Guides to Care

Using Aromatherapy and Natural Remedies in Care Settings

Incorporating natural remedies into care home life offers a gentle yet powerful way to support residents’ wellbeing. From soothing lavender to stimulating citrus, aromatherapy and other holistic tools can enhance emotional balance, reduce agitation, and improve sleep—especially for those living with dementia.

The Science Behind Aromatherapy Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants to trigger physical and emotional responses. When inhaled, scents are processed through the olfactory system, which is closely connected to the brain’s emotional and memory centres. This makes scent-based therapy especially helpful in dementia care.

Popular Essential Oils and Their Benefits

1. Lavender – Promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and aids sleep.
2. Peppermint – Stimulates alertness and may ease headaches.
3. Lemon and Orange – Uplift mood and reduce emotional fatigue.
4. Rosemary – May support memory and cognitive function.
5. Chamomile – Soothes nerves and encourages restful sleep.

Practical Uses in Care Homes

• Diffusers: Gently disperse calming oils in communal spaces.
• Aromatherapy Massage: Combines therapeutic touch with scent for deeper relaxation.
• Scented Cloths and Pillows: Personalised scent items help soothe anxiety.
• Bathing Rituals: Add oils like eucalyptus or lavender for calming sensory experiences.

Beyond Aromatherapy: Other Natural Approaches

• Herbal Teas: Chamomile, lemon balm, or mint teas can aid digestion and relaxation.
• Music and Nature Sounds: These can enhance mood and reduce agitation.
• Sunlight and Outdoor Time: Natural light supports circadian rhythms and boosts vitamin D.

Dementia-Specific Applications Residents with dementia may benefit from:

• Routine exposure to familiar, comforting scents.
• Scent-triggered memory activities (e.g., “smell and remember” games).
• Avoidance of overpowering or unfamiliar smells that may confuse or agitate.

Safety Considerations

• Always dilute essential oils properly.
• Avoid direct skin contact unless approved by a healthcare provider.
• Monitor for allergies or sensitivities.
• Choose high-quality, natural products with no synthetic additives.

Staff Training and Resident Choice Care staff are trained in safe use of oils and recognising resident preferences. Residents should always be involved in choosing scents, ensuring a personalised and respectful approach.

Conclusion Natural remedies like aromatherapy offer a low-risk, high-benefit addition to traditional care. At Shipston Lodge, we believe in the power of holistic support—where the right scent, sound, or sip of herbal tea can bring comfort, clarity, and calm.

Emergency Preparedness in Care Homes: Keeping Residents Safe

In a care home setting, safety is not just a policy—it’s a way of life. Residents, especially older adults, are more vulnerable to environmental changes, health incidents, and power-related disruptions. That’s why robust emergency preparedness is essential for ensuring their safety, wellbeing, and peace of mind.

Why Emergency Preparedness Matters Older adults are more susceptible to the effects of extreme weather, sudden illness, or disruptions to heating, lighting, and mobility aids. For many residents, quick response and clear communication during emergencies are not just reassuring—they can be life-saving.

Common Emergencies Care Homes Must Be Ready For

1. Power Outages: Loss of electricity can impact lighting, heating, medical devices, kitchen operations, and more.
2. Heatwaves: Older adults can suffer from heatstroke, dehydration, or cardiovascular strain during extreme temperatures.
3. Cold Snaps and Snowstorms: Icy conditions pose fall risks and may delay medical access or deliveries.
4. Medical Emergencies: Cardiac events, falls, or sudden illness require immediate and efficient response.
5. Infectious Outbreaks: Fast containment measures and infection control can prevent spread.

Preparedness Protocols at Shipston Lodge

• Power Backup Systems: We have emergency generators and UPS units to keep vital systems running during power cuts.
• Temperature Control Plans: Our team monitors weather warnings and adjusts cooling or heating systems accordingly, while ensuring residents stay hydrated and comfortable.
• Emergency Medical Training: All staff are trained in first aid, CPR, and how to escalate medical concerns swiftly.
• Clear Evacuation Procedures: Fire drills, accessible exit points, and mobile-friendly emergency kits are in place.
• Communication Plans: Family members are updated via phone or email, and all residents are kept informed with simple, reassuring language.

Team Coordination and Staff Training Our care team undergoes regular emergency response training, including:

• Annual scenario-based drills
• Recognising vulnerable individuals
• Coordination with local authorities and emergency services
• Documentation and checklists for high-risk scenarios

Resident-Centred Emergency Plans Each resident has a personalised care plan, which includes:

• Emergency contact details
• Medication lists and essential medical equipment
• Mobility and communication needs
• Specific vulnerabilities to temperature or stress

Family Reassurance and Involvement We believe families are key partners in safety. During critical events, families are notified early, and provided with ongoing updates. We also encourage families to keep emergency contact numbers current and participate in our safety education materials.

Conclusion Safety is about foresight, preparation, and calm execution. At Shipston Lodge, we prioritise emergency preparedness as a vital part of our care commitment. Families can rest easy knowing that their loved ones are protected by a team ready to respond with compassion, clarity, and control.

Sleep and Ageing: How to Promote Restful Nights in Later Life

As we age, the quality and patterns of our sleep naturally change. Older adults often find themselves waking frequently during the night or struggling to fall asleep. In care home environments, this can be especially challenging—but also an area where thoughtful support can make a significant difference.

Why Sleep Changes with Age
Biological changes, reduced melatonin production, increased frequency of medical conditions, and the side effects of certain medications can all impact sleep. Emotional factors such as anxiety or depression, often heightened during times of transition or illness, can also contribute to poor sleep.

The circadian rhythm, our internal body clock, tends to shift with age, often making older adults feel tired earlier in the evening and wake earlier in the morning. However, the quality of sleep may be lighter and more fragmented, resulting in less restorative rest.

Consequences of Poor Sleep in Older Adults
Sleep deprivation in the elderly can lead to irritability, cognitive decline, greater risk of falls, and a weakened immune system. Chronic sleep issues may also exacerbate other health problems, making rest an essential part of holistic elderly care.

Insufficient sleep is also linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even an increased risk of dementia. For residents in care homes, addressing sleep issues is a preventative health strategy as well as a comfort-enhancing measure.

Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment in Care Homes

1. Routine and Structure: Encourage a regular bedtime and wake-up schedule, as consistency helps regulate the circadian rhythm.
2. Lighting: Use natural light during the day to help maintain healthy sleep-wake cycles, and dim lighting in the evening to cue the body for rest.
3. Noise Reduction: Maintain quiet nighttime environments with minimal disruptions. Use soft flooring, close doors gently, and avoid overhead paging systems.
4. Comfortable Bedding: Ensure mattresses and pillows are suited to the individual’s needs. Weighted blankets can also promote calm for some individuals.
5. Temperature Control: Keep bedrooms comfortably cool and well-ventilated.

Daytime Habits to Support Night-Time Sleep

• Promote physical activity and fresh air during the day.
• Limit daytime napping to avoid nighttime wakefulness, ideally keeping naps under 30 minutes.
• Encourage engagement in meaningful activities to promote emotional wellbeing and mental stimulation.
• Avoid caffeine and heavy meals late in the day.

Nutrition and Hydration
Evening snacks such as bananas, almonds, or chamomile tea can help promote sleep. Ensure residents are well-hydrated but avoid large fluid intake right before bed to reduce nighttime bathroom visits.

When to Seek Medical Support
If sleep issues persist, involve a healthcare professional. Sleep disorders like sleep apnoea, restless leg syndrome, or periodic limb movement disorder may require specialised care. Medication reviews can also reveal drugs that disrupt sleep as a side effect.

Conclusion
Promoting better sleep in older adults isn’t just about comfort—it’s about quality of life. At Shipston Lodge, we understand the profound link between restful nights and overall wellbeing. With the right support and a tailored approach, we help ensure every resident enjoys peaceful, restorative sleep.

Why Location Matters: The Benefits of Life in the Heart of Shipston-on-Stour

The location of a care home can play a massive role in shaping daily life, and Shipston Lodge’s setting in the heart of Shipston-on-Stour offers residents the perfect balance of charm, accessibility, and community.

Situated in one of Warwickshire’s most picturesque market towns, Shipston Lodge is surrounded by history, natural beauty, and local amenities.

This means residents don’t just enjoy a comfortable home, they remain part of a vibrant town with a strong sense of identity and belonging.

Our central location makes it easier for friends and family to visit, whether popping in for a quick chat or spending the afternoon together in our café or gardens.

The convenience of having local shops, churches, parks and transport links within reach gives residents a feeling of independence and continuity.

We regularly organise outings into the town and surrounding countryside, allowing our residents to enjoy the best of the Cotswolds. From scenic drives to community events, these trips are more than just entertainment — they are an opportunity to stay active, connected and involved in the wider world.

Being part of the local community also creates opportunities for intergenerational activities, visits from local schools, and partnerships with nearby groups and volunteers.

Shipston-on-Stour’s welcoming atmosphere enriches life at our home and adds a genuine sense of community that residents and families truly value.

At Shipston Lodge, we don’t just offer care in a beautiful location, we offer a lifestyle rooted in place, purpose and community.

Staying Connected: How Shipston Lodge Helps Families Stay Close

Moving into a care home is a significant change, not just for residents but for their families too. At Shipston Lodge, we understand the importance of maintaining strong family ties and doing everything we can to ensure loved ones remain closely connected.

From the moment someone joins our home, we work in partnership with families. We know that relatives offer vital insight into a resident’s preferences, routines and values — and we never underestimate how comforting a familiar face or voice can be.

To make visits easy and enjoyable, our home has been designed with welcoming spaces for family time.

Whether it’s a quiet corner for a chat, a sunny spot in the garden or a private space for special occasions, there’s always somewhere to relax and spend time together.

For those who live further afield, we support digital connections too. Residents are assisted with video calls, voice messages and even online games or activities that can be shared with family members.

These simple interactions help bridge the distance and keep relationships strong.

We also love hosting regular family-inclusive events — from summer fetes and musical performances to church services and birthday celebrations.

These shared experiences create cherished moments and deepen the sense of community that defines Shipston Lodge.

Family is central to life here. We make it a priority to keep the people that matter close, because connection, love and familiarity are some of the most lavish comforts of all.

Life Stories and Legacy: Celebrating Residents’ Histories at Shipston Lodge

At Shipston Lodge, we believe that every resident’s story is a legacy worth celebrating. Behind every face is a life well-lived, filled with experiences, memories, and lessons that deserve to be honoured and shared.

Our commitment to person-centred care means we don’t just look after physical well-being; we recognise and embrace the entire identity of every individual.

That’s why life stories are a central part of how we connect with and support our residents. By learning about their pasts from cherished childhood memories and family traditions to careers, travels, and passions, we create a deeper connection between staff, residents, and their families.

Through tools like life story books, memory boxes, and our regular reminiscence sessions, residents have the opportunity to revisit essential moments in their lives.

These activities not only encourage communication and emotional expression but also help build confidence and a sense of belonging.

Our staff are trained to use these stories to personalise every aspect of care, from daily routines and conversation to tailored activities that resonate with each individual’s background and interests.

Whether it’s playing a favourite song, arranging a gardening session, or sharing a meaningful photo, small gestures rooted in personal history have a powerful impact.

Families are often involved in creating life story materials, offering a chance to reflect and bond over shared memories.

In doing so, our residents’ legacies continue to be cherished by those they love most.

At Shipston Lodge, we are proud to be a home where memories matter — and where every story adds something special to our community.

Adapting to Changing Needs: How Shipston Lodge Evolves with Each Resident

At Shipston Lodge, we recognise that care is never static. Each resident’s needs may change over time, and it is our responsibility to evolve with them. Whether those changes are physical, emotional, or cognitive, our team is committed to providing support that evolves and adapts in tandem with the individual.

The process begins with getting to know our residents deeply. From the start, we take time to understand each person’s medical background, personal preferences, and emotional well-being. This information forms the foundation of a personalised care plan—one that is designed not only to meet current needs but to flex and adjust as life changes.

Care planning at Shipston Lodge is a dynamic process. We hold regular reviews in partnership with residents, their families, and healthcare professionals. These reviews help us identify new needs early and ensure we are always providing the most appropriate support. Whether someone begins to need more mobility assistance, experiences changes related to dementia, or wishes to change aspects of their routine, we respond with compassion and precision.

Our team is trained to spot the subtle signs that a resident’s needs may be evolving. That might be increased tiredness, changes in appetite, or differences in mood. Rather than waiting for challenges to arise, we act proactively—adjusting care plans, updating medication routines, or introducing new therapies and support.

We also understand that emotional needs are just as important as physical ones. Our staff build strong relationships with residents, offering not only care but companionship and understanding. As a person’s circumstances change, so too might their feelings and priorities. We are here to listen, support, and adapt accordingly.

By staying responsive and flexible, Shipston Lodge ensures that every resident receives care that is both current and relevant to their needs. This approach provides peace of mind for families and ensures residents continue to feel safe, respected, and well-supported at every stage of life.

Creating Moments of Joy: The Role of Laughter and Play in Elderly Wellbeing

Laughter is more than just a pleasant sound—it is a powerful tool for wellbeing. At Shipston Lodge, we believe that joy should be a daily experience, not a rare treat. That is why we prioritise playfulness, laughter, and shared fun as a meaningful part of life in our home.

For older adults, especially those living in care facilities, the opportunity to laugh, play, and experience spontaneous moments of happiness can significantly improve their mood and reduce feelings of isolation. Laughter has even been shown to promote physical health by lowering stress levels, boosting the immune system, and encouraging movement and engagement.

Our daily life is filled with opportunities for light-hearted fun. From quiz nights and sing-alongs to games like hoopla or carpet bowls, we find joy in both the significant events and the small, spontaneous moments. Many of these activities are co-created with residents, ensuring they are meaningful and engaging for everyone involved.

One recent highlight was a game of hoopla using a homemade set created during an arts and crafts session. Residents not only took pride in crafting the game themselves but also had great fun playing it afterwards, sharing laughter and gentle competition. These are the kinds of moments that bring life to the home and smiles to everyone’s faces.

We also celebrate themed days, seasonal events, and birthday surprises, all designed to uplift and bring people together. The Lamb Inn, our in-house pub, often hosts social events where residents can enjoy a chat, a drink, and a good laugh together.

But joy at Shipston Lodge is not always planned. Often, it comes from staff sharing a joke, a light-hearted story, or simply being present with warmth and humour. Our team understands the value of being playful and approachable, and that energy is contagious.

Ultimately, happiness plays a vital role in overall health. By creating space for joy, we help residents feel more connected, more alive, and more at home. Because at Shipston Lodge, we do not just care for people—we share life with them.