We are constantly working towards improving the care and service we provide for our residents. Each year in September, a "Quality Evaluation Form" is given to all residents or their relatives where appropriate. On this form, they are asked to rate each of the services we provide and give us feedback as regards improvements that could be made.

We were thrilled that for the year of 2010 we achieved an outstanding overall report for the Jah-Jireh group, which clearly indicated the progress we have been making to fulfil the needs and wishes of the residents. The report also highlighted the need for more activities within the home and we have already seen the Managers embrace these ideas (see Special Feature on page 2). We would like to thank the Managers for all their hard work in getting some of these ideas off the ground.

2010 Evaluation Rating

Donations-Did You Know?

Even 90 year old brothers and sisters are being refused funding for care by the government. The financial cut backs are having a serious effect on the care of the elderly in Britain.

We would like to thank you again for all your continued financial support and wish to remind you that these donations now enable us to care for 5 elderly ones for whom their congregation elders have requested care.

We pray that Jehovah will continue to bless the efforts to provide for more cases like this, all supported by your generous and regular donations. - Genesis 22:14

Winter 2010

Winter is still fresh in the minds of those living in the UK. It was the coldest winter on record and we are glad that Spring is here! However, we thought we would share with you one or two experiences that made the season a little warmer! It was lovely to see brothers and sisters offer their assistance in clearing snow from the parking areas and entrances to the homes. It was greatly appreciated as the bad weather makes mobility much more difficult for our elderly ones. We would really like to thank those who took the initiative in this and please know that the residents were also very touched by your kindness.

One of our homes, because of its location, was the worst affected in the group; but it also gave us the opportunity for a fine witness. Stranded motorists were invited into the home and offered hospitality. Some of our residents took this opportunity to engage in informal witnessing and place literature. How lovely to see their enthusiasm for the preaching work despite their advancing years! Walter Cook

Two of our sisters took part in the street work just nearby to the home and were able to place 1 Bible Teach book and 20 magazines. This is no mean feat considering that this was during January and they are aged 91 and 99 years old!

Some of our staff were unable to access the home because of the snow. However, staff who were already on duty very kindly offered to stay over and help cover the vacant shifts. We are very grateful for their loving support.

Life Story: Walter Cook

Walter Cook was born in Goole, Yorkshire in 1921. The family moved to Keighley in Yorkshire when he was twelve, after his father died.

At fourteen years old, in order to support his family, he went to work in a woollen mill and later worked as a clerk for the railway and then as an auxiliary nurse at Stamford hospital.

During World War II he joined the Royal Navy thinking it would be an opportunity to see the world but instead he was torpedoed twice and subsequently hospitalised. Although, this led to him receiving contact with the Truth and being encouraged to attend the meetings.

Walter was baptised in 1950 at the age of twenty nine and so began his spiritual career. He spent three years in full time service at London Bethel before moving to Ireland in 1960 to serve as a special pioneer. He made great sacrifices living in a caravan which doubled as a Kingdom Hall in an isolated part of Ireland.

Walter has served as an Elder and Special pioneer in Hull, Darwen and Dewsbury. More recently, due to ill health, Walter returned to Hull and continued to serve in the congregation; but was not able to do as much in the ministry as he used to. Walter Cook

Since coming to Jah-Jireh however, and having his personal needs cared for, he has once again been able to do his beloved work. Walter can regularly be found sat outside the home, speaking to anyone who passes by, and places much literature. One hot summer day, a return visit brought Walter a Cornetto. Walter's joyful response was to sing the famous song from the commercial. Even during a recent brief hospital stay, Walter was busy talking about the truth to others.

Walter says: "I have loved keeping busy in the truth and have been very happy to have had a life of full time service." What a privilege to care for such loyal servants of Jehovah!

Special Feature-Activities

Following on from the Quality Evaluation Report, we have received requests for all kinds of activities ranging from live Brass Bands to theatre trips. We are gradually introducing more every-day activities for the residents, if they wish to participate. For example, after lunch in one home, as you can see from the pictures there is an hour or so for activities such as painting, drawing and crafts.

Two of our homes now have projectors which they are able to utilise for cinema evenings providing fun entertainment and re-creating an outside experience from within which all residents can enjoy, even those with limited mobility.

One relative mentioned that he has already seen an improvement in his mother since she became more involved in these activities. Time spent like this does much for the residents' state of mind and their general well-being.

We are always looking for innovative ideas to enhance our activity programmes. Even something small such as reading an article from The Watchtower can be very encouraging to the residents. If you have any suggestions, or would like to volunteer support in any of our homes, this can be arranged in advance so please don't hesitate to contact the home nearest to you or via our head office.