Dispelling myths
Often when people think about moving into a care home, they might picture bingo at 3pm, lounges filled with old people watching endless re-runs of Corrie and early bedtimes.
Here at Maycroft we do things very differently.
The residents have lived rich, varied, interesting lives filled with exceptional food, travel and learning new things. So why should that end in later life? Our activities programme offers art history, architecture, sewing, quilting, yoga, choir, book clubs and art classes run by professional artists.
In the past we have used Care Home Open week to open up to the community and invite them in to take part in all our classes and even stay for tea. I know it might seem a strange thing to say, but COVID-19 has actually given us many gifts.
Our family zoom meetings have enabled relatives in Canada to join us, residents have renewed their interest and love of our outside spaces, and we’ve realised how brilliantly adaptable the whole team actually is. Although this year, visitors couldn’t physically walk into Maycroft, they did get a taste of who we are through our virtual event.
Strengthening connections
During COVID-19, we stopped all group activity and, for months on end, residents were in their rooms with 1-1 activities organised by the team. One of the beautiful things to happen in the last year has been how well we have got to know each and every resident and their families, after months of 1-1’s each day.
Our knowledge of their lives has become stronger and we have helped them stay in touch with all their friends and family on a daily basis, often facilitating 50+ calls a day. As a result, as we move out of lockdown, our activities have become even more personalised to the individuals in our care.
So what can you expect from a normal day at Maycroft Manor?
Rather than me tell you, scroll down for the lowdown from our resident poet, Patsy O’Byrne!
Maycroft Manor is the place to be, in sunny Sussex by the sea
Health and safety is the rule, it’s like being back at school
There’s Ian here and Ian there, Ian seems to be everywhere!
So many here that I should mention, who give us all so much attention
Mandy one and Mandy two, always have a lot to do
Welcoming people on a visit, making sure they’re in the limit
Activities throughout the weeks, Emily your attention seeks
With singing here and PE too, there’s always lots of things to do
All the chefs work with their might, bringing us lovely things to bite
Robert is our gardener here and his flowers bring us cheer
Les and James a lovely pair, they can always mend your chair
In the pier lounge things are done, and they can cause lots of fun
The bistro is the place to be, having many cups of tea
And now that I have had my say, I wake to live another day!
5 comments
Comment by Carol posted on
Patsy what a lovely poem. That sums up life at Maycroft manor xxx
Comment by Dymphna Walker posted on
Pat
What a lovely poam, you have been so happy there, it a beautiful place enjoy.
Dymphna. Xx,,,
Comment by Pearce, Ann posted on
I have so many happy memories of my mums time at Maycroft. They are memories I treasure.
Comment by Martin Fassett posted on
Lovely poem
Comment by HealthTimes posted on
Great read. What a wonderful poem. Thank you for sharing this.