Resident Wellbeing
Across all Advinia Health Care Homes, we endeavour to support Residents to live happy, meaningful lives. For us, their wellbeing is our top priority.
There are many different aspects to a person’s wellbeing, so we’ve put together a programme for all our Care Homes that focuses on five different areas. It’s called S.P.E.C.S. – which stands for Social, Physical, Emotional, Cognitive and Sensory.
These are the five ways in which our care teams can plan activities to stimulate Residents and enhance their wellbeing. As members of the National Activity Providers Association (NAPA), we endeavour to deliver creative and fun-filled programmes with many benefits.
Social Wellbeing
Residents are given the opportunity to build new friendships and bonds when living in an Advinia Care Home. We plan specific social activities where groups can get together to enjoy many different types of socialising. From bingo and board games, to Knit & Natter and craft groups, to quizzing and puzzles, there’s always lots to do.
Socialising also takes place during event nights, where singers, entertainers and choirs may visit to perform. We often host film clubs, where Residents can get meet up to enjoy their favourite movies and cinema refreshments. Many Homes host fun evening events, tea parties and afternoon get-togethers where Residents can enjoy drinks and company as part of a group.
Physical Wellbeing
We all know how important it is to stay as physically active as possible, no matter what stage of life we’re at. For Residents, it’s vital, and we make sure that physical wellbeing is incorporated into the weekly activities planning.
As different Residents will have varying levels of mobility, our physical sessions included chair-based exercise classes that are as inclusive as possible. We also encourage Residents with good mobility to take regular outside walks in their Home’s gardens and the local area. For Residents living with dementia, the garden areas are enclosed so they can enjoy outdoor time safely.
Some Residents really enjoy doing chores around their Home and want to help our teams out with their daily tasks. We always try to accommodate such requests as it’s a great way to keep them moving.
Emotional Wellbeing
Our emotional health is vitally important, and we know Residents need to connect to loved ones and their memories regularly. Our Care Homes work with families to find out what’s important to each Resident and to learn more about their past.
Advinia Health Care subscribes to a reminiscence newsletter called The Daily Sparkle, which prompts conversations about notable moments in the past. There are suggested activities and discussion points that our care teams use to spark conversation and nostalgia.
Having the chance to share memories and stories is essential to Residents’ health. The Daily Sparkle is also useful for families visits as it can help loved ones connect over thought-provoking conversations.
If Residents are members of religious groups or communities, we help facilitate their continued participation in rituals, events and regular services. We know how much comfort people’s religious and spiritual lives give them.
Cognitive Wellbeing
It’s important to us that all Residents take part in activities to keep their minds active. We undertake various activities that stimulate the brain, including doing crosswords, sudoku, quizzes and word searches.
Advinia Health Care publishes a monthly Wellbeing Plan for all Care Homes, where we introduce monthly themes that the care teams and Residents can discuss. We like to keep our Residents engaged with what’s going on in the world, to debate interesting topics and have meaningful conversations. All of this helps to stimulate their cognitive functions and keep their minds active.
There are various therapeutic ways to stimulate cognitive function, and we work with professionals outside our Homes to introduce different sessions to Residents. We also play much-loved games like The Price Is Right, Playing Your Cards Right and Guess Who?.
Sensory Wellbeing
Our sensory wellbeing sessions are useful to all Residents, particularly those living with dementia. Many of our Care Homes run musical sessions where Residents can sing and play instruments. Residents living with dementia often respond positively to musical stimulation, and it can help to reduce anxiety and unlock memories.
Elsewhere, we encourage Colleagues to put on pamper days, where Residents can benefit from touch therapies like massage and the sensory stimulation of essential oils. We also encourage creative sessions that have a sensory aspect – such as baking, arts and crafting or gardening.
Throughout our Wellbeing planning, we give care teams suggestions on how to turn activities into sensory experiences. By engaging their senses during regular activities, we have the chance to help Residents to boost and enhance their wellbeing.
