Four unquestionable ways to boost wellbeing
AS WE approach Pesach, we are mindful of the theme of four: four sons, four questions, four answers and four cups of wine. Nightingale Hammerson’s highly skilled therapies team is also divided into four parts and is essential to the wellbeing, health and vitality of its residents.
DIET
Nightingale Hammerson is unusual among UK care homes in providing an on-site dietitian, who makes sure meals are nutritious and residents are sufficiently hydrated to maintain good health. This is particularly important at Pesach when there are dietary restrictions. If a resident needs support with eating, drinking or swallowing, the dietitian facilitates interventions, including specialist support from Nightingale Hammerson’s occupational therapists and speech and language therapist.
“Good nutrition is essential for our residents to thrive,” says Caryn, the Nightingale Hammerson dietitian. “Grazing fridges in each household ensure our residents have 24-hour access to food and drink. Food-first interventions and milkshake rounds are an important part of our routine, and as a dietitian I can suggest supplements if these are required.”
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
“Ageing is a privilege to me; older people are part of our community and society and need to be treated with dignity and grace,” says Dr Ally Tomlins, Nightingale Hammerson’s clinical psychologist.
The recent employment of the clinical psychologist and her team of trainees has enabled Nightingale Hammerson to deliver outstanding psychological support to its community of residents and their families. Research shows levels of depression in the care home population are higher than in the general population. As a care-home pioneer of in-house psychological support, the team provides a listening ear and welcoming expertise.
“My aim is to build a robust and evidence-based model of psychological care for older people living in a care setting and to ensure they can still live fulfilling lives alongside their physical and mental ailments,” says Tomlins. “We hope to pave the way and highlight how good care can be delivered as we get older.”
PHARMACEUTICAL
Nightingale Hammerson is grateful for its in-house pharmacy technician, Nicola, who has worked at Nightingale Hammerson for more than 15 years. She is the link between the homes and GPs and ensures optimal care, particularly in relation to palliative care. Nicola reviews the medications for all new residents and those discharged from hospital, allowing the care teams to concentrate on the person. Medication training and competency assessments for the teams are undertaken in-house, saving the NHS time and money.
“My role involves ordering and reviewing medication across both homes,” says Nicola. “I train the teams to ensure safe supply and administration to all residents.”
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Nightingale Hammerson has a team of therapists in each home. Their role is crucial to ensuring residents remain mobile, strong and healthy. For residents unable to leave their room, Nightingale Hammerson offers personalised therapeutic support, improving their mental health and keeping up their mobility.
“The Tuesday morning exercise class taken by one of the physios is first class,” says Ivor, a resident who is recovering from an arm injury. “My arm is finally beginning to heal. I can do things I couldn’t do when I came here. I can lift myself out of a chair and cut up my food. Before I came to Nightingale Hammerson, I could only eat American style.”
“Physiotherapy at Nightingale Hammerson enables the residents to improve mobility, their mood and achieve their goals. It gives them focus and ownership,” says senior physiotherapist Joy.
“After my physio sessions, my legs can move with much more ease,” says resident Valerie. “If I can move better, I feel good in myself.”
To promote well-being and independence and tackle loneliness, Nightingale Hammerson continues to ensure there is a wide range of outstanding therapies for its residents. In these challenging times, it is committed to providing best practice and the highly skilled care its residents deserve.
Nightingale Hammerson provides exceptional residential, nursing, dementia, rehabilitation and palliative care to more than 200 residents at its homes at Nightingale House and Hammerson House, Wohl Campus.
If you are considering care for yourself or for someone you love, contact residentsservices@nightingalehammerson.org, or find out more at nightingalehammerson. org, Nightingale House, SW12 8NB, 020 8673 3495
Hammerson House, Wohl Campus, N2 0BE, 020 3838 8090