The fantastic team at Derham House held a fundraising coffee morning for Mental Health Awareness Day this week and are still counting the funds raised for this great cause. 

The coffee morning held at Derham House for residents and staff was a great success. Discussions over the changing nature of mental health and in particular the effect of Covid-19 on society were covered. The emphasis on talking and sharing issues being the key step to tackling mental health issues was covered at length by residents who happily imparted decades of wisdom. 

Derham House has recently brought a bit of magic to residents by providing a new ‘Magic Table 360 and the Happiness Programme’ as a way to improve residents’ quality of life.

Designed and manufactured in the UK, the Magic Table 360 uses interactive games to connect residents with staff and with each other, and research shows it improves the wellbeing of people living with dementia. Using interactive light projections, the Magic Table 360, which can be played independently or in a group, stimulates movement by inviting participants to take part in all sorts of different fun activities such as popping bubbles, playing the piano, colouring in pictures, sweeping leaves or interacting playfully with fish. Games are rich in colour, movement and detail, and allow people of all ages to play in a safe and comfortable environment.

The Magic Table 360 is portable so it can be used wherever residents feel most comfortable, it can be projected onto the floor, ceiling, walls, a whiteboard or even the bed. The Happiness Programme allows for a range of games that change seasonally and have country-specific versions covering 14 different categories, so there will always be something new for residents to try.

The benefits of the Magic Table 360 has shown to improve mood and behaviours especially across the mid-to-late stages of dementia, greater physical, social and cognitive activity, reduction in withdrawn-like symptoms, weight gain and positive impacts on relationships with care staff, friends and family.

Crina Lee, General Manager, said: “We’re excited to bring a touch of magic to the residents at our home, the Magic Table 360 will make a big difference by helping to connect residents with staff and with each other, and it’s great fun for the young at heart.”

Dr Pete Calveley, CEO of Barchester Healthcare said: “We are delighted by the initial response of the residents at Derham House Care Home when using the Magic Table 360. Designed to create moments of happiness for the residents, it is heart-warming to provide positive and invaluable experiences, with residents more motivated to interact with staff, family and carers alike.” 

Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities

Our employee of the month is Delphine. A key member of the fantastic Derham House care team, Delphine won an overwhelming number of votes for Employee Of The Month.

Over the last year Delphine has offered to change her shifts and even her annual-leave numerous times to help out her colleagues who were struggling with childcare. Delphine is a wonderfully attentive and caring soul who is a firm favourite of the residents.

Dawn at Derham House is peaceful and beautiful.

One of our talented team members snapped these pictures of dawn on a winter's morning in our garden. Our residents enjoy scenes such as these every day at Derham House. We are fortunate to be able to enjoy extensive gardens and beautiful scenery which are kept perfect by our fantastic maintenance team.