Riverdale Celebrates Lifestyle Pioneers
Riverdale Care Home, like many other care homes across the Westgate group, has faced unprecedented changes over the past 12 months. Despite the challenges, the staff at the home have come up with new and innovative ways to keep residents motivated and fulfilled throughout the national lockdowns and this has created a strong sense of community within the home. Over the past 12 months, staff have encouraged residents to join Westgate’s Lifestyle Pioneer initiative, which invites them to choose favourite ‘jobs’ around the home, in turn promoting their independence and sense of achievement. This has played a fundamental role in the wellbeing of residents, and has created newfound bonds and friendships between residents.
Debbie is Riverdale’s Lifestyle and Wellbeing Manager and spends her time getting to know the history of the residents and their personalities. Debbie has helped develop the Lifestyle Pioneer initiative throughout the home to enhance the lives of her residents, and she works closely with staff to ensure each resident has the opportunity to partake.
Debbie, Lifestyle and Wellbeing Manager
June is Riverdale’s Artist Pioneer, and during the lockdowns she has enjoyed painting and sharing her work with fellow residents. Now the proud occupier of a designated painting area in the home, June said ‘I love to paint, I feel like a free spirit when I’m painting and the teams are great at supporting my passion and allowing me to share my works of art with my friends.’
June, Riverdale’s Painting Pioneer
Norman, another one of Riverdale’s residents has discovered a new found passion for history and writing. With the support of Debbie and her team, Norman has proudly become Riverdale’s Writing Pioneer and has even written an autobiography of his life! Norman’s two sons were delighted to see their dad smiling during what has been a difficult time for residents and their families.
Norman, Riverdale’s Writing Pioneer
The initiative, along with new ways of working have brought staff and residents closer than ever, with a new found sense of community felt throughout the home. The daughter of a resident living at Riverdale said “I am in awe of the number and range of activities arranged for everyone. I believe that this mental stimulation has been a key factor in Dad coping with the lack of normal contact throughout this pandemic.”
Another relative said “I would like to thank all of the staff at Riverdale Care Home for their efforts over the course of this pandemic. Their care and support for the residents in such difficult circumstances has been amazing. All the activities that take place are also fantastic, and it is wonderful to be able to see the photos of what they have all been doing. These really make us feel involved in some small way as we can see our relatives interacting with staff and other residents.”
In the face of adversity, the staff at Riverdale Care Home have gone above and beyond for their residents, and in doing so have created a strong community within the home. Please visit the Riverdale Care Home page to find out more about life at the care home.
