Next in our series of meeting our team we share an interview with Jan. Jan is one of our activity’s coordinators at Cornerways. Cornerways is a residential home in Paignton, a short walk from Preston Sands Sea front. Supporting 47 residents with a range of hobbies and interests takes a team of brilliant coordinators of which Jan is one of the team members.
1. What led you to become an Activities Coordinator in a care home?
Following redundancy from my full-time position in marketing during lockdown, I did several part time jobs which I didn't find very fulfilling. Then at the beginning of 2024 I worked for several months as a domiciliary carer and found the work very rewarding and the training very interesting. I was particularly interested but also shocked how individuals with dementia were affected in different ways and felt this was an area I would like to learn more and give support. However, as a domiciliary carer I missed the creative side I enjoyed in marketing. The position as Activities Coordinator ticked all the boxes, so I applied for the position and thankfully got it!
2. How long have you been working at your PCH home?
I joined Cornerways in October 2024.
3. What’s the most popular activity in the home right now?
It is difficult to list just one activity as what is popular for one resident might not be for another. Also, the physical and mental capability of the resident is so varied it is impossible to find one activity to suit all. Music brightens most of the resident’s day, as does interaction with animals. But skittles along with some other competitive games can really stimulate many residents.
Outings are also very pleasurable for most of the residents, be it a trip to the Donkey Sanctuary, a local pub or trip to the sea front to watch the Torbay Air Show. A change of scenery or being able to enjoy changing scenery always seems to brighten a resident’s day.
4.Can you share a story where an activity had a big impact on residents’ wellbeing?
Another difficult one to name just one but focusing on the events that had an impact on most of the residents.
For sure, it was a delight to see resident's faces when we opened the dining room doors to a wonderfully VE Day decorated room. It was a great visual stimulation for most of them.
However, the recent Carnival Day theme was not only visually stimulating with decorations, the bubble machine and sash waving, but the music, singing and dancing gave residents various ways to be part of the celebration.
5. What creative skills do you use most in your role?
Imagination and research to come up with different ideas. My love of arts and crafts and organisation skills.
6. How do you encourage residents who are shy or reluctant to join activities?
Invite them to watch other residents, being enthusiastic about the activity and keeping a conversation going with them to find out how they feel.
7. If you could organise any local trip for residents, where would you choose and why?
It would be lovely to take residents on the steam train or on a boat trip along the river Dart, where they can sit comfortably but enjoy the changing scenery.
8. How does your team help bring activities to life and support you?
We all support each other well to make an activity successful for the residents. Plus, we are all enthusiastic about making a special event visually attractive, fun and varied to ensure residents with different abilities get some stimulation from the activity.
Within the team we all take different roles. Jake is excellent with the active activities and gets tasks done quickly and efficiently. However, Bianca has an amazing empathy with the residents, is very considerate about their personal wellbeing; appearance, hair, nails and mental health, but can burst with enthusiastic energy to entertain and encourage a large group of residents.
9. Why do you think activities are such an important part of life in a care home?
Stimulation, fun, sense of achievement and getting residents to interact with each other.
10. What’s your favourite moment with residents during an activity?
Seeing residents smile, laugh, open their eyes wide, interact with other residents and visually move with enjoyment, be it stroking a donkey or moving to music.