Oomph! and Healthcare Ireland
Healthcare Ireland is committed to the delivery of more than just excellent care. A key value at Healthcare Ireland is innovation, we are continuously seeking new ways to enhance the lives of our residents. In November 2023, Healthcare Ireland entered a partnership with Oomph! Wellness, a leading provider of activities and wellness aimed at improving the quality of life of residents and enhancement of person-centred care. Carol Cousins (Director of Strategy) and Adam Dickson (Regional Support Manager) are both Project Managers for Oomph! and Healthcare Ireland partnership. At present, all 24 services in the group are currently using Oomph, with engagement well above the national average.
The Oomph platform has a range of activities, exercise content, news, and Oomph TV. Activities include activity books, crafts, puzzles, quizzes, newspapers, and tasty recipes. Oomph TV have a range of fantastic items including live streaming sessions, music, exercise, mindfulness, and spiritual sessions. A brand-new feature has been released this month to include Oomph Radio Feature with access to 110,000 radio channels and podcasts from 130 countries around the word.
Residents, families, and visitors can access the platform through a variety of devices, including laptops, desktops, tablets, and smart TV’s. The live music sessions are a big hit with the resident’s as they enjoy singalongs with their peers and loved ones. Family members can also use the online platform through their mobile phones or tablets. Each resident has their own private individual account which they can access activities and personalise depending on their needs and preferences. The use of Oomph is a great addition to the existing activity plans within our homes, each suited to resident’s needs and supported by best practice guidelines.
Our commitment to wellbeing extends to our staff as well as residents. The mental health and wellbeing of those working within our services is an important aspect of operating our services. Oomph has a range of tools and resources for staff to use to develop their professional development and personal wellbeing. Staff can avail of nutritional support and wellbeing advice.
Reminiscence has been shown to improve the quality of relationships between residents, staff, and family members. At Healthcare Ireland, we have shared some fantastic experiences using the platform in our services. A resident living with dementia in Slemish Nursing Home completed a puzzle on motorcycles and recalled his past love for racing and visiting the North West 200 with his friends. The gentleman’s daughter was overjoyed to hear her father retell the stories of his youth and love for motorcycles.
