Collaboration
We regularly work in collaboration with NHS South West London Integrated Care Board (NHS SWL) and local commissioning groups to bring pioneering and innovative projects which have brought about social, sensory and health benefits to our resident. We also collaborate with the local and wider community to provide enhanced activities for our residents.
NHS Integrated Care Board Collaborations
Happiness Project
We were approached by NHS SWL to pilot their ‘Happiness Project' which used an innovative piece called a “Magic Table” of technology, to promote improvements to physical wellbeing through exercise video content and reminiscence-based content and activities.
RITA
Another fruitful NHS SWL pilot collaboration was the Reminiscence Interactive Therapy Activities (RITA) digital unit and touch-screen solution, for further enhancing activities and sensory experiences. RITA allows residents to play games, complete quizzes, do arts/crafts, and undertake various sensory experiences through it's digital technology. As it is fully portable, it can also be taken to every room, to ensure all residents can explore it's benefits.
Aquarate
We were selected by NHS South West London as one of two homes to pilot the new Aquarate initiative centred around monitoring and improving hydration. The Aquarate Project utilises hydration cups to digitally monitor the fluid intake of our residents, and is also a sustainable project; our Home embraced this opportunity and are always excited to trial new projects.
PainChek
Through a funding grant from NHS SWL, we have taken our first steps into using AI technology to enhance modern pain assessment. With PainChek, we can identify the presence of pain even when it isn't immediately obvious. The system uses a smartphone camera to capture the person’s facial expressions and analyses these images with AI-driven facial recognition, detecting facial muscle movements associated with pain automatically.
Local Community Collaborations
Royal Borough of Kingston Library
We are grateful for our partnership with members of the RBK Library, who regularly provide us with 'Reminisce Boxes' for our residents to explore. These boxes include items from decades ago, interesting books and facts, which have proved to be great activities for our residents.
Tea and Treats
We regularly attend trips out with our residents to community events, such as community coffee mornings, memory walks, local art sessions, and even accessible wheelchair cycling through the charity Wheels for All.
Local Organisations
We regularly collaborate with other local Care Homes and schools, to provide varied social engagements and foster relationships with the local community. Local residents are invited to our Coffee mornings and we regularly exchange visits with local schools where residents delight in interacting with children and sharing stories. We are also warmly welcomed by local landmarks such as Kew Gardens and Hampton Court for residents to enjoy their beautiful surroundings.
Wider Community Collaborations
Research
Our Partnership with National Institute of Health and Care Research includes a recent study to assist government with data and preparedness for Climate Change in care homes. We are also certified members of their ENRICH scheme which supports and enables care home research.
Crafting Connections
Crafting Connections is a programme that underscores our commitment to bridging generational gaps. This initiative brings children and residents together through creative activities, enriching the lives of both age groups and creating lasting bonds within our community. Our residents communicate with children throughout the country through sending artwork and messages, in a similar scheme to penpals. The power of shared experiences and creativity knows no age limit.
Adopt a Grandparent
Several of our residents have signed up to the Adopt a Grandparent initiative, in which they are paired up with a volunteer globally that has similar interests as themselves, and regular video calls are scheduled. These have proven to be a great success, with residents and volunteers having meaningful conversations and even helping to tackle loneliness.
Compassionate Neighbours
Our home is proud to be part of the Compassionate Neighbours programme, which addresses loneliness and social isolation among those nearing the end of life due to age, illness, or bereavement. The initiative trains local volunteers to provide friendship and companionship through regular visits, group meetings, or community hubs, tailoring support to meet individual needs. Evidence shows the programme significantly enhances the well-being of both volunteers and those they support.
