Hearing laughter from care home residents is the secret to success as an activities coordinator says Maria, who has made cracking jokes and creating a fun environment a major part of her job description.
“I believe no matter who you are or what walk of life you come from, if you can make someone laugh, you’ll have a friend for life and we laugh a lot”, says Maria Robinson, who works at The Rectory Care Home in Taunton.
“Laughter is the best medicine.”
The thirty-seven year old has lived in Taunton for 20 years has been involved with the care sector since she left school.
Maria was told about the activities coordinator job at the care home by a friend who ‘thought I would be perfect for it’.
Abbie Foster, who manages The Rectory Care Home agreed. The care home offers dementia care for up to 25 residents. It is run by White Care Group, which has two other dementia care homes in Somerset, St Benedict’s in Glastonbury and St Cecilia in Shepton Mallet.
The activities coordinator is the oldest of eight siblings and loves organising group activities for care home residents.
Maria says: “We put lots of emphasis on making sure they still feel part of the local community, so there are plenty of visitors and outings to promote that.
“We try to provide something for everyone, so there’s music, movement, games and quizzes, craft activities, baking and lots of conversation and reminiscence, because there’s nothing more important than that personal connection.
“I’m really enjoying the relationships and friendships I’m building here, not only with the team but with the residents too.”
