Member Article

Manager awarded for putting Oomph! into residential care

A Hedon-based care home manager has been recognised by a national initiative for her dedication to resident’s wellness.

Cindy Turner, manager of Albemarle care home, based in Baxtergate, Hedon, has received the Manager of the Month Award from Oomph! Wellness thanks to her outstanding contribution towards residents health and wellbeing.

Cindy impressed judges with her enthusiasm and creativity delivering the sensory exercise and activity sessions, which are proven to improve physical, mental and emotional well-being for older people and those with learning difficulties.

Hica Group is the only care provider in the Hull and East Riding area investing in the innovative services from Oomph!, which is the UK’s largest provider of activities and exercise training to the care sector.

Cindy Turner, who has worked with Hica Group for over 15 years, said: “I was surprised to receive the award as my approach to care comes as second nature to me because I only want the best for the residents. I enjoy being involved in activities and working towards improving residents health and wellbeing at every opportunity.

“I thoroughly enjoy playing an active part at Albemarle, and seeing the residents laughing, smiling and enjoying themselves makes it all worthwhile.

“Our exercise sessions are very popular with the residents and they have had a great impact thanks to the fantastic and creative delivery from our staff.

“Such activities are so important to residents as they encourage a healthy and active lifestyle, maintain a high quality of life and create a happy and positive environment for everyone in the home.”

Albemarle, which is ran by not-for-profit organisation Hica Group, runs a range of activities on a daily basis, including trips out into the local community, attending local bowls competitions, crocheting and knitting and arts and crafts. The home also recently opened its very own traditional pub, called The Hub, to residents and visitors.

Penni Brown, chief executive of Hull-based Hica Group, said: “It is fantastic that Cindy has been recognised as an exceptional manager by Oomph! She truly deserves it as she is extremely enthusiastic and dedicated not only to managing Albemarle, but also to providing first class care and activities to the residents.”

The Hica Group began its partnership with Oomph! Wellness in 2015, running sessions in 19 of its 20 homes. The positive impact not only improved resident’s health and wellbeing, but also led to positive mentions in CQC assessment reports of six Hica care homes. Following the success, Hica Group decided to continue training with Oomph! into 2016.

The HICA Group has recorded significant improvements by documenting observations made by instructors. Where 1 is no impact on residents and 10 is significant impact on residents, staff noted a 7.1/10 rating in improvement in physical mobility, an 8.1/10 improvement on social interaction and an 8.2/10 rating in the improvement of mental stimulation.

As well as creating an impact on residents, staff also reported an 85% positive impact on their own job satisfaction after delivering the sessions and noticing results. 100% of Hica employees who trained with Oomph! now deliver weekly sessions to both older residents and residents with learning difficulties.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by The Hica Group .