Our dementia care champions at Riversway Nursing Home recently took part in a training session organised by our dementia friends co-ordinators Jo and Sam.

The dementia friend’s session are to take place every month and will be accessible to our local community.

Jo and Sam highlight topics such as understanding and supporting a person with dementia, as well as the practical impact of dementia and the psychological and emotional impact of the condition.

There’s also important advice given out to carers, enabling them to look after themselves when they are supporting someone with dementia.

These dementia awareness sessions are vital and we will ensure that we receive the most up-to-date training and relevant news to enable us to share with our staff and local community.

For further information please get in touch on 0117 955 5758 or visit the Dementia Friends website www.dementiafriends.org.uk

Members of staff at Bristol’s Riversway Nursing Home have been named among the best in the region at a top award ceremony.

Staff from the home, part of the national Springhill Care Group, were finalists in a total of seven award categories at the South West Care Awards, and walked away with two prizes at a ceremony held in Bristol.

Shannon Sheppard was named winner of The Dignity in Care Award, and Victoria Fosuah The Dementia Carer Award.

Joan Comprado had also been shortlisted for The Good Nurse Award, Liz Hahn for The Care Newcomer Award, Trudy Palmer for The Care Innovator Award and Julie Fowler for The Care Home Worker Award.

Jakki Whitehead, a specialist Admiral Nurse based at Riversway, said: “Everybody did so well and truly deserved the recognition.

“This is the second year in a row that a carer from Riversway has won The Dementia Carer Award. On top of that, Shannon who was named Dignity in Care Award winner, is also a trained Dementia Champion which shows we really are leading the way and, as a specialist in dementia care, makes me very proud.”

Regional winners will go on to the national finals which are due to be held in March 2019.

Meanwhile, Riversway’s sister homes in Lancashire have also been nominated for a number of awards in the North West regional awards. Springhill Care Home in Accrington is shortlisted in six categories, Birch Green in Skelmersdale in seven, and the group for a further title.

The North West regional awards take place on Saturday, November 24 in Manchester.

Bristol nursing home Riversway was transformed recently as staff ran the first ‘pub club.’

This was an activity for residents which included traditional pub games and snacks, and really helped to bring back happy memories for many.

The group played darts, table football, took part in quizzes, sang Bristol Rovers football songs and told plenty of riddles and bad jokes. They also enjoyed snacks, beers and ciders.

The informal atmosphere and good company meant everyone enjoyed the activity, and now staff are hoping to receive ideas to help make the next pub club even better.

One of our residents celebrated his birthday in style at the weekend with a good old family get-together at Riversway.

Raymond, known as Ray, had a special party for his 87^th birthday with a delicious home cooked meal around the large dining table.

His family and his loved ones travelled from far and near to be with him and they all had a fantastic time celebrating Ray’s special day.

They also had a surprise visit from the care home therapy pet, Noodles the dog who brightens everybody’s day.

For those asking his age, Ray continues to humour them and tell them that he’s 21 again.

Many happy returns, Ray!

from all of us at Riversway Nursing Home.