For Mental Health Nurses’ Day (21 February), the dedicated team at Clifton Lodge, a specialist nursing home in Westcliff, has shared how they go above and beyond to help residents with dementia live fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Nestled on Balmoral Road, Clifton Lodge is managed by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) and provides expert care through a multidisciplinary team of nurses, support workers, physiotherapists, and activities coordinators. Their mission is simple: to create a home-like environment where residents feel comfortable, engaged, and valued.
Tailored activities that bring joy and connection
A key aspect of life at Clifton Lodge is the personalised approach to activities. The staff take the time to learn about each resident’s past, interests, and hobbies to curate experiences that bring joy and spark memories.
Reverend Sandie Woolford, an activities coordinator at the home, highlighted how even the smallest details can make a significant impact on residents’ well-being.
“Whenever a resident shows an interest in something, we explore ways to bring it to life. We reach out to their families for insight or research books and items that encourage interaction,” she said.
She recalled a heartwarming example: “We discovered that three residents had previously played the piano or keyboard, so we made it our mission to find keyboards for them. Seeing their faces light up as they reconnected with music was incredibly special.”
For those who love entertainment, the home organises dancing, singing, and musical activities. Sandie added, “Music brings both the residents and the home to life.”
Inclusive experiences for all residents
Clifton Lodge ensures that every resident, regardless of mobility or ability to communicate verbally, has access to activities that suit their needs. One of the innovative tools used is a sensory tablet featuring colours, shapes, and sounds to engage and stimulate the senses.
The sense of community extends beyond the activities. Sandie explained, “Clifton Lodge is not just a place to stay; it’s a home. It’s the residents’ home, but it’s also like a second home to us as staff. We spend so much time together, and that bond creates a true family atmosphere.”
A legacy of care
Last July, Clifton Lodge celebrated its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of providing compassionate dementia care. The home continues to evolve, adopting new practices and innovations to enhance the quality of life for its residents.
As part of EPUT, the nursing home benefits from ongoing investment in mental health and community services, ensuring residents receive the highest quality care in a safe and therapeutic setting.
EPUT’s commitment to mental health care
EPUT provides care to over 100,000 patients at any given time, constantly improving its services through technology, training, and collaboration with patients and their families. Key innovations include:
- 24/7 mental health crisis phone line, ensuring support is always available.
- Employment of people with lived experience to embed the patient voice in decision-making.
- Specialist initiatives such as the mental health urgent care department, By Your Side maternal mental health service, and mental health crisis ambulance cars.
Formed in April 2017, EPUT now employs over 7,200 staff across more than 200 sites in Essex, Luton, Bedfordshire, and Suffolk.