Meet one of our Hummingbirds
When former teacher Sonya, now 61, saw the role of Hummingbird advertised online, she was moved to tears and couldn’t sleep until she had applied.
At Framland Christian Care Home, we combine best practice in the field of dementia care with the spiritual understanding that those living with dementia can enjoy a happy and fulfilled life. We're registered with the Care Quality Commission for the provision of dementia care.
At Framland Christian Care Home, we provide a safe, supportive and qualified environment for older people with dementia.
Our approach to dementia care is founded on academic work begun by Professor Tom Kitwood which emphasises the importance of the emotional intelligence and connection of those doing the caring. This was developed by Dr David Sheard into the “Feelings Matter Most” framework. In caring for those with dementia, we use the GEMS model developed by Teepa Snow.
Our approach looks past a person’s immediate physical needs to their essence and spirit, and we seek to form connections with them. We believe that a person living with dementia can continue to have a living relationship with God and support them in this spiritual journey.
Our resource The Way We Care is about our approach to care in general, but it has a significant impact on how we support those living with dementia.
Our Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are members of staff specifically employed by the homes to spend time and connect with those living with dementia.
The name Hummingbird is inspired by how a hummingbird flits from flower to flower. Our Hummingbirds move from person to person, providing short, meaningful connections. They are trained to recognise the various stages of dementia, understanding the best ways to approach individuals, respecting their current reality and connecting with them accordingly. The dedicated approach means that no one goes long without an interaction, with Hummingbirds employed for six hours a day, seven days a week.
The kinds of interactions a Hummingbird might provide include:
- general conversation, promoting a warm, cheerful atmosphere
- soothing and distracting those who are anxious
- using memory prompts, such as a dementia tactile rug, to help those dementia connect with their past
- praying and reading the Bible
- small acts of kindness, like brushing hair
Dementia Information Pack
A series of leaflets on different aspects of dementia, including diagnosis, caring, managing challenging behaviour, caring for the caregiver, and much more....
Dementia: Frank And Linda's Story
Based on a true story, this powerful depiction of a new approach to caregiving, focuses on three important aspects of dementia care - living, helping, and spiritual support.
About Framland in Wantage, Oxfordshire
Framland is a 21-bed residential care home in Wantage. We offer residential care for older people, including for those who are living with dementia and those with learning disabilities. We can provide respite care to those who need it and we are able to offer care at the end of life.
Want to find out more? Please fill in the Request a call back form and one of our team will be in touch. You can also submit your details to download a brochure.
For those sympathetic to the Christian faith
Residential and respite care
Assisted bathrooms
Sunday services
Activities
Devotions
Snacks and drinks
Hymns and songs
Home cooked meals
24 hour care
Hairdresser
Ensuite bathrooms
Secure gardens
The Way We Care
Our bespoke approach to creating communities where older people can flourish
More dementia resources
Dementia From The Inside
As a doctor and a Christian diagnosed with dementia, Jennifer uses her story and others to give practical and spiritual direction to others with dementia and their families.
Could It Be Dementia?
This book insists that losing your mind doesn't mean losing your soul. It offers information, practical advice and reassurance by putting dementia firmly into a Christian context.
Dementia: Pathways To Hope
Packed with helpful examples, medical guidance and practical advice, this book dispels misinformation around dementia.