Monday 28 December 2009

Christmas morning at The Oaks

Though it may have been cold and icy outside it was nice and warm at The Oaks on Christmas morning. Full of Christmas cheer, Mark and Paul opened their presents and then enjoyed a lovely walk followed by a traditional Christmas dinner.

From all Service Users and staff at The Oaks Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Monday 14 December 2009

Paul's "turkey and tinsel" holiday

Last week Paul went with his lucky support worker Charmaine to the lovely seaside city of Bournemouth, courtesy of Paul's brother Barry who not only organised the festivities but also got them there in his coach. They went with a coach party from the Portobello Club.
Every evening there was something special going on, with a different theme each night. On Monday there was a Christmas Eve party followed by a Christmas Day celebration on Tuesday. On Wednesday the theme was Boxing Day and then on Thursday the revellers welcomed in the new year with a New Year's Eve themed grand finale. Paul said that he greatly enjoyed the partying! What a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit!

Monday 7 December 2009

Karen's leaving party


Last Tuesday we bid a fond farewell to Karen Wilkinson who was our Head of Service at Exalon Care Homes. She was a frequent visitor and played an important role in the day to day running of The Oaks. Karen is now moving into a new job and we all wish her all the best for the future. Karen we will miss you!

After the party we received a message from Karen: "I would like to express my sincere thanks to you, the whole staff team and service users for my wonderful leaving party. I was overwhelmed with the lovely presents you all brought for me and the beautiful spread that was laid on for me. I know you and your staff team's hard work and commitment will continue to benefit the service users lives and all of your person centred working has at The Oaks has been demonstrated effortlessly. I will miss you all very much. Love Karen xx"

Friday 20 November 2009

Designate Manager

Hello Everyone,

Most of you are aware that Jolene is no longer the manager at The Oaks. From everyone at The Oaks we would like to wish Jolene well and good luck for all of her future projects.

The new Designate Manager is myself, Donna Taundry.

I have worked closely with all of the service users while being here at The Oaks and have developed great relationships with their families and friends.

I would like to thank all of the service users, staff , families and outside agencies for your wonderful feedback and support.

I look forward to working with you in the future!

Thanks Again- Donna

Tuesday 10 November 2009

Sixties Night Out


John and Paul have enjoyed a 'Sixties Night Out' with a show at Malvern Theatre.
The show included musical acts from the sixties and the gents were happy to sing along.
They had posh nosh before hand and a few beers out.
I am told they had a late one-
but they both thoroughly enjoyed themselves!!!

Training and Qualifications

Congratulations to

Gaynor Ball

for completing

LDQ Level 3

**********

Staff have also attended various training days this pass month, these include;

Boots Medication Dosage System
Safe Handling of Medication
Dementia Care Level 2
Engagement and Interaction

Tuesday 6 October 2009

Star Rating

We are pleased to announce we have had our recent inspection
report and The Oaks is now officially rated

2 STARS

A big thank you to everyone for all of their positive feedback
and continued support!

Thank You and Congratulations Everyone!

The Morgan Day Out!

The gents enjoyed lunch at 'The Fox' before carrying on with their drive around the county.

A Day Out In A Morgan Car!

Paul and Gareth went to the Morgan Factory to collect the car and then enjoyed a drive around the county. Paul loved having the top down and the wind blowing in his face and the attention he received from the ladies.......

Paul's Big Day Out!

Paul, with assistance from Gareth, hired the Morgan (along with a chauffeur!!!!!! I might add) to take him for a drive around the county including stopping for lunch at a lovely restaurant!

Friday 2 October 2009

Paul Raybould


Those of you that know Mr Paul Raybould will already be aware of his love of cars!

Our home is situated just around the corner from the Morgan Motors Factory
and Paul has been to visit the factory, however, last week Mr Raybould decided to go one better than a visit to the factory! He donned his best suit and hired a Morgan for the day!!!!!

I kid you not! Take a look at the photos......

Jolene's wedding Cake

Yes, your eyes do not deceive you!
Jolene's wedding cake is an AA Van!

Seems the happy couple's story is straight from a fairy tale
as they first met when Jolene broke down and
Steve (who works for the AA) came to rescue her!

A modern day Cinderella story!

Jolene's Wedding


As you know, Jolene married Steve on 5th September and I have finally managed to steal some photos of the big day!

Aaaaahhhhh doesn't she look lovely!

Monday 28 September 2009

John Morris in London.


John Morris at Buckingham Palace in London.


John Morris in London

More photos of John in London..............

John Morris in London

John has loads of fab photos from his trip to London!!!! Here he is on the couch with Jonathon Ross! (The wax work that is!!!) Ha ha

John Morris In London

Diary of my trip to London.......

We also visited Madame Tussauds and we went to Buckingham Palace.

We didn't actually go in the palace because we thought the Queen might be busy.

We had a lovely time away.

Written by John Morris

John Morris In London

Diary of my trip to London..........

On Wednesday we went to Simpsons Restaurant.

On Thursday we went to Angus Aberdeen and had a meal and then we went to see Grease!

Written by John Morris

John Morris In London


Diary of my trip to London.........

Last week Chris and I went to London. We stayed in a Travel Lodge. It was a lovely hotel.

On Tuesday we had fish and chips then we went to see 'Phantom of the Opera.'

Written by John Morris

Friday 11 September 2009

WITH THE LADIES AWAY...........

.................THE MEN WILL PLAY!!!!!

With the girls away on their holidays, the men enjoyed an evening in on Wednesday.
They got snacks and beers and relaxed to watch the big England game!
They were over the moon with the final score and I have to say so was I..........
When I arrived to The Oaks the next day they were all smiles and chatting about the game!!!

In the words of Paul Raybould....'Come on England!!!!'

The Safari Park

Although Hugh enjoyed the wild life surroundings, it seems the weather, the food and the drink kept Hugh happy for the day! That's our Hugh!

Everyone is off out on another day trip today to the Maize Maze! The weather is so good again today that they are going to make up a picnic basket full of goodies and enjoy lunch out!

The weekend looks set to be a good one! If the sunshine holds out I am sure the guys will make the best of it..... again!

So have fun guys!!


The Safari Park


While at the Safari Park, everyone enjoyed lunch out. Before walking around the animal enclosures set in the park. This included farm animals, sea lions, snakes, spiders and crocodiles! However, no one fancied the venture into the bat caves! Can't say I blame them for that!

The Safari Park

With Ellen, Jane and John away, the rest of the service users spent the day out yesterday at the Safari Park.

The weather has been beautiful the last few days and we thought we should make the most of it!

Paul, Mark and Hugh, accompanied by Gareth and Michelle set of first thing in the morning.

Here is Paul face to face with an Ostrich! Although they were happy to feed the animals, none of them were very keen on the animals poking their faces through the windows of the car!! Ha ha! Everyone had a fab time and we have an array of photos from this day out. If any parents or family would like copies of the photos please do not hesitate to contact me!

Monday 7 September 2009

The Girls Are Off To Spain!

Today we said adios to Ellen, Jane, Maddy and Debbie!

They are all off to Spain for the week for a girlie holiday!
They had early morning flights but the excitement was enough to keep them awake for the trip to the airport!

All of them have done so well to be organised for this trip. In the last week they have been busy sorting their passports, changing their Euros and of course shopping for new clothes! (All of the usual essentials for a lady going abroad!)

Ellen is going to keep a diary of each day while in Spain, so we hope to share some of this with you on her return!

But for now............
Happy Holidays to the Girls! Have Fun!

John Morris is off on his travels...... again!

Today we said our goodbyes to John Morris and Chris Tully!

They are off to London for the week and this time they have remembered to take the camera! Hooray!

They are planning to visit the sights of London and are also going to see 'Phantom of the Opera' and 'Grease.'

Have fun guys and we will look forward to the pics when you return!

Congratulations to Jolene and Steve.

Everyone at The Oaks would like to say a huge
CONGRATULATIONS
to Jolene and Steve
who got married on Saturday.
Jolene Riggs is now Jolene Instan (I hope I have spelt that right!!!!).
They were married in The Fownes hotel in Worcester surrounded by friends and family.
Staff and service users from The Oaks attended the wedding reception and we all had a fabulous time!

Congratulations to Jolene and Steve.... And also Aaron and Tyler (their sons).

Wednesday 26 August 2009

John Morris

Despite the rain there is no stopping John from visiting the sights and scenery of Malvern. John has not been put off by our recent poor weather at all and has been to the Priory Church, Great Malvern shops, The Mount Pleasant Hotel (Apparently they have the finest cream teas in Malvern), as well as out for lunch and dinner out last night.

John likes to choose where he would like to go on a daily basis- he is not one of these to plan too far ahead- and thats lovely for John to be able to make spontaneous decisions and spur of the moment choices.

John enjoys a lovely relaxed approach to life!


Paul Raybould at The Shops

Paul has had a lovely week. His brother and family came to visit him this week. Paul is very close to all of his family and thoroughly enjoys catching up with them when they visit.

Paul has been bowling, to the pub, dog walking and to the library. Paul has decided to start a vegetable plot in the garden! He has helped build a gardening block to plant the vegetables in and now needs to choose some colours to paint it. Paul has chosen a pretty tough time of year to begin planting vegetables but he will be researching winter vegetables to grow with help from staff. Paul is very pleased to have his own patch of garden to tend to! And we are all looking forward to trying some freshly grown veg!

Good one Paul!

Hugh Claridge/ Personal Shopping

It has been great to see everyone developing their independent skills, but fabulous to see Hugh taking an active part in this too!

Hugh mainly 'supervises' activities of daily living- (and this quote came directly from his care manager)!

However it's so nice to see Hugh accessing the community now more than ever. He requires extra staff support and we are so happy to see him progressing in all areas.


Hugh is participating in more sensory activities as well and we are looking forward to enabling Hugh to explore his senses and new experiences.

Jane firth enjoying Chocolate Fondue!

Jane's passport has arrived! Yippeeeeeee!

Jane will now be looking to book her annual holiday abroad with help from her key worker Maddy.

Jane has enjoyed her weekly girly night of facials, massage and chocolate fondue!

Jane has also enjoyed her usual art club, library visits, bowling and meal out. She is also starting flower arranging around the house and I must say has the house looking very pretty! Jane has a very creative streak and so, together with her key worker , her next project is going to be the redecoration of our small lounge!

Have Fun Jane! But the guys say 'not too much pink!!!'

Mark Callaghan

Mark has enjoyed another busy week. He now has designated time to go out and choose a lunch which he purchases from the local bakery!

Mark is enjoying this method of practising his money skills much more than shopping for clothes and toiletries!!! Ha ha!

Mark's Mum has been waiting for me to post this pic of him as it's one of her favourites- so 'Hi Mum' (from Mark) and 'Hi Mrs Callaghan' (from me).

And of course a big 'well done' to Mark who just continues to strive in all areas of developing his life skills! I know mark's parents are very proud of his progress- and so are we!

Nicholas Wright- Line Dancing!

Nicholas has enjoyed many of his usual activities and clubs this week! He has been line dancing, bowling with 'Echo,' attending his local Social Education Centre and has even cooked dinner for his mother. Nicholas has been practicing his cooking skills and I think we may have a budding chef on our hands- he's has become very very good! Nicholas invites a friend or family member for dinner on Mondays to sample his culinary delights and this week he invited his mother. He and his Mother enjoyed some beers with their dinner and I am told they had a lovely evening.

Keep up the good work Nicholas!

Nicholas is fanatic about Doctor Who and he is planning to book a day out at an exhibition coming soon to the local area! We hope to have some pictures to share with you all. He has also booked his annual holiday. He chose to spend a week away in Skegness and will be going mid September so lets hope by then the sunshine has returned!

Ellen Allen

Well, what a week for Ellen!

Ellen has been enjoying working two sessions a week in the office and is proving to be a great help to the staff. She is really enjoying the responsibility although her time keeping has not been good this week due to her 'doing her hair!'

Ellen! Come on! You are going to have to come up with a better excuse than that! Ha ha!

Ellen has had quite an eventful week. She has been for a passport interview and hopes to have her passport posted to her in the next week or so. Ellen managed the interview very well and we are all very pleased with her ever improving independent skills!

Ellen also spent the day shopping in Birmingham. She has already bought a whole new wardrobe for her up and coming holiday abroad- fair to say she is a typical lady in the shopping area!

Ellen has also started her first day as a volunteer for St Johns Ambulance in Great Malvern. She has attended her first introductory session and will be training there on a weekly basis with support from staff.

It is fair to say Ellen has learnt the art of multi tasking this week and although she is enjoying her busy schedule, she is looking forward to a relaxing weekend away with her mum. Enjoy your break Ellen!

Thursday 20 August 2009

Singing In The Rain!

John, Ellen, Maddy and Jane went to Malvern Theatres to see the 'Singing In The Rain.'

Written by Ellen:

I went to see Singing in The Rain with Jane, John and Maddy on Monday 17th August. The show was good and there was lots of singing and dancing and i had a sing song.

We all went out for dinner and i had a fish and chips and a drink or two!

I really enjoyed it and i am definately going to go and see another show there.

Guess What? I am off to Birmingham next week for an interview to get my passport and then i am going to be booking my holiday to Spain! I will keep you updated guys!

A Day At The Pub!!!

Okay, so it sounds a bit naughty to spend a day at the pub- but let me explain.......

Our training had been booked at our local pub and unfortunately the training was cancelled. We got together with the service users and suggested that we may like to use the pub as we had booked it for the day anyway! So, the service users decided that they would have a skittles day.

The pub kindly made there skittles equipment available along with their function room and a luxury pub lunch.

A big thank you to them for organising this as such short notice from all of us at The Oaks as a great day was had by all!

Mark's Birthday!


We would like to wish Mark a very happy birthday!

It was Mark's birthday on 14th August and he enjoyed a birthday party at The Oaks. He invited his family to attend as well as other service users and staff and enjoyed his birthday bash!

The Maize Maze

Last week a group of service users visited the 'Maize Maze.'

This is located just outside Malvern. The weather was mild which was ideal weather for 'getting lost!' Ha ha! The service users thoroughly enjoyed finding their way through the maze's and also a picnic lunch after.

Jane in particular found it very amusing when the others got lost!

Friday 7 August 2009

Jane firth.

Jane has been spending some time with her mother and came back home on Monday. She has been, bowling, belly dancing and to her regular art group. She has enjoyed a full packed week and has still managed to find time to renew her passport as she is planning on going abroad for her holidays this year! Jane is always busy- and always smiling too! Good on you Jane- and don't forget to take some holiday snaps to share with us!

Mark Callagan

Mark has enjoyed bowling, shopping and a picnic lunch out. He has also been to the pub for dinner out. Mark is really enjoying getting out and about in Malvern. Next week he will be joining the local library where he will have full access to audio and visual books. Mark has been learning to make his own cup of tea and has made such good progress we are hoping he will have a go at some small meal preparation.

Well Done Mark!

Hugh Claridge

Hugh has had a relaxing week enjoying simple pleasures such as the snoozelem, shopping and bowling. Hugh now has a new activity planner with lots of sensory tasks and activities. He is going to be visiting farm shops to see where fruit and veg comes from and to see it in raw state. He is also going to be exploring his 5 senses with activities based around touch, smells and tasting sessions. Exciting stuff!

John Morris

John has had a busy week this week, enjoying trips to the Priory church, Mount Pleasant hotel and shopping. As we know John is a big fan of musicals and theatre and he is planning to go and see Singing In The Rain at the Malvern Theatre and another trip to London to see Phantom of the Opera. Life is one big sing song for sixties fanatic John!

Nicholas Wright

Nicholas has enjoyed a barbecue with friends in Leominster this week and he has also booked his summer holiday. Nicholas has chosen to go to Butlins in Skegness and will be doing so with staff member Gareth! All he has to do now is save some spending money- very difficult for a man who likes to go out most nights! So come on Nicholas- remember to save, save, save! May i suggest you limit your fine wines and dinners- ha ha!

Paul Raybould.

Paul is 'thrilled to bits,' (and i quote that from the man himself), as he has just booked a day out in a Morgan Car! He has even hired a chauffeur for the day to take him around and about Worcestershire, with a lunch out! This will take place on 23rd September and he has been practicing his royal wave- so if you see him- make sure you say hi!!!

Ellen Allen.

Congratulations to Ellen who has started a new job in the office. This week was Ellen's first week helping in the office and she has really done well! If you telephone The Oaks you are likely to speak with her- but be warned she does not do telesales!!! She says she cant be bothered with them- cant think where she got that from!

Have fun Ellen! And keep up the good work!

Friday 24 July 2009

JUST TO KEEP YOU UPDATED.

The Oaks is been refurbished and decorated!

Our maintenance man, Bill, is taking the lead role in this. He has not been without a paintbrush this week and has been working on the hall, stairs and landing.

The service users have worked together to choose colours and flooring for the home. We look forward to keeping you updated on this.

Please feel free to suggest ideas when you visit us as we always welcome the feed back from you!
JUST TO KEEP YOU UPDATED!

Staff have attended various training over the last month. We have attended

Person Centred Planning
Non Violent Crisis Intervention
Learning Disability Qualification

All staff have now completed their NVQ 2 and many are about to start their NVQ 3.

Congratulations to all staff- keep up the good work!

We have two new staff starting in August. They are Alison Concannon and Emma Prince.

Alison has worked in care for 4 years. She has worked with Adults with learning disabilities, autism and other complex needs. She has an NVQ 2 and an LDQ and all relevant mandatory training.

Emma has worked with children but is looking forward to working in the care sector with adults. She is young and enthusiastic. She has just enrolled in NVQ 2 and has been completing training with us throughout the month.

Everyone at The Oaks would like to welcome them to the team.
We will keep you posted on their progress.


Paul Raybould.

Paul has been out and about this week!

His family have been over to visit from Cardiff yesterday and then he went off out to the pub for his dinner last night.

Paul is going to the Steam Rally this weekend- so we will keep you fellow bloggers' up to date with photo's from this next week!

Jane Firth.

As most of you are aware, Jane attends belly dancing classes once a week. She is progressing well and we are always keen to see her new dances.

Here is Jane showing off her new belly dancing skirt!

Mark Callaghan Enjoying The Sunshine.




This week has been sunny at times, however we have had lots of rain showers!

We have been able to spend some time in the garden and enjoy the sunshine when we can.


Nicholas Wright

This week has been a busy week for all of the service users at The Oaks.

Nicholas has been attending SEC this week and has also been working on his cooking skills.

Nicholas spent the day looking for some new bedroom furniture and bought himself a new bed!

He has been line dancing and out to the pub for dinner!