellbeing. fresh, therapeutic ambience. day.” “This botanical room is a quiet, A number of homes decorated residents’ Resident John Webster said: “This is a serene space well away from any lounges with tartans and thistles. truly beautiful, peaceful setting that screens or commotion, somewhere will be thoroughly enjoyable to escape you can experience a fresh-air feeling Kirsty Richmond Cole, Companionship to. I’ll be coming back to sit in the all year round.” Team Leader at Amberwood House in morning sunshine as often as I can.” Ferndown, said: “We had a whole afternoon Companionship Team Leader May of all things Scottish. We held a quiz to test Butcher said: “Many of our residents everyone’s knowledge of Burns and invited have a background of living in a residents to sample a range of whiskies and country environment and are used to shortbread.” experiencing the peace and tranquility that comes with it. Tracey Aldin, Home Manager at Brook View in West Moors, said the annual event is a “We also have very keen gardeners firm favourite with residents. “We hold a among us who have taken a huge Burns celebration every year and it always interest in our gardening club and can proves popular with residents from both The botanical lounge is designed to be a now enjoy this in an indoors setting north and south of the border,” she added. calming, therapeutic space where available at any time regardless of the residents can enjoy being among plants English weather.” NEWS 7 www.ColtenCare.co.uk

1920s elegance at Bourne View’s Downton Abbey day Bourne View in Poole turned restaurant consisting of Everyone pulled out the the clock back a whole recipe ideas from a Downton stops. We had a wonderful century with a Downton Abbey cookbook specially day.” Abbey-inspired day of fun. prepared by Chef Lorna Karen Grant A’ Court, Parsons. Residents and team members Companionship Team dressed as characters from The lunch whetted appetites Leader, said: “This was a the popular TV drama series for a murder mystery marvellous excuse to dress set on a country estate in the afternoon involving staff up and play aristocrats for the day. While observing all post-Edwardian era. Bourne View resident Judy playing Downton characters the rules around social Lynall, right, in Downton Abbey and residents working through The day began with a 1920s- distancing and Covid costume with Companionship clues to solve the crime. style cocktail reception prevention, everyone had Team members Karen Grant featuring Mimosas - Bourne View resident Judy great fun playing members A’Court and Paul Wookey champagne and chilled Lynall said: “I thought it was of the 1920s landed gentry orange - with sherry and soft It was followed by lunch in great that all the staff and the domestic servants drink options. the home’s glitzy Hepburn dressed up for the occasion. who worked for them.” Rebecca’s return Jenna’s dream role Healthcare professional We have welcomed back a familiar Jenna May says taking over face as the new Home Manager at the reins of our seaside home Court Lodge in Lymington. Avon Reach in Mudeford, From 2009 to 2016, Rebecca Dorset, is ‘where her heart is’. Hannam was Home Manager at Despite arriving in the midst Kingfishers in New Milton, of the pandemic and all its commissioning the home and necessary constraints and leading it to 100% occupancy controls, the newly appointed within its first eight months. Home Manager praises the But it was at Court Lodge that sense of community among Rebecca first began her career in residents and staff. care as a 17-year-old Healthcare Assistant in 1997. Jenna has worked in senior She went on to complete a biomedical science degree at healthcare roles, including at support systems in place. Kings College, part of the University of London, while the Royal Bournemouth The people you work with based at Guy’s Hospital in Southwark. Hospital, and has spent the make all the difference. It’s past nine years working in also a lovely home because It was also during her time in London that she completed management in a nursing the sense of community a Diploma in Healthcare Management and later worked as home environment. between residents and staff is an Operations Manager for a charity running care homes. “I knew Colten Care had a incredibly strong.” While the break after Kingfishers gave Rebecca the very good reputation,” she Asked to reflect on her aims in opportunity for some precious family time, she has says. “They really look after the role, Jenna says she wants nevertheless missed care home management. their staff and have really to ensure communication “It’s what I enjoy doing,” she says. “It’s full-on being a good values. I thought it with relatives is ‘paramount’ Home Manager but I am freshly energised and already would be a dream come true and the team delivers enjoying getting to know the residents at Court Lodge to get this role. Having ‘outcome-based practice’. and the nice team.” worked in different healthcare roles in my career I “That means if we say we’re Outside work, Rebecca lives in Lymington and enjoys knew this was definitely going to do something, it will family dog walks along the coast and in the New Forest where my heart was.” be done,” she explains. with her husband, eight-year-old son and six-year-old Getting to know all the Outside work, Jenna and her daughter. processes and structures in partner have a busy home life She adds: “Both my children are looking forward to such a big job would be a with ten-month old baby visiting Court Lodge after the pandemic restrictions lift. challenge at the best of times, daughter Dottie, two step- When I was at Kingfishers they were always coming in, but Covid has added more children and two dogs. The something they and the residents loved.” complexity. “When I arrived, I family live near Verwood and needed to know there were enjoy country walks.

Written and produced for Colten Care by Deep South Media Ltd . Tel: 01202 534487 www.deepsouthmedia.co.uk 8 NEWS AND COLTEN CARE PEOPLE Printed on paper sourced from sustainable forests by Palm Print, Bournemouth