Care home of the future

o contribute to the living archive. Residents could chat on camera about things they did in their younger years. People have such interesting things to tell about their lives and the things they did and a lot of history disappears if the story is not told. The homes could join a national network of creating their own CDs/DVDs filming an hour or so now and again of a group of residents talking about earlier days and the things they did. Some could talk to camera individually. The national network of homes could circulate some of their copies and share stories.
o have a "skype pal" network between homes creating an online "national pen pal network" for residents in residential care homes nationally.
o have exchange visits between care homes - a change of scenery and a new mix of company. It may be just one week away as a sort of holiday

o skype to speak to family such as grandchildren living overseas
o large computer screens to play games such as solitaire. other card games and other PC games
o an onsite charity shop where visiting family and friends can donate and the residents can buy at low cost. The proceeds to go towards funding outings
o a charity fund where friends and family can make a donation towards outings and events
o CD/DVD/talking books seating areas a quiet area designed on the lines of an aeroplane. This is where the resident is not forced to watch the TV with only one programme. Donations to the collection can come from friends and family. Duplicates can be sold in the onsite shop and the proceeeds go towards funds
o online shopping on a large screen TV. Residents do have access to some funds and there are essentials like M&S underwear which can be bought and delivered to the home (residents can join forces to make the delivery costs cheaper). Residents will have the independence to send gifts to family members this way also (online old fashioned sweets.....)
o touch bedside lamps
o regular quiz days - this keeps the "brain gym" working and if historical can be educational. The participants could submit a list of questions and answers to be included in the quiz - it is suprising how each individual has specialist skills and knowledge and it encourages the quieter ones to participate
o spa day trips
o visits between residential care homes - social days by invitation from one home to another
o more than one social area. E.g. lounge, coffee bar where visitors can sit with the resident and chat(this could possibly be franchised out to a young mum for example or a student where the hours could work in with their other commitments), conservatory to enjoy the garden on cold days, jigsaw puzzle area,
o classes to learn new things such as painting and drawing
o reflexology, reiki and massage (some residents may wish to learn techniques and deliver sessions themselves)

In one of her marvellous cookbooks, the wonderful Anna del Conte related how, when her mother had to go to live in a home, almost the first thing that happened was that the the cook came to talk to her and find out what she really liked to eat and most enjoyed. The cook recognised that for those whose activities have become somewhat limited, a delicious meal – every time a meal is served – is a pleasure to be savoured and treasured. As this was in Italy, it must have included a decent glass or two of wine. Give me those and I shall be a happy old woman.

No we'll listen and sing along to Queen. When we get our way....which will be most of the time we'll sing 'We are the champions' and when we don't we'll sing 'I want to break free' until they give in.

But our anthem will be 'Don't stop me now'

Knowing my luck, nanaseaside, it'll be Des O' Connor or (even worse) Ken Dodd

Ever since I worked in a nursing home in the 1990s, where Glenn Miller tapes were played daily, I've wondered if I'll end up plonked in the corner of a day room forced to listen to T Rex oldies from my era!

AlisonMA For a shock, go to grandads shed.

I've looked at ask Matron - very dissappointed, I thought you said it was shocking?

Titter...

If you're easily shocked (like me!) then stay well away I even to think of it!

And look at the Ask Matron thread too, Alison - but again, you'll need a robust sense of humour!

Look at the grandads shed!( but not if you are prudish)

That can be arranged, jeni...we'd have cordoned-off areas for those seeking tranquility. We'd have sound-proofed areas for the likes of nellie and her unruly gang. A little of what you fancy, does you good.

Someone please tell me about Nellie. I can't see her in this thread or I would look at her profile. She must be special, tell me in hwat way please?

I couldn't stand the pace! I'd want a quiet shed of my own!

jeni It depends on whether or not the residents want a quiet, run-of-the-mill routine - or wake up and go to bed with enormous smiles on their faces. Most would opt for the latter. Nellie for matron, I say.

Who's the matron?please not Nellie!

Added to list, biker, along with all the other niceties that we loveable rogues are entitled to. Wouldn't it be fantastic to share a beautiful grand house - fully staffed, with a horde of GN's? WOW!

I want to be able to take my "inflatable friends"

Probably , but!!
Oh God our help in ages past?

There might be some of those now!

Uughh!

Do you realise that in forty years time there'll be old ladies covered in tattoos, sitting in care homes listening to rap music?

I always told my kids that, as I got older they were to tattoo across my forehead 'please put on Channel 4 Racing' so at least as I was sitting in the care home plonked in front of the telly in my dotage I'd be watching something I liked. Or 'please don't make her watch Eastenders'.

A really good cellar with an excellent choice of wines, never cheap tonic in my gin and a barman who can produce a mean martini when required!

And more seriously - real butter for my toast and salt and pepper on the tables at all meals. My grandmother found the blandness of unseasoned food very boring and at 100+ greatly resented being told that salt was 'not good for her'!