The Friends of Elmwood support the work of the home. Situated within a residential area of Croydon, Surrey, Elmwood Care Home is a purpose built 60 bedded care home offering Dementia, Nursing, Respite care and End of Life 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 Elmwood 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.
Friends of Elmwood – End of Life Sitters Project
On 30th March 2017 an End of Life Sitters project was launched at Elmwood Care Home thanks to a grant from Awards from All.
The project was created following a series of consultations with family members, residents and staff of the care home we found a strong need for a service that focused entirely on the residents’ comfort in their final hours of life.
The Friends of Elmwood provide training for volunteers to offer companionship and emotional support as well as deliver simple relaxation techniques or a soothing touch to help residents find comfort and peace.
Our aim is that no resident will die alone. We believe that people deserve a holistic care that is tailored to the individual’s needs. Those who approach the end of life have the right to a farewell with dignity and compassion, and with regard to their last wishes. Cultural and religious ceremonies might be some of the residents’ wishes as well, which Friends recognise and fulfil to help residents find spiritual meaning and closure.
Local volunteers will play a key role in the delivery of End of Life Sitters 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 the residents at the very end of their life. The initiative will strengthen Croydon’s 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.
NCS Elmwood Visit
On Friday 25th August 2017 the staff and residents at Elmwood Care Home were pleased to be joined by a group of young people taking part in their National Citizenship Service for a Jamaican themed party with food and music to match
The residents enjoyed the party as they were able to chat to the volunteers and just relax and have fun. One resident mentioned how she missed having get togethers and explained how it had “been 3 years since I had seen young people talking and laughing together”. These visits are very important to residents as they are able to meet and talk to new people, which is often difficult for residents particularly for those with debilitating illness’.
The following week the group returned to the home for a gardening project, where it was decided that they were going to paint the garden furniture as many residents pointed out that garden furniture had lost its original colour. Then to top off the visit the volunteers planted big ceramic pots and over 200 spring bulbs across the Home’s garden to bring colour and life in the spring.
Friends of Elmwood Committee meeting
On 25th October the Friends of Elmwood held their Committee meeting
The Committee discussed an End of Life Befriender project. It was felt this would be very beneficial to the home and the residents. there was also some discussion of how we can aim to improve the garden area.
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
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: 1-2 hours a week
How to apply: please download the application form and return by email to info@friendsofcarehomes.org.uk
Volunteer Befriender
- 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 per week
How to apply: please download the application form and return by email to info@friendsofcarehomes.org.uk