Newsletter – January 2012

Welcome to our first newsletter of 2012. In order to provide an excellent service to our residents I believe it is essential that we are both professional and compassionate in our care. The feedback we have had over the last year from our quality assurance surveys, inspection reports and plaudits from numerous residents and their relatives show that we are getting the mix right. With so many positive things happening in our home, it is important that we share them with you.

Food Hygiene Inspection

We had an unannounced food hygiene inspection by Suffolk Coastal District Council on a Sunday early in December, I am delighted to be able to tell you that Woodbridge Lodge passed all areas of this inspection and have achieved the highest rating (5) possible for food hygiene. I would like to congratulate all our staff who work in this area and especially Claire and Dot who spend the most of their time in the kitchen.

Christmas Fayre

Thank you to everyone who supported our Christmas Fayre. Attractions included a raffle, tombola, and bottle stall, weight of the cake, name the teddy and Christmas crafts. The money raised went towards Christmas presents for our residents. Thank you to all the staff who helped on the afternoon it was much appreciated.

Christmas Entertainment

Our residents enjoyed a fun afternoon following a festive lunch on the 21st December. The afternoon included an Aladdin pantomime and a visit from Mother Christmas. Other Christmas entertainment included the hand bell ringers from Otley, Martlesham Brass Band, the Kesgrave Singers and Christmas music with Jim, a carol service and tea by candlelight on Christmas Eve. Some of our more mobile residents enjoyed a festive lunch at the Coach & Horses in Melton.

Staff Christmas Gifts

Staff are always grateful when residents and relatives show their appreciation by way of gifts, accordingly, many thanks for all the wonderful Christmas presents and money we were given, as you know we share all gifts, so each member of staff has received some chocolates or biscuits.

New Residents

We would like to extend a warm welcome to Ken and Mona. We hope that you have settled into your new home and have got to know some of our other residents and the staff who care for you.

Resident’s Daily Activities

The staff aim to bring as much variety and fun into the lives of our residents as possible. They encourage the residents to continue with their long established hobbies as well as joining in with organized group activities which include baking, card marking, crafts, bingo, dominoes, cards and quizzes. In addition to these we have a lady who comes in to organise musical movements from the armchair, a dog from Pets as Therapy who visits us every week and weekend musical entertainment.

Residents Birthdays

Andrew, Peggy R, Betsy, Audrey, Terry, Bill G, Violet, Ian, Ken, Richard and Margaret have all celebrated a birthday over the winter months. Please remember if there is anything that the staff at Woodbridge Lodge can do to make the residents birthday that extra bit special just ask and we will do our best to oblige.

Staff Training

Our staff have recently received training/refresher courses on Emergency First Aid, and Manual Handling. Later this month we have two members of staff on the external Food Safety in Catering Course held at the council offices.

I am also pleased to inform you that seven members of staff have started NVQ’s, either level two or three, and one of our seniors has embarked on a leadership course. We wish them the best of luck with their studies.

Staff News

We have new members of staff since our last newsletter, Cindy (senior nights) who left us in April 2009, has returned and Lisa (care assistant, days), joined us in October. We welcome them both to Woodbridge Lodge and hope they soon settle in.

Money & Valuables

We prefer the residents to not keep large amounts of cash or valuable items at the Home. Quite often some of the residents get quite distressed when they cannot find these items. We are happy to pay for any expenses that the residents incur and then invoice you. The Home does not take responsibility for any loss, all valuable items should be covered by the residents own insurance.

Refurbishment

Over the last few months our refurbishment programme has included new carpets in some bedrooms and the dining room.

The staff at Woodbridge Lodge wishes to provide the best possible care for the residents and if you or your family member have any query or request, no matter how small, please do not hesitate in contacting us. We welcome all sorts of feedback. If you have any suggestions for improvements to the Home or the service we provide, please do let us know.

Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy 2012.

Kind Regards

Tania Collins