Haslemere care home launches new campaign all about the little things

They are sharing the things that are having a positive impact on residents, their families and staff.

Published 5th Sep 2020

A Surrey care home has launched a new campaign which is all about the little things.

Redcot Care Home, in Haslemere, started 'It's the Little Things That Matter' to support the wellbeing, mental and physical health of its residents, their families and staff during the coronavirus lockdown.

Residents have been taking part in a variety of safe activities, including sing-along sessions, outside afternoons on the terrace with a socially distanced local entertainer, Bill Clayton, gardening, arts and crafts sessions and quizzes.

Staff have also been helping them to make calls and have video chats with their families and loved ones.

One resident Grace's daughter Christine said:

"When the restrictions on non-essential visits came in I was very concerned that I would not be with mum.

"I was delighted when the team introduced video calls early in the lockdown period.

"I have been able to spend so much time with my mum and she thinks I am in her room rather than just virtually on a screen.

"I feel they have done so much to keep things the same for residents."

Pupils at St Bartholomew's C of E Primary School have been writing to Redcot residents throughout the lockdown.

The home has said the letters "really cheered the residents up; so much so, they have been replying to the children with letters of their own".

Local church members have also been writing to the residents and have sent chocolates to the staff.

Jan Daly, manager at Redcot Care Home, said:

"The campaign was designed to be a creative two-way communication to help the residents and the care home team to keep in touch while they were missing each other.

"The little things campaign is a way that allows them to express their own little things as a way of showing their love and affection, while at the same time looking towards the future.

"The residents have really enjoyed themselves, although not getting to see their relatives in the very beginning was very, very hard for them.

"But, it's been extremely positive.

"Not only have they been enjoying all the activities, but we've set up a video chat which has been receiving calls from their family and so they can see them on the screen."

People can share their own 'It's the little things...' messages online.