Introduction At Apple House care homes we strive to support residents to lead a healthy lifestyle and to be as independent as possible. We provide access to a programme promoting healthy living and wellbeing, with home cooked fresh food, regular exercise, and creative activities. This article outlines why it is important to give people with autism the opportunity to take part in creative activities and regular exercise. Challenges for people with Autism For people with autism, you may notice that they can have challenges in interacting in social situations as it can be overwhelming at times with direct verbal communication. …
By Andrew Wright, Art Psychotherapist, HCPC reg (UK) BAAT, Mindscape Art Therapy – [Senior Support Worker, Little Amberwood Care Home] What is Autism? Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects an individual’s behaviour and communication. People with autism may lack social awareness, emotional reciprocity and the ability to sustain conversations. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by severe and persistent deficits in social communication and interaction (American Psychiatric Association 2013). In the UK the Autism Act (2009) led to the government producing statutory guidelines for autism. With a clear pathway of diagnosis, where everyone has a right to an assessment. …
During these most challenging of times, as the nation finds wonderfully creative ways to connect to others through this lockdown, Summerwood care home is enjoying a mutually rewarding connection with a local nursery school. Intergenerational learning and friendship has been proven to bring lasting and positive outcomes for all and, in these exceptional times of reduced community access, Apple House care homes greatly value a diverse means of retaining each home’s position in the heart of their communities. Sharing art, stories and fun videos is enabling both the children of the nursery school and the team and residents of Summerwood …
“We spent the week before VE Day discussing the things we were going to do and how we were going to do it. D wanted songs, T didn’t want to call it a celebration, M wanted to have lots of food and T suggested Fish and Chips. Everyone was very excited about having games in the garden. Here is a poster we made with the events on it. Everyone had a great time in a socially distanced manner!” — John Caslake, Registered Manager, Summerwood. …
Congratulations go to Redcroft for winning the Great Apple House Bake-Off! Our panel of judges, comprising residents and directors, had a very tough job choosing just one winner from the three beautiful cakes crafted by our staff teams as each home pitched against the other in a super-friendly competition. Apple House care home’s cake won the taste test! The sponge was moist and utterly scrummy. Decorated with delicate sugar daisies and cute bees, it was as pretty as it was delicious. Summerwood care home’s cake wowed us all. In the design of our logo –a plump green apple– and with …
This Thursday we are excited to be travelling to London, to the offices of Care England, to join a steering group headed up by Julia Jones of ‘John’s Campaign’ which will focus on the importance of collaboration with families and loved ones in the care sector. Joined by CQC and leading representatives of the sector, presentations and discussion will centre on what is already being achieved and what work can be done to take John’s Campaign’s ethos even further forward. John’s Campaign was founded in 2014. Since then, overwhelming support has been shown from across the UK. Over 1000 wards, …
Huge congratulations to our very own Carly Houghton, Deputy Manager at Summerwood care home, who is one of just 3 finalists in the Daily Echo Proud To Care Awards 2018! Carly’s nomination was supported by family members of the individuals she supports and you can see from the newspaper article above just how highly valued Carly’s contribution is to their loved one’s care. Jane Montrose, Managing Director of Apple House care homes, said, ‘Do we seem just a little bit proud of Carly? WE ARE BEYOND PROUD! For Carly, this is so deserved. She always goes above and beyond and so …
A heartfelt blog post by Pam, support worker at Summerwood care home: I was thinking about what to talk about on our company blog. I could have written something funny or about an interest that I have. But instead I thought I would share something. I have a brother who is four years older than me who has a learning disability. Since I was a little girl I have always been very protective towards him. I have worked in care for over 30 years now, and so I have seen almost all there is to see from the care provider’s …
We are now recruiting! A career with Apple House Ltd is rewarding, challenging, interesting and fun. Our team members are valued, appreciated and supported. With opportunities to further your training and experience, you will be encouraged and mentored to participate in the latest professional qualifications that will enhance your career pathway with us. With a generous hourly rate and £100 Golden Ticket when you join our team, there has never been a better time to make the move to Apple House care homes. Apple House is an experienced provider of residential care and support for adults with learning disabilities including those with …
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 …
