Christmas arrives early each year at a Nottinghamshire care home, thanks to one colleague who has a life-long love for the festive season.
Jane Hernandez, House Leader at Church Farm Care’s care home, Rusticus, in Cotgrave, starts the festivities each year on November 12. Not only does Jane decorate her own home the day after Remembrance Day, she also starts to wear her large Christmas jumper collection and bring festive cheer to her work and home community.
Jane, who lives in Nottingham and has been part of Church Farm Care for over 20 years, grew up in a family that celebrated Christmas with enthusiasm. After living in Tenerife for a decade, she returned home and continued the tradition with renewed energy.
“I lived in Tenerife for ten years, and Christmas just isn’t the same out there. When I came back home 30 years ago, I went big time, and it’s continued ever since,” she says. “I decorate with so many lights both inside and out and have a large tree which is too big for the house really. I also have 25 Christmas jumpers that I wear, it used to be 56 but I gave some to charity.”
Her early preparations naturally influence the atmosphere at Rusticus as Jane brings the same care and attention to the home as she does to her own street. Jane also has a personal connection to dementia care outside of work, supporting her mum who she lives with, who also benefits from the festivities.
Jane has seen how seasonal cues can create feelings of recognition and reassurance for residents - and her own mum. “The lights and decorations are something many people remember the feeling of,” said Jane. “At a time of year when the days are darker, familiar festive touches can lift people’s spirits. I know from caring for my mum how much she enjoys the lights and festivities. They may not remember everything but they definitely remember how this time of year makes them feel.”
At Rusticus, the team ensures residents are at the centre of the preparations, with family members - as residents are known as - helping to decorate the tree, choose music and take part in activities that support comfort and connection.
Jane adds: “We get a choir in, and it’s amazing how residents seem to remember the words to the carols. You see some with big smiles and others with tears, and you can see how much it means to them as they are remembering something from their past. It really is the best time of year.”
Rusticus, which holds the Nottinghamshire County Council Dementia Quality Mark, provides a home-from-home environment supported by specialist dementia care. Jane’s long service and leadership help ensure that festive activities are woven into daily life in a way that supports wellbeing, familiarity and a sense of belonging.
Lucy Atkinson, co-founder and director of Church Farm Care, said: “Jane’s commitment and her understanding of what brings comfort to people living with dementia has a real impact on daily life at Rusticus. Her knowledge, built over many years with us, helps create an environment where residents feel settled and included. We are proud to have her as part of the team.”
For more information about Church Farm Care Group visit www.churchfarmcare.co.uk.