Smiling matters for Luton ResidentsCapwell Grange care home, in Luton, have been finding creative ways to make Residents smile. 

At this difficult time, it is important to wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Masks are now a part of a care home uniform however, Colleagues have always recognised that faces are so important when caring for a person. 

“At present our faces have become reduced due to the masks we now wear. The carers eyes have always been a gate way to give others reassurances, attention, empathy, dignity and respect; this is continued by carers even when wearing masks,” explained Home Manager, Nicky Berry. 

Our mouth is a vessel for kind words and communication but the power of a smile radiates warmth and allows people to feel at ease. A smile is contagious, a genuine smile brings joy through laughter and through song. 

Colleagues at Capwell Grange have understood that this is missing due to mask wearing, so they decided to wear a smile and have some smiling selfies taken that are displayed around the home for Residents, Colleagues and visitors to see. 

They have been bringing some much laughter and smiles to everyone, their slogan is:

“When You're Smiling (The Whole World Smiles With You), stay safe!”

Residents had some superb comments:

" I have not laughed this hard for a long time"

" It’s great having the pictures on the wall - it makes me smile every time I walk past them"

" It was so nice to be woke up with a smile this morning.”

Nicky said, “This has been a great way to interact with each other and show how much a smile means. Great job to the wellbeing team, colleagues and residents for participating in this.”

“This has been part of a focus month called Oral October where Capwell Grange is promoting good practices in Mouth Care and is using CQC smiling Matters Publication.”