The summer party at Richardson Care is always a fun event: It’s what you’d hope for when hosting any party – happy people, a lovely atmosphere, music, dancing, good food on the barbecue, some games and a lot of laughs.
This year was no exception. It was all in the planning as the central Business Support Team along with the Managers, staff and service users from each home had all contributed to ensure its success.
Darren the DJ set up in the main hall at The Richardson Mews (with one of the service users helping on the decks) so people could make full use of the dance floor and spill out on to the terrace. The whole event was styled to give it a summer music festival vibe along with face painting and floral garlands.
When planning a party for adults who have acquired brain injury or learning disabilities, many of whom also have complex physical and/or emotional needs, good preparation is even more important. And a heatwave being forecast presented additional challenges.
Each service user was supported by their key activity support worker and there were lots of staff on hand to assist. As well as ensuring that everyone was well hydrated, had sun protection, that the games, barbecue and seating areas were set up in the shade, individual choice was paramount.
Individual choice
“Big parties aren’t for everyone, so each individual can choose how much they want to participate – if at all,” says Greg Richardson-Cheater, Director and Co-Owner.
“They might just stay for a short time or find a quiet place in the garden to chill out. The Richardson Mews has a large, enclosed garden so there is plenty of space for different activities or quieter zones. “
“All of our homes are located within a few miles of each other, so no-one is excluded. Parties and social events enhance the family feeling at Richardson Care and our strong desire to create a ‘normal’ home environment, not the rigid, sterile, institutional feel that can be associated with other settings.
“As Richardson Care is an independent family business, our core values of individual choice, respect, inclusion and community participation aren’t diluted by the demands of external shareholders. And this is clearly demonstrated at events like the summer party.”
Safe socialising
“As well as being really good fun, the parties and social gatherings at Richardson Care enable service users from all the homes to join together with all the staff.
This means that they can have safe, supportive relationships with a wider range of people. Being outside their usual home environment creates a different vibe and can be more relaxed, or more stimulating,” adds Laura Richardson-Cheater, Director and Co-Owner.
Practising cognitive and motor skills
She continues: “Activities were also designed to support service users’ daily living skills. The party games required the guys to practise their cognitive and motor skills in different ways, but without it feeling like a therapy session.”
The ‘wet sponge game’ involved throwing a wet sponge through holes in a screen to hit Registered Manager, Emma!
An on-target shot was rewarded with lots of cheers as well as a prize. It required hand-eye co-ordination, listening and comprehension skills – as did the rubber duck water pistol range and the ‘granny pants challenge’!
The treasure hunt, giant playing cards and skittles provided other opportunities for fun goal-orientated challenges.
Laura adds: “You don’t necessarily think of the well-being benefits when you go to a party – you know that you look forward to it, enjoy it and reflect on it afterwards, but you may take it for granted. Just because you live in a residential care and rehab setting doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have these opportunities.
“Socialising in a safe space, listening and/or dancing to music, being outside, winning prizes – all these activities promote endorphin production and are good for well-being. In addition, they support communication, social skills, memory, co-ordination and fine motor skills, which are all crucial everyday living skills.”
Richardson Care is specialist provider of neuro rehab services for adults with acquired brain injury, or learning disabilities, and complex needs. An independent family business with a 37-year track record, it has six specialist homes in Northampton.
To find out more or arrange a visit, call 01604 791266, www.richardsoncares.co.uk.
