Langdon House care home in Cambridge has introduced an innovative new initiative called “Stop the Clock,” designed to strengthen the bond between residents and those working at the home, enhancing the overall wellbeing of everyone involved.
Launched this week, the “Stop the Clock” programme encourages all team members to set aside dedicated time each week to spend with the residents. This initiative reflects the home’s commitment to a holistic, whole-home approach to care, ensuring that every resident feels valued and engaged.
Every Thursday at 2 pm, the entire care home pauses its usual activities for 15 minutes. During this time, all team members—from the catering, gardening and maintenance teams to carers, admin personnel, and the home manager—step away from their duties to spend quality time with a resident or a small group of residents.
While 15 minutes might seem brief, it is enough to make a significant impact. Residents can engage in a variety of activities, such as singing, chatting, strolling through the garden, playing games, or enjoying a mini massage. This dedicated time, often spent with a member of the team they don’t usually interact with, fosters personal connections and helps residents feel valued and cared for.
Project Support Manager Carolann Hinson emphasized the importance of these brief yet impactful moments: “Every team member—whether they are carers, nurses, reception staff, gardeners, or part of the catering team—is encouraged to spend 15 minutes with a resident, dedicating a small portion of their day to foster meaningful interactions. This could be a chat and a cup of tea, a walk in the garden, taking part in an activity together, or providing a mini-massage or pamper treatment—whatever the resident prefers.
“We understand that the little things often have the biggest impact. By committing to just 15 minutes, our team members are making a significant difference in the lives of our residents.”
The “Stop the Clock” initiative at Langdon House is not just a new routine—it’s a powerful reminder of the profound impact that simple acts of kindness and connection can have on both residents and our teams.
These brief interactions provide several vital benefits:
- Social interaction: For residents without regular visitors, these moments of engagement help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation, enhancing their mood and overall well-being.
- Emotional support: Building relationships through these encounters offers emotional support, helping residents feel valued and cared for.
- Mental stimulation: Conversations, sharing a cup of tea, and reminiscing about the past provide mental stimulation, helping to maintain cognitive function and mental acuity.
- Improved mood: Interaction with others is a powerful mood booster, alleviating feelings of depression and anxiety and replacing them with joy and a sense of connection.
- Sense of purpose: When residents see that someone is taking the time to be with them, it instils a sense of purpose and importance, positively contributing to their self-esteem and happiness.
- Physical health: Social interaction benefits physical health too, with studies showing it can lead to better outcomes like lower blood pressure and reduced risk of certain conditions.
