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Karyn, Wellbeing Coordinator at Engelberg Care Home

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Engelberg Care Home is delighted to spotlight Karyn, our Wellbeing Coordinator. Karyn has been an invaluable member of our team for about a year, having moved from Perth to the UK. Her journey to Engelberg is both unique and inspiring. Before joining Engelberg, Karyn worked as a zoo keeper, dealing with mainly reptiles and Australian fauna, and as a veterinary nurse. Karyn also managed an animal therapy business, bringing a diverse array of pets into care homes to enrich the lives of the residents. She had a wide range of pets in Australia- dogs, cats, budgies, snakes, lizards, guinea pigs, and even giant cockroaches! You can definitely tell she is an animal lover!

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A Passion for Wellbeing

Karyn's dedication to promoting wellbeing among the elderly is driven by her desire to make their transition into care home life as smooth and positive as possible. She aims to change the perception that moving into a care home marks the end of an active and fulfilling life. By offering engaging activities and genuine companionship, Karyn ensures that residents feel reassured and valued during this significant life change.

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Holistic Approach to Wellbeing

Karyn believes in the importance of addressing residents' emotional and physical wellbeing through a holistic approach. She takes the time to check in with each resident, tailoring activities to their individual abilities and preferences. Her efforts to create varied and inclusive activities have fostered strong bonds with the residents, who hold her in high regard. One resident fondly described their relationship as being like "peas and carrots" because of how well they get along.

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Memorable Activities

Karyn has organised several memorable activities at Engelberg. One standout event was the "Time for a Cuppa" tea party for Dementia UK, which saw an impressive turnout of friends and family of Engelberg. The event raised awareness and funds for the charity while providing a lively and enjoyable atmosphere with tea and trivia.

Another favourite was the honey tasting day, where residents sampled a variety of local honeys, sparking engaging sensory conversations. Karyn's creativity extends to the games she organises, from classic favourites like hangman and trivia to unique games like HOI. Additionally, Karyn often brings her pet guinea pigs, Ralph and Shirley, to visit the residents. These "thera-pigs" bring immense joy and comfort to everyone, highlighting Karyn’s commitment to enhancing the residents' happiness.

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Rewarding Connections

One of the most rewarding aspects of Karyn’s role is the meaningful connections she forms with the residents. She spends quality time with a resident who rarely leaves his room, learning Welsh from him. Another resident has taught Karyn how to knit, resulting in the creation of a scarf and stockings. Karyn treasures the opportunity to learn from the residents, appreciating their wealth of knowledge and enjoying their fascinating stories, including those from wartime.

Karyn’s friendly demeanour and kind heart have made her a beloved figure at Engelberg Care Home, where she continues to make a positive impact on the lives of the residents every day. Engelberg and Ashberry Care Homes are proud to have her as part of our team.

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