A Star Is Born – The Orchard’s Resident Ambassador Dennis Makes His Radio Debut
The Orchard’s Resident Ambassador, Dennis, showed why he’s perfect for the role when he represented the care home in a live radio interview.
A Role that Plays to his Strengths
Dennis has been a resident at The Orchard for three years and his role as Resident Ambassador is intentionally flexible, which plays to his strengths – his personality, interests, and excellent communication skills. Dennis spends time speaking with residents across the floors when requested by relatives, visits new residents to see how they are settling in, and even supports the recruitment process by sitting in with The Orchard’s Home Manager, Dumitru, when he interviews prospective team members.
Dennis Takes Live Radio in his Stride
Local radio station, Mix 92.6, recently visited The Orchard and Customer Relationship Manager, Natalie asked a contact, Sarah, to put her in touch with presenter Steve Simpson. Natalie suggested that Dennis might be a good interviewee for a live radio slot, the aim being to showcase the home through Dennis’s personal story. It was an idea that Steve loved and Dennis was invited to visit the radio studio in St Albans to take part in a live broadcast.
When the big day arrived, Natalie and Dennis travelled by taxi to the studio and were welcomed by the incredibly friendly team who immediately offered them tea and cake – a lovely way to make Dennis feel at home and relaxed before his interview.
The interview with Steve lasted 20 minutes and the conversation flowed effortlessly. Dennis told the audience about his life before moving to The Orchard, the factors that influenced his decision to come into care and how he felt prior to the move. He shared how he found the transition, how it matched his expectations, and what the ambassador role has meant to him. After the broadcast, the rest of the Mix 92.6 team told Dennis how impressed they were with his performance and thanked him for opening up and sharing his story.
The Perfect Resident Ambassador
It was no surprise to Natalie that the interview came naturally to Dennis. She explained, “One of Denis’s loveliest attributes is how interested he is in people which makes him the perfect Resident Ambassador. He makes a point of ensuring that every new resident has a warm welcome, always popping in to say hello and helping them feel at home. Dennis often sits in reception reading away - reading is a passion for Dennis, and he regularly gets through four books in a week – but it’s really an excuse to chat to people as they come and go! He's also written what he describes as “rubbish poetry” for the home’s newsletter and regularly shares thoughtful suggestions for our food menus”.
Natalie also described how enthusiastic Dennis is to take part in events and activities at The Orchard – anything from trying out metal detecting with Dumitru, presenting the Caring Stars of the Month award to Unit Manager and nurse, Fainah, joining an outing to the De Havilland Air Museum and meeting ‘Father Christmas’ during the festive season!
Making the Most of his Life at The Orchard
During the radio interview Dennis had told Steve how The Orchard supports him in making the most of his life, but Natalie said that Dennis’s contribution to The Orchard also means a great deal to both residents and the team, adding “His presence brings warmth, familiarity, and a strong sense of community to our home”.
Everyone at The Orchard was incredibly proud that Dennis did such a fantastic job on the radio but he remained unfazed by the attention so who knows, maybe this is the start of a whole new media career for The Orchard’s multi-talented Resident Ambassador!
Welcome to The Orchard Nursing Home in St Albans
Welcome to The Orchard Nursing Care Home in St Albans, Hertfordshire, where we offer high-quality residential, nursing and dementia care in a calm and welcoming setting. Nestled in a peaceful residential area, our purpose-built care home features bright and modern interiors, beautifully landscaped gardens and a range of thoughtfully designed spaces for comfort and relaxation.
From cosy lounges and a hair salon to rooms with private terrace access, every detail is designed with our residents’ wellbeing in mind. Our dedicated care team is here around the clock to support residents with their everyday needs. At The Orchard, we’re proud to provide compassionate, person-centred care in a warm and friendly environment.
