82-YEAR-OLD ANN IN CONTENTION FOR PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL AWARD
At Redcot, the Haslemere-based residential care home run by charity, Friends of the Elderly, the residents and care team have been congratulating Ann Essam, one of the care home’s Activities Coordinators on becoming a Finalist in this year’s National Care Awards.
Ann is a Finalist in The Care Activities Co-ordinator/Facilitator of the Year category, an award which recognises the person who works in either a care home or day care service who has made an exceptional contribution to the quality of life, health and happiness of all the people they care for and support through the activities they provide. “I’m really flattered to be a Finalist at this year’s National Care Awards,” said Ann. “To be recognised for what I enjoy and love doing every day is amazing.”
Ann joined Friends of the Elderly in 2001, returning to work following her retirement. “I managed about a year, but I couldn’t take to retirement, I was so bored, I wasn’t ready to stop. I spoke to one of my daughter’s, Gaynor, who was the Manager at Friends of the Elderly’s Bernard Sunley Care Home in Woking. I applied for the role of Activities Co-ordinator at the home and was lucky enough to get the job. I think the residents relate to me as I’m not too much younger than them.
“After a number of years, I moved from Bernard Sunley to Redcot Care Home in Haslemere, and I’m still here today, 12 years later. My role is so varied and no two days are the same, I just love it,” continued Ann.
Ann was nominated for the Award by Jan Daly, Redcot’s Registered Manager. “Ann thoroughly deserves to be a Finalist in The Care Activities Co-ordinator/Facilitator of the Year category,” said Jan. “She is a force of nature who gives 110% to the residents every day.
“Ann contributes so much to the wellbeing of the residents by delivering a high quality service which requires all her wide ranging skills. She designs and delivers a wide, inclusive and varied activities calendar on a weekly, monthly and annual basis for the residents – including those living with dementia – which enhance their health, wellbeing and daily interactions with each other,” added Jan.
Ann’s activities range from seated-exercise classes, arts and craft sessions, sing-along afternoons and visiting entertainers, animals, schools and youth groups, to film nights, themed days, outings and celebratory events such as birthdays and anniversaries.
Ann spends time talking with each resident, getting to know them, their likes and dislikes to make sure everything she does is tailored to meet their individual needs. By doing this, Ann delivers a bespoke service that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can take part in, enjoy and socialise.
“Everyone is different and my role is determined by what the residents want. If you plan something and they don’t want to do it, you change it. You get to know what they like and what they don’t like – but you must be flexible, creative and patient. I want them to be treated well and feel like they are still in their own home,” added Ann.
Knowing the residents’ love of singing, Ann was instrumental in the creation of The Redcot Choir. The Choir, which is totally made up of residents, now perform at Redcot’s many community events and on special occasions.
Ann worked with Jan and local community suppliers to fulfil and bring to life the residents’ idea of having their own pub. The Redcot Arms is fully accessible to all the residents and their guests and can be safely reached in the care home’s lower garden by a Stannah Stair Lift – which accommodates wheelchairs – or easy to manage steps with handrails. “The Redcot Arms doesn’t have opening hours, it is totally unique and is open for our residents whenever they want it to be,” said Ann.
Going that extra mile, making things better for others through her devotion and diligence, Ann also helps the residents with other tasks such as letter writing and shopping and also hosts an annual garden party at her own home, which is a calendar fixture nobody wants to miss.
There have been occasions when residents have moved back into the local community where they have had no friends of family. When this has happened, Ann continues her relationship with them by taking them shopping, calling in for social visits, telephone conversations and even hospital visits. “Ann really is devoted to promoting wellbeing, striving for excellence at all times, treating people with respect and keeping those she cares for safe,” added Jan.
“You don’t come into care or have a career in caring if you don’t like people. It’s all about taking to people, you’d be surprised at what you find out by just listening. Talking and having someone listen, is a great stimulant. No man is an island – we all need people,” continued Ann.
All the residents agree. “I settled so easily at Redcot because of the understanding activities arranged by Ann. There is always something to look forward to – quizzes, pastry, music, outings, exercise to name a few. Ann keeps our minds and bodies alert, is very easy to talk to and always well-dressed and suited to the activity. We couldn’t have anyone better arranging our activities and keeping us all engaged with each other,” said Redcot resident, Joyce Douglas.
The 26th National Care Awards take place on 29th November at London’s ExCel’s Platinum Suite. “I’m honoured to be a Finalist in this year’s National Care Awards. To be a Finalist for such a prestigious award for doing the thing I love, every day, for the people I care for is amazing,” concluded Ann.
