Helen going the extra mile
A Lanarkshire care worker has been recognised for going the extra mile.
The national“Going the Extra Mile”competition, run by HolmesCareGroupandImpact Healthcare to recognise care workers’tireless hard work, has recognised Helen Miller, activity coordinator at Beechwood Care HomeinWishaw,withoneof four awards.
When care homes first closed to everyone but essential visitors, Helen responded quickl quickly to deliver a programme of fu fun, engaging activities for the home’s residents.
She sewed costumes, d decorated lounge areas, g gathered props and even b baked delicious treats to la launch the Beechwood A Airlines and BusTours.
This activity saw residents “to “tour”faraway destinations wh while the home was closed to vis visiting.
A staff member greeted pas passengers boarding a flight from a check-in desk, as resi residents travelled to London for afternoon a tea with the
Que Queen, jetted off to Dublin on St Pa Patrick’s Day with a Guinness anda and attendedWimbledon for a tenn tennis match.
Helen said:“My job is to help the team make every day special for our residents.
“I love seeing their faces light up for an activity I’ve organised and receiving an award like this is an honour because it tells me thatmyworkhelpsmakea difference.”
Helen’s award will see the homewin£1000tospendonthe welfare of all staff members.
The home has decided this will cover garden benches where colleagues can socialise, a bike rack to encourage cycling to work and purchasing indoor plants to boost wellness at work.
CathyTogneri, service manager at Beechwood, said: “Helen’s efforts to keep the peoplewesupportengagedand entertained are admirable.
“Her activities empower some of the most vulnerable people in ourcommunitytochoosehow they spend each day, and her conversations with them help unearth all the memories of childhood, family life and holidays, so that they can relive them while creating many more in the home.
“She goes the extra mile to build her relationships with each one of them, and I am grateful to her for making all of us smile and laugh through a difficult time.”