The Huntington & Langham Estate pulled out all the stops for the King’s Coronation. Bunting and face painting brought back memories for many of the Queen’s Coronation street parties from 1953, while the Coronation quiche sparked conversation about traditions both new and old.
Events such as the Coronation are perfect opportunities for people who live and work in care homes to come together as one. Creating decorations together, painting each other’s faces, and chipping in with food preparation; it is not just a good excuse for a celebration (although of course it is!) but a reminder of everyone’s ability to contribute to their community.
The Huntington and Langham Estate encourages this type of mutual interaction daily by following a 100-point checklist, which is externally audited by Meaningful Care Matters to ensure it is embedded into the care culture.
Point No. 7 in the checklist is Two-Way Giving, which promotes people living in the home to offer love, care and support to the people working in the home.
This role reversal, of sorts, might sound mundane, or even a little odd, to people independent enough to cook, craft and communicate themselves, but for people in need of care, particularly specialist dementia care, it can bring much needed meaning to their lives and a feeling of being a help rather than a hinderance, which is a fear of so many.
Not all septuagenarians can be king and serve their country, but even the most reliant care home residents can contribute more than they are often given credit for. Let the Coronation be a reminder that no-one is too old to serve, even if it is a slice of quiche!
You can find out more about our approach to Dementia Care HERE