Staff Stories

Emma's Compassionate Journey at Foxburrow Grange
Emma's journey at Foxburrow Grange is a testament to the power of compassion and the profound impact it can have on the lives of those living with dementia. Initially joining our team as a cleaner in 2019, Emma quickly demonstrated a genuine affinity for our residents. She took the time to get to know them individually, understanding their passions and interacting with them on a personal level. This innate compassion and understanding did not go unnoticed.

Recognising Emma's natural ability to connect with residents and her positive contribution to their wellbeing, the then Home Manager encouraged her to apply for the position of Activities Coordinator when a vacancy arose in 2021. This was a pivotal moment, not only for Emma but for the entire Foxburrow Grange community.

Embracing a Holistic Approach to Care:
At Foxburrow Grange, we embrace a holistic approach to dementia care, and emphasise positive reinforcement, sensory stimulation, and creating a calm and supportive environment. Emma quickly embraced these philosophies and incorporates these principles into her daily work, providing comforting hand and foot massages in a serene atmosphere, complete with relaxing music and calming lights. These sensory experiences offer invaluable comfort, affection, and reassurance to our residents, particularly those living with advanced dementia.

Cultivating Compassion
While training provides valuable tools, true compassion originates from within. Emma possesses an innate reservoir of compassion that shines through in every interaction. She understands the importance of human touch, believing that "hugs feel like home for the residents." This philosophy has become an integral part of the Foxburrow Grange culture,
fostering a warm and supportive environment for all.

Personalised Experiences
Emma's creativity is a cornerstone of her success. She believes in tailoring activities to individual needs and preferences, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether it's adapting existing activities to support independence or finding innovative ways to engage even the most reserved residents, Emma consistently demonstrates her ingenuity.

One of Emma's most remarkable initiatives was the introduction of "wine and cheese parties." Instead of the traditional
dining room setting, Emma transformed the lounge area into a sophisticated restaurant, complete with attentive "waiters" (staff members) and the gentle melodies of classical music. This unique approach not only enhanced the
dining experience but also created a sense of anticipation and excitement among the residents.

The Power of Music
Emma recognised the profound impact of music on the emotional and cognitive well-being of our residents. This led to the establishment of the "Foxy Foxes Dementia Choir" in 2022. Today, this vibrant group boasts 20 dedicated members who proudly wear their yellow and pink t-shirts and perform regularly for residents, families, and the wider community. The choir's debut CD is a testament to their talent and dedication. Beyond the joy of singing, the choir offers numerous benefits:

• Improved memory and social interaction: Singing helps residents create new memories and connect with others.
• Increased engagement: It provides a reason for residents to leave their rooms and participate in group activities.
• Reduced anxiety and improved mood: Music has a calming effect on many residents, reducing anxiety and elevating their spirits.

Discover more : The benefits of a career with Outlook Care

Recruitment of Nurses has been such a topic of discussion, not only in the local news but also as a National topic, as both the NHS and Social care have had difficulties recruiting and retaining qualified nurses.

We wanted to find out what our Colchester care home Foxburrow Grange, and Outlook Care had to offer our nursing staff, and a good starting point was to ask one of our nurses at Foxburrow Grange nursing Home in Colchester.

Reversa Shava, known as Rev, joined Foxburrow Grange in May 2021. She had worked at Colchester General Hospital for 6 years and came to us as very experienced Registered General Nurse. The experience of working for the NHS during the pandemic is what made Rev decide to look for another job away from the NHS. Rev stated that workload was so heavy and relentless, she was absolutely exhausted due to lack of staff and due to the high levels of sickness across the hospital. She thought she would try something new. She saw the advert for Foxburrow Grange and applied for the position.

Outlook Care offered the following, and this inspired Rev to apply for the role at Foxburrow Grange :

• Comprehensive training and induction package
• Progression and development opportunities
• 33 days annual leave including bank holidays (pro rata)
• Membership of the Social Housing Pension Defined Contribution scheme including life assurance of 3 times annual salary and pension contributions equivalent of up to 4% of your salary.
• Sick pay to support you if you are not able to work & enhanced maternity and paternity.
• Refer a friend scheme, offering £250 for successful referrals.
• Early Pay - access to pay you have already earned before payday.
• £4000 flat welcome bonus on successful completion of a probationary period (Permanent Nurses only)
• £500 retention award every 6 months (Permanent Nurses only & T&Cs apply)
• NMC subscriptions reimbursed.

Rev really enjoyed the interview experience , she said she found the staff team at Foxburrow Grange to be so receptive, welcoming and very kind, Rev joined the team, and she settled in very quickly and enjoys her role.

Discover more : The benefits of a career with Outlook Care