Care home manager shaves head for sensory funds

A brave manager at Philips Court care home, which is part of Akari Care, shaved her head during the home’s summer fayre to raise funds for an exciting sensory project for residents.

Karleen Taylor-Williams, who has been manager at Philips Court for one year, took the plunge, raising £700 for a giant cow statue as part of a ‘cows and kayaks art exhibition’ the home is planning to hold later in the year.

Statues of cows and kayaks, of all different sizes, will live in the home’s garden and the residents will paint and decorate the figures to stimulate their senses.

Philips Court also has hens, guinea pigs and rabbits in its garden to help the residents’ interaction and communication and is hoping to re-home some pot-bellied pigs soon.

The fayre, which was attended by members of the local community, raised £560, which will also be put towards the project.

Karleen Taylor-Williams said: “I was nervous leading up to the head shave, but knowing that it was for the residents made me really want to do it.

“The ‘cows and kayaks’ exhibition is a bit out of the ordinary, but I am always trying to come up with exciting and different ideas that are beneficial and enjoyable for residents.

“I’d like to thank everyone who came to the fayre, it was great to welcome the community to the home and see the residents interacting with people of all ages, and I’d like to thank everyone who sponsored me, the money will be put towards a fantastic project.”