We are trained in dementia awareness
There are many forms of dementia and other cognitive impairments and sadly, the number of people in the world with dementia is increasing. Newbrook are always looking at additional ways to help our residents. We have found music therapy works very well. We have a full programme with our own highly qualified music therapists who work in small groups or on a one-to-one basis. Pet therapy and art therapy are also popular.
We set aside special rooms in the nursing home for stimulation therapy or a full ‘day out’ staying in for a small group of residents to take part in therapies, a special dinner and reminiscence. All our clinical care staff are trained in dementia awareness and specialist care techniques.
We provide a full clinical service to our residents
In-house expertise from our own nurses and physiotherapists is combined with an external multi-disciplinary team including GPs, dieticians, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, to provide a full clinical service to our residents. Clinical staff are continually upskilling in subjects such as gerontology, wound care, dementia and tissue viability.
We cater for the social wellbeing of our residents
What is wellbeing? It is the holistic approach looking at the whole person and meeting their emotional, physical and social needs. We want our residents to be emotionally relaxed and content in themselves. From a physical perspective, we help our residents keep their independence as much as possible. Social wellbeing is maintained by having meaningful relationships with other residents, their families, staff and the community. Positive mental health stems from a solid foundation of wellbeing – at any time of life.
We put a lot of resources into social activities
We can’t stress enough how important the social and activities programme is to our residents. We put a lot of resources into our activities and each nursing home has its own activities department with staff trained in specialised stimulation and cognitive therapies. Getting to know the resident is important, finding out about their hobbies and what they like to do.
There is always a choice to join in with group activities, have some individual attention or perhaps take some quiet time – and it is never too late to try something new. Also, the Newbrook bus goes to each nursing home to take the residents on outings to the seaside, shopping, cinema, cafes, or just a drive around the countryside, whatever the residents decide.
We understand the importance of wholesome food
Tasty and nutritious food has both physical and mental benefits. Each of our nursing homes has a qualified, professional Chef in charge of the kitchen. The dietician regularly reviews residents and provides dietary plans. All our food is home cooked on site using fresh local ingredients. We cater for all dietary needs and there is always a choice. What will you choose today – roast chicken with all the trimmings or perhaps the salmon? Maybe you prefer pasta dishes. Whatever your choice, make sure you leave room for the freshly baked cakes and homemade desserts.
Our nursing homes are part of the community
Many of our residents have lived in the area all their life. Their families are nearby. The staff walk to work. We all know each other and care about each other. Each of our nursing homes is unique, influenced by its own surroundings. Our residents remain part of their community. They might continue to go to their social clubs – or if not, they have the group come to them. Local schools, music societies and drama groups regularly come to entertain. Newbrook are proud to be part of our communities.