Astley Grange

On Friday 1st of February 2013 Astley Grange celebrated Dignity Action Day. Through the dignity challenge,Karen Wilson, Home Manager and Dignity Champion, spent the day with residents as one of them, to get a better understanding of how it is to depend on others, and how to improve dignity in our care home.

Karen was assisted with morning toilet, dressing and at meal times, she took part in the morning reminiscence session, where residents, relatives, and staff watched slides from trips, parties and events from last year. We also had a discussion about “what dignity mean to me”. Lots of residents participated and contributed.

Following the discussion Monika, the Activities Coordinator, placed a sticker tree on the wall. Everyone including residents, visitors , relatives and staff were encouraged to write on the leaf their own ideas, thoughts and values on what dignity and respect means to them. Monika had also written her own personal story about dignity and placed next to a Dignity Tree.

The dignity tree will remain in place as a visual aid which can be added to by new Residents, new friends or visitors at Astley Grange.

In the afternoon some residents enjoyed baking and decorating buns and in the evening we decided to have a take away night with beer and wine . Staff and residents enjoyed the meal together, and everyone agreed it was a wonderful experience.