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Swarthmore Residential Care Home Blog

We love telling the world what we’re up to, so keep checking back for new articles about our goings-on, activities, events and outings. To stay up to date with everything going on in our residential care home in Gerrards Cross, be sure to follow us on Facebook!


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Image for News item 356

Celebrating working at Swarthmore for 25 years

Louise qualified as a hairdresser at the start of her working life. She later decided to step into care and found herself working at Swarthmore as a night-time carer for 15 years. During her time, she stepped up to be a Senior carer. A senior care role has a large amount of time completing records etc, her preference was to care for the residents, so she stepped back to become a carer again. After 19 years of caring for residents she felt it was time to change roles. For anyone who has worked in care I am sure you appreciate it can take its toll on your own body, so she moved to housekeeping and has been supervising the team for around 4 years. Louise has been a major part of Swarthmore’s family, building many relationships with residents. She stepped in as hairdresser during Covid for all the residents, which was amazing, without her not sure what would have happened! What makes someone so loyal to one company for 25 years? Louise said she has made so many lifelong friends working here, of course you can become very comfortable in one place for a long time, but the people make it a great place to work.…

Image for News item 355

Arts in Care Homes - Reflections

Reflections It’s the 5th year of NAPA’s current Arts in Care Homes programme, which highlights the important role of arts engagement and cultural participation in care provision.  This year's theme is Drawing on Memories.   Art is inspired from happy memories. Memories can be expressed in the form of drawings, poems, songs or drama. Memories can be about post events such as a wedding, certain scents, a holiday or a favourite meal someone used to make. Tactile Art – Using textured materials for anyone suffering from macular degeneration or blindness. Sensory art by feeling or touching different textures is a wonderful way to help stimulate memories. Whether you provide a mixture of materials representing various textures or scents. Perfumes, fruits or food can easily bring back memories. Both touch and smell together represent interaction from different areas of the brain. We used different materials such as sponge, velvet and cotton for example, which was an enjoyable experience for one of our residents at 108 years old. It can create a wonderful conversation. Sensory reflections can be aimed at one-to-one person centred care, which is ideal for anyone with impaired senses or likes their own company. Swarthmore residents explored different aspects of art using many different materials. Ann Marie ensured that everyone who wanted to take part was able to.   Origami – residents made paper boats with Anne Park during an afternoon craft session. Origami needs a degree of concentration; at the same time, it creates fun when everyone looks at the different shapes that have evolved. It’s also a good test for our motor skills, with practice this is a good example to show improvements with many things. Sketching our fondest memories – our residents chose to reminisce and draw their wedding day, flying for the first time, packing a car to go on holiday, relaxing in the garden. They sat and sketched whilst chatting about their life and past experiences. A wonderful way to spend the afternoon, a great way to share memories. Lipsticks – The art of make-up. Mary loved to wear make-up in her earlier years. We had an afternoon trying different colours as we helped her experiment with the choices available. Manicures and hand massages using different scents are both relaxing and sensory. Who doesn’t enjoy a little pamper session! Other projects that Swarthmore residents have encountered whilst celebrating special days during the past month have been International Lighthouse Day. Made from pringle tubes, battery operated candle lights and coloured card. This project needed lots of concentration and creativity, the result was amazing.  Decorating pictures of hats and covering them with a creation of embellished jewels and feathers.…

Image for News item 354

Making the Most of Care Home Visits

Swarthmore Residential Care Home – Revised – Making the Most of Care Home Visits The first visit to see a close relative or friend in their residential care home may feel somewhat different to what you have been used to, especially if they’ve been living with you, or you’re used to visiting them in their own home. Seeing them in new surroundings living alongside people you don’t know, may feel a bit unnerving. It’s natural to feel this way, and in our experience at Swarthmore, families very quickly get used to the new environment. Visiting Loved Ones at Swarthmore Residential Care Home The staff at Swarthmore work hard to ensure that it feels like a home from home, both for residents and their families. Visits don’t need to be booked, they can last as long as you want, and there’s no set time for visiting. We want to make sure that family and friends are able to pop in when it’s convenient to them. We love to welcome children as visitors, and it’s a particular treat if a much-loved pet comes too. Keeping Up To Date With Family News Family life is made up of those precious moments when an engagement is announced, a new baby arrives in the world, or a grandchild gets the exam results they need to go to university. All these unique moments can still be shared with family members who are living in a residential care home; it may, however, take a little more planning to make them happen. Here are some suggestions for keeping your loved ones up to date with family news: • A mobile phone is an excellent way to stay in touch, and there are different models for different levels of confidence. • Let them know as soon as there’s ‘breaking family news’, so that they feel included in the special moment. • If the wedding is too far away, send photos as it happens, and share a slice of the cake when you return. • Ask their advice on birthday gifts, cake recipes, colour schemes or crafting techniques, make use of their expertise. • Bring the new baby in as soon as possible; there’s nothing more likely to bring a smile to all our faces! • Swarthmore can offer a WhatsApp video call or Skype with assistance to any family member or friend if you are unable to visit at times. Celebrating Special Occasions in Swarthmore Residential Care Home Birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, these are all important milestones and can be celebrated just as well in a care home setting as in a private home. During the summer, the landscaped gardens that surround the house are a lovely place to enjoy a family celebration. Otherwise, there are numerous places nearby to visit, including Windsor, Cliveden NT, or the Chess Valley. We also have several opportunities during the year where all families socialise such as our recent Summer Gathering. This enables families to meet one another, residents, and staff members. Residents at Swarthmore enjoy a delicious range of food from our on-site chef, but, of course, a cake is always welcomed for birthday celebrations. These moments of delight when family and friends share special occasions with our residents are part of the life of our community and we welcome them. About Swarthmore Residential Care Home Located in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, Swarthmore is an independent care home that has been providing compassionate, short-term, and long-term person-centred care for over 70 years. Our residential care home is set in beautiful, landscaped grounds, just a a short walk from the town centre. Our carers take great pride in both the welcoming environment we provide for our 40 residents and the quality of care we offer. Whether you're seeking respite care, or residential care, we would be delighted to give you a tour of our home, so you can experience the special Swarthmore atmosphere first hand. At Swarthmore we provide a home from home for our residents. For an informal chat, or to arrange a visit, call us today on 01753 885663, Option 1. …

Image for News item 353

Activities during August

Activity at Swarthmore has been full of adventure and exercise this month. Vera Dornhard Dance School from GX community hall performed all types of dance for our residents. The graceful, energetic and very talented dancers performed sequences for the residents. For those who wanted to take part in dancing, they were given the opportunity to dance with an experienced partner.  Lots of reminiscing for those who used to go dancing in their youth.  Amazing how the moves come back to those who used to dance, some things just don't leave our memories!  Like riding a bike. Colin from Birds of Prey Trust kindly brought along his birds and gave a talk about his involvement in caring for injured birds. Residents were able to hold a bird if they wanted to. This was captivating for everyone watching too. KSpark Entertainment gave us an afternoon of Bollywood dancing. Residents learnt about new cultures and dance moves, yet another energetic afternoon. Rushymead Residential Care home invited everyone to have afternoon tea in their beautiful garden. The weather was kind, so it was a lovely afternoon to sit out on a Summer’s afternoon. There's so much more happening - follow our Facebook page, this is just a taster of the energy we have at Swarthmore….. …

Image for News item 352

4 Benefits of Respite Care for Family Caregivers

Whilst our focus at Swarthmore is always our residents, working with residents’ families is also an important part of delivering person-centred care. This is particularly the case when providing respite care for family caregivers who recognise how beneficial taking a break from the caring routine can be for both carer and their loved one. More and more family caregivers are taking on caring responsibilities for their parents or grandparents when in they are in their late 40s or 50s. This means that many of them are still working full-time whilst also providing care. One in four older women, and one in eight older men are currently juggling work, family, and caring responsibilities. Respite care means stepping away from your caring responsibilities for a period. There’s no question that caring for a family member is a hugely rewarding experience, but it is also challenging. It can also be stressful when you have multiple demands on your time. A respite break provides a time to recharge your batteries, knowing that your loved one is being cared for in a safe and supportive environment. 4 Benefits of Respite Care for Family Caregivers Many family caregivers are wary of taking time away from caring; they may feel guilty or worry that they’re evading familial responsibilities. Taking stock of the benefits of respite care, however, demonstrates the necessity of maintaining energy and wellbeing in order to continue in the role of caregiver. A period of respite care provides caregivers with the opportunity to: 1. Let go of Stress and Pressure It’s perfectly natural that, over time, stress and tension can build up even in the closest family relationships. In a caregiving situation, the person being cared for may feel uncomfortable at their loss of independence, and carers may get worn down by their new responsibilities alongside existing ones. Deciding to take a respite break can benefit both parties. The person cared for will be able to spend time with people of a similar age, who will understand their concerns. Whilst the caregiver can focus on other members of the family, and spend some time relaxing with them, or taking a break from work altogether. 2. Apply some Self-Care When you’re focused on the care of another, it’s easy to forget about the care you need for yourself. A period of respite care gives caregivers time to indulge in a spa break, spend time with friends, take some fitness classes, go swimming, or simply enjoy being in the garden, pottering about, with nowhere you need to be. Respite care not only removes to need to be the caregiver, it also guarantees that the care given in your absence to your loved one is of the very highest standard. 3. Reconnect with the World Caregiving can be the equivalent of another full-time job, on top of the one you already have. You may find yourself working early in the morning, in the evening and at weekends. Whilst this is sustainable for a short while if it goes on for too long you can start to feel isolated, as if you’re carrying the burden of care alone. A respite break gives you the much-needed opportunity to reconnect with people who love you and want to support you. They may even be able to offer help but have been unsure how to offer. Take time to lean on them for a while and accept any support they can give you. 4. Refresh their Relationship with their Loved One Every relationship needs new experiences to refresh and revitalise it. It may be that the person you care from has suffered from their world shrinking to some extent. Time spent in a new environment, with fresh faces and a different routine, will open up that world once more and provide new perspectives on their situation. Having spent time apart, you may find that your relationship is re-energised and refreshed. Regular breaks also maintain energy levels as there is always something on the horizon that is new, and potentially re-invigorating. Respite Breaks at Swarthmore Residential Care Home Respite care at Swarthmore is short-term care that includes the many benefits our long-term residents enjoy. These include our beautiful home and gardens, with professional carers to assist you whenever you need them. There are daily activities ranging from arts and crafts to poetry workshops, fitness and wellbeing sessions, and trips out and about. Our carers at Swarthmore work with residents to provide person-centered care, tailored to their specific needs, preferences, and goals. About Swarthmore Care Home Our independent care home in Gerrards Cross has been delivering high-quality, compassionate care to respite and long-term residents for more than 70 years. Situated in beautiful and tranquil grounds, we’re just a short walk away from the town centre. All Swarthmore’s employees consider it a privilege to offer person-centered care to our 40 residents. We take pride in our friendly home-from-home, and we enjoy showing people around. If you’re considering respite care, do come and experience the special atmosphere at Swarthmore. Would you like to speak to someone at Swarthmore Residential Care Home about respite care? For an informal chat, or to arrange a visit, call us today on 01753 885663, Option 1.…

Image for News item 351

Words to brighten your Day

Words are the framework around our emotions. Your words can help restore someone’s day. Older people are a vital part of society. They came from a generation of hard-working people. It’s important to value their life experience and wisdom. We all have days when we feel lower than others, it doesn’t take much to encourage someone to smile or lift their day, especially if you use kind words. As we age our physical challenges become an issue as our movements become slower, maybe some forgetfulness so it’s very important that we have patience and compassion when speaking to them. Don’t assume things, always ask a question instead of giving orders. It’s so easy to become frustrated and lose your patience, which will only upset or confuse the person you are talking to. It’s also important to remember that you can induce deep sadness in someone by saying the wrong thing, so try to think before you speak in those difficult moments. There will be certain days when one may feel lower than others, such as anniversaries. Try and make sure you spend time with them or go out for the day, so their mind is distracted. Sitting around plays on our thoughts and reflects on our mood. Talking or asking questions about their past opens a box of memories for them. This is great for the mind and soul, an easy way to make people happy, even if there are happy tears along the way. Here are a few more ideas to talk about as sometimes we run out of ideas or questions to ask: • If you could have 3 wishes, what would they be? • Focus on what their interests are. Maybe you can help them restart a hobby if they haven’t touched on the subject for some time • Ask them if they would like to go outdoors • Nostalgia helps people reconnect with positive memories which improves a sense of well-being.  Here at Swarthmore Ann Marie carries out person centered room visits weekly. This is your time as a resident to discuss anything or sit and do a crossword together. You can also discuss things that might be on your mind with your key worker or any other member of staff that you have become familiar with. Talking to people helps lift our mood. If you have something that is worrying you it will help alleviate the problem. A couple of our residents explained why they moved into Residential Care; as they didn’t want the worry of running their own home anymore, it was all becoming too much. They now have the time to enjoy all the activities on offer, talk to fellow residents and enjoy a more relaxed way of living. You also have piece of mind if you feel unwell or unable to carry out a task; help is at hand 24/7. If you are considering residential care, feel free to call Sally to discuss your options and arrange a viewing of one of our newly refurbished rooms. Call Swarthmore Residential Care Home on 01753 885 663, Option 1.…

Image for News item 350

Annual Boat Trip

Another year goes by, as we embark on the annual Henley boat trip.  The weather was on our side, the sun came out and it was a pleasant ride up and down the river.  A smashing picnic lunch was enjoyed by everyone on board.  Thanks again to Ann Marie for organising a great afternoon messing about on the river.Its surprising how much history is along this part of the Thames.  We learnt all about the founder of WH Smith, Christopher Wren's designed a quintessentially British stately home along the river.   Thanks to everyone involved in the Rivertime Boat Trust.  …

Image for News item 348

Summer Gathering at Swarthmore 

We held our Summer Gathering on Saturday 22nd July.   Family and Friends joined us for Afternoon Tea and  ‘THE TURF TAPPERS’ provided musical entertainment.  The weather was not so great so we could not enjoy the gardens, but everyone still had a great time.  It was lovely to see everyone come together.  The dining room is now complete so we everyone was able to enjoy the new surroundings.Thank you to everyone for helping and coming along so we could enjoy a great afternoon together.…

Image for News item 356

Celebrating working at Swarthmore for 25 years

Louise qualified as a hairdresser at the start of her working life. She later decided to step into care and found herself working at Swarthmore as a night-time carer for 15 years. During her time, she stepped up to be a Senior carer. A senior care role has a large amount of time completing records etc, her preference was to care for the residents, so she stepped back to become a carer again. After 19 years of caring for residents she felt it was time to change roles. For anyone who has worked in care I am sure you appreciate it can take its toll on your own body, so she moved to housekeeping and has been supervising the team for around 4 years. Louise has been a major part of Swarthmore’s family, building many relationships with residents. She stepped in as hairdresser during Covid for all the residents, which was amazing, without her not sure what would have happened! What makes someone so loyal to one company for 25 years? Louise said she has made so many lifelong friends working here, of course you can become very comfortable in one place for a long time, but the people make it a great place to work.…

Image for News item 355

Arts in Care Homes - Reflections

Reflections It’s the 5th year of NAPA’s current Arts in Care Homes programme, which highlights the important role of arts engagement and cultural participation in care provision.  This year's theme is Drawing on Memories.   Art is inspired from happy memories. Memories can be expressed in the form of drawings, poems, songs or drama. Memories can be about post events such as a wedding, certain scents, a holiday or a favourite meal someone used to make. Tactile Art – Using textured materials for anyone suffering from macular degeneration or blindness. Sensory art by feeling or touching different textures is a wonderful way to help stimulate memories. Whether you provide a mixture of materials representing various textures or scents. Perfumes, fruits or food can easily bring back memories. Both touch and smell together represent interaction from different areas of the brain. We used different materials such as sponge, velvet and cotton for example, which was an enjoyable experience for one of our residents at 108 years old. It can create a wonderful conversation. Sensory reflections can be aimed at one-to-one person centred care, which is ideal for anyone with impaired senses or likes their own company. Swarthmore residents explored different aspects of art using many different materials. Ann Marie ensured that everyone who wanted to take part was able to.   Origami – residents made paper boats with Anne Park during an afternoon craft session. Origami needs a degree of concentration; at the same time, it creates fun when everyone looks at the different shapes that have evolved. It’s also a good test for our motor skills, with practice this is a good example to show improvements with many things. Sketching our fondest memories – our residents chose to reminisce and draw their wedding day, flying for the first time, packing a car to go on holiday, relaxing in the garden. They sat and sketched whilst chatting about their life and past experiences. A wonderful way to spend the afternoon, a great way to share memories. Lipsticks – The art of make-up. Mary loved to wear make-up in her earlier years. We had an afternoon trying different colours as we helped her experiment with the choices available. Manicures and hand massages using different scents are both relaxing and sensory. Who doesn’t enjoy a little pamper session! Other projects that Swarthmore residents have encountered whilst celebrating special days during the past month have been International Lighthouse Day. Made from pringle tubes, battery operated candle lights and coloured card. This project needed lots of concentration and creativity, the result was amazing.  Decorating pictures of hats and covering them with a creation of embellished jewels and feathers.…

Image for News item 354

Making the Most of Care Home Visits

Swarthmore Residential Care Home – Revised – Making the Most of Care Home Visits The first visit to see a close relative or friend in their residential care home may feel somewhat different to what you have been used to, especially if they’ve been living with you, or you’re used to visiting them in their own home. Seeing them in new surroundings living alongside people you don’t know, may feel a bit unnerving. It’s natural to feel this way, and in our experience at Swarthmore, families very quickly get used to the new environment. Visiting Loved Ones at Swarthmore Residential Care Home The staff at Swarthmore work hard to ensure that it feels like a home from home, both for residents and their families. Visits don’t need to be booked, they can last as long as you want, and there’s no set time for visiting. We want to make sure that family and friends are able to pop in when it’s convenient to them. We love to welcome children as visitors, and it’s a particular treat if a much-loved pet comes too. Keeping Up To Date With Family News Family life is made up of those precious moments when an engagement is announced, a new baby arrives in the world, or a grandchild gets the exam results they need to go to university. All these unique moments can still be shared with family members who are living in a residential care home; it may, however, take a little more planning to make them happen. Here are some suggestions for keeping your loved ones up to date with family news: • A mobile phone is an excellent way to stay in touch, and there are different models for different levels of confidence. • Let them know as soon as there’s ‘breaking family news’, so that they feel included in the special moment. • If the wedding is too far away, send photos as it happens, and share a slice of the cake when you return. • Ask their advice on birthday gifts, cake recipes, colour schemes or crafting techniques, make use of their expertise. • Bring the new baby in as soon as possible; there’s nothing more likely to bring a smile to all our faces! • Swarthmore can offer a WhatsApp video call or Skype with assistance to any family member or friend if you are unable to visit at times. Celebrating Special Occasions in Swarthmore Residential Care Home Birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, these are all important milestones and can be celebrated just as well in a care home setting as in a private home. During the summer, the landscaped gardens that surround the house are a lovely place to enjoy a family celebration. Otherwise, there are numerous places nearby to visit, including Windsor, Cliveden NT, or the Chess Valley. We also have several opportunities during the year where all families socialise such as our recent Summer Gathering. This enables families to meet one another, residents, and staff members. Residents at Swarthmore enjoy a delicious range of food from our on-site chef, but, of course, a cake is always welcomed for birthday celebrations. These moments of delight when family and friends share special occasions with our residents are part of the life of our community and we welcome them. About Swarthmore Residential Care Home Located in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, Swarthmore is an independent care home that has been providing compassionate, short-term, and long-term person-centred care for over 70 years. Our residential care home is set in beautiful, landscaped grounds, just a a short walk from the town centre. Our carers take great pride in both the welcoming environment we provide for our 40 residents and the quality of care we offer. Whether you're seeking respite care, or residential care, we would be delighted to give you a tour of our home, so you can experience the special Swarthmore atmosphere first hand. At Swarthmore we provide a home from home for our residents. For an informal chat, or to arrange a visit, call us today on 01753 885663, Option 1. …

Image for News item 353

Activities during August

Activity at Swarthmore has been full of adventure and exercise this month. Vera Dornhard Dance School from GX community hall performed all types of dance for our residents. The graceful, energetic and very talented dancers performed sequences for the residents. For those who wanted to take part in dancing, they were given the opportunity to dance with an experienced partner.  Lots of reminiscing for those who used to go dancing in their youth.  Amazing how the moves come back to those who used to dance, some things just don't leave our memories!  Like riding a bike. Colin from Birds of Prey Trust kindly brought along his birds and gave a talk about his involvement in caring for injured birds. Residents were able to hold a bird if they wanted to. This was captivating for everyone watching too. KSpark Entertainment gave us an afternoon of Bollywood dancing. Residents learnt about new cultures and dance moves, yet another energetic afternoon. Rushymead Residential Care home invited everyone to have afternoon tea in their beautiful garden. The weather was kind, so it was a lovely afternoon to sit out on a Summer’s afternoon. There's so much more happening - follow our Facebook page, this is just a taster of the energy we have at Swarthmore….. …

Image for News item 352

4 Benefits of Respite Care for Family Caregivers

Whilst our focus at Swarthmore is always our residents, working with residents’ families is also an important part of delivering person-centred care. This is particularly the case when providing respite care for family caregivers who recognise how beneficial taking a break from the caring routine can be for both carer and their loved one. More and more family caregivers are taking on caring responsibilities for their parents or grandparents when in they are in their late 40s or 50s. This means that many of them are still working full-time whilst also providing care. One in four older women, and one in eight older men are currently juggling work, family, and caring responsibilities. Respite care means stepping away from your caring responsibilities for a period. There’s no question that caring for a family member is a hugely rewarding experience, but it is also challenging. It can also be stressful when you have multiple demands on your time. A respite break provides a time to recharge your batteries, knowing that your loved one is being cared for in a safe and supportive environment. 4 Benefits of Respite Care for Family Caregivers Many family caregivers are wary of taking time away from caring; they may feel guilty or worry that they’re evading familial responsibilities. Taking stock of the benefits of respite care, however, demonstrates the necessity of maintaining energy and wellbeing in order to continue in the role of caregiver. A period of respite care provides caregivers with the opportunity to: 1. Let go of Stress and Pressure It’s perfectly natural that, over time, stress and tension can build up even in the closest family relationships. In a caregiving situation, the person being cared for may feel uncomfortable at their loss of independence, and carers may get worn down by their new responsibilities alongside existing ones. Deciding to take a respite break can benefit both parties. The person cared for will be able to spend time with people of a similar age, who will understand their concerns. Whilst the caregiver can focus on other members of the family, and spend some time relaxing with them, or taking a break from work altogether. 2. Apply some Self-Care When you’re focused on the care of another, it’s easy to forget about the care you need for yourself. A period of respite care gives caregivers time to indulge in a spa break, spend time with friends, take some fitness classes, go swimming, or simply enjoy being in the garden, pottering about, with nowhere you need to be. Respite care not only removes to need to be the caregiver, it also guarantees that the care given in your absence to your loved one is of the very highest standard. 3. Reconnect with the World Caregiving can be the equivalent of another full-time job, on top of the one you already have. You may find yourself working early in the morning, in the evening and at weekends. Whilst this is sustainable for a short while if it goes on for too long you can start to feel isolated, as if you’re carrying the burden of care alone. A respite break gives you the much-needed opportunity to reconnect with people who love you and want to support you. They may even be able to offer help but have been unsure how to offer. Take time to lean on them for a while and accept any support they can give you. 4. Refresh their Relationship with their Loved One Every relationship needs new experiences to refresh and revitalise it. It may be that the person you care from has suffered from their world shrinking to some extent. Time spent in a new environment, with fresh faces and a different routine, will open up that world once more and provide new perspectives on their situation. Having spent time apart, you may find that your relationship is re-energised and refreshed. Regular breaks also maintain energy levels as there is always something on the horizon that is new, and potentially re-invigorating. Respite Breaks at Swarthmore Residential Care Home Respite care at Swarthmore is short-term care that includes the many benefits our long-term residents enjoy. These include our beautiful home and gardens, with professional carers to assist you whenever you need them. There are daily activities ranging from arts and crafts to poetry workshops, fitness and wellbeing sessions, and trips out and about. Our carers at Swarthmore work with residents to provide person-centered care, tailored to their specific needs, preferences, and goals. About Swarthmore Care Home Our independent care home in Gerrards Cross has been delivering high-quality, compassionate care to respite and long-term residents for more than 70 years. Situated in beautiful and tranquil grounds, we’re just a short walk away from the town centre. All Swarthmore’s employees consider it a privilege to offer person-centered care to our 40 residents. We take pride in our friendly home-from-home, and we enjoy showing people around. If you’re considering respite care, do come and experience the special atmosphere at Swarthmore. Would you like to speak to someone at Swarthmore Residential Care Home about respite care? For an informal chat, or to arrange a visit, call us today on 01753 885663, Option 1.…

Image for News item 351

Words to brighten your Day

Words are the framework around our emotions. Your words can help restore someone’s day. Older people are a vital part of society. They came from a generation of hard-working people. It’s important to value their life experience and wisdom. We all have days when we feel lower than others, it doesn’t take much to encourage someone to smile or lift their day, especially if you use kind words. As we age our physical challenges become an issue as our movements become slower, maybe some forgetfulness so it’s very important that we have patience and compassion when speaking to them. Don’t assume things, always ask a question instead of giving orders. It’s so easy to become frustrated and lose your patience, which will only upset or confuse the person you are talking to. It’s also important to remember that you can induce deep sadness in someone by saying the wrong thing, so try to think before you speak in those difficult moments. There will be certain days when one may feel lower than others, such as anniversaries. Try and make sure you spend time with them or go out for the day, so their mind is distracted. Sitting around plays on our thoughts and reflects on our mood. Talking or asking questions about their past opens a box of memories for them. This is great for the mind and soul, an easy way to make people happy, even if there are happy tears along the way. Here are a few more ideas to talk about as sometimes we run out of ideas or questions to ask: • If you could have 3 wishes, what would they be? • Focus on what their interests are. Maybe you can help them restart a hobby if they haven’t touched on the subject for some time • Ask them if they would like to go outdoors • Nostalgia helps people reconnect with positive memories which improves a sense of well-being.  Here at Swarthmore Ann Marie carries out person centered room visits weekly. This is your time as a resident to discuss anything or sit and do a crossword together. You can also discuss things that might be on your mind with your key worker or any other member of staff that you have become familiar with. Talking to people helps lift our mood. If you have something that is worrying you it will help alleviate the problem. A couple of our residents explained why they moved into Residential Care; as they didn’t want the worry of running their own home anymore, it was all becoming too much. They now have the time to enjoy all the activities on offer, talk to fellow residents and enjoy a more relaxed way of living. You also have piece of mind if you feel unwell or unable to carry out a task; help is at hand 24/7. If you are considering residential care, feel free to call Sally to discuss your options and arrange a viewing of one of our newly refurbished rooms. Call Swarthmore Residential Care Home on 01753 885 663, Option 1.…

Image for News item 350

Annual Boat Trip

Another year goes by, as we embark on the annual Henley boat trip.  The weather was on our side, the sun came out and it was a pleasant ride up and down the river.  A smashing picnic lunch was enjoyed by everyone on board.  Thanks again to Ann Marie for organising a great afternoon messing about on the river.Its surprising how much history is along this part of the Thames.  We learnt all about the founder of WH Smith, Christopher Wren's designed a quintessentially British stately home along the river.   Thanks to everyone involved in the Rivertime Boat Trust.  …

Image for News item 348

Summer Gathering at Swarthmore 

We held our Summer Gathering on Saturday 22nd July.   Family and Friends joined us for Afternoon Tea and  ‘THE TURF TAPPERS’ provided musical entertainment.  The weather was not so great so we could not enjoy the gardens, but everyone still had a great time.  It was lovely to see everyone come together.  The dining room is now complete so we everyone was able to enjoy the new surroundings.Thank you to everyone for helping and coming along so we could enjoy a great afternoon together.…

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Celebrating working at Swarthmore for 25 years

Louise qualified as a hairdresser at the start of her working life. She later decided to step into care and found herself working at Swarthmore as a night-time carer for 15 years. During her time, she stepped up to be a Senior carer. A senior care role has a large amount of time completing records etc, her preference was to care for the residents, so she stepped back to become a carer again. After 19 years of caring for residents she felt it was time to change roles. For anyone who has worked in care I am sure you appreciate it can take its toll on your own body, so she moved to housekeeping and has been supervising the team for around 4 years. Louise has been a major part of Swarthmore’s family, building many relationships with residents. She stepped in as hairdresser during Covid for all the residents, which was amazing, without her not sure what would have happened! What makes someone so loyal to one company for 25 years? Louise said she has made so many lifelong friends working here, of course you can become very comfortable in one place for a long time, but the people make it a great place to work.…

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Arts in Care Homes - Reflections

Reflections It’s the 5th year of NAPA’s current Arts in Care Homes programme, which highlights the important role of arts engagement and cultural participation in care provision.  This year's theme is Drawing on Memories.   Art is inspired from happy memories. Memories can be expressed in the form of drawings, poems, songs or drama. Memories can be about post events such as a wedding, certain scents, a holiday or a favourite meal someone used to make. Tactile Art – Using textured materials for anyone suffering from macular degeneration or blindness. Sensory art by feeling or touching different textures is a wonderful way to help stimulate memories. Whether you provide a mixture of materials representing various textures or scents. Perfumes, fruits or food can easily bring back memories. Both touch and smell together represent interaction from different areas of the brain. We used different materials such as sponge, velvet and cotton for example, which was an enjoyable experience for one of our residents at 108 years old. It can create a wonderful conversation. Sensory reflections can be aimed at one-to-one person centred care, which is ideal for anyone with impaired senses or likes their own company. Swarthmore residents explored different aspects of art using many different materials. Ann Marie ensured that everyone who wanted to take part was able to.   Origami – residents made paper boats with Anne Park during an afternoon craft session. Origami needs a degree of concentration; at the same time, it creates fun when everyone looks at the different shapes that have evolved. It’s also a good test for our motor skills, with practice this is a good example to show improvements with many things. Sketching our fondest memories – our residents chose to reminisce and draw their wedding day, flying for the first time, packing a car to go on holiday, relaxing in the garden. They sat and sketched whilst chatting about their life and past experiences. A wonderful way to spend the afternoon, a great way to share memories. Lipsticks – The art of make-up. Mary loved to wear make-up in her earlier years. We had an afternoon trying different colours as we helped her experiment with the choices available. Manicures and hand massages using different scents are both relaxing and sensory. Who doesn’t enjoy a little pamper session! Other projects that Swarthmore residents have encountered whilst celebrating special days during the past month have been International Lighthouse Day. Made from pringle tubes, battery operated candle lights and coloured card. This project needed lots of concentration and creativity, the result was amazing.  Decorating pictures of hats and covering them with a creation of embellished jewels and feathers.…

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Making the Most of Care Home Visits

Swarthmore Residential Care Home – Revised – Making the Most of Care Home Visits The first visit to see a close relative or friend in their residential care home may feel somewhat different to what you have been used to, especially if they’ve been living with you, or you’re used to visiting them in their own home. Seeing them in new surroundings living alongside people you don’t know, may feel a bit unnerving. It’s natural to feel this way, and in our experience at Swarthmore, families very quickly get used to the new environment. Visiting Loved Ones at Swarthmore Residential Care Home The staff at Swarthmore work hard to ensure that it feels like a home from home, both for residents and their families. Visits don’t need to be booked, they can last as long as you want, and there’s no set time for visiting. We want to make sure that family and friends are able to pop in when it’s convenient to them. We love to welcome children as visitors, and it’s a particular treat if a much-loved pet comes too. Keeping Up To Date With Family News Family life is made up of those precious moments when an engagement is announced, a new baby arrives in the world, or a grandchild gets the exam results they need to go to university. All these unique moments can still be shared with family members who are living in a residential care home; it may, however, take a little more planning to make them happen. Here are some suggestions for keeping your loved ones up to date with family news: • A mobile phone is an excellent way to stay in touch, and there are different models for different levels of confidence. • Let them know as soon as there’s ‘breaking family news’, so that they feel included in the special moment. • If the wedding is too far away, send photos as it happens, and share a slice of the cake when you return. • Ask their advice on birthday gifts, cake recipes, colour schemes or crafting techniques, make use of their expertise. • Bring the new baby in as soon as possible; there’s nothing more likely to bring a smile to all our faces! • Swarthmore can offer a WhatsApp video call or Skype with assistance to any family member or friend if you are unable to visit at times. Celebrating Special Occasions in Swarthmore Residential Care Home Birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, these are all important milestones and can be celebrated just as well in a care home setting as in a private home. During the summer, the landscaped gardens that surround the house are a lovely place to enjoy a family celebration. Otherwise, there are numerous places nearby to visit, including Windsor, Cliveden NT, or the Chess Valley. We also have several opportunities during the year where all families socialise such as our recent Summer Gathering. This enables families to meet one another, residents, and staff members. Residents at Swarthmore enjoy a delicious range of food from our on-site chef, but, of course, a cake is always welcomed for birthday celebrations. These moments of delight when family and friends share special occasions with our residents are part of the life of our community and we welcome them. About Swarthmore Residential Care Home Located in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, Swarthmore is an independent care home that has been providing compassionate, short-term, and long-term person-centred care for over 70 years. Our residential care home is set in beautiful, landscaped grounds, just a a short walk from the town centre. Our carers take great pride in both the welcoming environment we provide for our 40 residents and the quality of care we offer. Whether you're seeking respite care, or residential care, we would be delighted to give you a tour of our home, so you can experience the special Swarthmore atmosphere first hand. At Swarthmore we provide a home from home for our residents. For an informal chat, or to arrange a visit, call us today on 01753 885663, Option 1. …

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Activities during August

Activity at Swarthmore has been full of adventure and exercise this month. Vera Dornhard Dance School from GX community hall performed all types of dance for our residents. The graceful, energetic and very talented dancers performed sequences for the residents. For those who wanted to take part in dancing, they were given the opportunity to dance with an experienced partner.  Lots of reminiscing for those who used to go dancing in their youth.  Amazing how the moves come back to those who used to dance, some things just don't leave our memories!  Like riding a bike. Colin from Birds of Prey Trust kindly brought along his birds and gave a talk about his involvement in caring for injured birds. Residents were able to hold a bird if they wanted to. This was captivating for everyone watching too. KSpark Entertainment gave us an afternoon of Bollywood dancing. Residents learnt about new cultures and dance moves, yet another energetic afternoon. Rushymead Residential Care home invited everyone to have afternoon tea in their beautiful garden. The weather was kind, so it was a lovely afternoon to sit out on a Summer’s afternoon. There's so much more happening - follow our Facebook page, this is just a taster of the energy we have at Swarthmore….. …

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4 Benefits of Respite Care for Family Caregivers

Whilst our focus at Swarthmore is always our residents, working with residents’ families is also an important part of delivering person-centred care. This is particularly the case when providing respite care for family caregivers who recognise how beneficial taking a break from the caring routine can be for both carer and their loved one. More and more family caregivers are taking on caring responsibilities for their parents or grandparents when in they are in their late 40s or 50s. This means that many of them are still working full-time whilst also providing care. One in four older women, and one in eight older men are currently juggling work, family, and caring responsibilities. Respite care means stepping away from your caring responsibilities for a period. There’s no question that caring for a family member is a hugely rewarding experience, but it is also challenging. It can also be stressful when you have multiple demands on your time. A respite break provides a time to recharge your batteries, knowing that your loved one is being cared for in a safe and supportive environment. 4 Benefits of Respite Care for Family Caregivers Many family caregivers are wary of taking time away from caring; they may feel guilty or worry that they’re evading familial responsibilities. Taking stock of the benefits of respite care, however, demonstrates the necessity of maintaining energy and wellbeing in order to continue in the role of caregiver. A period of respite care provides caregivers with the opportunity to: 1. Let go of Stress and Pressure It’s perfectly natural that, over time, stress and tension can build up even in the closest family relationships. In a caregiving situation, the person being cared for may feel uncomfortable at their loss of independence, and carers may get worn down by their new responsibilities alongside existing ones. Deciding to take a respite break can benefit both parties. The person cared for will be able to spend time with people of a similar age, who will understand their concerns. Whilst the caregiver can focus on other members of the family, and spend some time relaxing with them, or taking a break from work altogether. 2. Apply some Self-Care When you’re focused on the care of another, it’s easy to forget about the care you need for yourself. A period of respite care gives caregivers time to indulge in a spa break, spend time with friends, take some fitness classes, go swimming, or simply enjoy being in the garden, pottering about, with nowhere you need to be. Respite care not only removes to need to be the caregiver, it also guarantees that the care given in your absence to your loved one is of the very highest standard. 3. Reconnect with the World Caregiving can be the equivalent of another full-time job, on top of the one you already have. You may find yourself working early in the morning, in the evening and at weekends. Whilst this is sustainable for a short while if it goes on for too long you can start to feel isolated, as if you’re carrying the burden of care alone. A respite break gives you the much-needed opportunity to reconnect with people who love you and want to support you. They may even be able to offer help but have been unsure how to offer. Take time to lean on them for a while and accept any support they can give you. 4. Refresh their Relationship with their Loved One Every relationship needs new experiences to refresh and revitalise it. It may be that the person you care from has suffered from their world shrinking to some extent. Time spent in a new environment, with fresh faces and a different routine, will open up that world once more and provide new perspectives on their situation. Having spent time apart, you may find that your relationship is re-energised and refreshed. Regular breaks also maintain energy levels as there is always something on the horizon that is new, and potentially re-invigorating. Respite Breaks at Swarthmore Residential Care Home Respite care at Swarthmore is short-term care that includes the many benefits our long-term residents enjoy. These include our beautiful home and gardens, with professional carers to assist you whenever you need them. There are daily activities ranging from arts and crafts to poetry workshops, fitness and wellbeing sessions, and trips out and about. Our carers at Swarthmore work with residents to provide person-centered care, tailored to their specific needs, preferences, and goals. About Swarthmore Care Home Our independent care home in Gerrards Cross has been delivering high-quality, compassionate care to respite and long-term residents for more than 70 years. Situated in beautiful and tranquil grounds, we’re just a short walk away from the town centre. All Swarthmore’s employees consider it a privilege to offer person-centered care to our 40 residents. We take pride in our friendly home-from-home, and we enjoy showing people around. If you’re considering respite care, do come and experience the special atmosphere at Swarthmore. Would you like to speak to someone at Swarthmore Residential Care Home about respite care? For an informal chat, or to arrange a visit, call us today on 01753 885663, Option 1.…

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Words to brighten your Day

Words are the framework around our emotions. Your words can help restore someone’s day. Older people are a vital part of society. They came from a generation of hard-working people. It’s important to value their life experience and wisdom. We all have days when we feel lower than others, it doesn’t take much to encourage someone to smile or lift their day, especially if you use kind words. As we age our physical challenges become an issue as our movements become slower, maybe some forgetfulness so it’s very important that we have patience and compassion when speaking to them. Don’t assume things, always ask a question instead of giving orders. It’s so easy to become frustrated and lose your patience, which will only upset or confuse the person you are talking to. It’s also important to remember that you can induce deep sadness in someone by saying the wrong thing, so try to think before you speak in those difficult moments. There will be certain days when one may feel lower than others, such as anniversaries. Try and make sure you spend time with them or go out for the day, so their mind is distracted. Sitting around plays on our thoughts and reflects on our mood. Talking or asking questions about their past opens a box of memories for them. This is great for the mind and soul, an easy way to make people happy, even if there are happy tears along the way. Here are a few more ideas to talk about as sometimes we run out of ideas or questions to ask: • If you could have 3 wishes, what would they be? • Focus on what their interests are. Maybe you can help them restart a hobby if they haven’t touched on the subject for some time • Ask them if they would like to go outdoors • Nostalgia helps people reconnect with positive memories which improves a sense of well-being.  Here at Swarthmore Ann Marie carries out person centered room visits weekly. This is your time as a resident to discuss anything or sit and do a crossword together. You can also discuss things that might be on your mind with your key worker or any other member of staff that you have become familiar with. Talking to people helps lift our mood. If you have something that is worrying you it will help alleviate the problem. A couple of our residents explained why they moved into Residential Care; as they didn’t want the worry of running their own home anymore, it was all becoming too much. They now have the time to enjoy all the activities on offer, talk to fellow residents and enjoy a more relaxed way of living. You also have piece of mind if you feel unwell or unable to carry out a task; help is at hand 24/7. If you are considering residential care, feel free to call Sally to discuss your options and arrange a viewing of one of our newly refurbished rooms. Call Swarthmore Residential Care Home on 01753 885 663, Option 1.…

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Annual Boat Trip

Another year goes by, as we embark on the annual Henley boat trip.  The weather was on our side, the sun came out and it was a pleasant ride up and down the river.  A smashing picnic lunch was enjoyed by everyone on board.  Thanks again to Ann Marie for organising a great afternoon messing about on the river.Its surprising how much history is along this part of the Thames.  We learnt all about the founder of WH Smith, Christopher Wren's designed a quintessentially British stately home along the river.   Thanks to everyone involved in the Rivertime Boat Trust.  …

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Summer Gathering at Swarthmore 

We held our Summer Gathering on Saturday 22nd July.   Family and Friends joined us for Afternoon Tea and  ‘THE TURF TAPPERS’ provided musical entertainment.  The weather was not so great so we could not enjoy the gardens, but everyone still had a great time.  It was lovely to see everyone come together.  The dining room is now complete so we everyone was able to enjoy the new surroundings.Thank you to everyone for helping and coming along so we could enjoy a great afternoon together.…