New activities co-ordinator credits mum for inspiring her
Care worker Alice Jacobs is relishing her new role as activities co-ordinator at Camelot House and Lodge in Wellington, after 10 years’ experience as a healthcare assistant.
Alice, 29, whose mother Debra Jacobs is deputy manager at the same home, said: “It was clear when I was growing up just how much my mum loved her work and how rewarding she found it.
“I was never under any illusions about how demanding care work is, but there is something incredibly satisfying about being able to make a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable people.”
Alice has worked for most of the past decade at a nursing home in Exeter, as part of a team that also included Zillah Oakes, who now manages Camelot House and Lodge, as well as her own mum.
“I was excited when Mum told me about the activities co-ordinator vacancy at Camelot House and Lodge, because Zillah and Mum make a great management team and they’re both already familiar with my skills and personality, so if they thought I was the right person for the job I didn’t need much convincing.
“I’ve been here six months now, and am absolutely loving it. I really enjoy devising activities that bring smiles to our residents’ faces.
“Many of the residents are animal lovers, like me,” said Alice, who has two dogs and five guinea pigs at home, “so we’re always happy with visits and outings that involve animals.
“We have rabbits at the home, and visits from therapy dogs and “We have rabbits at the home, and visits from therapy dogs and we are going to have a pony complete with reindeer antlers for a Christmas visit.
“There are a lot of residents who enjoy getting out and about, so I’ve organised trips to suitable local events such as the County Show and Taunton Flower Show, which helps them to continue to feel part of the community.
“Nearly all of them love music – musical memories live on long after other memories fade for people with dementia, and it has a great therapeutic effect.
“So we have lots of live music, with visiting singers and musicians, and when there are special events like Halloween I prepare a special play list they can enjoy singing along and dancing to.
“We make the most of any opportunity for a celebration, including activities and theme days around sporting events. I’m a big rugby fan – as are many of our residents – so we’re currently all enjoying the Premiership games, and quite a few of us have our fingers crossed for the Exeter Chiefs.”
In her spare time Alice is a keen gardener and also enjoys doing diamond art, so supporting residents in growing flowers and doing arts and crafts also comes naturally to her.
Alice said: “Most of all, I want to provide residents with pastimes that mean something to them personally, which means taking as much time as it needs to get to know them and ensure the activities we provide are enabling them to live their best lives.
“It’s a constant learning process, it calls for a lot of thinking outside the box and it’s hard work, but seeing residents’ faces when they’re enjoying our activities makes it all worthwhile.”
Camelot House and Lodge is run by award-winning care provider Camelot Care, who also have care homes in Bridgwater, Plymouth and Yeovil and a fifth due to open next year in Holsworthy.
