Call on social care workforce to sign petition
CAMPAIGNERS are calling on providers, the entire sector workforce and the public to urgently sign a petition which calls on the Government to exempt social care from the rise in employer’s National Insurance.
They say the survival of social care services, along with jobs and workforce pay are all at risk if the National Insurance increase goes ahead. The petition has already passed 10,000 signatures, which requires a response from the Government. Now campaigners are targeting 100,000 signatures, which would mean the petition would be considered for debate in Parliament.
The Independent Care Group is concerned that the increase in National Insurance will place a further financial burden on care providers. It is worried some providers will close, leading to an increase in the 2m people who currently can’t get care. It says the added NI cost, on top of increases in the National Living and National Minimum wages, could push providers over the edge.
It is backing the petition and urging everyone who works in, benefits from or cares about social care, to sign it.
ICG chair Mike Padgham said: “For care providers, this could
well be about survival and for the workforce it is about their jobs and their pay, so it is vital that we get up to 100,000 signatures.
“With 1.7m people working in social care, hundreds of thousands of families benefiting from it and the public, it should be possible to reach that figure. That would demonstrate to the Government a level of feeling, worry and concern about the impact the increase in employer’s National Insurance will have of the care of older, vulnerable and disabled adults.
“It is good to hear that hospices are to be given some support in meeting this extra cost, but we must go further and ensure that all bodies delivering care to the public sector get help in meeting this burden.”
He said the Government either had to make social care providers exempt from the National Insurance increase or ring-fence funding with local authorities, that commission the bulk of care, to pay for the rise.
In the Autumn Statement, the Chancellor increased employer’s National Insurance and also confirmed that the National Living Wage will go up to £12.21 an hour and the National Minimum Wage, for those aged 18 to 20, up to £10 an hour next spring.
Tickets to this year’s Caring UK Awards at the Athena, Leicester on Thursday, December 5th are now available. For more information and to book your tickets visit https://script-events.co.uk/cuk-awards-tickets/
Following the success of last year’s event, staff at RMBI Care Co. Home James Terry Court, in South Croydon, were eager to host their cultural food festival once again. “We feel fortunate to live and work in such a diverse city, and we’re keen to share our individual experiences, to learn and grow as a team,” said manager Diane Rumsby. Wellbeing Champions at the Home, as well as other staff members, marked the event by bringing traditional foods from their native countries for everyone to try. There were dishes from Philippines, Portugal, India, Nigeria and England. The Home’s catering team made exotic fruit cocktails and a steel band with music originating from Trinidad played, while people mingled and shared stories.
CUK Awards tickets in demand
TICKETS are selling fast for the industry’s biggest end-of-year party, with plans in place to make this year’s Caring UK Awards the best one yet.
Organised by Script Media in partnership with Caring UK and headline sponsor Virgin Money, this annual celebration of success will culminate in a glittering ceremony –taking place at the Athena in Leicester on Thursday December 5 – where the lucky winners will be revealed.
We received a record number of entries from all over the UK with so many stories of wonderful and we want to thank everyone who sent in nominations.
Shortlisted entries from far and wide have made the finals, now progressing to the next stage of the judging process.
Event organiser Dominic Musgrave added: “We have been amazed by the incredible work that has taken and is continuing to take place in homes nationwide.
“Once again we were overwhelmed with the standard of entries we received from homes up and down the country. We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone at the awards on December 5.”
Tickets to the care industry’s party of the year are available at https://scriptevents.co.uk/cuk-awards-tickets/
Residents create tiles for project
ARTY residents from care homes across Teesside have been painting tiles for an international, multicultural project.
A whale, frog, flamingos, and flowers are among the subjects painted onto tiles by residents in Middlesbrough, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees, and Saltburn-by-the-Sea.
The colourful contributions have been sent to the Mural Mosaic’s Global Roots Project and will be added to the 2024 UK Connects National Mural Mosaic.
The project was launched by artist Lewis Lavoie in 1997 and has since produced hundreds of collaborative murals, involving thousands of participants from all over the world.
Residents from Hill Care Group care homes in the North East of England, including Hazelgrove Court Care Home, The Gables Care Home, Eston Lodge Care Home, and Mandale House Care Home, are participating in the latest UK production.
The final design of a multi-coloured tree with the union jack etched into the trunk will be installed at a yet-tobe-decided UK location and unveiled in summer 2025.
As part of World Alzheimer’s Month, Michelle Johnston from HC-One’s Leighton Court in Wallasey, Wirral, walked 30 miles to raise money for Dementia UK. Throughout September, which is known globally as World Alzheimer’s Month, the care assistant has been braving the unpredictable North West weather and completed a sponsored walk. The aim is to walk 30 miles throughout the month. Michelle also took on this challenge last year in aid of the Cat Protection charity. This year is extra special as Leighton Court opened its dementia community in April, where Michelle is a friendly and familiar face to residents and families at the residential, nursing and nursing dementia care home. Michelle has so far raised £166.
Homes across the UK were encouraged to participate as part of the annual National Day of Arts in Care Homes, an initiative from the National Activities Providers Association.
Activities coordinators Sharon Lewis and Samantha McCormick, based at Hazelgrove Court and The Gables respectively, supported residents with their paintings.
Sharon, who registered the Hill Care Group for the project and ordered the tiles, said: “The residents had to paint them in the colours provided. We got two light blue pallets, two green and one dusty pink.
“The residents absolutely loved taking part, planning out their tiles and then painting their designs. They did an absolutely wonderful job, and we can’t wait to see them added to the mural, which we’re tracking through the UK Connects Mural Live Grid.
“The theme for this year’s National Day of Arts in Care Homes was home. Samantha and I both agreed that when residents come to live in a care home it soon becomes home to them. It is wonderful they can participate in fantastic projects like this.”
Home’s sponsored pirates ‘arrrrgh’ great fundraisers
TWO adventurous people from Green Lodge Care Home in Billingham took part in the Teesside Dementia Link Services 2km Sponsored Walk, raising an impressive amount in the process.
Activities coordinator Clair Osbourne was accompanied by 86-year-old resident John Wall, who participated in style—his wheelchair transformed into a pirate ship, and both participants dressed as pirates for the occasion.
She said: “As soon as we heard about the fundraiser, we knew we had to participate and give back.
“We’ve been working closely with Teesside Dementia Link Services for over a year, attending meetings and events with our residents and their families, who often tell us how much they value the difference we make to the Billingham community.”
Teesside Dementia Link Services, a charity dedicated to supporting people living with the condition and their caregivers, recently hosted its fifth annual sponsored walk, ‘A Stroll Down Dementia Lane.’
This year’s event followed a scenic circular route from the Tees Barrage to the Infinity Bridge and back.
The walk not only served as a fundraiser but also provided a meaningful opportunity to remember those lost to dementia and to highlight that people can still live fulfilling lives despite their diagnosis.
Clair rallied the Green Lodge team, along with residents’ families, and collectively raised more than £600. She gave special thanks to Chrissie Noddings, a resident’s daughter, who alone raised more than £470 to support the cause.
On their pirate-themed costumes, Clair added: “The monkey was a fun touch, especially since it’s tied to pirate stories from John’s hometown of Hartlepool.
“He remembers the old tale of the Hartlepool monkey, and we always joke about it.
“Including it in the fundraiser felt right. John loved all the attention, almost as much as the beautiful scenery along the River Tees.”
Package launched by homecare service to take Londoners around the world
A NEW travel support package has been launched by a homecare service in London.
The move enables those who are in need of extra support when leaving their home to safely take journeys to explore new and old destinations.
The new service has been introduced by care provider Venelle and will allow older Londoners and those with special care needs to safely leave their homes to travel across the country and beyond – with its specialised team of carers supporting them every step of the way.
Designed for those who want to tick off a destination they’ve always dreamt of visiting, or those who have second homes or family and friends overseas but are unable to visit due to special care requirements, the tailored packages include everything from assisting in travel plans and assigning personal assistants to accompany the person, to cooking and housekeeping
while they are away.
Louise Blezzard, CEO and founder of Venelle, said: “Everyone, no matter their age or care requirements, deserves the right to travel. We wanted to create a package that empowers Londoners to leave their homes safely,
confidently, and discreetly – no matter their age.
“The bespoke service takes away all the administrative burden of ensuring the trip and destination is accessible, and the individual receives their own carefully selected team of experienced
personal assistants who will travel with them and take on multiple roles.”
The package can be used by someone looking for support to an event such as a wedding or birthday party, or for prolonged trips abroad –where Venelle’s team can arrange and facilitate any required appointments whilst away, such as health care appointments, physio, and even hair and beauty treatments. The team can also arrange for private ambulances, nurses, and doctors to travel with the person if needed.
Louise added: “Whether you want to travel to York or New York, the carefully curated package will ensure a safe and memorable journey –irrespective of it being for just a day, a week, or more.
“We’re excited to now be able to offer this service to those across the capital who want to venture beyond their home but need that little bit of extra support to do so.”
Caffeine-free: A new chapter for wellness at Nightingale House
By Arti Mohammed
NIGHTINGALE House Care Home in Paisley is proud to announce its latest initiative aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of its residents: the transition to a completely caffeine-free environment.
Over the course of six weeks, we replaced all caffeinated beverages with decaffeinated alternatives, and the positive effects on our residents’ overall health have been profound.
Improved sleep and mood
One of the most significant changes observed has been the improvement in our residents’ sleep quality.
Residents who previously struggled with restless nights are now enjoying uninterrupted, restful sleep. Research shows that caffeine can interfere with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, particularly in older adults.
A study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that caffeine consumption, even hours before bedtime, can disrupt sleep. By eliminating caffeine, we have helped our residents establish more consistent and rejuvenating sleep patterns.
Alongside better sleep, residents are showing enhanced mood and temperament. The jitteriness and anxiety that often accompany caffeine consumption have noticeably
diminished. This has created a calmer and more focused atmosphere, allowing residents to participate more fully in daily activities.
A 2019 study in Psychiatry Research links high caffeine intake to increased anxiety in older adults, and our shift to a caffeine-free environment has helped foster a more balanced mood and positive mental well-being among our residents.
Positive impact on continence care
In addition to sleep and mood improvements, we have observed a positive impact on continence care. Caffeine, being a diuretic, increases urine production and can exacerbate urinary urgency—an issue that can be especially challenging for older adults. Since going caffeine-free, we’ve
Agnes Morrison, a resident at HC-One Scotland’s Ailsa Craig Care Home in Cessnock, Glasgow, recently celebrated her 99th birthday surrounded by her fellow residents and family. The wellbeing team at the 90-bedded nursing and nursing dementia care home knew they wanted to make Agnes’ 99th birthday one to remember. Senior wellbeing coordinator Fiona Pryce had the perfect idea for the party as a few months previously, Kat Muir a local entertainer came along to the home to perform, and Agnes loved it. She even asked Fiona if she would be able to organise Kat to come along and perform for her birthday. The wellbeing team planned a pink themed birthday party, with all of Agnes’ family coming along.
Eileen Parker from Haywood Lodge care home in Studley recently celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends. Eileen was the youngest of six siblings. The family lived in a ‘two up, two down’ house with an outside toilet, which they shared with a neighbour. When Eileen was aged 15, WWII broke out, and she was called from her dressmaking work to assist in the making of Lancaster Bombers. In 1944, a year before the end of the war, Eileen married her husband, William. They soon had their daughter, Elaine. Throughout her life, Eileen has tried her hand at many vocations, including owning a news agents in Cannock, and two fish and chip shops in Dorset and Bournemouth. In 2014, Eileen moved in with Elaine to be closer to her family. Eileen has a family of five generations – her, her daughter, two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one great great grandchild with another on the way.
seen a reduction in urinary urgency among our residents, which has led to fewer incontinence incidents and improved skin integrity. This, in turn, reduces the risk of pressure ulcers and infections. The decrease in urinary urgency has also supported improved mobility among our residents. With fewer trips to the bathroom, they experience greater comfort and confidence in their movements, leading to a decrease in falls.
Over the past six weeks we have proudly recorded no falls within our care home, a remarkable achievement that we attribute, in part, to the benefits of a caffeine-free lifestyle.
Looking ahead: Mental health and medication
Looking to the future, we plan to
monitor the long-term impact of our caffeine-free policy on residents’ mental health and medication use. By eliminating caffeine, we hope to support a natural reduction in the use of medications for anxiety and sleep disorders, which are often managed through pharmacological means. Research indicates that excessive caffeine consumption can exacerbate anxiety and sleep disturbances. By addressing caffeine intake, we are excited about the potential to promote a more sustainable approach to mental health management.
Conclusion
The decision to go caffeine-free at Nightingale House Care Home has proven to be a resounding success, bringing wide-ranging benefits to our residents.
From improved sleep and mood to enhanced continence care and reduced fall risks, this transition has fostered a healthier, more engaged community.
As we continue to monitor the longterm effects, particularly on mental health, we remain committed to providing the best possible care and ensuring that Nightingale House is a place of comfort, safety, and holistic well-being.
n Arti Mohammed is the managing director of Sterling Care Homes Ltd for the elderly.
A resident at HC-One’s Adelaide House care home in Walton-On-Thames, Surrey celebrated her 100th birthday with a surprise visit from Member of Parliament for Esher and Walton, Monica Harding. Margo Betts was showered with birthday cards, including her royal birthday card from Kings Charles and Queen Camilla. However, the resident was especially pleased to receive a visit from Monica, who had been alerted about the special celebration and dropped in to offer her best birthday wishes. Margo was born in 1924 in Workington. She later moved to Guilford where she enjoyed a career in banking and the civil service, sharing her life with late husband Edgar. She still enjoys a range of activities, including gardening and flower arranging, completing jigsaws, reading and watching TV.
Irene Hammond, a resident at HC-One’s Elmwood House Care Home in Boston, Lincolnshire, celebrated her 102nd birthday with the help of a special visitor. Irene was looking forward to celebrating her special day with cards and a slice of birthday cake. However, what she wasn’t expecting was to meet a miniShetland pony called Tinkerbelle who paid a special visit to the home especially for Irene’s birthday. Irene’s face upon seeing the mini-Shetland pony was one of pure amazement, and she loved petting Tinkerbelle and spending time with her. In addition to helping Irene celebrate her birthday, Tinkerbelle created quite a scene when she ventured into the home wearing her pink sparkly shoes. Fellow Elmwood House residents laughed and smiled with joy as they watched her do some tricks.
Music and knights entertain visitors at Village’s show
IT WAS a day full of fun and games, arts and crafts, giant onions, owls, music and medieval battles at the Middleton Hall Retirement Village Show.
Friends, families and visitors from the local area joined residents from the village’s care services and independently owned retirement properties at the event.
Middleton Hall Retirement Village hospitality manager Clare Robson said: “The sun shone down on our Village Show. It was a wonderful day for our residents and visitors, and it was lovely to welcome the local community too.
“A big thank you and well done to all our co-owners and residents who showcased their talents in the arts, craft and produce classes.
“We’re already planning next year’s show and hope to announce a date soon.”
The day was packed with activities and entertainment including a range of performances, live music, a marquee full of stalls, cream teas, a barbecue, ice creams and a family zone with bouncy castle and games.
Birds of prey specialists, Durhambased Gosling Raptors, talked about their fleet of owls which visitors could hold and be photographed with.
Hurworth Concert Band entertained an enthusiastic audience with its performance of music ranging from Lady Gaga and Coldplay to more traditional tunes.
Show visitors were able to
experience a medieval battle camp and chat to characters from Hartlepool-based 13th Century medieval reenactment group Vanguard, who were also pitted against each other in a series of battles and combat taking up the arms and armour of 13th century England.
Displays of arts and crafts, floral arrangements, home-grown and home-made produce were on show in the marquee for visitors to admire along with stalls from independent traders. Sellers ranged from homemade jewellery, soaps, fragrance, glassware, chutneys and preserves alongside children’s books and clothing.
Charities benefitted from the day with stalls from The Guide Dogs for the Blind and Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice with Middleton Hall Retirement Village’s tombola featuring prize donations from the employee owned village’s co-owners, residents, families and stallholders also raising funds for the Middlesbrough-based charity.
Visitors could book a reiki massage session on the day from Sedgefieldbased Calming Soul, and adults as well as children enjoyed the bouncy castle and penalty shootout attractions in the family zone.
Food choices on offer included a barbecue, cream teas, a pop-up shop in the village’s Pavilion and an icecream cart from Darlington business Good Day Sundae.
Resident raises over £1,000 at auction
A RESIDENT at HC-One’s Oakhill House has been celebrating after selling his works at his very own art auction.
Gerry Plummer, 84, has painted more than 100 paintings since moving into the Horsham care home.
To help celebrate the recent ‘National Day of Arts in Care Homes’, his paintings were exhibited and then sold in an auction at the HC-One operated facility.
The auction was attended by local dignitaries including John Milne, MP for Horsham, and Councillor John Olsen of Horsham District Council.
There was a special celebrity auctioneer to run proceedings, Andy Scarborough, who has previously appeared on BBC’s art auction show ‘Flog It!’
In addition to the special guests, the auction was attended by members of the local community, as well as residents and their relatives.
The auction was organised by the home’s wellbeing coordinator Angela Bollans, who spent weeks planning the event and advertising it locally.
She said: “We are so proud of Gerry and his dedication to producing his wonderful artwork in preparation for The National Day of Arts in Care Homes.
“When Elga the home manager
and I approached Gerry with this opportunity he wasn’t sure if he could paint enough to put an exhibition on, but more than 100 paintings later we were all amazed.”
The auction raised £1,360, some of which will be made available to residents to fund special activities.
Angela added: “When we told Gerry how much we raised he said he was happy to be sitting down because he was shocked – but very happy and emotionally grateful that so many people supported the cause and liked his paintings.
“Now the corridors of Oakhill House are empty, but Gerry has promised he will be painting again soon.”
Homes recognised with Veteran Friendly Status
Hull care homes have been awarded Veteran Friendly Status.
The Hollies, a residential care home in Hessle, and Overton House, which provides specialist dementia care and is based in Cottingham, have been awarded the prestigious Veteran Friendly Framework status.
Awarded by the Veteran Friendly Care Home programme, the status acknowledges the efforts of the homes in delivering high standards of care for veterans and those connected to the Armed Forces.
By embracing the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, both have demonstrated their dedication to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for veterans and their families
Terry Peel, CEO of Yorkshire-based social care organisation HICA Group, which owns and manages both
homes, said: “We are extremely proud of The Hollies and Overton House for achieving the Veteran Friendly status.
“This recognition not only reflects our commitment to delivering personalised care but also highlights our dedication to those who have served in the Armed Forces.
“Being part of the Veteran Friendly Care Home programme allows us to provide tailored support, ensuring that veterans in our homes receive the care and respect they deserve.”
The award of the VFF status means that residents at both homes can expect ongoing support, tailored activities and access to external services specifically designed for the veteran community.
Additionally, the homes will remain active in identifying further improvements and will work towards re-accreditation in three years.
TWO
Residents at Southwell Court in Melbourn enjoyed a lively afternoon as rock and roll met care, with the spirit of a classic American diner. They were transported back in time with burgers, milkshakes and the unmistakable tunes of rock and roll. The food and drink was followed by an afternoon party from guest singer Jonny Parrish who had everyone tapping their feet and dancing in their seats and out. Manager Lisa King said: “It’s days like these that remind us of the joy in bringing people together through food, music and a touch of nostalgia. We had such a good time and I want to say a big thank you to everyone involved in arranging and organising the event.”
Crowds enjoyed the medieval reenactment battles.
Angela Bollans, Gerry Plummer and John Milne MP.
Jacqui’s mission to save country’s abandoned dogs
A HIGHLAND care professional is channelling her passion for helping others by volunteering for a dog rescue charity in Romania.
Based in Tain, Jacqui Ferguson balances her role as quality improvement lead at Parklands Care Homes with regular trips to Romania, where she spends time as a volunteer with Barking Mad Dog Rescue, supporting abandoned dogs who have been through unimaginable hardships.
The charity was founded by Hilary Anderson, who now lives in Insch, Aberdeenshire. BMDR cares for 350 dogs across three shelters, while also providing food for another 150 in the surrounding area.
The shelters are run by husbandand-wife team Ion and Aura Caineanu and their daughter Gea Alixandru, with help from other family members and local people. The dogs are rescued, treated for injuries or any illness, vaccinated, then cared for until they are successfully adopted, most often by homes in the UK and Germany.
Jacqui has just returned from Romania, having spent 10 days there in September. She has been volunteering with the charity since 2019.
“Volunteering with BMDR is very rewarding. Every day is different. Some days are full of positivity and some days can be tough,” she wrote in her Facebook diary.
During her trip, Jacqui helped rescue two healthy puppies from a woman who could no longer care for them.
“These pups are beautiful and healthy, and I have no doubt they will find their forever homes quickly.”
Some rescues are more challenging,
though. She also described rescuing a gravely injured puppy found by the side of the road, too weak to move.
Thanks to the efforts of local vets and the shelter team, the pup, named Esme, is now on the road to recovery after treatment for a dislocated elbow.
“It breaks my heart thinking about what that wee pup has been through, but we can’t change that. We need to focus on what can be done to change her life going forward,” Jacqui said.
The challenge is relentless. Five sick puppies were recently abandoned by the roadside. Braving extreme weather, the charity rushed to rescue them before it was too late.
“They are safe now but require a lot of medical treatment,” added Jacqui.
One of her favourite aspects of volunteering is spending time with the dogs in the shelter.
“The look of happiness on their faces when they realise you’re coming in to see them, it’s such a special thing to do.”
Parklands Care Homes is showing its support for Jacqui’s efforts by donating £800 to BMDR, helping provide crucial supplies for the dogs.
Horsham home doubles in size after project
A HORSHAM care home has more than doubled in size following an innovative building project that has taken it from 26 bedrooms to 54.
Glen Arun worked with Sussexbased building experts Pilbeam Construction to transform its premises and increase capacity.
The new extension was built on under-utilised land at the rear of the building and includes new bathrooms and a hair salon.
The project was completed without residents having to move out and without the home needing to close.
Bill Musa, site manager at Pilbeam Construction, said: “We are delighted to complete this challenging project at Glen Arun which has doubled the capacity by building an extension from the ground up.
“It means more rooms for local people who are looking for a care home in Sussex, better facilities for current residents and financial security for the home’s owners.
“The biggest challenge for us was to
complete the work without Glen Arun having to close and without requiring residents to move out of their rooms.
“It’s a model that we think could help other care homes in the region to increase potential revenue in what everyone knows is a challenging market.”
The majority of new rooms at Glen Arun are singles, but the project also included double rooms, bathrooms and an office.
Glen Arun’s Neema Clinton added: “There is strong demand for residential care in this area and it was important for Glen Arun to increase capacity to meet that local need.
“We are very happy with how Pilbeam Construction tackled the project for us, delivering new rooms and new facilities that will be a big asset to us and to the people who stay with us.
“For it all to be delivered without the need for the home to close at any stage is a tribute to everyone involved.”
Success for group’s Gardens in Bloom winners
HC-One’s annual Gardens in Bloom competition saw 51 outstanding and impressive creations submitted from its care homes across the UK.
They had the golden opportunity of impressing guest judge Rachel de Thame, who is a much-loved and celebrated green thumbed gardener, television presenter and writer.
She said: “I thoroughly enjoyed being a guest judge in this year’s HCOne Garden in Bloom competition and it was my pleasure to review the entries submitted by the care homes.
“There was such a high volume and standard of entries. Thank you to everyone who participated and congratulations to the winners.”
This year there were no set categories, which allowed homes to be creative with their garden, including creating a new fruit or vegetable patch, flower beds/boxes and wildflower gardens, creating dementia and sensory gardens or supporting local wildlife by creating bug hotels to attract and shelter insects.
The freedom of the competition enabled homes to create a garden that best suits residents’ goals and
interests.
Six regional winners were announced across England, Scotland and Wales receiving a hamper of garden related prizes for the homes to enjoy.
A £300 voucher was also awarded to the overall winner from one of HC-One’s suppliers, Real Trade Supplies, who supply homes with a
range of gardening and landscaping equipment, to spend on items of their choosing.
The winners of this year’s Gardens in Bloom competition were:
n Scotland: The Beeches (Dunfermline, Fife)
n North East: Victoria House (Stockton-on-Tees)
n North West: Appleton Lodge
(Stockport, Cheshire)
n Midlands: Lime Trees (Shrewsbury)
n South: Adelaide House (Walton-onThames, Surrey)
n Bonus bloom finalist: Kirkwood Court (Kenton, Newcastle upon Tyne)
They were selected after meeting the judging criteria, which included a demonstrated passion and effort towards community engagement and sustainable gardening practices.
The overall winner of this year’s Gardens in Bloom competition selected by Rachel de Thame was Appleton Lodge.
The care home’s entry was selected due to its arboretum of flowers, plants and vegetables. It even hosted its own sunflower growing competition.
Home manager Kay Eadsforth said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by Rachel as the overall winner of this year’s Gardens in Bloom competition.
“Our colleagues and residents thoroughly enjoyed transforming our garden area, and I’m delighted to see their hard work to enhance the outdoor areas of our care home for visitors and our residents to enjoy all year round has been recognised.”
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