Group unveils new private GP partnership
LUXURYCARE has become the first care home group in the South West to offer in-house private GP appointments, in partnership with Haven Medical, a private GP Practice in Canford Cliffs, Poole.
The operator, which offers nursing and residential care at six homes across Bournemouth and Poole, is piloting the provision at Regency Manor Care Home.
Dr Bill Johnson of Haven Medical is now visiting the home in person each week, running a four-hour clinic every Thursday, with a service including on-the-spot dispensing of medications and drawing of bloods for tests, prescriptions, and onward referrals to NHS and private healthcare services to speed up diagnostics and treatment.
Regency Manor manager Carmela Guadalupo said: “We are proud to be the first care home in the region to do this – and among the first in the country.
“We know early intervention is essential for care home residents to stay well as it can so often prevent health issues worsening and necessitating hospital admissions. But, as everyone will be aware, timely GP appointments are becoming increasingly challenging to secure. With our NHS under such pressure, we have chosen to take action and invest in this service to meet the needs of our residents and staff.”
Following a successful trial, the service is now set to be rolled out across the rest of the group’s homes
over the course of the summer.
Samantha Hoskins, managing director of Luxurycare said: ”We appreciate that our local GP services are stretched and under funded through no fault of their own. Demographics and need have changed both locally and nationally, which have not been matched by adequate funding from central government.
“Understandably, this has had an adverse effect on our clients resulting in more hospital admissions. This service is available as a no cost option to all of our residents regardless of their own funding status.
“With assistance and expertise from Haven Medical, our intention is not only to support our residents and team but also go back to the traditional GP visits that were previously the backbone of our much loved social care sector.”
According to 2019 research from The Health Foundation, 41 per cent of emergency admissions to hospital from care homes could potentially be avoided with better management and treatment in the community.
Dr Richard Azzawi White, clinical director at Haven Medical, added:
“It’s great to be able to offer the medical help and support those residents need and can be rest assured of the first-class service that we offer at Haven Medical in the luxury setting of their care home ensuring they’re treated in a timely and appropriate way.”
A Scottish care operator has launched a new mental health training initiative for employees. Staff at Parklands, which has 12 homes in the Highlands, Moray and Aberdeenshire, are being given the opportunity to take part in a two-day Mental Health First Aid training programme. The training programme will cover essential topics, including recognising signs of distress, offering appropriate support, learning basic suicide intervention techniques, and understanding how to protect mental well-being. Participants will acquire valuable skills that can be applied in both their professional and personal lives.
Care home installs defibrillator
CRAIGIELEA care home in Gateshead, part of Solehawk, has invested in a defibrillator to provide a vital, potentially life-saving facility for the community.
The Worshipful Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Kath McCartney unveiled the defibrillator, alongside Brian Richmond who lives at Craigielea and is himself a former Mayor.
To celebrate the occasion guests enjoyed a torso and defibrillator shaped cake, with cupcakes and lots of other treats.
The home has linked with the Lowfell defibrillator group in order to raise awareness of the location and support its local project to have defibrillators placed up and down Low Fell.
Operations manager Steve Massey
said: “Installing a defibrillator outside Craigielea is a significant step towards safeguarding our local community.
“These devices are essential in providing immediate assistance during sudden cardiac arrests, dramatically increasing the chances of survival.
We are proud to offer such a crucial resource in Gateshead.”
Each year, approximately 30,000 people in Britain experience sudden cardiac arrest outside of hospital settings. These incidents can occur to anyone, at any time – from young children at school to adults at home, work, or in public places.
Without proper treatment, cardiac arrests are often fatal. The British Heart Foundation’s data reveals a stark reality: only one in 10 victims survive.
Father and daughter are reunited at home
A FATHER and daughter who lost touch with each other for many years had the surprise of their lives when they found they were living at the same care home.
Leslie Brooke, 96, and Jean Pickergill, 71, both from Middleton in Leeds, are now living at Nesfield Lodge Dementia Care Home.
Leslie became a resident in 2022, while Jean moved in July of 2023. She was totally unaware that her father was already living one floor below her.
The reunion happened when Jean, passing through the dining room, recognised her father.
She told the carers: “The man in the corner is my dad,” and when Leslie saw her, he immediately knew she was his daughter.
Home manager Sarah Golden-Hill said: “It was a shock to us all. Jean walked into the living room, pointed at Leslie and said ‘That’s my dad’. When Leslie looked up and realised who was standing in front of him, he had the biggest smile on his face.”
After many years apart, Leslie and Jean are now cherishing their time together.
Leslie added: “I love living with Jean; I get to see her every day and watch her grow. She’s an amazing woman, and I’m proud to call her my daughter.”
Jean was equally thrilled.
She said: “I couldn’t believe it when I saw him sitting in the lounge. It feels like we’ve been given a second chance at our relationship. I love spending time with him.”
Both are living with dementia and supporting Jean and Leslie’s relationship is a key part of their individualised care plans at Nesfield Lodge.
Sarah added: “As a dementia-friendly care home, we support residents in building or retaining relationships with loved ones. For Jean and Leslie, their care plans focus particularly on quality family time.”
Home hosts early years development class
PORTSDOWN View in Bedhampton hosted a music, movement and sensory development class for local children.
The youngsters were encouraged to dance to upbeat music, play with unique sensory props, learn songs through finger play rhymes, and interact with the residents throughout.
The classes, which will run every first Thursday of the month, are part of an ongoing effort by Portsdown to create strong intergenerational connections between residents and local families.
General manager Pippa Mafunga said: “It was great to see how energised and full of life our residents felt after a day of fun interaction with some energetic youngsters.
“I think for some of them it was a lovely reminder of interacting with their own kids and grandkids when they were young.”
The session was organised in
Day care service for veterans launches
A DAY care service for veterans and their partners has launched at a Surbiton home.
The sessions, which will run several days a week from Royal Star & Garter and include dedicated days for people living with early-stage dementia, began in May.
To mark the launch, the charity is offering a free session at its Surbiton home.
The service will support veterans and their partners who live with disability or dementia but are not in need of full-time residential care. Furthermore, it will offer valuable respite to their carers.
Home manager Helena Maher said: “We know there is demand for day care, so I’m delighted to have launched this service here at our home.
“We’ve had a lot of enquiries already, and we’re looking forward to welcoming more members of the Armed Forces community through our doors.”
Day Care is already running in Royal Star & Garter’s Solihull and High Wycombe homes, and has received
high praise from people using it.
As well as tackling social isolation it will also promote wellbeing by providing home-cooked food, activities and structure to the week.
The arrival of day care at Surbiton is the latest move by Royal Star & Garter to increase the number of veterans it helps. All three homes now provide the service and, in 2023, the charity launched lunch clubs and a telephone friendship service to help combat loneliness and isolation in the Armed Forces community.
The offer of a free taster session runs until August 31. Booking in advance is required and places are subject to availability.
There is no obligation to continue using the service later.
People using day care will be kept busy, joining permanent residents in activities including quizzes, outings, entertainment, art therapy and movement to music.
Emphasis will be placed on rekindling memories and creating connections, including making new friends over delicious and healthy meals.
collaboration with Jiggy Wrigglers UK; an award-winning educational services provider which has been offering classes since 2008. Parents and their children from across the area were invited to join, and residents were able to engage in the sessions by singing along and playing interactive games with the children.
Pippa added: “We see enormous value in hosting any activity or event which can help to breach the generational divide. Too often, people think of people living in care homes as complete dependents who can only be looked after. Yet the truth is there is still so much they can offer, and looking after kids and helping them to learn is just one example.”
Other planned activities at the home include a visit by local sixth formers, arts and crafts classes with Growing Places Nursery, and a project where pupils from Moreland’s Primary School write letters to residents to improve their literacy skills.
Homes launch summer playgroups
TWO Ross-Shire care homes are set to launch summer playgroups for children, aiming to bridge the generational gap and support families during the school holidays.
Innis Mhor in Tain has launched a weekly Lego Club. The group will meet every Tuesday from 11am to 12pm.
Manager Kate Walker said: “The Lego Club aims to spark meaningful engagement between the generations. Children visiting throughout the year bring joy to our residents, and we miss them during the school holidays.
“This club helps maintain those connections and provides a valuable activity for families looking for fun
summer activities for the kids.”
Eilean Dubh in Fortrose has launched a Tea and Tots Club, with the group meeting every Tuesday from 10.30am to 11.30am.
Lucia Matheson, deputy manager at Eilean Dubh, added: “Tea and Tots is designed to provide a fun, welcoming space for children during the school holidays.
“Kids can meet new friends and spend time with our residents, while parents can relax with a cuppa, knowing their children are having a great time.”
Both clubs are free. Children must be supervised by a responsible adult.
Eilean Dubh resident Kay Drought with Hector and deputy manager Lucia Matheson.
Leslie Brooke and Jean Pickergill.
Event launches group’s fundraising partnership
BLUEBIRD Care has launched a new fundraising partnership with Alzheimer’s Society supported by Dame Arlene Philips DBE.
The operator aims to raise £50,000 for the charity over the coming year.
To announce the fundraising partnership, Bluebird Care hosted a launch event in London with Dame Arlene Phillips DBE, celebrity choreographer and dementia activist.
Chief executive Jonathan Gardner, Dame Arlene and representatives from the Alzheimer’s Society all joined together to sign a pledge to cement the fundraising partnership and demonstrate their commitment to those with dementia and their families.
Jonathan also announced that all 10,000 Bluebird Care team members across the UK will become Dementia Friends – a national initiative led by Alzheimer’s Society to encourage individuals to better understand what it’s like to live with the condition.
He added: “I am really proud to be celebrating this milestone fundraising partnership between Bluebird Care and Alzheimer’s Society. As an organisation, we are committed to delivering outstanding care to everyone living with dementia across
our home care and live-in care services.
“We are delighted to be donating £50,000 of funds generated through fundraising from our franchise partners to Alzheimer’s Society, and we are committed to rolling out Dementia Friends sessions to our team members.
“We were honoured to be joined by Dame Arlene Phillips, whose advocacy in this area is an incredible example of the impact we can have when we use our voice and platform for good.”
Dame Arlene took part in several reflective conversations with members of Bluebird Care’s care team to understand their experiences and discuss together the importance of specialised dementia care.
She also heard from the care experts about their team’s varied fundraising ideas and planned activities over the summer as part of the organisation’s fundraising pledge.
After experiencing the realities of dementia care following her father’s diagnosis with Alzheimer’s, Dame Arlene became an Alzheimer’s Society ambassador and outspoken advocate for increased awareness of dementia and improvement to care.
Ex-RAF pilot has wish to fly again made a reality
A SEVENOAKS care home organised a special trip for an RAF veteran to take to the skies once again.
When the team at Care UK’s Weald Heights learned that 91-year-old Ray Watson was keen to dust off his pilot’s hat and fly a plane for the first time in years, they were determined to make it happen.
After first taking to the skies at the age of 18, Ray joined the RAF where he spent 27 years serving his country.
Following his RAF career, Ray spent his later years working as a flying instructor at Biggin Hill. Here, Ray achieved the Guild of Air Pilots and Navigators prestigious Master Air Pilot Award in 2009.
Throughout his career, Ray achieved more than 21,000 flying hours and in excess of 12,000 instructional hours spanning over 70 years.
Keen to put his skills to the test and see if he still had the knack, Ray was delighted to return to the cockpit.
The team at Weald Heights and John Willis, from Biggin Hill Reunited and the Falcon Flying Group, organised for Ray to fly a Piper PA-28 Cherokee at Biggin Hill, where he was joined by John, who Ray had taught to fly several years go.
Ray said: “There’s no better feeling than flying. During my time with the RAF, I took every opportunity I could to take to the skies, so I was incredibly excited to be back in the cockpit.”
The visit was part of the home’s Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to put wishes
forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new – from flying on a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.
Home manager Maria Covington added: “Ray absolutely loved his flying lessons, and is always sharing fond memories of his time in the sky, so when he told us he was interested in getting back in the cockpit, the team knew they had to make it happen.
“Our wishing tree initiative is a great way for residents to share their dreams and interests, and it’s so rewarding to be able to make these a reality. Ray had a wonderful time and was delighted to be able to fly again once more – he’s already talking about his next trip.”
Home’s new community names launched amid refurbishment
STEETON Court has unveiled new community names to reflect the recent extensive refurbishments at the nursing home.
Residents actively participated in the selection process, casting their votes through the home’s weekly newsletter, social media platforms and the homes’ innovative ‘tiny Tablet’ – a large, accessible mobile tablet designed for care homes.
Previously known as Branwell, Charlotte, Emily and Heathcliff, the communities have been renamed Devonshire, Harewood and Cavendish, following the theme ‘country estates’.
“We’re thrilled to unveil the new community names at Steeton Court,” said Steven Spellman, director of Spellman Care.
“Resident engagement is incredibly
important to us, and we’re delighted they played such an active role in choosing names that resonate with them. The new names perfectly complement the recent refurbishment, creating a fresh and welcoming atmosphere for all.”
The refurbishment project at Steeton Court encompasses a variety of upgrades, including modernised lounges, hallways and a new state-ofthe-art salon.
The focus of the project is to create a more comfortable and enriching environment that caters to the individual needs and preferences of residents.
The next stage of the project will see the former Charlotte (now Cavendish) dining room expanded to create a larger space for residents to socialise over their meals.
A dapple-grey pony called Ivy has visited Waterbeach Lodge in Cambridge to delight its residents. Ivy is owned by skilled handler Phia Howson, who set up Pony Pals Parties to bring the magic of ponies into more people’s lives. Phia and Ivy regularly visit care homes to provide residents with some calming animal therapy. Charlene Howell, activities manager at Waterbeach Lodge, said: “Phia’s calm, welcoming demeanour soon had our residents feeling comfortable and lining up to have a little pat with sweet Ivy. The visit was filled with laughter, tears of joy and stories of residents who had pets in their youth. Phia and Ivy were a complete hit and residents have already requested more visits from this wonderful duo in the future.”
Stanbridge bedpan washers do the work so you don’t have to
IN THE glamorous world of a carer, the task of disposing of human bodily fluids is carried out several times each and every day.
Whilst a mixture of heart, professional skills and a healthy dose of humour are the best tools for most tasks which have to be conducted, to ensure a home is a happy and safe environment exceeding its residents’ expectations, it is sometimes necessary to include the use of professional equipment.
A mechanical bedpan washer/ disinfector allows for contactless emptying of commode pots, bedpans, and urine bottles.
It removes the risk of possible splashback from unpleasant and harmful fluids which could infect the unsung hero whose duty this is.
A bedpan washer/disinfector utilizes a combination of water and high temperature to thermally decontaminate bedpans, urine bottles and commode pots, ensuring the annihilation of bacteria, viruses
and other potentially harmful micro-organisms which, if not destroyed, could result in the transmission of infections.
Points to consider when considering a bedpan washer/ disinfector:
n What number of bedpan washer/ disinfectors does the home require? Ideally every floor
washer/disinfector.
n What capacity of bedpan washer/disinfector does the sluice room need? A range of bedpan washers are available to clean one, two or three utensils at a time depending on the number of rooms it serves.
n What space does the sluice
room cover and how can the room be configured to achieve compliance with the latest regulations, and allow for a good method of operation?
n Does the bedpan washer/ disinfector meet with the relevant industry standards? Is the certification available to see?
n Is ongoing training available to ensure all staff members are fully versant with the purpose and the operation of the bedpan washer/ disinfector?
n Does the bedpan washer/ disinfector include an efficient regular servicing option to ensure continuous optimum performance?
n Is a callout and repair service available with an excellent rate of first fixing to prevent periods of downtime and disruption to daily procedures?
n What are the operating costs and overall cost savings of installing a bedpan washer/ disinfector compared to other methods of disposing of human bodily waste?
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• Supply, installation and repair of all makes of Sluice room equipment.
• On going training on how to use our equipment within a sluice room to reduce the risk of infection and cross contamination.
• Callout and repairs by factory trained engineers who carry parts to first fix all makes of broken bedpan washers. disinfectors.
• Finance and Rental packages tailored to suit your individual needs and budget.
or wing should house a bedpan
Statue of Sparky the stag honours memory of nature-loving Hilda
FAMILY, friends and fellow residents have paid a creative tribute to a nature-loving lady who lived at a New Forest care home for seven years.
The memory of Hilda Parrett, who passed away earlier this year, has been honoured with the installation of a 1.5m-tall bronze stag statue in the garden of Colten Care’s Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst.
The artwork, paid for through a crowdfunding campaign, has been gifted to the home by Hilda’s family and is positioned by a cherry blossom tree she used to admire from her bedroom window.
In agreement with Hilda’s son Ken and daughter Sue, team members at Woodpeckers invited fellow residents to choose a name for the stag.
Suggestions were compiled into a shortlist ahead of a naming ceremony at which ‘Sparky’ was revealed to have attracted the most votes.
Cutting the ribbon on the statue and paying tribute to his mother, Ken said: “She enjoyed the beautiful and seasonally changing garden view from her room.
“She will not just be missed by her family and friends but the Woodpeckers team who supported her wellbeing and care day to day.
Furze Field Manor Care Home has collaborated with LVS Hassocks, a specialist school for children with autism. The partnership led to the creation of a time capsule filled with treasures that reflect the creativity and experiences of the students. It includes Lego models, heartfelt letters, group pictures, and documentation of events that occurred in 2024.
Beata Wojcik, general manager of the Oyster Care Homes operated facility, said: “It was incredibly inspiring to see the students from LVS Hassocks engage with such enthusiasm. Their contributions to the time capsule are truly heartwarming. We are honoured to be part of this project and look forward to many more collaborations in the future.” Students from LVS Hassocks will regularly visit
September.
Home shines with new solar panels
SOLAR panels have been installed and commissioned at Ghyll Royd care home.
The project marks a step forward in the Guiseley facility’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, as outlined in its ESG plan and policy.
The state-of-the-art solar panels boast a capacity to generate 46,054 kWh of clean, renewable energy per year.
This translates to a reduction of 21,637 kg of CO2 emissions annually – that’s the equivalent weight of more than eight Spellman Care minibuses.
“We are thrilled to unveil our new solar panels,” said Steven Spellman, director of Ghyll Royd Care Home.
“Sustainability is a core value at Ghyll Royd, and we are constantly seeking ways to reduce our environmental impact.
“We would like to show them our gratitude and offer a remembrance to Hilda which will also bring joy to other residents and enhance the tranquil and beautiful setting.”
Travelling from their home in London, Ken and his wife June were joined for the ribbon cutting by friends of Hilda including fellow Woodpeckers residents Paul Puckering and Patricia Hoy.
Companionship team leader Jane Bunker said: “Hilda was a very kind and gentle lady. Born and brought up in London, she became a seamstress and really loved fashion.
“But most of all, family was her highlight. Her children and grandchildren were so important to her.
“We got to know her and her family very well over the seven years she was with us.
“At the same time, she loved nature and the garden, and we had many chats about the view from her bedroom window with the cherry blossom tree right outside.
“It’s always a joy to bring art into a care environment and the presence of Sparky in the garden is another way for us to celebrate creativity while remembering Hilda.”
“These solar panels will not only generate clean energy for our home, but also significantly lower our carbon footprint, creating a greener future for our residents and the planet.”
The installation of the solar panels is part of the home’s ongoing commitment to providing a comfortable and eco-friendly environment for its residents.
The use of clean energy will not only benefit the environment but potentially lead to cost savings that can be reinvested into resident care and facilities.
This initiative aligns with Ghyll Royd’s wider ESG plan, which
encompasses a comprehensive approach to environmental, social, and governance practices. Alongside the solar panel installation, the care home has implemented various other schemes to promote sustainability, including enhanced recycling programmes to minimise waste, transitioning to electronic systems to reduce paper consumption, collaboration with suppliers to decrease single-use plastics and the incorporation of locally sourced food to minimise food miles.
New Forest nursing home is the best in Hampshire
A FAMILY-run nursing home in the New Forest has been named Hampshire Nursing Home of the Year’ – beating almost 400 others.
Gorselands Nursing Home in Burley is run by the Gibbs family and was nominated by residents and their loved ones.
The expert and independent judging panel also took into account reports from mystery shopper-style inspections.
Known for its location, food, social activities and expert care, Gorselands’ reputation has been 30 years in the making.
Managing director Mark Gibbs received the award from TV doctor Hilary Jones and thanked all the staff for creating the environment of care that led to the accolade.
He said: “It was a complete surprise to be named winner by Dr Hilary. Although we were shortlisted I hadn’t considered that we might actually win. It’s thanks to our wonderful staff that we have such a great nursing home and it’s thanks to our residents and their families that we were nominated.
“My wife Evgenia and I started working in the care sector due to my late mother encouraging us to take over the reins at Gorselands.
“It was so both she and my father could eventually retire - and so she could undergo treatment following a terminal cancer diagnosis.
“We left our previous careers to take over the home and make it the dream she had always envisioned.
“Sadly, my mother passed away three years ago, but I know she watches over us, and I know she would be incredibly proud of Gorselands winning the award.
“Over the years, Evgenia and I have developed a true love for Gorselands, and now feel that we have 35 parents who we get to see on a daily basis.
“The love, humour and sense of family is something that touches us in more ways than one can imagine.
“We are also so fortunate to have such a fantastic team.”
The accolade was given by the Hampshire Care Awards run by the Hampshire Care Association.
Furze Field Manor from
Iain Sneddon (left) from installer R&B Mechanical & Electrical LTD with director Steven Spellman.
Mark and Evgenia Gibbs.
Wiltshire Farm Foods Professional launches into care homes Group to support dementia charity
apetito, the market leader in preprepared meal solutions for the care home market, has launched a new service to homes under the Wiltshire Farm Foods brand – Wiltshire Farm Foods Professional.
Wiltshire Farm Foods Professional offers a welcome solution to care homes that are looking to enhance their specialist nutrition offer to meet residents’ complex dietary needs.
That may be to cater for residents with swallowing difficulties (otherwise known as dysphagia), or those who are living with one (or more) of the 14 known allergens, alongside the need to accommodate many different cultural needs and preferences and, importantly, those residents who may be at risk of malnutrition.
Wiltshire Farm Foods Professional now creates the chance for every home to benefit from the worldleading range of specialist nutrition products even when they are not taking the apetito full-service meal solution.
There are no delivery charges and no contractual commitments, while providing access to texture modified meals, that comply to the highest International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative standards for residents living with dysphagia. Also available is the award-winning Finger Food Bites range for residents living with dementia (nutrition packed in bite-sized delicious pieces which can be easily eaten without any mess), as well as an extensive ‘free-from’ range.
There is a broad choice of meals that are low in salt, or sugars, alongside a range of tailored nutrition and energy dense meals (Purée Petite) for those residents who may have smaller appetites or be at risk of malnourishment.
Chief commercial officer for Wiltshire Farm Foods, Ian Stone, said this new offer is an incredibly exciting opportunity for care homes who may be struggling to deliver a great specialist nutrition experience in a way that is straightforward and
“Here’s a solution for care homes, which guarantees safety in every bite and delivers a meal quality which homes would find very difficult to replicate.”
consistent.
He added: “Catering for diverse dietary needs across a care home is incredibly complex. Mealtimes is a central part of a residents day and restoring enjoyment to food and helping residents dine with dignity is vital.
“We know that some homes find it hard to achieve the right levels of nutrition to meet personalised resident pathways, whilst ensuring these sit within budgetary constraints.
“And with labour costs still rocketing, it can be a difficult process to manage effectively and to a budget.
“Here’s a solution for care homes, which guarantees safety in every bite and delivers a meal quality which homes would find very difficult to replicate.
“And it’s a solution that is backed up by Wiltshire Farm Foods’ famous service values – no contractual requirement and free delivery.”
Winning a Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in Innovation for its trailblazing work in texture modified meals, which leads the market, the Wiltshire Farm Foods Professional range is extensive – check out further information and register your enquiry on www.wffpro.co.uk or call 01225 308829.
MARIA Mallaband Care Group is supporting charity Dementia UK
The care home group, which has more than 80 homes across the UK, is supporting the charity with companywide fundraising.
Maria Mallaband Care Group will see a host of community events and group-wide efforts raising awareness as well as vital funds to help this specialist dementia nursing charity with its vital work.
Director of lifestyle and marketing Sally Harrison-Exton said: “We are thrilled to be supporting this fantastic charity.
“Teams across the group are already brainstorming ideas for community events, and in some cases, already raising money in aid of Dementia UK – we are all brimming with ideas for how we can fundraise and support this cause.
“Dementia is a condition so close to our hearts in the MMCG community. We are all so passionate about this charity, and we can’t wait to bring forward fun, engaging, and inspiring events and activities engaging everyone who lives and works in our homes and their families, and making a huge impact for Dementia UK.”
Dementia UK works to support
families following a dementia diagnosis with specialist nurses, known as Admiral Nurses, who provide free, expert advice, support and understanding to help families care for their loved one.
Laura Steward, group head of dementia development, said their mission aligns with MMCG’s work in this area.
She added: “We share Dementia UK’s vision for specialist dementia support, and we are passionate about providing that gold-standard specialist care for all those living with dementia in our homes, working closely with and supporting their families too.
“This will further help us to embed our Dementia Pledge built on the core idea of ‘Always you’.
“All our colleagues are committed to this promise to see the person for who they are and supporting those living with dementia to continue to lead a respected, fulfilling life.”
Over the past two years MMCG has rolled out a series of improvements driving towards even better care, including developing an everexpanding team of specialist Dementia Ambassadors and rolling out five dementia education modules.
Hallmark Luxury Care Homes has marked a key milestone in its growth strategy by acquiring Penylan House, a former Linc Cymru Housing Association care home in Cardiff. The acquisition follows Hallmark opening two new homes and purchasing a care home development in St Mellons in Cardiff in 2024. Managing director Aneurin Brown said: “We are delighted that Penylan House has joined the Hallmark family of homes, and we will be expanding our geographical presence in Wales. Penylan House is an excellent care home that shares Hallmark Luxury Care Homes’ values and commitment to delivering high-quality relationship-centred care. We are looking forward to supporting the existing Penylan team, the residents and their families.” The 75-bed residential and nursing home was sold for an undisclosed sum.
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