At our Woking care home, Bernard Sunley, residents have been enjoying a new, interactive pastime thanks to the generous donations and fundraising efforts of two husbands and a grandson of former residents.
Tony Collins’ wife, Jayne, and Norman Carpenter’s wife, Jean, were both residents at Bernard Sunley’s nursing unit. Sadly, when Jayne and Jean passed away, both families – independently – asked for donations for the care home. Not only did both families love the home, but they were both very happy with the quality of care, respect and dignity the team gave to both ladies.
However, wanting to do more, Jean’s Grandson, James Smith, decided to take on a huge challenge. He ran 25, 5k runs on consecutive days to raise additional funds. James said: “I hadn’t been out for a run in a while, so off I went. As I was running I had an idea on how to do a bit of fundraising for Grandma’s care home. So, I made my mind up and ran 25, 5k runs – one each day – from 22nd December to 15th January, which was the day of Grandma’s funeral. I know she would have loved it.”
Through all the wonderful donations and James’ outstanding running achievement, Andy Cumper, Bernard Sunley’s care home manager, was able to purchase an interactive Rainbow Table for all the residents to enjoy in memory of Jayne and Jean.
Talking about the Rainbow Table and the positive impacts it has had on the residents, Andy said: “Thanks to Tony, Norman and James’ kind donations and fundraising triumph, I was able to purchase the Rainbow Table. I wanted to ensure that all our residents continued to be kept engaged, motivated and stimulated throughout the COVID pandemic lockdown, and beyond. It’s been a huge success and it’s great to see our residents happily getting to grips with the new interactive technology and making the most of all the different applications it has to offer.
“It’s easy to use as it’s not too dissimilar to an iPad or smart phone, but on a much larger scale. Its 40” touchscreen makes it very straightforward for our residents – and staff – to navigate and get going with anything they fancy doing.
“It’s a great addition to Friends of the Elderly’s commitment to provide exceptional standards of care. All residents can join in and take part in the group activities or use it on their own. It’s up to them – they can do what they want to do, when they want to do it.”
For residents who are living with dementia, using and engaging with the interactive Rainbow Table can increase their mental stimulation. They can experience and enjoy reminiscing, playing games, sensory, learning and relaxation activities. In addition, it is a great tool for the care team. By browsing the web and familiarising the residents with the many possibilities of the internet, they can engage and discover past and unknown interests.
John Tuazon, Bernard Sunley’s Dementia Champion added: “The Rainbow Table has definitely improved our resident’s overall wellbeing and it brings an added level of quality, engagement and interaction to their day. For our residents living with dementia, the Table’s sensory games, reminiscing and relaxation applications are helping to keep them mentally active and stimulated. It’s lovely to see the joy it brings.”
Andy continued: “Since we installed the interactive Rainbow Table at the end of last year, all the team have seen how it has become a firm favourite and an added incentive for our residents to socialise and interact with one another, especially when playing group games as they get quite competitive, which really does create an open and enjoyable social environment.
“We have seen how it brings out positive emotions every time we use it and with its seemingly endless possibilities, our residents are enjoying exploring the varied range of new interactive applications. We ran quiz on the “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” game and one of our residents, Valerie, commented that it was ‘way more inclusive’ as everyone could see the questions and answers.”
Commenting on their kind donation and fundraising, Norman said: “My family and I wanted to do something to say thank you to Andy and his team for the kind, loving and exceptional care their gave to Jean. We are so glad that all the residents are enjoying the Rainbow Table and having fun with the technology. James and I know it’s something both Jean would have loved.”
Tony added: “Jayne was so happy at Bernard Sunley. Andy and his team were always so helpful and took great care of her. The level of care and professionalism they consistently show to their residents is second to none. All my family wanted to show their gratitude as it was such a comfort to know that Jayne was so well looked after. I’ll always be grateful for the five-star service, love and attention they gave to Jayne.”
Set in Woking, Surrey, Bernard Sunley care home provides residential, nursing dementia care in modern, purpose-built facilities. All rooms are spacious, light and airy and have en suite bathrooms.
To find out more about Bernard Sunley, email enquiries@fote.org.uk or call 01483 764 300.