Ailsa Craig Care Home

Autumn 2010 Newsletter

September 2010

VOL. 1 ISSUE 3/4

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Newsletter time again. Doesn’t seem that long ago since our last Newsletter. I hope you all had a good summer break and the weather was kind to you. I went to Argyllshire where it rained everyday and was eaten alive by the dreaded midges. Since our last Newsletter a lot has been happening in the Home. INSPECTION REPORT We now have our Inspection Report from Care Commis-sion. The report is displayed on the entrance of each unit. The report will be emailed to family members who have requested this. If you are unable to source a copy, speak to Bryan our Administrator. ACHEIVEMENT In our last newsletter our Maintenance man Alex was going to London for an Excellence Award ceremony. Unfortunately Alex didn’t win, but what an achievement to be nominated for an Excellence Award by a residents son. We are all very proud of him. COMPETITION Some of our residents with the help of our Activities Organisers entered ‘Music In The Air’ competition or-ganised by NAPA (National Association for Providers of Activities for Older People). The reality of it all is that we discovered that it was our colourful and talented residents who set the pace and that determined how the project took shape and evolved. We were very much led by them, by the moment, mood

and many of these butterfly moments. Over 150 care settings rose to the challenge. Ailsa Craig reached to Top 20. What a great achievement for our residents. If you would like a copy of the DVD that was produced please speak to our Activity Co-Ordinators, Andrene or Luke. That’s all from me. Remember if you would like to pop in for a chat my door is always open. You will be made very welcome. Lyn

Ailsa Craig care home genuinely cares for your family member, providing quality Care, Food, Hygiene and Entertainment..

Home Manager Lyn McConville.

Royal Garden Party

Hello everybody, The main headlines from me this time are:

Becoming a community?

Psychoactive Medication – how are we doing? Millport – developing a dementia community. Becoming a community how can we get you more in-volved? Our aim is to create a sense of community for Ailsa Craig where everybody feels valued and everybody’s thoughts and ideas are important. Informing you about what our thoughts and plans are is one important aspect of it and this newsletter helps with that. However this is very much a one-way conversation. I know that attending meetings is not everybody’s cup of tea and of course most of you are living very busy lives, but please have a look at the dates of the resident/relatives meetings to see if you could make it to one of them. Your thoughts and feedback are really very important to help us develop in the right way. To publicise the dates and times better and to make it eas-ier for you to plan ahead, we will include the dates and times for the upcoming meetings over the next three months in this newsletter. Apart from that, please give us your thoughts if you’ve got any ideas how to increase your participation. Psychoactive Medication – how are we doing? In the last edition of our Newsletter I was going on (at some consid-erable length some would say) about psychoactive medica-tion, what it is, the sensible use of it and – most of all – our intention to reduce its use to the absolute necessary mini-mum. I am therefore glad to report to you that our latest internal survey of the use of anti-psychotic medication made rea-sonably good reading. Compared to the national (Bupa Scotland) average care home, Bute and Rothesay are at a low percentage level of prescribed anti-psychotic medica-tion (so called very low outliers). Bute registers 16% (4 residents) and Rothesay 19% (5 residents). Our goal is to achieve 10% by next April. Millport came out with 28%, which is bang on the Scottish average, but in our opinion still too high. Our aim is to reduce this to below 20% by next April.

Ailsa Craig care home educates, trains and delivers complete quality staff to deal with every situation thrown at them.

Clinical Services Manager Tom Bohlke.

Since this survey was completed several more prescrip-tions have been discontinued and we will push this further as we go along. Millport – developing a dementia community. I would like to keep you up to date with the developments in Millport Dementia Community. The care team in Millport has now begun to put a very extensive action plan in place. The aim of this plan is to improve the service in a variety of areas, ranging from setting up an improved dementia friendly garden over vari-ous other environmental improvements to the key worker system, activities and many more projects. The overall goal is to create a community where the per-son comes first and dementia second, getting as close as we can to the ideals of person centred care. I will maintain a continuously updated action plan that develops further as the projects progress and evaluate them regularly as we go along. We will discuss the progress with you at every residents/relatives meeting and ask for your input, thoughts and ideas. I will also use this newsletter to keep you informed about progress or difficulties. Wherever it is appropriate and useful (e.g. for the garden and environmental projects) we will display plans on the notice board in Millport and ask for your feedback In the meantime, if you like to have a look at the action plans in detail or wish to discuss any of them, please do not hesitate to contact me. I would be delighted to talk you through it and every little bit of your feedback helps us a lot. Finally, let me thank all of you who commented so posi-tively on the last newsletter, we found that very encourag-ing. Those of you who haven’t provided us with an email address, yet – if you’ve got one, please let us know. It doesn’t safe only costs and the environment, but also in-creases the circulation of the newsletter further. Thank you very much and until the next time. Tom.

In the activity world we have had sev-eral recent events from the royal garden party, to the cruise weeks, trips to Harry Ramsdens and becoming finalists in a recent music competition. Although bad luck was on our side with the weather for the royal garden party we were able to have it in Millport, where harry tinkered on his piano, the nearby nursery sang several sweet songs and two queens were born. Each unit supplied a wannabe queen and it became a tie between Margaret Buchanan and Margaret Miller. Fathers day was a small yet successful event where for one day Bute lounge became “the snug pub” to much of the punters delight. Where dreams came true and all the beer, whisky and food was free. The quiz became quite a com-petition as staff, relatives and residents all were fighting for first place. Each unit had a taste for the exotic when we visited India, China and the Caribbean. The kitchen made a mixture of great meals to tantalise the taste-buds and the residents celebrated with a party in good old cowboy style as Elaine sang country and western and other scot greats. Bupa’s “race for life” kept seven of the staff fighting fit, as they ran an amazing 5k for breast cancer research and helped raise valuable money for the charity. We have now partnered with the Reminiscence library which now provides memory box’s weekly. These are es-pecially important resources as they document Glasgow’s history through touchy-feely objects, that most residents have either seen, or owned themselves. Each box brings variety and excitement and as much of a reminiscent tool it is for the residents it doubles as an educational tool for the surrounding staff. We have also managed to set up a partnership with the nursery visiting every month. Recently residents have been signing sea shells for a deco-rative garden piece surrounding the new ailsa craig boat, keeping a memory of all the residents in the home. There will be a celebration ceremony later this month, all are welcome. Horray! We made it into the top twenty for the “music in

Ailsa Craig care home is proud to introduce and use technology to benefit in Communication, Empowerment, Entertainment and Say your never too old too...

Activity Co-Ordinator Andrene Cox & Luke Taylor.

the air” competition out of the whole country. We hope that the hard work we put into the project can continue and expand and hopefully win us further competitions. The final booklet and dvd can be found in the front foyer. We hope further film and photography work can be both in front and behind the cameras. Now that we have computer and internet access we are able to deliver a larger variety of activities. Rothesay resi-dents has benefited particularly, with seeing pictures of their old street when they used to live there to how it looks today, contacting relatives through email and live video conversations for relatives that are unable to visit yet can communicate as if they were actually in the room. If you wish to take this opportunity our Skype name is: bu-paboy2010 Both Andrene and myself would like to give a big thank you for all staff and relative support with all our fundrais-ing and special events. Especially in making the effort to dress up and help decorate each unit. Local businesses that contributed to these successes were Harry’s Hardware for all their Asian clothing, video and food for the cruise weeks. The District bar, the Louden bar and the Park bar for their kind donations towards fathers day and allowing us to now create an actual bar in one of the units.

Up and coming events are: 7 Sept—Harry Ramsden fish and chips meal out.

21 Sept—Nursery performance. 21 Sept—Evening sing along entertainment.

30 Sept—Bupas got talent show. 4 Oct—Kirkintilloch canal boat trip,

All relatives welcome.

X Love Luke x

Hi everyone, Your happy kitchen staff here! Hope you all had a nice summer and enjoyed the cruise food that was on offer from all the different ports of call. We have once again kept our safe food certificate, passing with flying colours on our health and envi-ronment visit. *** Our chef manager Caroline's daughter is following in her mums footsteps by training as a chef, and you know what they say “too many cooks spoil the broth!” *** We would like to welcome our new bank staff “Kirsty Ferguson” into our kitchen. ***

Recipe of the month:

Melting Moments - makes 15.

Ingredients: Self Raising Flour 4oz Caster Sugar 4oz Coconut 1 1/2oz Porridge Oats 2 1/2oz Butter 4oz Vanilla Essence 1/4 teaspoon N.B You can add an ounce choc chips or dried fruit too.

Kitchen Caroline Young

Ailsa Craig care home provides variety and caters to the individual allowing choice.

Hi everyone, Firstly I would like to introduce myself to those that I haven’t spoken to yet, my name is Thomas Ovens and I am the new gardener here at Ailsa Craig. I started back in April and would like to make this opportunity in my first newsletter to thank all the residents, their families and friends and the staff for the warm welcome that I have received since I came here. The gardens are looking nice and have been commented on by both the care commission and by MP Mr. Sarwar on his recent visit. I am sure no-one has failed to notice our lat-est feature, the Ailsa Craig Boat outside Bute. We have already setup some plants and I am sure it will look stunning when in full bloom. I will be pushing for more members of the gardening club in the next few weeks, so any-one wanting to join, please let me know. Also if there are any suggestions or ideas that you would like to tell me, I am here every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Tom.

Gardener Thomas Ovens.

Ailsa Craig care home looks as beautiful outside as it does inside

With smelling fresh and full of vibrant colours.

Ailsa Craig Garden Boat Decoration

Rothesay has been enjoying several days out over the summer months. First of all we went to Harry Ramsdens for a fish tea which every-one enjoyed, going back again in September. Then we had a day trip to Largs, the ladies en-joyed browsing in the shops with Jade and the men enjoyed a pint or two in the pub with Hugh. We also had a themed day which was all things Indian. Staff dressed up in traditional clothing and mealtimes had a spicy flavour which was great fun. We had a visit by the local MP Anas Sarwar on the 23rd August where staff and residents en-joyed picking his brains. Our fine resident Margaret Buchanan was Queen for the day at our Royal garden party winning joint first. Well Done. Gus Livingstone has kindly donated his key-board to the home for anyone wishing to “tinkle the ivories” so please come to Rothe-say. He also played some great classical pieces, before sadly falling ill and heading to hospital. Hope you get better Gus! We all had a lovely Sunday morning in July when unexpectedly the Salvation Army band came and stood round the conservatory and played requested songs and hymns. They have agreed to come more often, weather permitting.

Continued… We have gained a new staff nurse, Emily Chung who has settled in well at Rothesay, welcome on board. Lastly Rhona would like to thank staff for all their hard effort and commitment to Rothesay. Rhona.

Rothesay House Rhona Gallacher

Kinning Park Parish Church “Hits from the Musicals”

In Millport recently care assistants Karen Hart and Siobhan Wemys have started a make over in the small day room to make it more like a living room. Already they have added two-seater couches, a display cabinet, a table, standard lamp, magazine rack and reading material for the residents have also been purchased. Wallpaper and paint will be chosen by some of the residents and deco-rating will start shortly with resident par-ticipation. Care assistant Frances Kelly, Ann Kane and Kelly Gallacher are Brainstorming to find ideas to transform the dining area and im-prove the eating experience. Elaine Williamson is also working on redes-igning the gardening area which is already under away with raised gardens for greater benefit to the residents and home grown crops to be planted. Various different activities have been taking place, from instrument tuition and percus-sion workshops to hi-tech Dj equipment which allowed residents to manipulate mu-sic adapting the tempo, volume and turning on various sound effects. Sadly Jimmy Gillespie passed away on the 31st August, a lovely thank you card was received from the family.

Millport House Noreen

Bupa World Cruise Month: Caribbean Week

Music In The Air Competition - Hugh on guitar

We hope everyone enjoyed their holiday over the summer months. Good luck and good weather to these fortunate to have their holi-days still to come. Our Chinese day as part of Bupa’s world cruise was a great success. Staff dressed up in costume much to the amusement of the resi-dents who took part in quizzes, games and en-joyed Chinese cuisine throughout the day ca-tered by our hardworking chef manager Caroline Young and her staff. Mrs Matilda Elliott won the quiz, surprising herself that she knew so much about China. Thanks to staff Nurse Emily Chung for dona-tions that day. Residents and staff would like to take this op-portunity to wish staff nurse Dimple Jose the best of luck as she goes on Maternity leave at the end of the month. Throughout the summer residents have en-joyed outings to Largs and Harry Ramsdens. Miss Annie Thomson who attended Kinning Park Parish Church musical evening said she had not enjoyed herself so much for ages. To prove a point Annie was heard singing show tunes for the next few days. Birthday parties for Mr Frank Kelly and Mr Thomas McBean went down well the first two weeks in September with light refreshments and a sing-a-long. Other residents celebrating Birthdays over the next couple of months can look forward to more of the same.

Continued… We all look forward to a night out once in a while especially at the weekends. With that in mind and after discussions with residents they have decided that they would like a bar so make our social nights feel more authentic. Watch this space. All donations welcome. Congratulation on senior care Lesley Ann Gilmore’s daughter Chelsea for passing her driving test. Margaret

Bute House Margaret

Fathers Day, where the lounge transformed into a pub

Poem: What do you see, nurse, what do you see? What are you thinking when you're looking at me? A crabby old woman, not very wise Uncertain of habit, with faraway eyes? Who dribbles her food and makes no reply When you say in a loud voice, "I do wish you'd try!" Who seems not to notice the things that you do And forever is losing a stocking or shoe"

Joke: A minister visited a lady of his church at her home. They began praying, singing, and having a good old time. During the visit the minister finished a whole bowl of peanuts. As he was saying goodbye he apologized for eating all of her peanuts. She replied "Oh I don’t mind. Ever since I got dentures all I do is suck the chocolate off them anyway".

Fact:

The legend of the Loch Ness Monster started around the year 565AD when St. Columba claimed to see a dragon threaten a traveller by Loch Ness.

Bupa World Cruize Month: Jamaica Week

Staff News All Units

New Members To The Team:

Kirsty Ferguson - House Keeping *

Kathleen Morland - Staff Nurse *

Elaine Williamson - Care Assistant *

Brian McGhee - Administrator *

Toni Docherty - Receptionist

Staff Moving To Pastures New:

Ellen McAllister - Care Assistant *

Katie Ainsworth - Receptionist *

Helen McBirnie - Administrator

New Ways To Communicate

Suggestions & Feedback

Design: Luke Taylor