Sign Language Ambitions Get the Thumbs Up for Belong Warrington Carers

Sign Language Ambitions Get the Thumbs Up for Belong Warrington Carers

Compassionate carers at dementia specialist, Belong, have earned a big thumbs up from residents after taking on the challenge of learning British Sign Language (BSL) to support older people who are hard of hearing at the Loushers Lane care village.

Prompted by the imminent arrival of new resident and deaf Warringtonian, Sybil Ward, colleagues enrolled on their entry level BSL certification under the tuition of Warrington & Vale Royal College. The course was tailored specially to meet the aim of being able to communicate with and assist Sybil to enjoy everything Belong life has to offer.

Louise Kelly, experience coordinator at Belong Warrington, shares more: “We were really touched when we met our Sybil, and it was important to include her warmth and personality in our family as it’s our goal to be inclusive of everyone’s needs. The Greenall House team and key colleagues embraced the BSL challenge and we’re now looking to sign up more to keep our signing culture going indefinitely.”

92-year-old Sybil chose to reside on one of Belong Warrington’s six ‘households’, a family-sized cohort of a dozen older people whose independence is assisted with 24-hour carers whilst they enjoy a shared communal lounge, kitchen and outdoor space. The approach is designed to facilitate relationships with fellow residents and support workers, meaning the preferences and needs of individuals can be met whilst building a community around them.

Communicating her thoughts of her home and carers, Sybil signed: “I love you all. Thank you.”

The team took inspiration from Old Hands: New Tricks, the recent, heartening TV documentary featuring care village residents learning to sign. As a not-for-profit operator, Belong Warrington continually reinvests to enhance its care provision, including exploring ideas and opportunities to make life better for those in its care.

With an estimated 75% of older people in care environments living with hearing loss, rising to 80% by 20321, the introduction of BSL is anticipated as another measure to reduce loneliness and social isolation, as well improve customers’ overall health and wellbeing.

The news comes as the world recognises September’s deaf awareness month, shining a spotlight on both International Week of Deaf People, and International Day of Sign Languages, later culminating in World Deaf Day.

Louise continues: “The feedback from our residents has been fantastic – they really appreciate our efforts. We’re super proud of all our colleagues who’ve earned their certificates, and in turn, they are pleased to have learned a new skill to use in their everyday work. It goes to show that communication really is more than just words; it’s about connection.”