The Friends of Amarna House support the work of the home. Situated in the heart of a residential community in the historic city of York. Amarna House is an 80 bedded care home offering a range of care including Dementia, Nursing and Residential care.
The Friends aim to improve the quality of life of the residents of the care home by working with staff, residents and relatives.
The Friends of Amarna House are looking to develop services on the site. We have found that this is particularly valued by some residents who through deteriorating health do not have the confidence to come out of their rooms. Alongside this, we support the care homes’ activities’ coordinators by providing extra pairs of hands during organised activity sessions and outings.
THANK YOU TO TESCO BAGS OF HELP
The Friends of Amarna House Care Home are delighted to have received funding from Tesco Bags of Help COVID-19 Communities Fund for £500.
The money will go towards the toiletries such as shampoos, shower gels, razors and talc to have a good stock as there has been a shortage lately. This is great help for residents as they really feel cared about.
THANK YOU!
We would like to say thank you to Amy Young from York donating toiletries to Amarna House Care Home last week
Easter at the Amarna House Care Home
It was a delightful surprise. The Easter holiday weekend brought much more than sunshine - it tied communities together even from a two-metre distance.
It was a delightful surprise. The Easter holiday weekend brought much more than sunshine – it tied communities together even from a two-metre distance.
The residents of Amarna House Care Home peeked outside their doorstep to see several large bags that had been dropped off from members of their own community. When the care home staff came to retrieve the bags, they were pleased to see that it was exactly what the care home needed.
“I wanted to do my bit and help vulnerable people”, Amy, a Friend of the Care Home volunteer explains, describing the reason for dropping off the gifts.
The dedicated staff discovered that the boxes contained a mixture of toiletries like foamy shower gels, soaps, and Estee Lauder body lotions. The staff were relieved at the sight of the gifts, as they had trouble getting everything that they needed during the lockdown.
Linda, the Care Home Manager, described the situation, “Families who lived out of the area were emailing me to ask if I could go and shop for their loved one. Unfortunately, there are purchase limits for most of the products we need, so it was really difficult for us”.
The team decided that since there were so many gifts available, it was an opportunity to create a fun and engaging activity for the residents. They placed the extra items in grab bags where each and every resident could pull a prize out. As the bags circulated the home, the pleasant scents roamed the air and began to lift spirits.
“We feel loved”, the unanimous voices of the residents echoed.
One resident reached in the bag and pulled out his prize. He touched his head, looked down at his hair balm and laughed, “Do you think it would help my hair grow?” As he chose a new prize, he said, “It’s nice to know we are cared about”.
During the weekend, residents played other games like charades and enjoyed showing their new gifts to their fellow residents.
“They were overjoyed”, Linda described the reactions of the residents.
The labour of the staff did not go unnoticed: bath bombs and body scrubs were donated to the staff as a well-deserved thank you. To join in the cause, local organisations also donated goods to the care home like Easter eggs and juices.
It was an Easter weekend made special by a well-rounded effort of the community.
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: 1-2 hours a week
How to apply: please download the application form and return by email to info@friendsofcarehomes.org.uk
Lunch Time Companion “Let’s Do Lunch”
- Patience and understanding
- A calm relaxed nature
- A friendly approachable manner
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
When: Monday – Sunday (Lunch Time)
How long: 3 hours a week
How to apply: please download the application form and return by email to info@friendsofcarehomes.org.uk
Pamper Session
- Friendly and helpful with an interest in the community
- You don’t need to be a qualified beauty therapist
- A gentle touch, a warm personality and a reassuring nature
When: Monday - Sunday (AM or PM)
How long: 30 minutes per resident - 1 day a week
How to apply: please download the application form and return by email to info@friendsofcarehomes.org.uk
Gardening Volunteer
- Interest in gardening
- Gardening experience desirable but not essential
When: Monday – Sunday (AM or PM)
How long: 2 hours a week
How to apply: please download the application form and return by email to info@friendsofcarehomes.org.uk
Reading Buddy
- An interest in literature
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Friendly and helpful with an interest in local community
When: Monday – Sunday (AM or PM)
How long: 1 - 2 hours a week
How to apply: please download the application form and return by email to info@friendsofcarehomes.org.uk