22

Mar

“Pimp my Zimmer kids!”

Residents have had their traditionally bland walking frames ‘pimped up’ by their young friends at Abbotsholme School.

The children have been making brightly-coloured pom-poms and sparkly stars in their weekly visits to us.

The decorations have been used to brighten up the grey Zimmer frames many of the residents use.  The youngsters have also been wrapping them in colourful streamers and personalising them with people’s names.

National project

‘Pimp my Zimmer’ is a national initiative started by a care worker in Essex who realised residents often struggled to identify their own walking frame.

The scheme, which began in 2015, is also designed to improve mobility and has helped reduce falls in some homes by 60%.

“This has been fantastic fun for us and the children,” said Barrowhill Hall’s activities coordinator Val Barnes.

“The children visit us every Monday afternoon and they’ve really enjoyed bringing some colour to what is an extremely dull but hugely important piece of equipment.”

The children visit Churnet Lodge which offers residential care and care for people in the early stages of dementia.

“We are yet to see what impact the pimped up frames will have on people’s mobility,” said Val, “but we are seeing a change in people’s mood – the bright colours and the memories of the fun they had decorating them put a smile on their faces and that’s lovely to see.”

“I’m proud of my frame.”

97 year old Peggy Hughes has enjoyed the experience with six year old Rory and four year old Jensen.

“We’ve had such a lot of fun together,” she said.  “Mine is covered in pink and blue pom-poms, I’ve got stickers and pink bows and stars.

“I would never choose to use something grey but walking frames don’t come in any other colours!  I’m proud of it, I want to get up and move so I can show it off!”

 

16

Aug

Geoff scoops a top award for his ‘dignity’ role

Our care quality manager, Geoff Aris, has scooped a top award for helping residents at Barrowhill Hall maintain their dignity.

He was recognised at the Staffordshire County Council Dignity in Care Awards on Thursday 3rd August.  The awards are held annually to promote, recognise and reward those people whose actions make a difference and serve as an example to others.

Continue reading“Geoff scoops a top award for his ‘dignity’ role”

27

Jul

Devoted Bill and Ruth can stay together thanks to Barrowhill Hall

Bill and Ruth Smith, who’ve barely spent a day apart in more than 50 years, can be together forever thanks to Barrowhill Hall.

Bill, aged 91, moved in with us in March after ill health made it too difficult for him to manage at home.  His wife, Ruth, 81, who has dementia, moved with him so the couple wouldn’t be apart.

Continue reading“Devoted Bill and Ruth can stay together thanks to Barrowhill Hall”

19

Oct

Firework Display, Drinks and Nibbles at Barrowhill Hall

We are having a firework display at Barrowhill Hall on 29th October 2016 from 6pm. Organised by the activities team here at Barrowhill Hall there is a small cover charge of £5 for adults and £2.50 for children. All food and drink is included in the price. All of the money raised goes into the residents activities fund. Continue reading“Firework Display, Drinks and Nibbles at Barrowhill Hall”

05

Oct

Barrowhill Hall reaches last 5 nationally in Dementia Care Awards 2016

We are delighted to announce that Barrowhill Hall Residential and Nursing Home has reached the last five nationally in the Dementia Care Awards 2016. The award is for Best Interior Dementia Design and relates to the newly opened care household at Barrowhill Hall, Churnet Lodge. Continue reading“Barrowhill Hall reaches last 5 nationally in Dementia Care Awards 2016”