Abby is a member of Lulworth House’s Recreation and Well-Being Team who loves engaging with her residents through a range of fulfilling experiences and activities.
How long have you worked at Nellsar?
I joined Lulworth House in September 2023.
What made you apply for a role within your Home?
I have always had a passion for working with older adults and have founded a charity which grants wishes for them, which I run in my personal time. So, I was looking for a paid position that would enable me to fulfil my passion and aligned with the mission of the charity. It’s an added bonus that Lulworth House is right around the corner from my home.
What does your role involve?
Essentially, my role involves organising engaging and tailored experiences for residents, but it is much more than that. Lulworth House is a home for many people and part of my role is to ensure that they have the best possible experience here and that they are enjoying their later years to the best of their ability. We run activities such as daily exercise, celebrations for holidays, arts and crafts, beauty care, outings… anything that you can think of really! If you think, outside of a home you are able to go and do whatever you like, so my role is to provide access to those things that they were once able to do independently.
What skills do you need to do your role?
A positive attitude is a must. A ‘can-do’ attitude – if you aren’t willing to get involved, why would residents want to get involved? A creative mind, not necessarily artistic but the ability to think outside of the box. We have residents who often need some extra support, so you need to be able to adapt certain activities to ensure everyone is included.
What elements of your role do you most enjoy?
I enjoy the smiling faces, how no day is the same and the sheer honesty of some residents. If they don’t want to do something, they’ll definitely tell you, as would I if I was in my 80s or 90s!
How would you describe your Home and working with your colleagues?
Lulworth House has a real homely feel to it. Residents are friendly towards each other and are always there to give support if another resident needs it. Colleagues have been very helpful, despite my million questions!
What activities do your residents enjoy doing with you?
Our residents love exercise and most say they can really notice a difference, even if it’s ten minutes a day. A lot of our residents are very creative and enjoy anything artistic, but I would say most of all they love music and singing along. We recently got a karaoke machine so that’s the talk of our Home at the moment!
What are you most looking forward to doing with your residents in future?
I’m of course looking forward to celebrating their birthday, and Christmas – this will be my first one this year! But for me I think it brings me joy to provide some happiness on those ‘normal’ days and having the ability to organise unique activities for residents when they least expect it!
