New transatlantic friendship forms through charity
A HEART-WARMING friendship has developed between Ann Lucas, 83, a resident at Acorn Lodge, and Angela Martin, 47, a Canadian volunteer living in Ontario.
Despite being 3,500 miles apart, the pair have formed a close bond through the Adopt a Grandparent charity.
The two have been connecting regularly via video calls and letters since July. Angela’s weekly calls, often joined by her husband and two children, have become a source of joy and companionship for Ann, who moved into the Nuneaton care home in 2023.
Originally from Shepherd’s Bush in London, Ann holds a special affection for Canada, where her sister once lived, and her friendship with Angela has made her feel closer to the country she loves.
She said: “Talking with Angela has been truly wonderful. We got on immediately, and it feels like I’ve known her forever. Her support has been immense, and I’m deeply grateful to her and the Adopt a Grandparent charity.”
Angela, in turn, treasures the relationship just as much. She was moved to join the Adopt a Grandparent programme after discovering that 200,000 older people in the UK haven’t spoken to a friend or family member in over a month. For Angela, this
was a heartbreaking statistic that motivated her to act.
She added: “I found Adopt a Grandparent when I was looking for an opportunity for my family to volunteer. My own grandparents were the most influential people in my life, and I wanted my children to have that same opportunity to connect with seniors, hear their perspectives, and learn from their experiences.
“Meeting Ann has exceeded our expectations. We love hearing about her past, her family, and her adventures. Ann has so much spunk and always makes us laugh.
“She’s become such an important part of our lives, and we look forward to our weekly chats. We joined the programme hoping to help someone feel more connected, but it’s us who feel enriched by our time with her.
“I’m so pleased Adopt a Grandparent and Acorn Lodge made this possible. In a world where many virtual support programmes have ended, this initiative continues to foster these connections, which are more important now than ever.”
Ann and Angela exchange photos and letters, with Ann now preparing a letter filled with stories from Nuneaton and cherished family memories to send back to her new friends in Canada.
Tickets to this year’s Caring UK Awards at the Athena, Leicester on Thursday, December 7th are now available. For more information and to book your tickets visit https://script-events.co.uk/cuk-awards-tickets/
Oyster Care Homes marked a significant milestone at Somer Valley House in Midsomer Norton as the final stages of the facility’s construction near completion. A special planting ceremony was held, with the headmistress and children from Norton Hill Primary School joining to plant the final tree in the home’s grounds. This symbolic gesture reflects the growth, renewal, and bright future ahead for the residents and the local community. The event highlights Oyster Care Homes’ dedication to fostering strong ties with local schools, families, and residents, ensuring that Somer Valley House care home will be a place where the entire community feels connected.
Bupa expands services to residents
BUPA Health Clinics has teamed up with Richmond Villages to expand health services to residents across its nine retirement communities.
The roll out of the services follows a successful pilot within the Aston-onTrent village which has been offering ear wax removal and physiotherapist services to residents since August 2023.
Richmond Villages, part of Bupa, now offers residents free access to virtual GP services and a 24/7 nurse-led healthline, on-site health assessments and earwax removal, all provided by the Bupa Health Clinics team, as well as discounts on dental services, including the Bupa Smile Plan.
Philippa Kellar, managing director of Richmond Villages said: “Being part of Bupa puts us in a unique position to provide access to healthcare services
for our residents who don’t need dayto-day care from our teams.
“We know how much our residents value having access to healthcare professionals at their fingertips and having this support in place can help us to pick up any concerns early and get them fast access to treatment.
“We’re proud to offer these services to both our residents and our people, helping them to access the care they need, as and when they need it from the comfort of their own homes.”
The villages are based across the UK and offer a local community feel for residents, providing independent or assisted living as well as a dedicated onsite care home. They are part of the Bupa Care Services portfolio which provides care to around 6,700 residents across more than 120 locations.
Christine celebrates her winning garden
CHRISTINE Heybourn, one of the first new homeowners to move into Castle View, Windsor has won an award and a rosette for her garden in the Garden in Bloom competition run by the Royal Borough.
Started in 1992, and now in its 32nd year, the Garden in Bloom Award scheme is designed to acknowledge the contribution private gardens make to the appearance of neighbourhoods, and is the council’s way of saying thank you to residents for the work they do in their gardens to brighten up the environment.
Christine has lived in and around Windsor since she was five and moved into Castle View with her husband on Valentine’s Day, 2019.
“I now have a great social life here, and still keep in touch with all my local friends,” she said.
“My husband was the one who looked after the garden at our old house but very sadly died shortly after we moved here, so with some help I took over the role.
“The gardens at Castle View are all now really well established and maturing beautifully, softening the look of the building – it’s really lovely.”
“It was a complete surprise to win this award – I had no idea I had even been nominated,” she added.
“I started the garden with Hidcote
lavender which made a beautiful display and encouraged me to take an interest in the rest of the patio area.
“A friend helps me a great deal and we have since introduced roses, fuchsias, bizzie lizzies, lobelias, sweet peas, geraniums and alpines, as well as some herbs and tomatoes.
“We have added a great deal of topsoil and compost, and a lot of plants are in pots which helps to add height.”
Beach party makes waves
A BEACH party was held at Pratt House, a care home for older people in Amersham, with special guests the Mayor of Amersham, Councillor Dominic Pinkey, and Councillor Mimi Harker OBE, chair of Buckinghamshire Council.
They were joined by residents and staff for a celebration in the home’s garden, which had been transformed into a makeshift beach, complete with buckets and spades, head-throughthe-hole cutouts, deck chairs, giant games and inflatables.
Manager Alice Dunning said: “Our residents are always saying how they wish they could visit the seaside again.
“With the logistical challenges of arranging a trip to the coast, we thought we would instead bring the beach to them, throw a big party and let them get as close to the holiday experience as possible in their back
Home marks 30 years of supporting older people
RESIDENTS and staff members were all smiles at RMBI Care Co. Home Prince Michael of Kent Court, which is celebrating 30 years of supporting older people in the community.
The Watford care home first opened its doors on October 18,1994. It supports older people with residential care and residential dementia support and is rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission.
“Prince Michael of Kent Court has evolved so much over the years,” said home manager Beverley Roberts. “Our knowledge and understanding of how to support older people, especially those living with dementia, is now so much more advanced.
“We have spent a lot of time and
thought in developing our Home’s environment to help our residents thrive.”
To mark the anniversary event, residents and staff welcomed family and friends to a special celebration at the Home, where they enjoyed a BBQ, outdoor games and musical entertainment.
Beverley added: “We have a truly special team at our Home, and when times get tough the spirit of our team helps to keep us going.
“We have an amazing Association of Friends who not only help to fundraise and volunteer their time to support us, but they also share our passion and vision, which makes such a difference.”
yard.
“Those who are able to sit on the floor could enjoy the five tonnes of sand that we shipped in for the beach, and we also created some raised platforms for those who are less able-bodied, so that everyone had the opportunity to build a sandcastle or two.”
The party was also an opportunity to thank the incredible staff team at Pratt House, who have worked especially hard over recent years throughout the pandemic and staffing shortages, which is a continuous issue faced by the entire care sector.
Also thanked were several volunteers who help to enhance the residents’ quality of life at the home. Volunteering is the Mayor’s focus for the year (as opposed to supporting a particular charity), and he was quick to express his gratitude to everyone involved in putting on the event.
Previously registered for up to 10 adults within mh/ph
Christine Heybourn receives her Garden in Bloom certificate from Amy Tisi, Windsor ward councillor.
The management team stand proudly with their big ‘30’ sign to mark 30 years since the care home first opened.
Sunshine and smiles at care home’s party
FAMILIES, friends and residents at a new care facility in Littlehampton have come together to celebrate a summer of new beginnings and community spirit.
More than 50 people attended the summer party at Norden House and enjoyed live music, a coconut shy, garden games, stalls and a raffle.
The party was the latest in a series of events across the warmer months to welcome the West Sussex community to the new facility and promote a sense of independence for residents.
Norden House opened in February and provides residential care, nursing and specialist support for people with dementia. It has been specifically designed to empower residents to continue living full and satisfying lives. Other events have included open days and a companionship café.
Andrea Barker, manager of Norden House, said: “We were delighted to see so many of our friends and neighbours at the summer party.
“As a new facility in the area, we want to open our doors as much as possible to get to know the community and for the community to know us.
“We are very grateful to our
wonderful stall holders for coming along and for the British weather – it was great to have some sun.
“We look forward to holding more events in the future and building strong relationships with Littlehampton and the surrounding areas.”
Norden House’s design and services have been inspired by research into what people with dementia want from the built care environment and the Hogeweyk in dementia village in Holland.
Residents live with up to seven other people in a household, who have similar care needs or are at a similar stage of dementia, important for reducing stress and encouraging socialisation.
Each household has its own kitchen, open plan lounge dining room, day lounge spaces and ensuite bedrooms many of which have their own patio.
Running through the centre of the community is a ‘high street’ with the Honey Bee café and hair salon.
There are also gardens and a holistic therapy room.
Residents are encouraged to go about ‘daily routines’ and contribute to the running of village life.
Residents set sail on virtual cruise
PETERLEE Care Home, part of Popular Care, has brought the magic of global travel to its residents with a fun and cultural armchair cruise.
The virtual cruise began in France where residents were whisked away to the picturesque island of Corsica. They journeyed through Provence’s vibrant, aromatic landscapes, soaked up Monaco’s luxurious lifestyle and basked in the sun-kissed charm of Saint-Tropez.
This sensory escapade included sampling delicious pain-au-chocolat, learning French phrases and ending with a spectacular viewing of Bastille Day fireworks against the enchanting backdrop of Disneyland’s castle.
Home manager Kayleigh Solomon said: “We are thrilled to offer our residents this imaginative and engaging way to experience the joys of travel.
“The armchair cruise brings fun and excitement and stimulates their minds and senses. It’s truly wonderful to see the smiles and hear the laughter as they ‘visit’ these incredible destinations.
“This initiative not only entertains but also engages all the senses. Residents enjoy the sights through
virtual tours, the sounds of local music, the scents of international cuisines, and even the textures of traditional fabrics. It’s a holistic approach to travel that sparks memories and emotions.”
Following the French voyage, the armchair cruise itinerary will now take residents to Italy, Greece, India, China and Sweden.
Dawn celebrates 35 years at group
DAWN Pearson is celebrating 35 years working for the Saltaire based Czajka Care Group.
Dawn, who started working as a care assistant at the family-run operator’s Staveley Birkleas residential nursing home in Nab Wood in 1989, said: “Before joining Czajka Care group I volunteered at a funeral home, and I got the qualifications I needed but it was quite a male dominated industry, and in those days they weren’t keen on employing women.
“I therefore decided to move into the care industry instead and got a job at Staveley Birkleas, which was called Birkleas Nursing Home back in the 1980s.
“Lots of my family also worked in industries where they looked after people, so it’s in our blood. My sisters were nursery nurses and child minders, and my mum was
also a nursery nurse. We know how to put others first and enjoy helping practically, and I was particularly keen to help adults with a wide range of physical and mental disabilities.
“I worked at Staveley Birkleas until 1989 and then moved into the community care side of Czajka Care Group, which was equally rewarding.
It was a real privilege to go into people’s homes and help them to feel safe and cared for.
“Then in 1994 I moved across to Czajka Care Group’s Brookfield Care Home as the deputy manager, before returning to Staveley Birkleas. I have loved working at the different homes and caring for so many residents, all with different needs and at different stages in their lives.”
In 2000 Dawn moved into an office role at Czajka Care Group’s head office in Saltaire.
She added: “It’s unusual these days for people to stay at the same company for so long, but Czajka Care Group isn’t some faceless big care company owned by a financial institution.
“Our managing director Konrad and his two sons Daniel and Dominic are hands on and play a huge role in
making Czajka Care Group what it is. You always know where to turn if you have a problem, and they are always there to listen to you and help.
“There are many opportunities to develop, learn and grow in your career, all whilst helping wonderful people to live their lives with dignity.”
Dawn’s role now involves administration duties, processing company invoices, payroll and assisting with recruitment and human resources.
Konrad said: “We’re delighted to celebrate Dawn’s 35th anniversary with us as she aims to join several members of our team who have been here more than 40 years, which is a testament to their loyalty and our ethos as a family-run, independent business.
“We look forward to working with Dawn for many more years to come.”
Konrad Czajka and Dawn Pearson celebrate her 35th anniversary at Czajka Care Group.
Service support manager Danielle Cook with activity co-ordinator Lisa James and clinical lead Karen James.
North East Fife MSP Willie Rennie visited HC-One Scotland’s Balnacarron Care Home in St Andrews. He met with staff and residents and discussed their work and experience at the care home. Willie also met with Wexford K9 SAR Scotland, who provide therapy and search and rescue dogs at Balnacarron Care Home. The organisation was inspired by a team in Ireland and has been involved in search and rescue work in Scotland and England, as well as working in care homes. Manager Olga Jankovska said: “We were delighted to welcome MSP Willie Rennie to our home. Everyone had a great time, chatting and discussing key issues they care about and what actions can be taken to overcome them.”
Beryl Hewitt, who lives at HC-One Fleming Court Care Home in Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, recently celebrated her 100th birthday. A week before the big day, wellbeing coordinator Lisa Wood took her shopping so she could select a new outfit for the occasion. Beryl began her big day by having her hair styled in the home’s salon. She was also treated to having her nails manicure and polished, as well as having her makeup done by the home’s beautician. Staff wanted to make the day as special as possible for Beryl and invited along her family, including her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, for afternoon tea. Later in the day everyone at the residential and residential dementia care home enjoyed being entertained by singer Alex Hall. Residents, and family members celebrated the occasion by singing and dancing along to the entertainment.
A resident at HC-One’s Coppice Court care home in Eastbourne has hailed her close knit circle of friends and family in helping her reach the grand old age of 101. Constance
‘Connie’ Louisia Mason was born in Battersea, London. She worked in an office and subsequently went on to become a stay-at-home mum. Connie married her husband, Bill, and they have two children, Chris and Sandra. She also has four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. To mark the centenarian’s special birthday, Connie enjoyed a private dinner which took place at the nursing and nursing dementia care home with her two children and grandson. She also enjoyed an afternoon tea with all her fellow residents and friends at Coppice Court.
A care home resident in Cornwall has celebrated reaching 100 years of age. Mary Barnes was joined by members of her family to celebrate the landmark occasion. A party was held at Anchor’s St Anne’s care home in Saltash, where Mary has lived for the past two years. She received hordes of cards, including one from the King and Queen. She was also visited by Saltash Mayor Councillor Julia Pegg. Mary and her late husband Billy had three children, Margaret, Stuart and Gerald, living in Paul, Newlyn and Penzance. She also has six grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren, spread throughout England and Australia.
The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care in Scotland joined a 100th birthday celebration as he visited a Glasgow care home. Neil Gray was visiting Meallmore care home, Antonine House, to learn more about the care and services provided, as well as to discuss key sector issues. During his visit he attended and participated in a 100th birthday party for resident Margaret McNae, where he presented her with a card from The King and The Queen Consort. He also met resident Myra Davidson to congratulate her on achieving an NVQ qualification in Italian after completing a 12-week course with social enterprise Lingo Flamingo
Joyce Mary Shatwell, a resident at The Rowans Care Centre in Macclesfield, celebrated her 100th birthday with a party surrounded by family, friends, staff, and fellow residents. The occasion was made extra special with the arrival of a card from His Majesty The King. Born in 1924 in Bradford, Joyce’s early years were shaped by significant events, including the family’s move to Handforth in Cheshire in 1939, just before the outbreak of the Second World War. While completing her education at Stockport Grammar School for Girls, Joyce met her future husband, Eric, who was attending the Boys’ school. The couple married in 1950 and initially settled in Cheadle before moving to Macclesfield in 1963 after a brief period living in Linlithgow, Scotland. Joyce enjoys the company of her son David, daughter-inlaw Liz, two step-grandchildren Mark and Nicole, and two step-great-grandchildren Henry and Scarlet, as well as her younger sister Betty.
Penwortham Grange and Lodge resident Joyce Watts recently celebrated her 100th birthday with a heartfelt journey to Blackpool, the town where she first met her husband and relished her success as a ballroom dancer. Joyce, who moved to the Preston care home last November shared that she began dancing at the age of 18, performing with friends at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens and in London during the 1940s. It was her passion for dance that led Joyce to meet her husband. Together, they formed a competition group with six other couples. Their dedication paid off when they were crowned British Formation Dancing champions one year and competed internationally in Denmark. To celebrate her 100th birthday, Joyce was thrilled to take her best friend Joan on a special trip to Blackpool. The pair visited the iconic Blackpool Tower ballroom and the Winter Gardens.
A Skipton care home resident has celebrated his 100th birthday. Frank England was joined by members of his family to celebrate the landmark occasion. A party was held at Anchor’s The Mill House, where Frank has lived for the past year. He enjoyed a glass of champagne while being serenaded by the All Together Trinity Choir. Frank served in World War II and was knighted in France. After celebrating reaching 100, Frank said he much preferred to look forward than dwell on the past. He has lived in Anchor care homes for four years, and was among the first to move into The Mill House when it officially opened in August 2023.
A Kent care home recently celebrated the 100th birthday of one of its residents with a collective celebration, including visits from a monk, an Elvis impersonator, and her son who travelled from overseas. Elsie, who now resides at Meyer House, in Erith, marked her milestone birthday surrounded by her fellow residents and care team and was treated to a day of festivities. In the lead-up to the big day she enjoyed being pampered with a manicure, fresh hairstyle and facial. Her son travelled from South Africa to join the celebrations and paid for party food for all the home’s residents and team members as a thank you for the care and support they provide for his mother. Elsie was surrounded by balloons and well-wishes from all 13 of Nellsar’s Care Homes – which saw her receive more than 80 cards, one of which was a telegram from King Charles III.
Artist continues to follow her passion at home
TALENTED artist Valerie Chambers is continuing her love of art while living at a Norwich care home.
Valerie, 89, has lived at Laurel Lodge since August 2023, where Black Swan Care Group provides short-term care and longer-term support.
She always had a love for art and studied at the famous Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts in London in the 1950s, where she received a Diploma in Art from a four-year course.
Valerie went on to teach in schools and evening classes in Buckinghamshire.
She was also in the Red Cross where her husband drove the ambulances, while Valerie ran the youth club for children aged between seven and 15, teaching them art in between learning their first aid duties.
Valerie fondly remembers her time at Art School. “There were some really famous artists at the college, people like Clifford Frith, Martin Bloch – a German-Jewish artist who fled Germany in 1934 and Susan Einzig, the illustrator of children’s book Tom’s Midnight Garden,” she said.
“They were all such an inspiration to me. The school was heavily involved in the Festival of Britain in 1951 and there was such a buzz at the time.”
Valerie’s artwork adorns the walls of her bedroom at the care home, dominated by a large oil painting of horses at the River Yare at Harford Bridges in Norwich painted more than
Valerie at work.
20 years ago.
She says that she took a quick sketch of the scene which would have taken her about two hours, then the final painting would have taken around two months to complete.
These days, Valerie carries her sketch book and pencils around the home, capturing the scenes of life at the home, including portraits of other residents and staff, drawings of animals as well as colourful images of entertainers who have visited the home.
She added: “It’s just like keeping a diary really. Pretty much every day I can find something to draw with my pencils and pastels as there’s always lots of things going on at the home and the staff encourage me to continue to do it.”
Blueleaf Care ride to Paris in aid of charity
NICK Frogbrook and Ellen Brown, CEO and sales and marketing director respectively of Blueleaf Care, have raised more than £5,000 for the company’s chosen charity, Macmillan Cancer Support, with a four-day cycle ride from London to Paris.
Starting in Blackheath, London, Nick and Ellen pedalled the first 80 miles along English country roads, before crossing the channel and arriving at Dunkirk on day one.
From Dunkirk, Nick and Ellen traversed 102 miles of French highways and byways, landing in Cambrai, a city in the Hauts-deFrance, North-Eastern region.
Day three comprised fewer miles, but consisted of a 73-mile trek uphill climb through crop fields and hedgerows, before winding up in the
ancient town of Soissons.
And for the final stretch, 80 miles separated the French commune from the capital, taking the team through undulating roads and farmland and toward their final destination, the Eiffel Tower on day four.
Nick said: “In an industry built by people who care for others, it’s essential that we too play our part in leading positive change.
“It’s part of our business pledge to ‘Care. Always’.
“Through raising money for Macmillan, we are not only reinforcing our mission, but helping a cause that’s close to our hearts.”
For more information, or to donate to Blueleaf’s charity cycle for Macmillan, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/ page/blueleaf-for-macmillan
apetito brings exclusive lounge back to Care Show Birmingham
AS CARE Show Birmingham approaches, apetito has announced that its VIP Lounge will be coming back to the National Exhibition Centre on October 9 and 10 – bigger and better than ever.
As the leading meals provider for the Care Home sector, apetito is inviting groups to hear how its services and great tasting food can make a real difference to their care home catering. Whilst on stand, guests can enjoy sampling a selection of its most popular dishes developed by a team of talented in-house chefs and dietitians.
You’ll also be able to hear more about its world leading range of
IDDSI Level 4 Puree meals, designed to bring dignity and enjoyment back to mealtimes for residents living with swallowing difficulties (also known as dysphagia).
With rising costs and labour shortages being real concerns for the care industry, apetito prides itself in building genuine partnerships with care homes across the UK and providing services to help them to combat these key areas of challenge.
Richard Woodward, general manager of the care homes team at apetito said: “Whilst providing delicious and nutritious food is central to our service, we pride ourselves in always going above and beyond to support
individual homes with their specific needs and help them to deliver the most positive and enjoyable mealtime for their residents.
“We are looking forward to speaking to teams during Care Show Birmingham about how we can support care homes deliver quality mealtimes and drive both cost and time efficiencies within catering operations.”
Not only will apetito have its VIP Lounge, but Clare Hunt, business manager within the care homes team at apetito, will also be taking part in an insightful panel, ‘Food for Thought: Rethinking the Dining Experience’, alongside Jo Bonser and Professor
Jane Murphy. Make sure to catch this session by visiting the Design, Build & Environments Theatre at 1.50pm on October 10.
To speak with the apetito team about how its services can support care home catering operations, book a space at the VIP Lounge now at apetito.link/care-show-oct24
Smaller care homes with less than 30 beds can now benefit from apetito’s specialist nutrition offering without committing to the full-service through Wiltshire Farm Foods Professional. Visit
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