karen on bbc radio kent today

karen was interviewed by Julia George today on radio kent.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/bbc_radio_kent

beccy's dance troupe

the first dance class of the New Year - Beccy agreed to pose with her regular's at the end of the session - even though Win, Doreen and Phyll had just made their getaway!





pictured with beccy are ursula, margaret, jean, pat and helen. Jean particularly enjoyed today's session as she used to dance quite regularly and was very fit and she said it brought back lots of happy memories.

the last shot of the week!

This was the last scene that the film crew set up at Mount Ephraim. With Marion's permission, they used her room and she of course was the star of this particular episode. Also involved were Daisy (hiding behind Simon, the programme director) and Nikita.

It has been an interesting week and the residents and staff have really enjoyed the experience. Just waiting now, for 23rd February for the 'film premiere'... invitations will be sent out, and we look forward to seeing you!

meet the flower arrangers...

here is our little band of willing flower arrangers - ursula, pat, marie and patti, with susan looking on.

flowers from sainsbury's

one of the relatives told us about a scheme at sainsbury's where they supply fresh flowers to care homes on a 'rota basis' free of charge! we phoned to enquire and were told that there was a batch of flowers available today if we could collect after 12.30. We are now on their 'list' and when its our turn again they will let us know.

I returned with a mass of gorgeous flowers which some of the residents were quite happy to help arrange into vases - for the tables, the lounge and some of their own rooms. so far we have filled over 25 vases, with more to go- but we were exhausted by then so we will arrange the rest tomorrow. many thanks sainsbury's what a lovely idea and much appreciated.

still filming at 5pm!!

the last 'shot' of the day was set up in the foyer, and Hilda agreed to have a role in this - she had to sit in a wheelchair and have Sharon push her 'into position' sharon asked me to make sure i got her 'good side' so hope this does her justice! she is playing the part of 'bad carer' today which she and the residents are finding to be a lot of fun..

a starring role for karen

this morning, filming started in earnest for the 'care channel' and karen was one of the first to be 'interviewed' in her office...

variety hour

Sue joined the residents this afternoon for the regular 'variety hour' - quiz, chat about current events and a few funny anecdotes. We push all the chairs back around the room so that Sue can see everyone and they can interact with her - its a popular activity and there were no seats left once she had begun the session!

This week, a crew from 'The Care Channel' are filming a series of situations for a training session due to go out live to care homes around the country. All residents who wish to take part are invited to do so and this morning there was a clamber for 'parts' - hope no-one is disappointed.

I have asked if I can take photo's of the crew filming and they said yes - tomorrow would be a good day, so will keep you posted!

pontoon champ!

meanwhile, Pat beat me at pontoon, think I need more practice.

house!

back to bingo sessions after the christmas/new year break with Christiane and she had a good turnout, with lots of new prizes!

did you watch the bbc news tonight?

A BBC film crew arrived this afternoon to film residents for a segment on the evening news today, regarding proposed cuts by Kent County Council. They interviewed Karen in her office and filmed Hilda, Doreen, Pat and Jean sitting in the lounge chatting with one another.

The story was on the 6.30 news bulletin and I'm just about to watch it again on the evening news. more stars in the making!

hotel chocolat!

still the residents are getting through the chocolates - friends, relatives and visitors to meh have been very generous in giving sweets for christmas and today was the turn of a special box from hotel chocolat given to the residents by elizabeth and joan (volunteers)


while we played a game of scrabble Pat came to offer round the box - which must have helped with concentration as we soon had the game sorted!


while marie makes her choice, marion is busy studying the packaging!!

christmas lunch thanks to sheila and co...

the dining room all set for a super traditional christmas lunch, roast turkey with all the trimmings, courtesy of Sheila in the kitchen.

everyone soon got in the mood, pulling their crackers and donning the paper hats!





now for the washing up Sheila!!

JUST RECEIVED - A LOVELY THANK YOU LETTER!

Karen received this letter today from two of our lovely guests and wanted to share it with everyone as she feels very proud today...

MOUNT EPHRAIM HOUSE CHRISTMAS PARTY

To All the Staff:

Well done to everyone for all their efforts to make the Christmas Party such a success. It was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who attended, visitors and residents alike.

As ever it was not just the renowned Mount Ephraim House hospitality that impressed. More importantly, it was a further reminder of what makes Mount Ephraim House, in our opinion, absolutely unique – the total care and level of concern of all the staff for the residents in their charge. Not just providing the basic necessities but “going that extra mile” that convinces all of them that they are, in fact, “home”.

Just watching you all providing that special care for each and everyone of them puts most – if not all – of us to shame. We just don’t have what it takes, that special something, that you all seem to assume as normal.

Don’t let anyone EVER say that you are “just carers”. You’re top of the heap, one in a million – and it’s plainly obvious to anyone privileged to watch you work.

And well done to the management for getting it right. It’s not easy.

Best wishes to you all for Christmas and the New Year.

Mick and Carolyn Belcham

meh party 2010

a few portraits on the night! it was a lovely party, super food, plenty of booze and music provided by the fabulous doug wake. thanks Karen!!

father christmas...

discovered father christmas up on top of the fireplace at meh today, just needs a few presents to distribute!

review of the year cont'd...

we have had an eventful year at meh, starting off with a visit to the panto in january, johan strauss concert at the assembly hall, celebrated chinese new year in feb, easter celebrations in march, trips to the theatre, art galleries, trinity theatre in april, silver surfers day in may,'music in the air' in june, our garden party in july, party in the park in august, plus river boat trips, day out in eastbourne; sketching on the common in september and trip to burrswood, and in october it was the sponsored walk, autumn fayre and our golf day, finishing with halloween celebrations. november we celebrated bonfire night and visiting the new M&S, trips to local garden centres, a slot on local radio and award ceremonies.

In december, we have been visited by the rotary club carol singers, tunbridge wells boys school choir, and our usual activities - singing, dancing, computers, art and craft and bingo!

some of the staff have been especially celebrated this year with shortlisted nominations for Diana in housekeeping, paul the chef, & daisy and tracey on the care team. We also won an award for Innovation for our introduction of the simply unite computer system in the home, which we hope to extend next year. Nikita was shortlisted for carer of the year in the Reed business awards, and Karen was nominated for care manager of the year; all well deserved recognitions of people doing an excellent job.

We also held the first ever Residents Awards Evening, recognizing the unique talents and contributions from some special residents!

Looking forward to the Mount Ephraim christmas party and christmas celebrations...

etc

review of the year

cant get to work today because of the snow, so I have been reviewing the events and photos of the past year at meh. there have been many memorable days, lots going on and here is a collage of some of them!