Care home opening is talk of the town

MAYOR of Thrapston, Councillor Craig Wheeler, cut the ribbon to officially open Hermitage House at a busy open day event.

Guests joined the staff to celebrate the opening of the residential and dementia care home, which is 36th in the Peterborough-based Country Court portfolio.

Hermitage House will be home to up to 67 people and will bring 70 new jobs to the town.

“This is an important facility for Thrapston, setting a new standard for care homes in the area and providing people with the quality of life they deserve,” said co-CEO Alykhan Kachra.

“This has been a challenging final week for our project here in Thrapston, with the snowy weather hampering our efforts.

“It’s been a true team effort to get the home open on schedule, so I would like to thank all those involved.”

More than 350 people attended a public open day on the following day. People were bowled over by the facilities and delighted to enjoy refreshments and take a tour of the home.

“It was wonderful to see so many people at our open day,” added home manager Clare Hedge.

“There was a great atmosphere and much excitement from local people.

“We are very keen to become part of the community here in Thrapston, and we were certainly made to feel very welcome.

“I would personally like to thank everyone who came to see us, and we hope that people will continue visit our residents in future. We want everyone to benefit from the facilities we have to offer here.”

The care home will offer long-term residential care, short-term respite care and specialist dementia care. Facilities at Hermitage House have been designed with residents’ needs in mind, with themed communal spaces, large open spaces and various spacious lounge and dining areas, all complete with comfortable seating, modern facilities and specialist equipment.

All bedrooms feature en-suite walkin shower rooms and are bright and spacious, with some opening onto the landscaped gardens.

Each floor has a luxurious assisted bathroom for people who like to take a bath in style, enjoying their favourite TV programme or listening to relaxing music while looking up at the starlight ceiling.

On the ground floor the café provides a meeting area for residents and visitors.

The front-of-house team will be on hand to ensure freshly baked cakes, tea and coffee are available for everyone all day.

The private dining room is available to book for special family occasions.

The chef manager will provide a bespoke three-course meal or afternoon tea for families to enjoy in the comfort of their private space for the day.

On the lower-ground floor the Elegance Salon features a hair salon, nail bar and mini-spa area for massage and aromatherapy.

Following a visit to the salon, residents will enjoy the Bamboo bar with the rainforest-themed décor offering a calming retreat serving drinks and refreshments.

Meanwhile, the cinema features a widescreen TV and seating area to enjoy films in style.

Residents living with dementia will be cared for on the first floor. The marketplace creates a community space within the home where people can meet their friends or visit the ice cream parlour.

Daily meaningful activities will be provided throughout the home, particularly in the dedicated activity room which will be used for arts, crafts and reminiscing.

This includes an OMI interactive projector, which will be used for games and activities and is designed to encourage residents to stay mobile and active.

Hermitage House also boasts its own pub. The Coach House Inn provides a location for activities such as pub quizzes and games. Residents can enjoy regular fish and chip suppers over a drink with their friends.