Page 115 - NACC – 2018 Yearbook

The PG Tips
and NAPA tea station team-up
Across Britain a cup of tea isn’t just a drink, it’s an institution. It brings people together and comforts us when we’re down; it’s an essential part of our everyday routine and our special occasions. That’s just one of the reasons why Unilever Food Solutions has partnered with NAPA (the National Activity Providers Association) and 10 care homes across the UK to launch an innovative self-service tea station.
THE TEA STATION
The tea station has delivered significant outcomes in unexpected ways. Residents get
to feel like they’re hosting their visitors, as they would have done in their own homes. And with such a personal beverage, residents also get to mix their perfect cup every time.
Residents reported drinking more and feeling more hydrated. In two homes, case studies showed an increase in confidence and self-esteem, as residents took more charge of their own needs. Residents have come out of their rooms to make their own tea and chat, also improving mobility.
One Care UK resident stated: “I drink more tea because I can help myself to what I want. ImakeithowIwantit,howIlikeit,andIjust take it and enjoy it.”
With the tea stations placed in high-footfall areas, they have also been a big social success. One Care UK home manager stated: “The stations were a conversation starter and more able residents were making tea for their less able neighbours.” It’s not surprising that the homes involved in the trial are keen to continue with the project and to see how they can make a difference to the lives of residents.
We hope to see many more care homes installing the tea station across the country in 2018.
Stocked with easy-use urns, milk, sugar and of course delicious tea blends from PG tips, the stations are fully out tted to make the perfect cuppa. For Sylvie Silver, executive director at NAPA, the scheme has realised a long-standing idea; Sylvie has long been an advocate of the emotional and physical bene ts of tea making for older people.
SYLVIE OUTLINED THE FOUR IMPORTANT BENEFITS THAT THE INITIATIVE AIMS
TO ACHIEVE:
Helping to improve hydration
Help Improve movement; helping to maintain strength, balance and ne motor skills
Greater independence and con dence
Greater opportunities to socialise
The lifestyle co-ordinator and tea champion
at Care UK’s Prince George House in Ipswich, emphasised the independence and normality the stations have brought to residents and advises that stations should be placed near nurses’ stations so that carers can still be on hand to help residents who need a hand.
Visit ufs.com/pg-teastation to discover more. Unilever Food Solutions 0800 783 3728 www.ufs.com/elderlycare
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PREMIER PARTNERS UNILEVER FOOD SOLUTIONS