Colleagues at HC-One’s Orchard Mews care home, in Tyne & Wear, went that extra mile to help one Resident feel at home when he moved in.
Georgios moved into the home in June 2020, unable to speak English, and staff unable to speak Greek.
Colleagues, including Kailey Cooper and Gillian Morgan, have been learning some Greek phrases, with the help of a translator app, and Georgios is saying a few words in English too. Communication is becoming much easier – ‘High five’ is Georgios new favourite phrase.
His room now has some lovely photos of his home town, Larissa, together with Greek flag bunting. His smile lights the room, and it is lovely to see him looking at his photos, listening to his Greek music while tapping along, and smiling saying 'good morning' to staff. He always says 'yammas' and then 'thank you' followed by 'mwah' as he blows a kiss.
Kailey and Gillian both commented, “Georgios face lit up when he saw his photo board and the bunting. It's the little things that make a big difference'.”
Nicola Coulsen, Home Manager, remarked, “Communication is key to good, person centred care, and despite the language barrier, Georgios is receiving just that. The staff really tried to engage with Georgios, it was difficult as we initially couldn't communicate with him at all, but perseverance made a whole world of difference!”