Sharing connections, hugs and trust at Beritaz Care

Today is National Hug Day, a chance to celebrate the comfort, connection, and kindness we experience through a simple hug. At Beritaz Care, we provide our residents with care and compassion every single day, whether that be through a hug, a conversation, a shared joke, or a smile.

For many people, a hug is exactly what’s needed to bring comfort in difficult times or celebrate happy times. The act of a hug is the unspoken way of saying “I care”. National Hug Day is a campaign that reminds us to share love, care, and affection, as well as to appreciate the importance of connection, both physical and emotional.

At Beritaz Care, forming connections is a key part of the care we provide. Building these connections is what takes our staff and residents from strangers to friends. Our staff understand that trust takes time; they work to get to know each resident, listening to their stories, learning about them, and getting to know their likes and dislikes. For our residents, seeing the same faces each day brings a sense of reassurance, and through the small acts of kindness from our staff, they begin to feel comfortable and trusting of the people caring for them. Through the bonds that are built between residents and staff, we know our residents feel happy and safe within the homes, content in the knowledge that they have people around them who care about them and they can trust.

The care we provide in our homes is about more than physical support; we also care for our residents’ emotional and mental wellbeing, which has a direct correlation to their physical health. Our team are able to recognise if a resident is having a bad day or something is bothering them, even if they don’t want to say it out loud.

We also understand the importance of that physical connection and the reassurance and comfort it can bring. Sometimes a hug from a friend or family member is exactly what is needed to brighten a resident’s day. For some of our residents, a hug from a four-legged friend is their favourite thing. Our residents gain so much from our animal therapy sessions; sharing a hug with an adorable dog, cat, rabbit, or other cute critters brings the biggest smiles to our residents’ faces.

But a hug isn’t the only way to share connection and show affection. Within our homes, we respect the individual preferences of each person; it’s all part of our policy of person-centred care. We know that care and comfort look different for each resident, particularly those affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia, and we always listen to what that person needs. For some, that might be holding hands or a handshake, or they may be happier without physical contact, preferring just to have someone sit and talk with them or share time enjoying a hobby together. Our aim is to make sure our residents know we are there for them, in whatever form they need.

Whether it’s through a hug, a smile, or a kind word, join us in celebrating the power of connection on National Hug Day, and take a moment to show those around you how much you care.

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