Looking out for each other at Shawcross Care Home

At Shawcross Care Home in Wigan, residents are always looking out for one another.

Stanley AKA “Stan the Man” is usually the first awake and every morning opens the curtains to let the sunshine in and greets each team member arriving on shift with the friendliest “Good Morning”. He is a proud serviceman and spent many years with a similar routine in the army.

By breakfast, the “Golden Girls” are at their usual table. Three ladies who start every morning together with a cup of tea before This Morning. They keep an eye on things around the lounge. If something's not working or needs replacing, the girls will let you know. The team joke that they're the home’s “neighbourhood watch”. Their togetherness is part a reflection of what makes Shawcross so wonderful.

Les with his wife Carol.

After mealtimes, Les folds the tablecloths. He cleans around the sink until it's spotless and keeps the bookshelves and units tidy. Les lives with dementia and spent years working in trade. Research shows that continuing with familiar routines can help people living with dementia feel settled and at home. Our team recognise this and support Les to carry on doing what comes naturally to him. When he's finished, he settles down with a cup of tea for a job well done.

“When someone wants to help out, we find ways to support them. It gives people purpose and you can see the pride it brings." Wellbeing Lead Ashley explains.

Marie's usually at the sink by then, helping the kitchen team by washing up and wiping down the surfaces. She's a dab hand at keeping things spick and span. She grew up in Liverpool, caring for her family and moved to Wigan later in life. Just like she would when her children had gone to bed and all the jobs were done, Marie will settle down for the evening feeling a sense of accomplishment.

Marie loves to help the kitchen team.

Mary lives downstairs with our dementia community. She spent years working as a carer and looked after a loved one at home. She's loving and helpful and if anyone needs a hand, she's always there.

These are just a few examples of the ways in which our residents are there for each other. Everyone at Shawcross brings something wonderful and we're proud of the community we've built together.