b Fe a ru ry

carehome.co.uk, which says that it receives 1.4 million visits each month, enables consumers to search for care homes in the UK and to make recommendations about care homes, with comments carefully vetted to ensure they are genuine.

interacted very well at all levels i.e. visitors, residents and colleagues. The rooms are decorated beautifully and the communal area are extremely welcoming.”

Kesson House Care Centre in Northfleet, Kent, has already received positive feedback, despite only opening at the end of October 2014.

Another commented: “Very helpful with resident and family members. Members of staff, always answer enquiries when asked and always interact with residents and family members.”

One visitor to carehome.co.uk said: “I found the home to have a warm friendly atmosphere, all the staff were very helpful and

Meanwhile, the relative of a resident at Queens Court Nursing Home has said: “The care he has been given has been very sympathetic and

understanding. It is a great relief to me that he is now somewhere that is appropriate to his needs and he seems relaxed and content.”

“We always welcome comments about our services from residents and relatives, because this kind of feedback is invaluable in helping us maintain and raise further our high standards.”

RCH is making it easy for people interested in its services to stay up-to-date by strengthening its presence on three of the most popular social media sites.

Sandra Bensley, RCH regional operations manager, said: “As a forward-thinking company, we believe it is important to keep in touch with people through a wide range of platforms, including social media. “Our presence on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook allows us to let others know about the latest developments in the care sector, as it happens, while also sharing our own news.

We hope more people will sign up to follow us on Twitter or connect with us on Facebook and interact with us via these channels.

RCH Head Office King George Place, 762 Eastern Avenue, Newbury Park, Ilford, Essex, IG2 7HU [email protected] 020 8554 5600

Sandra Bensley, RCH regional operations manager, said: “It is very pleasing to have received such positive feedback via carehome.co.uk.

Stay in touch with us on social media

Anyone interested in the work of RCH or dementia care generally can now tap into regular updates on the latest news about dementia care, together with the latest news from the firm at and via its pages on LinkedIn and Facebook.

15

RCH has received positive feedback for its homes through a leading care homes website.

20

Site visitors rate homes highly

New guide offers insight into dementia care A Radio 4 documentary has turned the spotlight on people’s fears of developing dementia. Suppose I Lose It, which was broadcast on 16 December, was presented by Joan Bakewell, who asked what she might expect – and how she should prepare – if she had dementia. The condition is a significant concern for many people, with research suggesting that 66 per cent of over-55s in the UK worry that it may affect them in the future. The programme included an interview with 82-year-old actress Prunella Scales. In March this year, her husband, actor Timothy West, revealed she had a condition similar to a mild form of Alzheimer’s. Coverage like the Radio 4 programme keeps dementia in the news and people better informed about the condition, which is why RCH has also produced its own Dementia-Friendly Care guide. The guide includes an explanation of dementia and its different forms, how the UK is rising to

the challenge of 800,000 diagnosed cases, and increasing numbers as life expectancy continues to rise, and an insight into RCH’s own approach to dementia-friendly care and dementia-friendly environments within its homes. Sandra Bensley, RCH regional operations manager, said: “Joan Bakewell said in her documentary that the UK is only now gearing up to meet the enormous challenge dementia presents for the future.

Open house at RCH homes RCH homes in Essex and Kent are inviting people to take a closer look at the services they provide at a series of open days

As we say, anybody can provide a house – what we do at RCH is to turn a house into a home. The Dementia-Friendly Care guide can be downloaded at RCH website at www.dementiacarehome.co.uk/ about-us

“She also said that although it can be a challenging experience for families affected, the experience of her friends Timothy West and Prunella Scales have shown her there can still be ‘happiness and laughter’ in life. “At RCH, our approach is very much about maximising independence for our residents, which remaining sensitive to the need to protect people from risk and supporting them by creating a comforting, welcoming place to live.

For information regarding our homes, please visit

www.dementiacarehome.co.uk

PLUS: • New managers join the team • Mayor joins Christmas celebrations • Romford champions Dementia Friends drive • Site visitors rate homes highly • Stay in touch with us on social media • New guide offers insight into dementia care

Welcome

Mayor joins Christmas celebrations

Open house at RCH homes

Welcome to RCH News, bringing you information on events and developments from our dementia-friendly care homes.

A VIP visitor helped to put the icing on the Christmas cake at a series of festive events at RCH homes.

RCH homes in Essex and Kent are inviting people to take a closer look at the services they provide at a series of open days in February and March.

This edition includes details of our forthcoming open days, which will give visitors a chance to find out more about life at our homes, our successful Christmas activities and our new guide to dementia-friendly care.

The Mayor of Brentwood, Councillor Vicky Davies, was a special guest at Brentwood Care Centre in Brentwood, Essex, on 16 December, when the home hosted a carol concert with the help of pupils from pupils from Larchwood Primary School.

The events will give visitors the opportunity to see at first hand the modern facilities the homes provide, as well as an insight into daily life there, and to talk to staff about RCH’s dementia-friendly care and expertise.

New managers join the team RCH is starting the new year with new faces leading the teams at two of its dementia-friendly care homes.

Hakim came to the UK from his native Mauritius to train as a nurse at the age of 18 and 45 years later remains full of enthusiasm for his work. His wide-ranging experience includes oncology care in London and 20 years working overseas, during which time he managed the surgical unit of a hospital in Saudi Arabia. When he returned to the UK in the late 1990s, Hakim moved into the care home sector and has since held

“Queens Court is a beautiful home and the staff are hard-working and dedicated, which gives me exactly the foundation I need for providing high quality dementia care. “From experience, I know how important it is to feel supported in one’s work so a key priority for me will be to encourage my team so that we can move forward together.” Glenda began her career as a trainee nurse at North Middlesex Hospital in 1970, working there for 37 years in roles including ward sister, assistant director of nursing, theatre manager and latterly as senior project

She then moved into the care home sector, winning the title of Registered Manager of the Year for the London region in the Great British Care Awards while working for provider Carebase at a home specialising in dementia care. She also holds numerous professional qualifications, including a first class BSc degree in Clinical Practice and a Diploma in Dementia Care. Glenda says: “My priorities at Romford are maintaining the health and welfare of our clients, maintaining and enhancing good practice and ensuring that staff are trained so that they have the skills and knowledge they need to support our clients in the most appropriate way.

I enjoy the variety each day brings and working with my team to really make a difference to the lives of people we care for.

The guest speaker at all the events will be Chris Caine, an expert in dementia care and deputy president of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution, which provides a range of services for older Freemasons, including dementia support. He will be exploring issues around dementia and the funding of care.

Romford champions Dementia Friends drive An RCH care home is backing an Alzheimer’s Society drive to raise awareness and understanding of dementia. The society is also training and supporting volunteers called Dementia Friends Champions, who spread the word on how Dementia Friends can make a difference. Now Romford Nursing Care Centre in Essex has joined the campaign with the aim that all its care staff will train as Dementia Friends Champions. The charity wants to sign up one million people as Dementia Friends by the end of 2015, with the aim that by learning more about dementia and then turning that understanding into action, they can help to create more communities that are dementia-friendly.

The first team members have already completed the training under a rolling programme that home manager Glenda Barker says will further improve the home’s understanding and awareness of people with dementia and their widely varying needs.

The home has also joined Havering Dementia Action Alliance, which is part of the Dementia Action Alliance, working across England to help bring about a society-wide response to dementia. Glenda says: “As care professionals, we see at first hand the impact that dementia can have on the lives of those with the condition. By taking opportunities like this to enhance our knowledge of dementia and best practice, we can make things better every day for the people we support.” The Dementia Friends campaign has won the backing of leading businesses including Lloyds Banking Group and Marks and Spencer.

• Thursday, 19 February at: Kesson House Care Centre, Council Avenue, Northfleet, Kent • Thursday, 26 February at: Romford Nursing Care Centre, 107 Neave Crescent, Harold Hill, Romford, Essex • Thursday, 5 March 2015 at: Brentwood Care Centre, Larchwood Gardens, Pilgrims Hatch, Brentwood, Essex • Thursday, 12 March 2015 at: Queens Court Nursing Home, 52-74 Lower Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex.

HO

Glenda Barker started work as manager of Romford Nursing Care Centre in Harold Hill, Essex, early in November and Hakim Issop took on the same role at Queens Court Nursing Home in Buckhurst Hill, Essex, the following month.

manager and design lead/control of infection link for a new hospital development.

C

Hakim Issop

The Mayor really enjoyed the carol singing at Brentford, as did all residents and relatives, and also told us she thought the home was lovely and peaceful.

S

Glenda Barker

Hakim says: “Many people of my age would be thinking about retiring but that doesn’t interest me. I love what I do and I am looking forward to working with the team at Queens Court to help the home really go places.

As part of their festive celebrations, all the homes also invited residents,

Homes taking part in the open days will include RCH’s newest home, Kesson House Care Centre in Northfleet, Kent, which opened in October last year. The fully wheelchair-accessible home provides accommodation for 38 residents over two floors in the main house and a separate annexe and incorporates dementia-friendly features including distinctive coloured corridors and a sensory garden.

EN

a series of managerial roles for leading providers including Anchor Trust, Westminster Homecare, Sanctuary Care and, most recently, Methodist Homes.

Romford Nursing Care Centre, in Harold Hill, Romford, also held a carol event on 16 December followed by Kesson House in Northfleet, Kent on 17 December and Queens Court Nursing Home, in Buckhurst Hill, Essex, on 18 December.

Sandra Bensley, regional operations manager for RCH, said: “Our carol events went down really well, as did the mince pies, cakes and mulled wine that we provided for guests.

E

RCH regional operations manager

All the events will take place from 10am-4pm and will include hot drinks and cake, with Mr Caine speaking at 2pm at each event. The open day venues and details are:

US

Sandra Bensley

staff and visitors to share a treasured memory by writing details on a special tag and placing it on their Christmas memory tree.

O

UR

T

K ESS O N

You can contact me on 020 8554 5600 or at [email protected]

Q UE

We always value feedback in helping us to further develop and improve all aspects of our services and welcome your comments on our newsletter or ideas for future issues you would like to see covered.

BRENT

WO O D

RO M

FO RD

If you would like to attend, or are unable to attend but would like more information about RCH’s dementia-friendly services, please contact Sandra Bensley on 020 8554 5600 or at [email protected]

Welcome

Mayor joins Christmas celebrations

Open house at RCH homes

Welcome to RCH News, bringing you information on events and developments from our dementia-friendly care homes.

A VIP visitor helped to put the icing on the Christmas cake at a series of festive events at RCH homes.

RCH homes in Essex and Kent are inviting people to take a closer look at the services they provide at a series of open days in February and March.

This edition includes details of our forthcoming open days, which will give visitors a chance to find out more about life at our homes, our successful Christmas activities and our new guide to dementia-friendly care.

The Mayor of Brentwood, Councillor Vicky Davies, was a special guest at Brentwood Care Centre in Brentwood, Essex, on 16 December, when the home hosted a carol concert with the help of pupils from pupils from Larchwood Primary School.

The events will give visitors the opportunity to see at first hand the modern facilities the homes provide, as well as an insight into daily life there, and to talk to staff about RCH’s dementia-friendly care and expertise.

New managers join the team RCH is starting the new year with new faces leading the teams at two of its dementia-friendly care homes.

Hakim came to the UK from his native Mauritius to train as a nurse at the age of 18 and 45 years later remains full of enthusiasm for his work. His wide-ranging experience includes oncology care in London and 20 years working overseas, during which time he managed the surgical unit of a hospital in Saudi Arabia. When he returned to the UK in the late 1990s, Hakim moved into the care home sector and has since held

“Queens Court is a beautiful home and the staff are hard-working and dedicated, which gives me exactly the foundation I need for providing high quality dementia care. “From experience, I know how important it is to feel supported in one’s work so a key priority for me will be to encourage my team so that we can move forward together.” Glenda began her career as a trainee nurse at North Middlesex Hospital in 1970, working there for 37 years in roles including ward sister, assistant director of nursing, theatre manager and latterly as senior project

She then moved into the care home sector, winning the title of Registered Manager of the Year for the London region in the Great British Care Awards while working for provider Carebase at a home specialising in dementia care. She also holds numerous professional qualifications, including a first class BSc degree in Clinical Practice and a Diploma in Dementia Care. Glenda says: “My priorities at Romford are maintaining the health and welfare of our clients, maintaining and enhancing good practice and ensuring that staff are trained so that they have the skills and knowledge they need to support our clients in the most appropriate way.

I enjoy the variety each day brings and working with my team to really make a difference to the lives of people we care for.

The guest speaker at all the events will be Chris Caine, an expert in dementia care and deputy president of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution, which provides a range of services for older Freemasons, including dementia support. He will be exploring issues around dementia and the funding of care.

Romford champions Dementia Friends drive An RCH care home is backing an Alzheimer’s Society drive to raise awareness and understanding of dementia. The society is also training and supporting volunteers called Dementia Friends Champions, who spread the word on how Dementia Friends can make a difference. Now Romford Nursing Care Centre in Essex has joined the campaign with the aim that all its care staff will train as Dementia Friends Champions. The charity wants to sign up one million people as Dementia Friends by the end of 2015, with the aim that by learning more about dementia and then turning that understanding into action, they can help to create more communities that are dementia-friendly.

The first team members have already completed the training under a rolling programme that home manager Glenda Barker says will further improve the home’s understanding and awareness of people with dementia and their widely varying needs.

The home has also joined Havering Dementia Action Alliance, which is part of the Dementia Action Alliance, working across England to help bring about a society-wide response to dementia. Glenda says: “As care professionals, we see at first hand the impact that dementia can have on the lives of those with the condition. By taking opportunities like this to enhance our knowledge of dementia and best practice, we can make things better every day for the people we support.” The Dementia Friends campaign has won the backing of leading businesses including Lloyds Banking Group and Marks and Spencer.

• Thursday, 19 February at: Kesson House Care Centre, Council Avenue, Northfleet, Kent • Thursday, 26 February at: Romford Nursing Care Centre, 107 Neave Crescent, Harold Hill, Romford, Essex • Thursday, 5 March 2015 at: Brentwood Care Centre, Larchwood Gardens, Pilgrims Hatch, Brentwood, Essex • Thursday, 12 March 2015 at: Queens Court Nursing Home, 52-74 Lower Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex.

HO

Glenda Barker started work as manager of Romford Nursing Care Centre in Harold Hill, Essex, early in November and Hakim Issop took on the same role at Queens Court Nursing Home in Buckhurst Hill, Essex, the following month.

manager and design lead/control of infection link for a new hospital development.

C

Hakim Issop

The Mayor really enjoyed the carol singing at Brentford, as did all residents and relatives, and also told us she thought the home was lovely and peaceful.

S

Glenda Barker

Hakim says: “Many people of my age would be thinking about retiring but that doesn’t interest me. I love what I do and I am looking forward to working with the team at Queens Court to help the home really go places.

As part of their festive celebrations, all the homes also invited residents,

Homes taking part in the open days will include RCH’s newest home, Kesson House Care Centre in Northfleet, Kent, which opened in October last year. The fully wheelchair-accessible home provides accommodation for 38 residents over two floors in the main house and a separate annexe and incorporates dementia-friendly features including distinctive coloured corridors and a sensory garden.

EN

a series of managerial roles for leading providers including Anchor Trust, Westminster Homecare, Sanctuary Care and, most recently, Methodist Homes.

Romford Nursing Care Centre, in Harold Hill, Romford, also held a carol event on 16 December followed by Kesson House in Northfleet, Kent on 17 December and Queens Court Nursing Home, in Buckhurst Hill, Essex, on 18 December.

Sandra Bensley, regional operations manager for RCH, said: “Our carol events went down really well, as did the mince pies, cakes and mulled wine that we provided for guests.

E

RCH regional operations manager

All the events will take place from 10am-4pm and will include hot drinks and cake, with Mr Caine speaking at 2pm at each event. The open day venues and details are:

US

Sandra Bensley

staff and visitors to share a treasured memory by writing details on a special tag and placing it on their Christmas memory tree.

O

UR

T

K ESS O N

You can contact me on 020 8554 5600 or at [email protected]

Q UE

We always value feedback in helping us to further develop and improve all aspects of our services and welcome your comments on our newsletter or ideas for future issues you would like to see covered.

BRENT

WO O D

RO M

FO RD

If you would like to attend, or are unable to attend but would like more information about RCH’s dementia-friendly services, please contact Sandra Bensley on 020 8554 5600 or at [email protected]

Welcome

Mayor joins Christmas celebrations

Open house at RCH homes

Welcome to RCH News, bringing you information on events and developments from our dementia-friendly care homes.

A VIP visitor helped to put the icing on the Christmas cake at a series of festive events at RCH homes.

RCH homes in Essex and Kent are inviting people to take a closer look at the services they provide at a series of open days in February and March.

This edition includes details of our forthcoming open days, which will give visitors a chance to find out more about life at our homes, our successful Christmas activities and our new guide to dementia-friendly care.

The Mayor of Brentwood, Councillor Vicky Davies, was a special guest at Brentwood Care Centre in Brentwood, Essex, on 16 December, when the home hosted a carol concert with the help of pupils from pupils from Larchwood Primary School.

The events will give visitors the opportunity to see at first hand the modern facilities the homes provide, as well as an insight into daily life there, and to talk to staff about RCH’s dementia-friendly care and expertise.

New managers join the team RCH is starting the new year with new faces leading the teams at two of its dementia-friendly care homes.

Hakim came to the UK from his native Mauritius to train as a nurse at the age of 18 and 45 years later remains full of enthusiasm for his work. His wide-ranging experience includes oncology care in London and 20 years working overseas, during which time he managed the surgical unit of a hospital in Saudi Arabia. When he returned to the UK in the late 1990s, Hakim moved into the care home sector and has since held

“Queens Court is a beautiful home and the staff are hard-working and dedicated, which gives me exactly the foundation I need for providing high quality dementia care. “From experience, I know how important it is to feel supported in one’s work so a key priority for me will be to encourage my team so that we can move forward together.” Glenda began her career as a trainee nurse at North Middlesex Hospital in 1970, working there for 37 years in roles including ward sister, assistant director of nursing, theatre manager and latterly as senior project

She then moved into the care home sector, winning the title of Registered Manager of the Year for the London region in the Great British Care Awards while working for provider Carebase at a home specialising in dementia care. She also holds numerous professional qualifications, including a first class BSc degree in Clinical Practice and a Diploma in Dementia Care. Glenda says: “My priorities at Romford are maintaining the health and welfare of our clients, maintaining and enhancing good practice and ensuring that staff are trained so that they have the skills and knowledge they need to support our clients in the most appropriate way.

I enjoy the variety each day brings and working with my team to really make a difference to the lives of people we care for.

The guest speaker at all the events will be Chris Caine, an expert in dementia care and deputy president of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution, which provides a range of services for older Freemasons, including dementia support. He will be exploring issues around dementia and the funding of care.

Romford champions Dementia Friends drive An RCH care home is backing an Alzheimer’s Society drive to raise awareness and understanding of dementia. The society is also training and supporting volunteers called Dementia Friends Champions, who spread the word on how Dementia Friends can make a difference. Now Romford Nursing Care Centre in Essex has joined the campaign with the aim that all its care staff will train as Dementia Friends Champions. The charity wants to sign up one million people as Dementia Friends by the end of 2015, with the aim that by learning more about dementia and then turning that understanding into action, they can help to create more communities that are dementia-friendly.

The first team members have already completed the training under a rolling programme that home manager Glenda Barker says will further improve the home’s understanding and awareness of people with dementia and their widely varying needs.

The home has also joined Havering Dementia Action Alliance, which is part of the Dementia Action Alliance, working across England to help bring about a society-wide response to dementia. Glenda says: “As care professionals, we see at first hand the impact that dementia can have on the lives of those with the condition. By taking opportunities like this to enhance our knowledge of dementia and best practice, we can make things better every day for the people we support.” The Dementia Friends campaign has won the backing of leading businesses including Lloyds Banking Group and Marks and Spencer.

• Thursday, 19 February at: Kesson House Care Centre, Council Avenue, Northfleet, Kent • Thursday, 26 February at: Romford Nursing Care Centre, 107 Neave Crescent, Harold Hill, Romford, Essex • Thursday, 5 March 2015 at: Brentwood Care Centre, Larchwood Gardens, Pilgrims Hatch, Brentwood, Essex • Thursday, 12 March 2015 at: Queens Court Nursing Home, 52-74 Lower Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex.

HO

Glenda Barker started work as manager of Romford Nursing Care Centre in Harold Hill, Essex, early in November and Hakim Issop took on the same role at Queens Court Nursing Home in Buckhurst Hill, Essex, the following month.

manager and design lead/control of infection link for a new hospital development.

C

Hakim Issop

The Mayor really enjoyed the carol singing at Brentford, as did all residents and relatives, and also told us she thought the home was lovely and peaceful.

S

Glenda Barker

Hakim says: “Many people of my age would be thinking about retiring but that doesn’t interest me. I love what I do and I am looking forward to working with the team at Queens Court to help the home really go places.

As part of their festive celebrations, all the homes also invited residents,

Homes taking part in the open days will include RCH’s newest home, Kesson House Care Centre in Northfleet, Kent, which opened in October last year. The fully wheelchair-accessible home provides accommodation for 38 residents over two floors in the main house and a separate annexe and incorporates dementia-friendly features including distinctive coloured corridors and a sensory garden.

EN

a series of managerial roles for leading providers including Anchor Trust, Westminster Homecare, Sanctuary Care and, most recently, Methodist Homes.

Romford Nursing Care Centre, in Harold Hill, Romford, also held a carol event on 16 December followed by Kesson House in Northfleet, Kent on 17 December and Queens Court Nursing Home, in Buckhurst Hill, Essex, on 18 December.

Sandra Bensley, regional operations manager for RCH, said: “Our carol events went down really well, as did the mince pies, cakes and mulled wine that we provided for guests.

E

RCH regional operations manager

All the events will take place from 10am-4pm and will include hot drinks and cake, with Mr Caine speaking at 2pm at each event. The open day venues and details are:

US

Sandra Bensley

staff and visitors to share a treasured memory by writing details on a special tag and placing it on their Christmas memory tree.

O

UR

T

K ESS O N

You can contact me on 020 8554 5600 or at [email protected]

Q UE

We always value feedback in helping us to further develop and improve all aspects of our services and welcome your comments on our newsletter or ideas for future issues you would like to see covered.

BRENT

WO O D

RO M

FO RD

If you would like to attend, or are unable to attend but would like more information about RCH’s dementia-friendly services, please contact Sandra Bensley on 020 8554 5600 or at [email protected]

b Fe a ru ry

carehome.co.uk, which says that it receives 1.4 million visits each month, enables consumers to search for care homes in the UK and to make recommendations about care homes, with comments carefully vetted to ensure they are genuine.

interacted very well at all levels i.e. visitors, residents and colleagues. The rooms are decorated beautifully and the communal area are extremely welcoming.”

Kesson House Care Centre in Northfleet, Kent, has already received positive feedback, despite only opening at the end of October 2014.

Another commented: “Very helpful with resident and family members. Members of staff, always answer enquiries when asked and always interact with residents and family members.”

One visitor to carehome.co.uk said: “I found the home to have a warm friendly atmosphere, all the staff were very helpful and

Meanwhile, the relative of a resident at Queens Court Nursing Home has said: “The care he has been given has been very sympathetic and

understanding. It is a great relief to me that he is now somewhere that is appropriate to his needs and he seems relaxed and content.”

“We always welcome comments about our services from residents and relatives, because this kind of feedback is invaluable in helping us maintain and raise further our high standards.”

RCH is making it easy for people interested in its services to stay up-to-date by strengthening its presence on three of the most popular social media sites.

Sandra Bensley, RCH regional operations manager, said: “As a forward-thinking company, we believe it is important to keep in touch with people through a wide range of platforms, including social media. “Our presence on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook allows us to let others know about the latest developments in the care sector, as it happens, while also sharing our own news.

We hope more people will sign up to follow us on Twitter or connect with us on Facebook and interact with us via these channels.

RCH Head Office King George Place, 762 Eastern Avenue, Newbury Park, Ilford, Essex, IG2 7HU [email protected] 020 8554 5600

Sandra Bensley, RCH regional operations manager, said: “It is very pleasing to have received such positive feedback via carehome.co.uk.

Stay in touch with us on social media

Anyone interested in the work of RCH or dementia care generally can now tap into regular updates on the latest news about dementia care, together with the latest news from the firm at and via its pages on LinkedIn and Facebook.

15

RCH has received positive feedback for its homes through a leading care homes website.

20

Site visitors rate homes highly

New guide offers insight into dementia care A Radio 4 documentary has turned the spotlight on people’s fears of developing dementia. Suppose I Lose It, which was broadcast on 16 December, was presented by Joan Bakewell, who asked what she might expect – and how she should prepare – if she had dementia. The condition is a significant concern for many people, with research suggesting that 66 per cent of over-55s in the UK worry that it may affect them in the future. The programme included an interview with 82-year-old actress Prunella Scales. In March this year, her husband, actor Timothy West, revealed she had a condition similar to a mild form of Alzheimer’s. Coverage like the Radio 4 programme keeps dementia in the news and people better informed about the condition, which is why RCH has also produced its own Dementia-Friendly Care guide. The guide includes an explanation of dementia and its different forms, how the UK is rising to

the challenge of 800,000 diagnosed cases, and increasing numbers as life expectancy continues to rise, and an insight into RCH’s own approach to dementia-friendly care and dementia-friendly environments within its homes. Sandra Bensley, RCH regional operations manager, said: “Joan Bakewell said in her documentary that the UK is only now gearing up to meet the enormous challenge dementia presents for the future.

Open house at RCH homes RCH homes in Essex and Kent are inviting people to take a closer look at the services they provide at a series of open days

As we say, anybody can provide a house – what we do at RCH is to turn a house into a home. The Dementia-Friendly Care guide can be downloaded at RCH website at www.dementiacarehome.co.uk/ about-us

“She also said that although it can be a challenging experience for families affected, the experience of her friends Timothy West and Prunella Scales have shown her there can still be ‘happiness and laughter’ in life. “At RCH, our approach is very much about maximising independence for our residents, which remaining sensitive to the need to protect people from risk and supporting them by creating a comforting, welcoming place to live.

For information regarding our homes, please visit

www.dementiacarehome.co.uk

PLUS: • New managers join the team • Mayor joins Christmas celebrations • Romford champions Dementia Friends drive • Site visitors rate homes highly • Stay in touch with us on social media • New guide offers insight into dementia care

b Fe a ru ry

carehome.co.uk, which says that it receives 1.4 million visits each month, enables consumers to search for care homes in the UK and to make recommendations about care homes, with comments carefully vetted to ensure they are genuine.

interacted very well at all levels i.e. visitors, residents and colleagues. The rooms are decorated beautifully and the communal area are extremely welcoming.”

Kesson House Care Centre in Northfleet, Kent, has already received positive feedback, despite only opening at the end of October 2014.

Another commented: “Very helpful with resident and family members. Members of staff, always answer enquiries when asked and always interact with residents and family members.”

One visitor to carehome.co.uk said: “I found the home to have a warm friendly atmosphere, all the staff were very helpful and

Meanwhile, the relative of a resident at Queens Court Nursing Home has said: “The care he has been given has been very sympathetic and

understanding. It is a great relief to me that he is now somewhere that is appropriate to his needs and he seems relaxed and content.”

“We always welcome comments about our services from residents and relatives, because this kind of feedback is invaluable in helping us maintain and raise further our high standards.”

RCH is making it easy for people interested in its services to stay up-to-date by strengthening its presence on three of the most popular social media sites.

Sandra Bensley, RCH regional operations manager, said: “As a forward-thinking company, we believe it is important to keep in touch with people through a wide range of platforms, including social media. “Our presence on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook allows us to let others know about the latest developments in the care sector, as it happens, while also sharing our own news.

We hope more people will sign up to follow us on Twitter or connect with us on Facebook and interact with us via these channels.

RCH Head Office King George Place, 762 Eastern Avenue, Newbury Park, Ilford, Essex, IG2 7HU [email protected] 020 8554 5600

Sandra Bensley, RCH regional operations manager, said: “It is very pleasing to have received such positive feedback via carehome.co.uk.

Stay in touch with us on social media

Anyone interested in the work of RCH or dementia care generally can now tap into regular updates on the latest news about dementia care, together with the latest news from the firm at and via its pages on LinkedIn and Facebook.

15

RCH has received positive feedback for its homes through a leading care homes website.

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Site visitors rate homes highly

New guide offers insight into dementia care A Radio 4 documentary has turned the spotlight on people’s fears of developing dementia. Suppose I Lose It, which was broadcast on 16 December, was presented by Joan Bakewell, who asked what she might expect – and how she should prepare – if she had dementia. The condition is a significant concern for many people, with research suggesting that 66 per cent of over-55s in the UK worry that it may affect them in the future. The programme included an interview with 82-year-old actress Prunella Scales. In March this year, her husband, actor Timothy West, revealed she had a condition similar to a mild form of Alzheimer’s. Coverage like the Radio 4 programme keeps dementia in the news and people better informed about the condition, which is why RCH has also produced its own Dementia-Friendly Care guide. The guide includes an explanation of dementia and its different forms, how the UK is rising to

the challenge of 800,000 diagnosed cases, and increasing numbers as life expectancy continues to rise, and an insight into RCH’s own approach to dementia-friendly care and dementia-friendly environments within its homes. Sandra Bensley, RCH regional operations manager, said: “Joan Bakewell said in her documentary that the UK is only now gearing up to meet the enormous challenge dementia presents for the future.

Open house at RCH homes RCH homes in Essex and Kent are inviting people to take a closer look at the services they provide at a series of open days

As we say, anybody can provide a house – what we do at RCH is to turn a house into a home. The Dementia-Friendly Care guide can be downloaded at RCH website at www.dementiacarehome.co.uk/ about-us

“She also said that although it can be a challenging experience for families affected, the experience of her friends Timothy West and Prunella Scales have shown her there can still be ‘happiness and laughter’ in life. “At RCH, our approach is very much about maximising independence for our residents, which remaining sensitive to the need to protect people from risk and supporting them by creating a comforting, welcoming place to live.

For information regarding our homes, please visit

www.dementiacarehome.co.uk

PLUS: • New managers join the team • Mayor joins Christmas celebrations • Romford champions Dementia Friends drive • Site visitors rate homes highly • Stay in touch with us on social media • New guide offers insight into dementia care