STOMP: Stopping over-medication of people with learning disabilities, autism or both. In 2015, NHS England published reports highlighting the widespread inappropriate use of antipsychotics and other medicines used to treat mental illness in people with learning disabilities. And, following these reports, NHS England led a ‘call to action’ which brought together representatives of professional and patient groups to make sure changes were made to these bad practices. ‘It is estimated that every day about 35,000 people with learning disabilities are prescribed psychotropic medicines when they do not have a diagnosed mental health condition, often to manage behaviour which is seen …
Congratulations to our very own Romaine Lawson, Director of Operations, for winning the coveted ‘Director of The Year’ award at last week’s finals of the Venus Women in Business Awards. “It’s been a great experience being part of the whole process for the Venus Awards. Not only did I meet such inspiring women during the the months leading up to the final who were also nominated, I was introduced to our fabulous sponsors and judges. If you know of someone that you would wish to nominate then I would highly recommend that you keep updated with the Venus website and …
Honoured Guests is a new publication produced in partnership with Care England and John’s Campaign–a national movement that focuses on recognising and actively involving families. Apple House care homes are proud to have joined John’s Campaign as part of our ethos of inclusion, of recognising the important role of family and friends to care residents’ wellbeing and personal identity. “I quite like the title ‘Honoured Guests. It reminds people, whether we are family or friends, that we are there as guests of the resident. This title also reinforces that staff and relatives should have one purpose, which is to support the …
Apple House care home resident gets into the Halloween ‘spirit’ with a bake-fest including pecan pie and cookies. Redcroft and Summerwood care homes similarly enjoyed Halloween fun in a creative and delicious way. …
There is a freedom at sea scarcely found on land… When residents of Apple House care home set sail yesterday and steered a course to fulfil a dream, it was aboard Knoticat catamaran from Poole on a grey day with turbulent skies. Spirits, though, were high and smiles evident as the ten metre vessel took to the water, steered by a cheerful skipper and his crew and with plenty of hot tea! Knoticat is owned and operated by the charity Sports Forum for the Disabled with the aim of giving all disabled and carers the opportunity to sail and enjoy the …
Championing the winter flu jabs! Today I went to get my winter flu jab. We think that it is so important to have the immunisation on offer and to provide all of the information available in order to assist in keeping our teams and people we support as healthy as possible. The immunisation is available across the country in pharmacies and GP surgeries. I went to my local Boots today and had a consultation with the pharmacist, Vera, who was really helpful. Pharmacist are experts in medications and are brilliant at explaining exactly what you can expect from the immunisation. …
We want it now and we want it delivered. No problem when we order our essential care supplies from Comax in Ringwood, Hampshire. Comax is our go-to-guy for all our supplies, whether plates or skin wipes, they do it all! What we love about Comax is their speedy deliveries – always delivered the next working day, which we really appreciate because when we run low on something, we need it replaced. Click HERE to find out more, and please tell them that Apple House recommended you! …
The world’s biggest coffee morning… We are delighted to again participate in Macmillan Cancer Support’s annual World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. Apple House care home hosted theirs this morning: cake baking and cake eating were the order of the day! Jayne Jackson, Registered Manager, says, “It was lovely to see children here this morning, who had great fun picking up the apples that had freshly fallen from our tree.” We suspect the apples might not have been quite as tasty as the cakes but definitely offered a healthy alternative! Apple House Ltd always double all donations received in our homes’ fundraising endeavours. …
Anjali. The professional dance company with a difference. ‘Anjali is a dance company with a difference – all of its performers have learning disabilities. They are currently in training with top choreographers ahead of a Uk and world tour.’ –BBC News, Sept 2017. Watch Anjali on the BBC HERE! Anjali are one of many dance companies springing up around the country aimed at and formed by dancers with learning disabilities. They really are showcasing the joy of dance! Dance is perhaps one of the oldest ways of expressing ourselves, emotion playing a large part in pushing our bodies to move …
We’re looking for a Senior Support worker at our ‘Outstanding’ Hampshire care home. Summerwood has recently been awarded the highest CQC rating of ‘Outstanding’ meaning it’s among the top 1% of care providers in the country! We’d love you to be part of our dynamic team there so, if you are experienced in learning disability support and seek an employer who will value, train and reward you, please get in touch using our ‘Contact Us’ page on this blog or call 01202 485597 (mornings). Due to promotions, we also have two full-time support worker positions available at our Bournemouth care home, Redcroft, …
