MENTAL HEALTH STRONGER TOGETHER
Sophia Feurtado-Jackson, Service User Engagement Manager at Exemplar Health Care, explores how cross-home friendships and peer leadership are strengthening wellbeing and community for people living in care.
Care homes are oſten described as close-knit communities, but over the past year, we’ve taken that idea further by breaking down the boundaries between them.
In 2020, we partnered with the University of Leeds on an exploratory study into residents’ experience of sexuality, intimacy, and relational wellbeing in long-term complex care settings. The research found that relational need, specifically ‘authentic friendships’, was the strongest theme to emerge across all interviews, highlighting the vital role of genuine and meaningful connections in people’s lives.
By bringing people together from different care homes through shared activities and events, we’ve helped created new friendships, wider support networks, and a renewed sense of belonging. The impact has been clear – residents who once had limited social circles are now part of vibrant communities that extend beyond their own home, strengthening wellbeing, confidence, and quality of life.
A WARM WELCOME FROM THE START
For many, moving into a care home can be daunting. So not only do we ensure that new residents are supported by our multi-disciplinary teams throughout this transition, but existing residents also play a pivotal role in welcoming people and building connections from day one.
From the beginning of Alex’s journey at Maypole Grove, she formed a friendship with Abi that has had a remarkable, lasting impact on them both.
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Alex said: “Before I moved to Maypole Grove, Abi was so nice and told me about the care home. When I moved in, she gave me and my family a tour of the home and answered any questions. It’s lovely to have a friend like Abi. She is a good listener, always helps me out, and is a great laugh.”
Abi shares what the relationship means to her: “Having Alex move to Maypole Grove has changed me as a person. Her confidence and personality have already had an impact on me and had me doing things I never thought I would, such as singing on the karaoke at the social club.”
CROSS-HOME CONNECTIONS
Meaningful connections are not only created within our homes but across them too.
Earlier this year, the team at Bennett Court brought together people from five other Exemplar Health Care homes for a ‘speed meeting’ event that supported people to build friendships in a fun and familiar environment.
The aſternoon was filled with music, and the opportunity for residents from different homes to bond over shared interests, meaning many people left with new friendships they were excited to continue.
Leanne, from Quarryfields in Doncaster, shared: “It’s been so fun. I’ve met so many new people and can’t wait to stay in touch with Julie.” And Julie, who lives at Willowbeck in Sheffield, added: “I love my home, but it’s hard meeting new people. I really wanted to make new friends, and I’ve done that today.”
www.tomorrowscare.co.uk
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