Tag: nursing home

Your Home, Your Care, Your Way

Highbury House has a finalist in the Brighton & Hove Care Awards

We’re so proud to announce that one of our much-loved healthcare assistants, Maria Yonova, is a finalist for the Care Worker of the Year Award! This award is part of the Brighton & Hove Care Awards 2026. The event will be held at the Brighton Metropole, delivered by Brighton & Hove / East Sussex Partners in Care.

We got in touch with Maria and asked her a few questions about her nomination.

How do you feel about being nominated?

I am extremely surprised and shocked! I did not expect to be nominated! On a daily basis I never realised I am doing things over and above what’s expected. Everything I do is because I care for our residents and team at Highbury.

Who has supported you the most in your role?

Firstly, it’s my family. They never ever complain about the long hours and the number of days I work. They realise how important carers are for our residents.

Secondly, I would like to thank all my colleagues, management and all the staff in Highbury House for their support. We all work together, working as one to make things happen in the best way. Collectively, we are constantly looking ahead to maintain and improve the home’s high standards.

What drives / motivates you as a person?

I like helping my colleagues and residents without thinking twice. I like my job and I have a feeling of satisfaction after being busy all day. The challenges are what keep me motivated, no day is the same. I love the way our team all work together and make the “magic” happen.

How would you feel if you were to win this award?

If I were to win this award, it would be great recognition for all the hard work everyone does at Highbury House and within the Southcare Homes Group!

It would be a massive boost and would be motivating for all of us. This kind of award is a reminder of the incredible care being carried out at Highbury House.

Maria Yonova, Healthcare Assistant, Highbury House Nursing Home
12/08/2026 / by Amber

How to Help Those with Dementia on Bonfire Night

5 Tips to Help Those with Dementia on Bonfire Night

November ushers in the autumn layers, warm drinks and firelit nights. Fireworks too. While the sound of booms, pops and whizzes are exciting for most of us, for some with dementia it can be a cause of distress. Here are some tips to help bring relief while fireworks are going off on bonfire night.

1. Stay calm 

By keeping calm when another is in distress, you can provide an emotional anchor and not exacerbate the situation. Try to think about how they are feeling right now. Striving to show empathy and put yourself in their situation may help you react in a more understanding manner, no matter how they address you. Take time to consider how you will answer them.  

2. Use gentle body language and a soothing tone 

Linked with keeping calm is also doing your best to create a calm atmosphere. Your tone of voice can make a difference. Speaking with a soothing, gentle tone at a steady pace can help dissipate distress in someone that has dementia. Rapid, jerking movements can denote aggression so do your best to use soft, slow movements around them.

3. Create a relaxing environment

Remove anything nearby that could worsen the level of distress experienced. For instance, anything that makes sudden loud noises, overly bright lights – anything that could harass the senses could cause further distress. Minimise surrounding distractions where possible.

4. Understand the person and their needs

Knowing much about the person with dementia will help you to understand how best to help them. Once you’re aware of their personality, their background and history, it may give you an indication of what situations and stimuli may be triggering for them. Once you know what makes them tick or are aware of the underlying causes of their distress, you can be better informed to provide support and relief.  

5. Provide opportunities for meaningful engagement

It’s not enough just to create a relaxing environment. The sounds of fireworks are likely to permeate. So, keep them occupied in an activity that is meaningful and one they find enjoyable. Reassure them with your presence, words and active engagement. Validating their feelings helps shift their focus away from the noise and may help calm the person down. 

Resident holding a sparkler in garden
A previous Bonfire Night at Highbury House, Rottingdean. A dear resident enjoying the fun of sparklers!

There are great benefits to either hosting or attending a bonfire night celebration for residents. And the above tips can be used in any distressing situation. We wish you all the best with bonfire season and hope as many as possible can enjoy it.

21/10/2024 / by Amber