Ready when you are

If you’ve visited our homes recently you’ll have no doubt seen our Activity Lifestyle Facilitators, lovingly called ALFs, in action! In early 2017 we appointed an ALF in every home. Their job? To help enrich the social life of the residents.

ALFs are like social butterflies and event managers all rolled into one. They really get to know each resident to ensure everyone can experience enjoyable moments every day. That may be as simple as dropping off a resident’s favourite newspaper each morning or joining another for a regular afternoon stroll in the garden or to the local shop. ALFs love planning parties and events – including our brilliant annual Pride parties that celebrate all things LGBTQ+!

Finding out about a resident’s character, interests and life story is the basis of good communication and part of the ALFs role is to develop meaningful environments around a home to stimulate interaction, encourage eating or help direction.

They might take tea in a retro cafe, visit a village store or shop in a market place or old fashioned sweet shop. There are pubs with classic tankards, ladies’ hairdressing salons, dining rooms with market scenes, bus stops, library corners and corridors lined with royalty or celebrity favourites. Anything and everything to add a bit of colour to everyday life.

Time to Join in

Getting everyone involved including family and friends in projects, events and day-to-day activities, is also important. Visitors sometimes tell us it’s hard to find something to talk about or do with their relative. Prompting long term memories with tools such as memory boxes or nostalgia can often bring about stories to share and ALFs can help visitors enjoy spending time with their loved one.

Responsible for the daily, weekly and monthly activity calendar, ALFs also plan trips out, alongside exercise sessions, music, dancing, crafts and more. For those who love animals, we have regular Pet Therapy sessions and there’s always plenty of entertainment from professional singers, magicians and musicians. Keeping residents busy and engaged in their favourite pastimes is a priority for our ALFs. They are such an important part of our residents’ lives. But, don’t just take our word for it!

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The activity programmes at Shepley House are wonderful and very enthusiastic. My Mum engages with the different social events and is happy to join in.

Shepley HouseS H (Daughter of Resident)

The trips and activities that are planned are brilliant and great value for money. My mum always thoroughly enjoys them and I really appreciate the effort the staff put in to making them happen.

Bryn HavenJanice F (Daughter of Resident)

The atmosphere created by the wonderful staff, ably managed is wonderful. The place is very clean and bright and provides entertainment and safety for the vulnerable residents. Pictures, objects and even a mock public bar, all help the residents to relax and give reminders of previous good times.

WellcroftH J (Friend of Resident)

The entertainments organiser is first class and does her best to encourage residents to participate. She always has a smile on her face and the performers and trips out have been thoroughly welcomed and enjoyed by all.

ReinbekHazel H (Daughter of Resident)

Some of the entertainment we have seen whilst visiting is to a high standard.

Cawood HouseJ G (Daughter-in-law of Resident)

My mum is very happy in Lisburne Court, which makes me very happy. She is cared for with superb professionalism and dignity. I cannot praise every member of staff enough. The food is delicious and nutritious and arts, crafts and entertainment are supplied and encouraged. Trips out are also on the agenda which she loves! The level of care is amazing and as a family, we cannot fault it.

Lisburne CourtSusan D (Daughter of Resident)

My mother has been resident only a short time and we had no other choice of accommodation but I feel we struck gold with Silverdale. It is clean, homely and the staff are very friendly and approachable, calling me by my first name when I visit which is lovely. There are always activities and themes for special days which is just amazing and a lovely bonus for someone who likes to still get involved.

SilverdaleMarilyn C (Daughter of Resident)