At Aria Court Care Home in March, a new initiative called “Stop the Clock” is bringing the team and residents closer together, enriching the lives of everyone involved.
This innovative programme was introduced just a month ago and encourages all team members to dedicate protected time to spend with the residents, fostering a stronger sense of community and personal connection.
The initiative is part of Aria Court’s commitment to a holistic, whole home -approach to care, ensuring that every resident feels valued and engaged.
Every Friday at 2:45 PM, the entire home comes to a brief but meaningful halt. For 15 minutes, every team member, from kitchen staff, maintenance and carers to the admin team and the home manager, steps away from their usual tasks to spend quality time with a resident or a small group of residents.
Fifteen minutes might seem short, but it’s enough time to make a significant impact. During these moments residents can engage in various activities such as singing, chatting, walking around the garden, playing games, or even enjoying a mini massage with a team member. This dedicated time, which can be with a member of the Aria Court team they do not usually spend a lot of time with, allows for the formation of bonds and helps residents feel valued.
The feedback from residents so far has been overwhelmingly positive, said Home Manager Jo Monaghan who added that residents have told her they particularly enjoy the opportunity to interact with members of the team they don’t usually get to see for a chat, like the kitchen staff, gardener, office staff, or the home manager. This interaction helps break down barriers and fosters a sense of unity and mutual respect within the home.
“Team members, too, find great value in this initiative,” added Jo. “I get out into the home as much as I can every day, but this is a really nice opportunity to take a break and spend some time with a resident.”
As the “Stop the Clock” initiative continues to gain momentum, there is hope to expand it to more days of the week. Both residents and the team are starting to look forward to this special part of the day, indicating the success and potential for further growth of the initiative.
“Stop the Clock” at Aria Court is a testament to the power of dedicated, personal interaction. By taking just 15 minutes each week to engage, team members are helping to create a more inclusive, caring, and connected community. The initiative not only enriches the lives of the residents but also brings a sense of fulfilment and family to the whole team.
