Care home created where residents have jobs with a ‘sense of purpose’
NEW YORK: A residential care/group home has been created where residents have jobs to give them a sense of purpose.
Wanstead in East London is getting a new care home which pledges to promote “independence and dignity” by giving residents jobs to give them a “sense of purpose”.
Westgate Healthcare is opening Chestnut Manor, which has 60 purpose-built rooms, with residents in the penthouse living areas able to enjoy panoramic views over London.
Chestnut Manor, similar to its sister homes, will offer residents its Lifestyle Pioneer programme which enables residents to apply for and take on key roles in their care homes.
A spokesperson for Westgate Healthcare said: “The roles within each of our care homes are adapted to suit our residents and their personal interests, and every resident has the opportunity to work alongside the staff at their home to carry out their duties.”
Its other care homes have seen residents take on roles as housekeepers, gardeners, activity leaders and maintenance advisors.
Resident Brian Lace cares for the rabbits at one of Westgate Healthcare’s other care homes and also takes them to residents’ bedsides for a spot of pet therapy.
Ann Slater, who lives at Byron House Care Home in Aylesbury has taken on the role of gardener. She says: “I love being outdoors and have always enjoyed gardening. I love wearing my lifestyle pioneer badge that shows my role around the home.”
Chestnut Manor care home also comes with a hair and nail salon, café, bar, library, and a glass corridor running through the gardens, so that residents and their guests can enjoy the natural surroundings, all year round.
Tara Teubner, director at Westgate Healthcare, said: “We are delighted that Chestnut Manor Care Home will bring a much-needed luxury care facility to the community, that offers bespoke, high quality care packages and a home for life, underpinned by family values. We are looking forward to meeting and being a part of our local community.”
Each floor has been designed to accommodate a range of healthcare needs, from residential care through to dementia and complex nursing care and residents will be able to take part in a variety of activities and lifestyle initiatives, including gardening, arts and crafts, baking, music, and tailored wellbeing programmes.