Young adulthood is a critical phase of life, marked by transitions, challenges and growth. For young adults in residential care, providing a homely environment is paramount to their wellbeing and development. In this blog post, we’ll explore how the teams at Westwood Care Group go above and beyond to make young people in residential care feel safe, confident and happy during their time with us.
Young adults in residential care often come from diverse backgrounds and have experienced various forms of adversity. This can include trauma, abuse, neglect, financial problems, bullying or family breakdown, all of which come with a significant psychological toll.
As they navigate the path to adulthood, young people require support, stability, patience and understanding. By creating a homely environment that addresses their physical, emotional and social needs, we provide an essential framework that’s complemented by one-to-one support.
A homely environment provides young adults in residential care with a sense of belonging and security, which are essential for building trust and forming meaningful relationships. Westwood Care Group is dedicated to creating a welcoming and nurturing atmosphere where young people feel valued, respected and accepted. This is achieved through personalised care, consistent routines, and supportive staff who provide guidance, encouragement and an unconditional positive attitude.
Our residential care environments also encourage young adults to develop independence and autonomy, enabling them to make informed decisions, set personal goals, and take ownership of their lives. Meanwhile, providing opportunities for skill-building, life skills training and practical experiences prepares them for adulthood and equips them with the tools they need to succeed in life beyond residential care.
Helping young adults to become active participants in their care and decision-making fosters a sense of empowerment and self-confidence, which is very much one of our core values.
Our residential care facilities are shaped around comfortable and personalised living spaces that reflect the individual preferences, interests and identities of young adults in our care. Creating cosy bedrooms, communal areas and outdoor spaces where they can relax, socialise and engage in recreational activities also promotes a sense of ownership and pride in their living environment.
In addition, incorporating elements of homeliness such as decorations, photographs and personal belongings helps young people to feel connected and rooted in their surroundings.
Last but not least, a homely environment plays a leading role in building positive relationships and support networks among young adults, staff and peers. This sense of community has a positive snowball effect, as it encourages social interactions, group activities and shared experiences. It also fuels camaraderie, empathy and mutual support, which are essential traits in young people.
Our caring team members are here to build trust-based relationships and serve as role models, mentors and advocates, consistently enhancing our young residents’ sense of security, self-worth and resilience.
If you’re interested in the highest standard of residential care for young people in Hull and East Yorkshire, please call our friendly team on 01482 629506 or use our contact form.
Residential care homes play a vital role in providing care and support for older adults who require assistance with daily living activities. Therefore, the quality of life for residents in care homes is a crucial consideration, and care homes must strive to create a supportive and nurturing environment. In this article, we’ll explore some of how residential care homes can improve the quality of life for their residents.
One of the most significant ways care homes can improve residents’ quality of life is by promoting socialisation and engagement. Social isolation is common among older adults, and living in a care home can exacerbate this problem. Care homes must create opportunities for residents to socialise and participate in meaningful activities, such as group outings or exercise classes. Promoting socialisation makes residents feel less lonely and more connected to others, leading to better mental health and well-being.
Furthermore, care homes must prioritise the nutritional needs of residents. Malnutrition and dehydration are common problems among older adults, and care homes must ensure that residents receive a balanced and nutritious diet. Care homes must provide healthy meals and snacks that meet each resident’s individual needs and preferences. Nutritious food can improve residents’ physical health, prevent illness, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Another critical aspect of improving residents’ quality of life is ensuring access to healthcare services. Older adults often have chronic conditions requiring regular monitoring and medical attention. Care homes must have healthcare professionals, such as nurses and doctors, available on-site to provide residents with the necessary care. Care homes must also ensure that residents have access to medical facilities outside the care home when needed.
Furthermore, care homes must create a comfortable, safe, and homely environment for residents. Care homes should provide comfortable and functional living spaces, including bedrooms, bathrooms, and communal areas. Residents should also have access to outdoor spaces to enjoy fresh air and exercise. Care homes must also ensure that the premises are safe and secure, with appropriate measures in place to prevent falls or other accidents.
In addition, care homes must ensure that staff members are well-trained and well-supported. Care homes require staff members who are compassionate, patient, and skilled in caring for older adults. Staff members must also be trained to recognise and respond to residents’ individual needs, including those with dementia or other cognitive impairments. Care homes must also provide ongoing training and support for staff members to ensure they are adequately prepared to provide high-quality care.
Another essential consideration is the provision of activities that cater to the interests and abilities of residents. Care homes should provide various activities catering to residents’ physical, emotional, and cognitive needs. These activities could include music sessions, art classes, gardening, or games. Care homes must also ensure that activities are adapted to meet each resident’s individual needs and preferences.
Lastly, care homes can improve residents’ quality of life by encouraging family and friends to visit and stay in contact with their loved ones. Family and friends play a crucial role in the lives of older adults, and regular visits can enhance their mental health and overall well-being. Therefore, care homes should provide comfortable and welcoming spaces for visitors and encourage residents to maintain contact with their loved ones through phone calls or video chats.
In conclusion, improving the quality of life for residents in residential care homes requires a comprehensive approach. At Westwood Care Group, we promote socialisation, provide access to nutritious food and healthcare services, create a comfortable and safe environment, ensure staff members are well-trained and supported, provide activities that cater to residents’ interests and abilities and encourage family and friend visits.
For more information about our residential care homes, please call our friendly team on 01482 629506 or use our contact form.
If you provide care for a family member, friend or neighbour there may be times when a break is required. It can be challenging for carers to admit that they need additional support or tell others they may need some time off to take a holiday and relax from personal care pressures.
We know that caring for an individual is never a nine to five job, and the day-to-day routine of early mornings, late nights, and long hours can eventually lead to tiredness and even extreme exhaustion.
We recommend that carers always remember to when possible, take a short break to look after their own health care and wellbeing. For example, it may be that regular replacement overnight care is required so they can catch up on their sleep. Getting plenty of rest will ensure they are ready for the day ahead. Caregivers must remember they cannot do the job alone. It’s impossible.
Westwood Care provides bespoke care packages to meet individual requirements. Our assistants are professional, friendly and highly skilled in respite, home care, elderly care and residential care services. They give peace of mind that the individual will be well taken care of at all times.
There can be many benefits to respite care for all parties involved. Social interaction with different people can be very beneficial. After spending most of one’s time with the same carer, a short break can be an excellent opportunity to speak to new people.
Our services can also provide invaluable support to a carer when the person they care for requires increased assistance after an operation or a visit to the hospital. This can remove some of the pressure and stress these medical appointments can bring.
Different types of help include sitting with the person they care for and keeping them company, preparing meals, helping them get up, washing and dressing. Our assistants can also provide social activities, such as taking the person shopping or completing other domestic duties when required.
Finally, make sure anyone who takes over has all the information they need to look after the individual. This may include what they like to eat and at what time, as well as more complex information about medication. Always leave a list of contact numbers in case of an emergency. This should include the main carer’s numbers, nearby family members, friends and their local doctor.
At Westwood Care and Support, we have 3 residential homes Langdale, Fossdale & Dales House. Our professional care packages are designed to achieve positive outcomes for everyone, whether permanent care or shorter stays. So, if you have a question about any of our home care services, call us on 01482 629 506 or visit our website for more information.
How do I know when it is time to find care for a loved one?
New health concerns can arise as we get older, or disabilities can get harder to handle. It is often a challenging time to witness the effects of ageing and disability. We can struggle to know what the best course of action is. At Westwood, many of our carers have dealt with this in our personal and professional lives. They can help assist you during the process and provide insight and advice.
If you have an older family member, it is common for them to hide signs of decline or problems in their health. Seniors will often maintain a strong sense of will and wish to stay independent, aware that showing signs of concern could end them in a hospital or under care. As a result, they will try to mitigate their symptoms. Mitigation is particularly common after an accident or illness. Families only have the best interest at heart for their loved ones. Still, those struggling must receive the care they need should there be any issues or concerns and be sensitive to giving that person the independence they desire.
One way to ensure your loved one does not put themselves in harm’s way and to set their minds at ease is to have a home carer look after them. A carer deals with keeping track of health records, wellbeing, medication, diet, and liquid intake. Sometimes, this basic level of care is needed to prevent trends of deterioration, allowing continued independence and a little relief all around.
Everyday physical things you can look out for:
Here are some mental and behavioural changes you could watch out for:
They may experience difficulties performing some of the below tasks:
They could also be experiencing difficulties with household responsibilities such as:
It is essential to seek help from professionals if you think your loved ones are showing the above signs. Prolonging this can be potentially dangerous and detrimental to their health. Be sure to address these issues with them in a sensitive manner, and hear their fears, concerns, wants and needs.
Westwood provides care solutions to help people with disabilities or senior clients that help maintain independence and live a complete lifestyle. Don’t hesitate to contact us for any advice or to learn more about our services at 01482 629 506 or [email protected].
Westwood Care Group has three high-quality residential homes in East Yorkshire, each of which is designed with comfort, safety, dignity and wellbeing at its core. Read on to discover why our residential homes are chosen by people from across the region and how they’re designed to provide an exceptional living experience.
Safety, wellbeing and dignity
Duty of care is of the utmost importance to us, which is why all of our care homes have been specifically designed to make our residents feel right at home. We understand that moving into a residential care arrangement may feel daunting, so you can rest assured that you will receive a warm and friendly welcome as soon as you arrive.
A relaxed atmosphere
Our residential homes are comfy and tastefully decorated, resulting in an inviting atmosphere in every room and in all communal areas. No detail has been left out, as we keep our homes clean, tidy and hygienic as well designed for safety, security and accessibility.
Specialist equipment
Westwood Care Group is a responsible care provider, with modern facilities integrated into all of our residential homes. Each home is equipped with suitable equipment for both everyday needs and health emergencies. This means that whatever your mobility and access requirements, our team of fully trained social care professionals have everything in place to keep you safe, healthy and happy.
Social inclusion
Whilst our residential homes revolve around wonderful communities of residents who love having a chat over a cup of tea and taking part in activities together, we also organise a variety of events and day trips when possible. Our residents are also encouraged to suggest dishes for our weekly menus, plus they can even help us to grow fruit, vegetables and herbs in our gardens.
We also welcome family and friends to visit as often as they wish (coronavirus restrictions permitting) and our residential homes regularly receive visits from family pets too. This means that individual service users get to see their loved ones regularly, further strengthening the sense of community that we work so hard to maintain and grow.
Creativity and enjoyment
Each of our residential homes includes a sensory room, which is a tranquil and relaxing space that invites our residents to engage their senses through lighting, music and specific objects. This is a very effective form of therapy that’s used by people of all ages and is especially calming for those with dementia, learning difficulties and complex needs.
Respite care
The majority of our service users are permanent residents but we also host anyone who needs exceptional respite care. People love joining one of our residential homes for a short time, as it’s the perfect environment for recovering after an accident or injury. Whilst here, people in respite receive the highest standard of care, making Westwood Care Group a truly supportive environment for everyone.
Get in touch
If you’re interested in beautiful and affordable residential care homes in Hull and East Yorkshire, please call our friendly team on 01482 629506 or use our contact form.
Caring for someone and balancing your own life can be challenging so sometimes a break is needed. When caring for someone it is difficult for you to admit that you might need additional help or to tell others that you need a small break. All our staff are experienced and have, or are working towards, NVQ level 2 as a minimum (some are working towards a higher level) in health and social care, and will be able to help you.
Located in Cottingham Dales House is long term care where we like to encourage a relaxed and homely atmosphere within a safe and secure environment. Dales house caters for adults aged 18 plus who have complex/multiple needs with a person-centred care service. Fossdale House in Market Weighton offers respite and day care for adults with complex needs, learning and physical disabilities. All of the homes have specialist equipment with tailored activities for every resident, including at Fossdale we have exciting communal areas such as a games room, quiet room and sensory room.
Within the homes links between an individual’s family, friends and pets are encouraged. We promote our residents to fully participate in family and social life to focus on achieving their individual goals. We provide a range of activities, which are tailored to our residents to help encourage a happy environment. We even have a garden featuring a vegetable plot so our residents can engage in gardening activities.
If you are looking for a break or help with caring for an individual, then give us a call on 01482 629506 or visit our website for more information.
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