Jeanne Coote a member of MacIntyre's staff based in Wheathampstead has found that the key to learning about good health is to have fun! Here are some of the things that she has tried to promote good health in her service.

"One of our service users was extremely phobic to the visiting the dentist. So I suggested to the dentist that he ‘informally’ drop in for a cup of tea and a chat with our residents. This had a wonderful result. After meeting the dentist in their own home they saw that he is just like us! After visiting the surgery our service user said to the nurse ‘he comes to our little house for cups of tea!’

We have also held training to encourage good oral hygiene After watching two videos we used huge oversized teeth and a toothbrush to demonstrate how we correctly brush our teeth and gums. The training was conducted in an atmosphere of fun and has had a lasting effect on good habits. We were all quite disappointed when the toothbrush and teeth had to be returned!"

Jeanne Coote