Fostering a warm, inclusive atmosphere for both residents and staff is essential.
A happy, engaged team creates a vibrant care home environment, and South Lodge Care Home in Leicester recently demonstrated a fantastic way to achieve this.
Their “Around the World in Five Days” theme transformed the home into a cultural hub, embracing the rich cultural diversity of their workforce through food, entertainment, and interactive activities.
Each day at South Lodge focused on a different cultural theme, offering a range of engaging activities that both staff and residents could enjoy.
Some of the highlights included:
African games that encouraged teamwork and fun.
British karaoke to boost morale and enjoy some familiar tunes.
European afternoon tea, perfect for reminiscing and socialising.
Chinese workshop giving everyone a chance to learn about different traditions.
Chair Bhangra dance bringing energy and joy to the celebrations.
The week also featured a special performance by the Andante Duo Singers, adding a musical touch to the festivities and enhancing the sense of community within the care home.
Food is one of the best ways to explore different cultures, and the Culinary Team at South Lodge did not disappoint!
They served a variety of global dishes, including:
Jerk chicken
Beef lasagne
Pierogi
Thai curry
Chilli paneer
A whole home approach meant that night staff were included in the celebrations, enjoying meals such as Jamaican Puffs, Baklava, Barfi, fortune cookies, and dumplings sourced from local shops.
David Jeffs, a member of the Maintenance Team, shared his excitement: “It’s been great. It’s brought smiles to the faces of the staff. I’m a fussy eater, but it’s given me a chance to try something new!”
The Importance of Appreciation
The event wasn’t just about fun, it was a heartfelt way for South Lodge to show appreciation for their dedicated staff. Donna Bradley, Home Manager, highlighted the significance of the event, stating:
“Our staff are the heart of South Lodge, and this week was our way of showing deep appreciation for their dedication. It was wonderful to see everyone embrace the activities, share their cultures, and feel valued.”
South Lodge’s approach provides inspiration for care home Activity Coordinators looking to boost staff morale and celebrate diversity.
Here are some takeaways:
Inclusivity matters - Ensuring that all team members can participate fosters a sense of belonging.
Cultural appreciation enhances connection - Showcasing different traditions through food, music, and activities encourages understanding and respect.
Small gestures make a big impact - Simple initiatives, like providing special meals for night staff, show consideration and care.
Collaboration is key - Involving different departments, from catering to maintenance, strengthens teamwork and engagement.
If you’re looking to create a similar experience, start by using my HELPS framework to guide your planning:
Histories - Learn about the cultural backgrounds of staff and residents to incorporate meaningful traditions.
Experiences - Encourage team members and residents to share personal stories, traditional recipes, or favourite activities.
Lifestyles - Recognise how different cultural lifestyles influence preferences for food, music, and celebrations.
Preferences - Offer a variety of options so everyone can engage in ways they feel comfortable.
Strengths - Involve staff and residents in leading activities based on their skills and interests.
Partner with local businesses for food or entertainment to enhance the celebration.
By taking inspiration from South Lodge and applying my HELPS framework, you can create a meaningful and inclusive event that strengthens your care home community, ensuring both staff and residents feel truly valued.
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