The Friends of Rosedene Care Home supported the work of the home situated within London. Rosedene is a purpose built care home offering Dementia, Nursing, Residential, Respite and End of Life care. Rosedene Care Home also provides specialist care for young people with physical disabilities.
The Friends aimed to improve the quality of life of the residents of the care home by working with staff, residents and relatives
The Friends of Rosedene were looking to develop services on the site. We found that this was particularly valued by some residents who through deteriorating health did not have the confidence to come out of their rooms. Alongside this we supported the care homes’ activities’ coordinators by providing extra pairs of hands during organised activity sessions and outings.
Launching a Friends Group - Rosedene
On 17th January 2017, Friend of Rosedene Care Home received a grant from Awards for All to launch a Friends Group.
The project was born following a series of consultations with family members and carers of the care home residents which indicated a strong need for introducing a service that focused entirely on the residents’ wellbeing, as they can often feel lonely and isolated.
We will train volunteers to provide companionship and emotional support as well as 1:1 relationships with elderly residents who can often fell overlooked by society. We believe that establishing a Friends Group at Rosedene will build a stronger local community.
Local residents will play a key role in the establishment of the project. Providing this opportunity for people to make a difference to their elderly neighbours can break down islands within the local community. Local residents will be given the chance to connect and spend time with older residents. The initiative will strengthen the community as local volunteers learn from and engage with the older generation in a humbling experience. This project is a chance to learn that care homes are not places to be afraid of or to avoid. For the residents, it is a chance to see new faces, discover different interests and stories and, as a result, make each day different. Fostering social interaction and commitment to looking after each other is a vital step in growing healthy and strong communities.
Volunteering opportunities
We know your time is valuable and any time you can spare for us will make a big difference. You could volunteer at a one off event or regularly, it is entirely up to you.
If you don’t see a volunteering opportunity to suit you then please get in touch because we could develop an opportunity just for you. If you would like to volunteer please download the application form and return by email to info@friendsofcarehomes.org.uk
Befriending
- A friendly approachable manner
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Helpful disposition with an interest in local community
When: Monday – Sunday (AM or PM)
How long: 3 hours a week
How to apply: please download the application form and return by email to info@friendsofcarehomes.org.uk