Norwich care home creates a community where people belong

Living in social isolation isn’t healthy for anyone, and for the elderly it is particularly concerning, putting them at higher risk of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, as well as physical conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and a weakened immune system.

It can also reduce their ability to perform everyday tasks such as taking medicine, cooking, shopping and paying bills.

Oakwood House is a place where residents can build meaningful relationships with staff and other residents (Image: Oakwood House)
The staff at Oakwood House in Norwich have seen first hand the positive benefits of the relationships and interaction that are a core part of the care home.

Nurse assistant Shirley Taylor says building a community that includes residents, staff and relatives is just as important as the high level of specialist nursing on offer at Oakwood House, and they encourage everyone to get involved.

“We communicate what’s going on in the care home with everybody, from carers to the residents to the relatives – everyone is kept in the loop," she says.

Here we speak to Shirley about the ways that Oakwood House creates a sense of belonging for the whole care home community.

Social time

There’s plenty of chances to be sociable at Oakwood House.

Residents enjoy sitting in the open dining room area to eat together and catch up. “The dining room is always full,” says Shirley.

The team are always on hand to remind people what food they’ve ordered and if there’s anything they need help with – or just to have a chat.

The garden at Oakwood House is a great place for activities (Image: Oakwood House)

Activities

There are lots of activities to take part in with the other residents at Oakwood House.

The activities team organise everything from flower arranging with flowers donated by the local branch of Sainsbury’s, to going on an outing to Notcutts to choose new shrubs to plant in the Oakwood House gardens.

The activities provide the perfect environment for friendships to blossom and confidence to grow.

Building meaningful relationships

Of course, not everyone always feels sociable, whether they’re shy or have more complex needs.

These residents can enjoy lunch in their room and a member of the Oakwood House team can spend time with them, so they are still getting some social interaction.

Shirley says that some people then make progress and, with time, join in with activities with other residents.

Bringing the wider community, such as local school children, into Oakwood House for visits always puts a smile on residents' faces (Image: Oakwood House)

Mixing with all ages

As well as the open-door policy for family and friends (and their dogs), residents look forward to visits from local school children, and Shirley said it's a joy to see the engagement between them.

The children visited Oakwood House at the end of last month to take part in Easter activities, which put a smile on all of the residents’ faces.

This June, the care home will be hosting an open day for family, friends, schools, authorities and professionals, with nibbles, live music and games for everyone to enjoy.

Days out

Oakwood House residents are regularly taken on days out, too.

Just last week a group went to Norwich Cathedral for a tour and a treat in the cafe.

“We take small groups, and everyone has the chance to go out and be social,” says Shirley.

Taking residents on days out ensures Oakwood residents remain part of the wider community as well as their own Oakwood community. When they get home they have a great memory to reflect on, and Shirley says it really makes a difference as they laugh and chat about their experiences. 

“I have been here for 11 years, and I just feel it’s like a family,” says Shirley.

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