World Friendship Day: Celebrating friendships in our homes!
30 July 2020
World Friendship Day is celebrated across the world on 30 July 2020.
And across many of our over 30 homes, Exemplar Health Care’s 700 residents and 3400 colleagues will be celebrating the joy of friendship, and spending time with their friends.
But friendships aren’t just what makes life richer – they’re very important to your wellbeing, too.
The importance of friendships in care homes
Scientific studies say people with friends have a healthier heart, immune system, deeper sleep, and better all-round mental health.
At Exemplar Health Care, the health and wellbeing of our residents is our priority - and having fun, which is the very first of our FIRST values. That’s why all our homes are designed with lots of shared spaces, like lounges and gardens, to bring people together.
And it shows. We see great friendships between residents and colleagues and other residents at all our homes. Here’s just a few of the countless friendships worth celebrating!
Stacey and Maureen at Parkside
Stacey, an Activities Coordinator at our Parkside home in Tipton, and Maureen, a resident, have built up a lovely friendship. Most days, after lunch, Maureen looks forward to sharing afternoon tea together with Stacey. The look on their faces says everything!
Michael and Paul Anthony at Dearnevale
Michael and Paul Anthony live on the same unit in Dearnevale, our Barnsley home. Michael’s lived at Dearnevale for six years – and when he came to Dearnevale, wasn’t able to speak to anyone. Paul Anthony, meanwhile, came to Dearnevale about five years ago. Then, two years ago, Michael started talking!
This is when Michael and Paul Anthony’s friendship blossomed. The two enjoy lots of activities, such as cooking together, enjoying a beer, talking about sports, and sitting in the garden when it’s sunny. The home’s Care Team are delighted!
Jess and Brenda at Brook View
Brenda at Brook View, one of our two Liverpool homes, has struck up a solid friendship with Jess, a Unit Manager. Jess is always doing lovely little things to make every day better for Brenda, and affectionately refers to her as a ‘my little queen’! Brenda’s definitely a queen in Jess’s heart!
Stephen and Kevin at Havenmere
Stephen and Kevin both live at Havenmere, our Immingham home, and spend hours every day together, chatting and arranging activities. Stephen not only manages his own mental health daily, but is always there to support Kevin, helping the home’s Care Team understand him better. As you can see, they really enjoy spending time together!
Jayne and Sylvia at St Andrew’s Court
Sylvia at St Andrew’s Court, our Hull home, really enjoys spending time with Jayne, a Unit Manager. The two are always up for a chat in the home’s conservatory, seen here in the photo. Having both lived in the same area, the two friends bond over conversations about the local area, and its local history. Sylvia also enjoys sharing stories about her family.
Daniel, Alan, Ray, and Roger at Longley Park View
At Longley Park View’s all-male unit, Meadows, Daniel, an Activities Coordinator, has struck up a solid friendship with everyone there. They all like to socialise in the garden over music and a beer. Daniel enjoys having a laugh with Alan, doing Karaoke with Ray (whose favourite artist is Elvis Presley!), and Roger, who’s got many fascinating stories.
By pure coincidence, they found out that Roger was Daniel’s grandfather’s golfing partner for 30 years!
Oliver and Tracy at Neville Court
Since Oliver moved to Neville Court in Barnsley four years ago, he’s got on with people very well. However, he’s closest with Tracy, a Team Leader, who he loves sharing laughs and jokes with. The two also enjoy a singalong together! They’re pictured here at Christmas. Oliver and Tracy often refer to each other by their nicknames, ‘Olly G’ and ‘T Dog’!
Floyd and Frank at Brook View
Floyd and Frank at Brook View have a great bond – and they go some way back! As chance would have it, Floyd and Frank lived together at a previous care placement and now share the same unit at Brook View. As you can imagine, they spend most days together.
You've got a friend in me
“We know how important healthy friendships are,” says Sophia Feurtado, Exemplar Health Care’s Service User Engagement Manager.
“And our friends can be someone to throw your head back and have that much needed belly-laugh with.
“Whatever you are going through, healthy and positive friendships can contribute to positive wellbeing and good mental health. Friendships can help increase our sense of belonging and help reduce anxiety and stress.
“This is why we encourage residents to form great friendships in our homes.”
Happy World Friendship Day, everybody!
Specialist nursing care and rehabilitation at Exemplar Health Care
Exemplar Health Care is a leading provider of specialist nursing care for adults living with a range of complex and high acuity needs.
Make a referral
We have over 30 homes across Yorkshire, the Midlands, North East and North West that provide a welcoming and supportive environment where people can feel at home, continue to do the things that they enjoy, and remain closer to family, friends and loved ones.
If you want to speak to someone about making a referral to one of our homes, please contact our Referrals Team on 01709 565777 or email referrals@exemplarhc.com.
Careers at Exemplar Health Care
If you or someone you know is interested in working with people who are living with complex needs, Exemplar Health Care offers a range of rewarding careers. Find out more about your career options and our vacancies here.