Supporting our residents to enjoy everyday living is a key part of our role at Brampton Lodge. Our Wellbeing Coordinator works closely with each of our residents to build a holistic weekly plan in order to stimulate mind body and soul, as well as promoting physical, cognitive, sensory and social well-being.
We try and foster the 8 dimensions of wellness at Brampton Lodge.
Recognising the needs for physical activity, diet, sleep and nutrition. This might mean a walk around the home or garden, or an activity such as chair exercises to help gently work the muscles. On admission, a full nutritional evaluation is done with the resident to acquire their likes and dislikes and any other additional dietary requirements to help us provide a fulfilling and enjoyable diet.
Emotional wellness can be identified as an ability to cope effectively with life and build satisfying relationships with others. Emotional health can be maintained or improved by engaging in regular leisure and recreational activities. It’s also about embracing all the goodness in your life and looking at your glass as half-full rather than half-empty. At Brampton Lodge we pride ourselves on promoting a person-centred environment which is individually tailored to each resident.
Environmental wellness inspires us to live a lifestyle that is respectful of our surroundings. Brampton Lodge begun its carbon footprint initiative in 2020 where we pledged to help the environment by reducing our carbon footprint. This was achieved by recycling to energy saving light bulbs and many more. The Locavore Growing Project launched in 2020 and chose Brampton Lodge as one of its care homes to use unused land in order to create food forests. The residents are invited to help with this and also enjoy planting things such as tomatoes, chillies and cosmos.
Our gardens off a patio which many of our resident’s enjoy sipping their morning sherry on in the warmer months. There is also a pathway which stretches all the way around the garden so that individuals can walk or be taken for a stroll in their wheelchair and will come across our sensory garden located at the rear of the garden where residents can experience all the different textures, colours and smells of the plants.
Spiritual wellness allows us to be in tune with our spiritual selves which can be defined through various factors including religious faith, values, ethics, and morals. Our wellness coordinator organises holy communion once a week and such values are always taken into account in an individual care plan whether it be choosing a vegetarian diet, not wanting meat, or having certain religious requests during their stay.
While occupational wellbeing is usually relatable to work and job satisfaction, the underlying issues is the importance of feeling productive. Resident’s being able to share their unique strengths and skills helps them feel empowered and gives their life meaning. Resident’s are encouraged to share their passions and abilities and will be supported with this.
Staying actively engaged with the world is another factor that can help residents live a healthier life. This involves building healthy, nurturing and supportive relationships as well as fostering a genuine connection with those around you. At Brampton Lodge we offer many group activities for everyone to engage in and try to build a sense of community.
Intellectual wellness encourages us to engage in creative and mentally stimulating activities. Such activities will help individuals to expand their knowledge, as well as sharing their own knowledge with others. We offer quizzes and crosswords, topic talks on popular subjects which might include a power point presentation alongside, as well as reminiscence groups which resident’s are invited to share their own memories of past times.
Financial wellness is a feeling of satisfaction about your financial situation. Finances are a common stressor for people, so being able to minimise worry is always beneficial for individuals. We can offer advice and outside organisations which can help residents with their finances and funding.
Special events at Brampton Lodge are special indeed when celebrated together. Birthdays, Christmas, Easter, Halloween and Bonfire night are all marked with joyful festivities, whilst garden parties, barbeques and theme days are planned regularly to enhance the cheerful atmosphere.
During the coronavirus pandemic, we have adapted to the way in which we deliver activities to our residents. Our wellness co ordinator has found different ways in which to deliver programmes. We have continued bingo through zoom on the ipads, as well as holy communion. Such activities which have been incorporated in the programme have ranged from activities such as reading, poetry, gardening, arts and crafts, singing, foot spas, gin & tonic afternoons with zoom chats, as well as the simpler things in life such as a stroll round the garden or just a general chat. Due to hairdressers and beauticians not being able to come into the home, our care staff have developed their hair and beauty skills to ensure our residents are well kept.
