The Orchard Residents Collaborate With Occupational Therapy Students
At Caring Homes, we’re always keen to engage with the wider world so The Orchard team was delighted to facilitate an opportunity for ten students heading for a career in occupational therapy.
The Orchard Nursing Home in St Albans recently established a connection with the University of Bedfordshire through Dr Benson, Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy and a registered Occupational Therapist in the UK, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand. Having previously accompanied a group of students to The Orchard, Dr Benson suggested another visit which would include practical sessions with residents.
Falls Risk Assessments Conducted with Resident Volunteers
The idea to collaborate on a practical exercise was seen as an opportunity to support the learning of a group of occupational therapy students, as well as a chance to share knowledge and practical experience. As a result, ten students were invited to The Orchard to conduct falls risk assessments with residents as part of a project for their university course.
Doctor Benson asked for resident volunteers to take part in a 20–30 minute assessment, with forms to complete and a series of exercises to undertake, including the Timed Up and Go test known as TUG. A number of residents kindly volunteered to take part, including Dennis, Jean, David, Sister Janet, Patricia, Julian, Peter and Molly.
Positive Feedback Builds a Strong Partnership
Everything was safely and easily completed and the residents were happy to have been able to support the students, who shared their results with The Orchard team afterwards. Dr Benson was impressed by the home’s friendly care team and received lots of positive feedback from the students who enjoyed engaging with the residents. Resident Dennis was equally complimentary, commenting, “What a lovely bunch of students, they were so keen to get involved and say hello to every resident within the room.”
Once again, a visit by Doctor Benson and his university students has been a very positive and beneficial experience for all involved. Everyone at The Orchard saw it as a wonderful opportunity to strengthen their partnership with the university while also supporting the development of future healthcare professionals, and the residents really enjoyed being part of the experience.
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.
