March Aria Court Care Home Stop the Clock initiative

The 'Stop the Clock' initiative at Aria Court, introduced a month ago, encourages everyone in the team from the kitchen staff to the home manager to dedicate their time to spend with residents every Friday at 2.45pm.

For 15 minutes, all routine tasks are set aside, enabling staff members to spend cherished quality time with those they care for.

These interactions may seem brief, yet they provide an opportunity for singing, chatting, garden walks, game-playing or even mini massages, sparking joy and helping residents to feel valued and engaged.

Aria Court's new initiative leads to unexpected friendships among residents and staff (Image: Submitted)

Particularly heartening is that this communal pause allows residents to interact with staffers they wouldn't ordinarily see, fostering unexpected friendships and fostering a stronger sense of togetherness.

Home manager Jo Monaghan said that residents have told her they particularly enjoy the opportunity to interact with members of the team they don't usually get to see for a chat.

Further, she added: “Team members, too, find great value in this initiative.

"I get out into the home as much as I can every day, but this is a really nice opportunity to take a break and spend some time with a resident."

This communal participation feeds into Aria Court's whole-home approach to care, valuing every individual for the role they play in the residents' lives.

The time gives staff the chance to sing, chat or even go for a walk (Image: Submitted)

It has been so successful that there are plans to increase the frequency of 'Stop the Clock'.

This initiative represents a powerful example of the transformative effect of personal interaction.

Just 15 minutes of dedicated time per week is succeeding in creating a more inclusive, caring and connected community, enriching the lives of both residents and the entire Aria Court team.