Multi-Disciplinary Therapies

One of the largest in-house therapy teams within a care home setting in the UK.

When you choose Nightingale Hammerson, you join a family committed to your needs.

Our dedicated in-house therapy team places Residents’ comfort, safety and independence at the heart of everything we do.

We take time to understand each individual’s needs and tailor support, accordingly, adapting as those needs change. Therapists work closely with household teams, offering training and guidance to support Residents with daily movement and activity. Whether using mobility aids or moving around the home, we ensure each person feels confident, safe and supported.

Falls prevention is a key priority. By closely monitoring trends and outcomes, we create practical strategies that reduce risk and enhance well-being across our homes. Skilled, compassionate and deeply committed, our therapy team helps Residents improve their quality of life and live confidently and actively every single day.

Our multi-disciplinary team consists of:

Physiotherapists

Physiotherapy is an integral part of our Residents’ day-to-day life, enabling independence and confidence, as well as alleviating pain. On a Resident’s first day of arrival, they will be welcomed and carefully assessed by our therapy team. This ensures they are able to receive the best support to maximise mobility, stability, safety and well-being. Our in-house therapies team quickly get to know our Residents’ individual needs and closely monitor each person to adjust support as needed. The physiotherapy team offers regular group exercise classes, either chair-based or through circle dancing. They advise on strategies for falls prevention and a personal one-to-one service, for an additional fee. This can cover support with specific movement, strengthening, mobility and balance exercises.

At Nightingale Hammerson we work collaboratively to help our Residents live better for longer and to add quality of life to palliative care and end-of-life Residents. The therapists are experts in activity analysis and modifying activity to enable Residents to continue participating in what is meaningful to them.

Occupational Therapists

Our occupational therapy team works closely with each Resident to understand their abilities and adapt their environment to support daily living. Bedrooms can be thoughtfully modified to make every-day routines, from getting up in the morning to settling down at night, more comfortable and manageable. Even simple tasks like eating and drinking can become challenging over time. By working with the dietitian and introducing adapted utensils and thoughtful techniques, the team helps Residents regain confidence and maintain their independence.

When a Resident experiences a hospital admission, a fall, a stroke or an infection, the occupational therapist responds promptly, closely monitoring their needs. They work hand-in-hand with the care teams and families to ensure the best possible support is in place.

Moving and Handling Advisors

At Nightingale Hammerson we are fortunate to employ a highly trained and expert moving and handling advisor who plays a vital role in supporting both Residents and care teams across the homes. She ensures all movement, whether standing, transferring or using equipment like hoists or walking aids, is carried out safely, comfortably and with dignity. Working closely with our nursing, physiotherapy and care teams, the moving and handling advisor provides expert assessments, tailored guidance and hands-on training. This collaborative approach helps reduce the risk of injury, builds staff confidence and supports each Resident to move as independently as possible, improving well-being and quality of life.

Dietitians

Our on-site dietitian ensures every Resident receives nutritious, balanced meals and the support they need with eating and drinking. The team works closely with our multi-disciplinary team to identify and assist those at risk of malnutrition or dehydration, particularly within our nursing and dementia households. From mealtime strategies and food-first approaches to tailored supplements, the dietitian leads on assessments, monitoring and personalised care plans. She liaises directly with our catering team to put dietary plans into action and champions nutritional education across Nightingale Hammerson.

Speech & Language Therapists

Our speech and language therapist supports Residents with communication and swallowing needs, helping them stay connected and safe. Whether assisting someone with speech difficulties, language loss or challenges due to neurological conditions, the therapist offers tailored strategies and tools to support expression, understanding and confidence. She also assesses and manages swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), working closely with the care teams and the dietitian to ensure meals are safe, enjoyable and appropriate for each Resident’s needs. Through compassionate, expert care, our speech and language therapist plays a key role in supporting dignity, safety and meaningful interaction every day.

“Quality of life and ethical decision making is always at the forefront of my practice, where I recognise the significance of eating, drinking and communicating well as part of living a more fulfilling life in our homes. I enjoy building strong rapports with Residents and honouring their unique preferences, cultural beliefs and wishes, when assessing and providing intervention.” Chloe Green, Speech and Language Therapist

Clinical Psychologists

Nightingale Hammerson is proud to be the only care home in the UK to offer an in-house team of clinical psychologists. Our clinical psychologist, supported by a team of postgraduate psychology students, provides compassionate mental health and emotional well-being support to all Residents.

Through one-to-one sessions, group work and collaboration with care teams, they help Residents manage anxiety, depression, adjustment to illness as well as the emotional impact of moving into a care home and dealing with end-of-life. They support teams with reflective practice and training to promote a psychologically informed environment. This unique service ensures that emotional and psychological needs are understood and supported alongside physical care, enhancing overall quality of life for our Residents.

“What I love most about working at Nightingale Hammerson is the ability to really get to know the Residents. It is deeply rewarding to support them to achieve the goals that are most meaningful to them.”

Vanessa Marques, Occupational Therapist

“We are deeply person-centred. Our goals are focussed on what the Resident wants to achieve. Participation is powerful. As therapists, we focus not only on independence but also on engagement and meaning.”

Rosalind Gray, Head of Therapies

About Us

Nightingale Hammerson is an independent charity and a leading specialist in the care of older people. We have served the Jewish community since 1840.

Find out more

Our Care

We tailor our care to the individual needs of each person, taking into account meaningful relationships that contribute to an holistic well-being.

Find out more

Donate to Support Us

Nightingale Hammerson is an independent charity, offering the best possible care to our older Residents. We very much rely on the support of the community in order to continue our work and support Residents who require financial assistance.

Find out more

Good nutrition is essential for our Residents to thrive. Grazing fridges on each household ensure our Residents have 24-hour access to food and drink. Milkshakes are frequently offered and as a dietitian, I can suggest texture-modified diets and thickened fluids.

Caryn Straker, Dietitian