St. Attracta’s Nursing Home NewsletterWinter 2015RECENT EVENTSOn 2nd October there was fantastic atmosphere in St. Attracta’s as the pub setting was recreated. Musical entertainment was provided by local talent Colm O’ Donnell and there was dancing and singing go leor. Colm played & sang a range of traditional tunes which the residents enjoyed immensely. The lilting tone of his voice and the melody of his

excellent flute playing brought back many memories of pub singalongs in the past.

RECENT EVENTS Continued On 6th October a cheese and wine reception was held in the nursing home for ten of the residents and their families who created wonderful artworks with Tom Meskill who is a local artist and son of one of the residents. The residents who got involved are: Nuala Meskill, Maureen Walsh, Seamus Fox, Nora Dillon, Teresa Grennan, Kitty Stenson, Chris Davey, Mary O’ Higgins, Mary B McLoughlin and Ann Sandys. The ten paintings are now displayed for all to enjoy in the nursing home.

RECENT EVENTS Continued The Butterfly Company came to visit on 30th October for what has turned out to be their final visit as unfortunately they are no longer operating. They provided as usual a great show of entertainment.

On 31st October the staff made a great effort and got dressed up in ghoulish attire for Halloween. 11th

November brought the annual Residents Remembrance mass which was well represented with 13 of the 19 deceased resident’s families in attendance. This was followed the following week on 18th

November with a Staff Remembrance mass to remember

the family members of staff who have passed.

On 4th December the annual outing to Horkans for Christmas Shopping took place. Despite the dreadful weather conditions on the day a great day was had by all who attended.

Advocacy

Anne Lynch who is the St. Attractas Residents advocate visited on 3rd

December and brought with her a selection of tea cosies. The tea cosies have been created in aid of Console which is a charity Ann works with for suicide prevention. St. Attractas donated a number of tea cosies which were lovingly crafted by residents, staff and family members. Thank you to each and every person who contributed.

Congratulations also to Ann Lynch who has been nominated as a candidate for Mayo Person of the Year. St. Attractas residents, staff and management wish her every success and hope this honour is bestowed on her.

RECENT EVENTS Continued

On 10th December the Residents Christmas party took place. The catering team provided a wonderful display of food and drinks. On this occasion the musical entertainment was postponed however on the same evening a wonderful evening of traditional music was provided by Michael Cronolly from Killasser.

VISITORSOn 7th December the Active Retirement Group from Charlestown called in and entertained the residents with their Christmas repertoire. Residents were delighted to be

entertained by an older group of visitors.

FeedbackIn recent months we have received some wonderful feedback from families of our residents and want to share a couple of excerpts with you:

“You really understand the important role you play in the lives of so many people. I would like again to thank each and everyone who looked after Dad during his time there. We all know he really did consider it home and was so happy there. Thank you also for the kindness shown to us as his family everyone we visited and the hospitality always available.”

“For all your kindness and friendship, I sincerely thank you but most of all we as a family are indebted to you all for the great care, attention, kindness and love that you showed to mom.”

“Words are really inadequate to thank you all for the graciousness, kindness, sensitivity and understanding you showed us”.

We are always open to feedback (positive /negative) and if there is any aspect of the

running of our home which you feel could be improved upon please speak with one of the Clinical Nurse Managers, Alison or Doreen.

Best Practice in Dementia Care Training Director of Nursing, Alison Moore has been leading the way and rolling out a Best Practice in Dementia Care Program which is delivered by Stirling University, Scotland. Stirling University is recognised as a world leader in the research field of Dementia Care and provides information and advice to guide best practice in dementia care.

On Friday, 13th November Sean Hughes, Learning and Development Officer with the Dementia Services & Development Centre in Stirling University visited St. Attractas Nursing Home to present staff with certificates of completion of the Best Practice in Dementia Care Course. He commended St. Attracta’s for their commitment to the program and was delighted to make the journey to recognise such dedication.

WelcomeWelcome to the new residents who joined us in recent months; Maureen Kilkenny, Liam & Annie Kennedy, John Quinn, Peter Callaghan, Christine Keegan, Thomas Kennedy, John Tansey and Kathleen O’Hora. We are delighted to welcome you to your new home and hope you are settling in well.

Birthday Celebrations

We’ve had a lot of birthdays over the past few months. Here is a selection of photos of some of the birthday cakes:

2016 Dates for the Diary 9th February – Pancake

Tuesday 10th February – Ash

Wednesday 14th February –

Valentine’s Day 17th March – St. Patricks

Day 20th March – Palm Sunday 25th March – Good Friday

27th March – Easter Sunday

RIPDeepest sympathy is extended to their family and friends on the recent passing of Bernie Swords, Ann Keigher, Mary Gallagher, Sean Murrin May they rest in peace.

Audit FeedbackIn recent months the following audits have been completed: Resident Feedback Survey, Relative Feedback Survey, Employee Survey, Call Bell Response Times Audits, Night-time Audits, Care Plan Audit, Fire Evacuation Documentation Audit and Staff File Audits.

We are currently putting together the end of year annual review for 2015 which we plan on publishing in January 2016. This will give a breakdown of a number of the quality and safety controls which are in place in St. Attractas to ensure it is governed sufficiently. If there is anything specific you would like to see included please bring it to Trina or Alison who will give it their attention.

St. Attracta’s Team NewsWe have had a number of new staff join the team in recent months. We heartily welcome these new members to the nursing home team. Farewell to those

staff who have left us to move onto pastures new and thank you for your hard work and service.

ActivitiesThe activities team at St. Attractas are primarily responsible for the organising and coordinating of many of the event, activities and outings which take place. If there is any activity or event which does not take place but which would interest residents please speak with any of the coordinators.

Our activities coordinators are:

Emmanuel Kenny, Marie Peyton, Attracta Gallagher, Geraldine Barnard.

A Merry Christmas Wish for YouWhile you enjoy the gifts, food, sparkle of ornaments

and lights, feasting on favourite foods, I wish this Christmas

would envelop you in the special warmth and rich contentment the season brings.

I wish friends, family, all those who love you let you know how much they care, so that you feel happily

wrapped in their affection.

I wish this Christmas would be one you never forget, a shining beacon in your memory to light

all of your days.