Team building day reflects fun ethos of Fernhill House
Putting
the fun into retirement living is a key part of the ethos of Fernhill House, and
with that in mind, its new 100 strong team were invited to take part in a range
of zany activities as part of a team building day held in the run up to its opening
this week.
The event,
organised by manager Peta Mandleberg and deputy manager Clair Gurteen, saw the
entire staff being asked to do weird and wacky things to help them to get to know
each other and really get under the skin of Fernhill House’s dynamic approach
to retirement living.
Among
the activities was a competition to see which team could build the tallest
giraffe out of spaghetti and marshmallows. Needless to say the spaghetti was
uncooked – or the result would have been both very sticky and a little droopy!
The
teams were predominantly made up of trained nurses and wellbeing ambassadors.
The latter were selected for their passion and enthusiasm and will look after
the residents’ day-to-day requirements.
Peta explained:
“Appointing people who will help our residents at all stages of their day – from
their morning cup of tea and bathing to organising craft and fitness activities
and joining the residents for a potter in the garden – provides reassuring
continuity.”
All members
of the senior leadership team helped out on the day, including award winning
chef Chris Williams, maintenance manager David Smith, dementia lead Jo Hopkins
and administrators George Carr and Debs Jones.
Peta
Mandleberg, a registered nurse who has worked in the care sector for many
years, is passionate about the ethos of the home and specifically recruited
people who share that passion and enthusiasm.
“We will
offer a different approach to life for over-65s and want to put the fun and
fulfilment back into retirement living. That will be reflected in all we do,”
she said.