MHA launches Key 2 Me programme

Methodist Homes (MHA), the country’s largest charitable care provider, has launched a new programme to help encourage conversations between residents, staff, and loved ones.

The Key to Me programme is MHA's new approach to life story and reminiscence work. It enables care workers to build stronger relationships between residents, their families, and colleagues by learning more about their lives.

It also allows homes to personalise environments. For example, making sure the artwork within the care home reflects the background of those who live there.

The programme introduces four tools to help colleagues at MHA unlock memories and create a conversation with the residents they support.

Julie Roche, home manager at MHA Westbury Grange care home in Newport Pagnell said: “We spoke about the Key to Me in our staff meetings which was the day after the training.

“The staff were very enthusiastic and one carer made the keys to hang the cards on. “We have also had our volunteers in for the local secondary school using them.

“I then spoke about it and tried them out at my relatives' meeting.

“Interestingly it opened up memories for all of them and the buzz in the room was amazing, they all said how useful it was as visiting and keeping conversation going can be difficult.”

Sue Meehan, lifestyle and engagement lead at MHA, said: “The Key to Me programme is something that we have wanted to introduce at MHA for a very long time.

“It's something we are immensely proud of and have already seen firsthand and through feedback from staff, residents and loved ones connected to our homes how impactful it has been.

“The purpose of the programme is to assist with personalising care including support plans, link activities and meaningful engagement to a resident’s likes, dislikes and previous employment.

“The programme has also been recognised by local authorities when they come and inspect our homes, so it's great to see the impact it has externally as well as internally.

“Everyone has a story to tell. The older we get, the more memories we collect to shape our very own unique life story.

“The programme allows residents, loved ones and staff to have those conversations that may have been missed and allows us all to promote positivity, inclusion and independence.

“When working on the Key to Me programme we encourage all those involved to be emotionally present for residents.

“We are hoping for some funding so we are keen to have conversations with support networks so we can continue to support our people at MHA and enable them to live later life well.

“They are sharing significant aspects of their life with you.

“This is a precious gift, It’s a way of working together to improve communication and strengthen relationships.”

click here for more details or to contact MHA