Insights from The Russets from June, a new staff member in Encore

June 2010 Tea and talking, first impressions of the Russets

Sitting in the garden at the Russets you can sometimes forget you’re at work. This splash of summer has brought everyone out into the sunshine. Residents living with dementia, friends and family, support team, we’ve all of us been enjoying the warmth, usually with some big pots of afternoon tea and a little bit of cake. 

And nothing goes better with afternoon tea than a game of croquet.  I used to think it was a gentle game, but watching residents playing together on the lawn, there’s definitely a competitive edge.

I’ve been working in Encore for just eight weeks and I already feel that I’ve got to know the residents really well. Having worked in residential dementia care and dementia nursing care for seven years I know that sometimes, providing care can diminish to the basics, such as just making sure someone is washed and dressed, but not here.  This is a place where there’s an excellent philosophy of care and it really is put into practice.

My first impressions are all about how much time I have to develop what really are meaningful relationships, to sit and talk or look through someone’s photos. I’ve been baking bread with Dee and Gordon every morning. It’s been a highlight of all of our days, as well as delicious to eat at lunch time.  

You can notice the difference that spending time makes. Daisy and I were talking about my children the other day. Then later I was cajoling her to clean her teeth, which I know isn’t something she enjoys much. She came round with a quick retort, ‘Are you this strict with your kids?” It made us both laugh. She was on top form.

I feel like I’ve a found a new extended family, lots of lovely aunties and uncles. I’m genuinely fond of everyone I’ve met so far.  It’s not a honeymoon period. I know this is how it’s going to be and it’s going to last. 
 

June Warren, Support Worker, Encore