Despite the typical British summer (rain, a bit more rain and just to mix things up – a bit of drizzle), residents and staff here at Gorsey Clough have been enjoying the lighter evenings, longer days and warmer temperatures. It has been a while since the last newsletter but here are some updates on some changes within the home and information on upcoming events.
In March this year, Caroline McCafferty joined Gorsey Clough as the registered manager. Caroline has come from a mental health nursing background and is one of the main point of contacts should you need to discuss anything. You can find Caroline in her office or around the home where she will be happy to speak to you.
Elouise has been promoted to Senior Carer, taking on more responsibilities and leadership of the other carers here at Gorsey Clough. Georgia has also been promoted to Assistant Senior Carer and is taking great pride in her new role. Well done Elouise and Georgia!
Over the early summer months we have had new carers join as well – you will probably have seen Amy, Ella, Steph and Adele around the home. These new carers have brought even more experiences and knowledge to the home and we hope the residents enjoy interacting with them on a daily basis.
Alex has joined the office in the administrator’s role and is helping to update the website and newsletter also. Not being a ‘local lass’, Alex is still getting to know the area having moved from Kent earlier in the summer (this is why you may not have heard a local accent on the phone for a while!).
An update from Kelly, activities co-ordinator at Gorsey Clough
This summer Mary and Derek from St Hilda’s Church have started visiting Gorsey Clough once a fortnight. They spend time interacting and chatting with our residents and we look forward to their continuing visits!
This summer, residents and staff have taken advantage of the glorious weather (let’s ignore the rainy days!) and have planted a small sensory garden. This is something everyone can enjoy outside and residents are encouraged to visit it on good days and help water the plants.
Date for your diaries! This year on 30th September, Gorsey Clough is again taking part in the Heaton Park Memory Walk, raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Society. The last 2 years raised over £800 and everyone taking part is hoping to add to that amount for such an important cause. Those taking part include staff, their family and friends, residents who are able to and want to take part – if any residents’ family and friends want to join the team we would love to see you there! Speak to Kelly when you next visit if you’d like to join or want more information.
If you would like to see the upcoming activity events planned by Kelly, click here to see the calendar.
Finally, Kelly and everyone at Gorsey Clough would like to say a huge thank you to everybody who has supported us with our activities fundraising. All the funds raised go towards equipment for activities the residents can get involved in and enjoy. Over the year so far, we have been doing raffles and football cards. Funds were also raised when a team of staff were sponsored to do the local mud run! We really appreciate your support and hope to continue improving the activities and resources available to our residents.
Disability Confident
Earlier this year our new manager Caroline signed Gorsey Clough up to the government scheme Disability Confident. This is a fantastic initiative aimed at increasing employers’ knowledge and attitudes towards attracting, recruiting and retaining disabled workers. The benefits are seen in both the organisation (with a wider pool of talented workers) and in the lives of those living with disabilities who have better, fairer access to work. Click here to find out more about this great scheme.
Plans for the next few months
We are hoping to have work underway in the coming months to improve some of the areas within the home. The Nurses Treatment Room is being expanded and re-modelled in order to maximise the space and improve the clinical area in which the nurses attend to residents. There are also plans to install a new bathroom with hoisting facilities and plans to revamp the offices. You may have seen contractors and visitors at the home and Steven our maintenance person is working tirelessly to continually improve parts of the home as well. We are all excited about the changes coming!