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August 2010

HALLMARK HEALTHCARE MAKES ESSEX FINAL

Hallmark Healthcare has reached the final of the 2010 Essex Business Excellence Awards, in the Investing in Essex category.

Hallmark Healthcare is currently building a new, 70-bedroom luxury care home in Billericay. The home – Anisha Grange – will not just provide a service to the community, but also create jobs in a variety of areas, and use local suppliers.

The final takes place at Braxted Park near Witham on Thursday September 23rd.

August 2010

ABSENT FRIENDS DAY

Absent Friends Day is coming up across all our homes on Saturday 7 August. It’s a remembrance day for residents who have passed away while in our homes and the brainchild of Sarah Morris, manager at Ashleigh Court, who came up with this lovely idea last year.

The idea is that each home invites relatives and/or friends of residents who have passed away at the home and organises a vicar or someone suitable to come in for a few prayers and readings. Following this, everyone takes a balloon and lets it go into the sky as they remember their relative. The colour scheme is yellow, as it’s bright and cheerful, and each home is decked out in yellow ribbons, bows, flowers and balloons.

We think this a great a way of making sure relatives still feel connected with the home after a loved one has passed away and demonstrates that, as our charter says, “above all, we care.”

June 2010

YOU’RE THE TOPS! TOPPING-OUT IN WOKINGHAM

The Worshipful Mayor of Wokingham Borough Council – Councillor Diane King – was the special guest at a ‘topping-out’ ceremony recently at Alexandra Grange Care Home on Oaklands Drive, off Molly Millars Lane, Wokingham.

The 55-bed, state-of-the-art home is due to open in November and will become Hallmark Healthcare’s 24th care home. Alexandra Grange has been created to provide the highest standards of quality care for older people – whether general residential, nursing, respite or dementia care (in the specialist suite) – in a home designed with elegance and practicality in mind.

The focus and attention to detail within Alexandra Grange is first-class and each resident will have a huge choice of activities, whether that’s enjoying an afternoon planting herbs in the sensory garden or benefitting from an aromatherapy treatment in the therapy suite. Quiet moments and relaxation are never far away thanks to the elegant lounge areas.

Avnish Goyal, managing director of Hallmark Healthcare, said: “We’ve had incredible support from the local authority and local people over the past year and we are now looking forward to opening in November and providing a first-class care home for the community.”

June 2010

RESIDENTS HAVE A WHEELIE GOOD TIME

Staff and residents’ relatives from Church View care home had a wheelie good time recently as they pushed residents in wheelchairs around Stratton St Margaret to raise money for the home’s residents’ fund.

Activities coordinator, Amy Fisher, who came up with the idea, said, “I was trying to think of something different to do to raise money for the residents’ fund and I thought why not have a sponsored wheelchair push?

When I mentioned the idea to the residents some of them jumped at the chance to get involved.” Resident Netta Porter, who took part in the sponsored wheelchair push, said before the start, “I am really looking forward to having a nice scenic tour of Stratton, while Amy does all the hard work!”

May 2010

THERE’S NOTHING LIKE A GOOD CUDDLE!

All Hallmark Healthcare homes celebrated our annual Hug Day on May 19th this year, with some of the most over-the-top celebrations and costumes yet!

The Hug Day concept was the brainchild of Sheena Tipples, a registered nurse at Regency House, as a way to have fun and bring residents and staff even closer together. Research shows that a hug is actually good for your health – not only does it reduce stress levels, it also reduces blood pressure and the risk of heart disease. Six years on, Hug Day has become one of the biggest days in the year for hundreds of people associated with Hallmark through a series of carnival-like celebrations.

Dressing-up themes this year ranged from Cowboys & Indians (Ty Enfys) to Hawaiian Fun in the Sun (Greenhill Manor) to the World Cup (Tuxford Manor). Many of our homes got stories and photos in the local press because of their fantastic celebrations but, most importantly, the residents absolutely loved it. There really is nothing like a good cuddle.

May 2010

MAJOR REFURBISHMENT FOR NORTH WALES CARE HOME

A Wrexham care home has recently undergone a major refurbishment to improve its facilities to care for older people with dementia.

The refurbishment at Plas Rhosnesni is the first of its kind for a care home in Wrexham and helps to provide a new service for older people with dementia in North Wales. The home has undergone a major refurbishment that has enabled the home to be developed in line with the latest government research into care needs for older people. Plas Rhosnesni has a fully trained, expert care team on board who can provide the personalised and specialist care service required for our residents. Home Manager, Pauline Parker-Moore is also currently undertaking a diploma with David Sheard – a leading Dementia Consultant to further improve her knowledge in the subject.

Using evidence-based research, the suite has been specially designed for people with dementia, taking particular care of the layout of the room and the decoration/patterns applied, as they can be particularly important in helping people with dementia to exercise choice and orient themselves as well as providing interest and stimulation. The care team at Plas Rhosnesni pride themselves on their personal approach to care. Following an assessment by the home’s expert care team, each resident is provided with a specialist ‘Person Centred Care’ plan, which is tailored to the individual needs and capabilities of each resident. This is to ensure that each resident’s individual care needs and requirements are meet by staff in the home in order to provide a comfortable and happy environment for residents to live in.

The newly opened dementia suite can cater for up to 62 residents with dementia and is now open. If you are interested in talking to someone at Plas Rhosnesni about availability or would like to visit the home for a viewing please call Home Manager, Pauline Parker-Moore on 01978 364557.

April 2010

FOUR GENERATIONS AND THE MAYOR TURN OUT FOR 100th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

A resident at Church View care home in Swindon celebrated her 100th birthday recently surrounded by four generations of family and a special visit from a surprise guest.

Elsie Harris was joined by four generations of her family, many who travelled from all corner of the Globe to be with her to celebrate the special occasion.  Her Great Granddaughter and her husband travelled from the Scottish Highlands, her eldest Granddaughter and her husband travelled from the Lake District and her two nieces travelled all the way from New Zealand! 
 
Staff at the home organised a good old-fashioned knees up complete with local entertainer, Julie Hunt, a birthday buffet and a huge cake. The Right Honourable Deputy Mayor of Swindon, Cllr Rex Barnett also paid a surprise visit. Home Manager, Jo Butler said, “It is not every day that you turn 100 so we wanted to make a real fuss of Elsie all day in order to celebrate the occasion. She was not only surrounded by close family members all day but she was able to enjoy a surprise visit from the Deputy Mayor as well as a good old-fashioned sing-song when Julie arrived. 

Julie is a fantastic singer and entertainer who always perks Elsie up and brings a smile to her face. We all really enjoyed the day.” Elsie was living on her own in Bourneville in Birmingham until she was 92 years old when she moved to Swindon to live in Church View.

April 2010

CARE HOME GOES SPORTING MAD

A local care home was swept up in the Sport’s Relief fundraising recently when they encouraged staff to come in dressed in their favourite sporting outfit.

In a bid to raise money for Sports Relief, staff and residents at Greenhill Manor in Pentrebach raided their wardrobes for any items of clothing with a sports theme.  All staff were asked to come to work dressed in their best sports outfits on Monday this week and paid £1 for the privilege.
 
Home Manager, Mark McCole said, “ Sports Relief is raising money for such a fantastic cause and the celebrities are certainly going out of their way to raise money so I felt like we should do our bit too. We have had fun getting dressed up today and have managed to raise £35 which is great as every penny counts.”

Staff at Greenhill Manor in their sporting outfits. Back row from left to right: Matthew Walmsley, Michelle Dower, Clarence Lee, Amy Davies, Kelly Collard. Front row from left to right: Debbie Broad, Julie Sheen, Lucy Collard, Jodie Rudge

Resident Ian Joll and carer Amy Davies

April 2010

CARE HOME GOES ALL ENGLISH FOR ST GEORGE

A local care home pulled out all the stops to celebrate the English patron saint of St Georges recently.

Staff at Delves Court threw a very English garden party for residents to celebrate the patron saint of England in traditional English style.  The party was complete with a professional singer, afternoon tea with delicious homemade cream cakes and sandwiches and a spot of karaoke.  Staff and residents, also dressed up in St George’s Day hats and decorated the home with bunting. 
 
Activities co-ordinator, Helen Holdcroft said, “Not many people in England celebrate St George’s Day so we decided that we should mark the 23 April this year and make it special for everyone at Delves Court.  We created a real party atmosphere in the home and encouraged everyone to let their hair down and have some good old-fashioned fun.”

April 2010

RESIDENTS SEND CHILDREN BACK IN TIME

The Children at Ysgol Plas Coch were given a trip back in time recently when residents from a local care home paid a visit.

Four residents from Broughton Hall dropped into the school to give the children a taste of life in the 1920’s. Residents Peggy Williams, Nora Williams, Margaret Kelly and Hilda Norcott spoke about their school day experiences, memories of the war, ration books, being evacuated and the air raid shelter to help the children understand how much things have changed.
 
Headteacher, Mr Gwyn Jones said, “We were delighted to welcome residents from Broughton Hall to Ysgol Plas Coch. I think it is important for the children to step back in time and learn about how life has changed over the last 100 years. All the children were engrossed and seemed to really enjoy listening to the ladies colourful accounts of their school life and the war. It was a real success and I can’t wait for the residents to come back and do it again”
 
Home Manager, Gary Dodd said, “Peggy, Nora, Margaret and Hilda all thoroughly enjoyed the visit to Ysgol Plas Coch and interacting with the children.  I think it is important that the residents at Broughton Hall socialise and interact with the different members of the community so it is nice that the school invited us in for a visit. They are really looking forward to their next visit now!”

April 2010

BEST COMPANIES ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR HALLMARK HEALTHCARE

Hallmark Healthcare has been recognised by The Sunday Times Best Companies Index as ‘One to Watch’ in 2010. The objective of the accreditation is to recognise and acknowledge corporate excellence in the workplace, focusing on workplace engagement as an integral component of an organisation’s success and growth.
 
Hallmark Healthcare achieved the ‘One to Watch’ status following its participation in the Best Companies Index (BCI) survey, which quizzed its employees about working for the company. The responses are collated and each company is awarded a status according to their BCI score. Hallmark Healthcare scored particularly well on the employee survey on the company itself and feelings towards themselves and their colleagues, with 75% of employees stating positive feelings towards the company, 69% of employees feeling positive towards their personal growth, and 72% of employees feeling positive towards their team members.
 
Avnish Goyal, managing director of Hallmark Healthcare, said “We are pleased to be acknowledged once again by the Best Companies Index as a company to watch.  The Hallmark Group continues to grow year on year, with a particular focus on new sites in the South East of England where we are committed to providing high quality, luxury care homes for older people over the next few years.” Hallmark Healthcare has plans to develop luxury care homes in Ipswich and Leigh-on-Sea following the successful acquisition of land in prominent locations and is about to start laying the foundations for a new home in Billericay.
 
The plans to develop homes in Ipswich, Leigh-on-Sea and Billericay follow the successful opening of a state-of-the-art care home in Wimbledon, thought to be one of the most exclusive care homes in the UK, and the current development of a multi-million pound 55-bed care home in Wokingham, due to open towards the end of 2010. 

March 2010

MISS SWANSEA BRings A TOUCH OF GLAMOUR TO CARE HOME

The recently crowned Miss Swansea 2010 brought a touch of glamour to Cwrt Enfys care home in Swansea recently when she paid a visit to the home on her first official engagement as Miss Swansea.

Charmaine Lewis, from Llangyfelach, visited Cwrt Enfys in Ystradgynlais following an invitation from Home Manager, Karen Beech. She spent her time meeting and greeting residents as well as enjoying a spot of pampering with some of the ladies from the home as she was treated to a manicure as part of a ‘Ladies Day’ celebration in the home.

Home Manager, Karen Beech said “When I heard about Miss Swansea being crowned at the end of last year I thought it would be nice to invite her to the home to meet some of our residents. A number of them remember watching Miss World on television and are a big fan of the pageant so were delighted to meet a real life beauty queen”. Charmaine Lewis won the title of Miss Swansea at Oceana Nightclub in Swansea in November last year. She will go on to compete in the Miss Wales Grand Final at St David’s Hall in Cardiff on Saturday 26 June.

February 2010

INFANTS SCHOOL MAKES DAY FOR LOCAL CARE HOME

Children from Whitehall Infants School paid a visit to residents at Delves Court care home recently to present them with a cheque.

Thirty children between the ages of five and seven dropped in on staff and residents at Delves Court to present them with a cheque for the residents fund at the home and while they were there they sung for the residents. Activities coordinator, Helen Holdcroft said, “We are all very excited about the children’s visit to the home this week and are honoured that they have taken time to raise money for our residents fund, we are truly grateful”.

The children have been busy raising money through the sale of canvasses that they painted for Peace Day back in September. They have raised £116 for the residents fund at the home which they will be presenting to staff and residents at the home on Friday. The home has developed a relationship with the Headteacher of Whitehall School over the past four years.

Head teacher John Palmer said, “The pupils thoroughly enjoy visiting the home to meet the residents. It is always at the top of their list of places to visit when it comes to Christmas or Easter. We also visit the home for special occasions like birthdays too. We are all delighted to be donating the money the children raised.”

February 2010

ALL EXPENSES PAID

Staff at a local care home were given the all-star treatment recently when they were taken out for an all expenses paid meal by the relative of a resident at the home.

Each and every member of staff at Ashleigh Court care home in Wrexham was treated to a meal out recently, organised and paid for by Mary Owen, the daughter of resident Margaret Bunker. Mary wanted to say thank you to all the staff for their hard work and dedication to caring for the residents in the home. Home Manager, Sarah Morris said, “I was completely overwhelmed when Mary said that she would like to pay for all the members of staff at the home to go out for a meal together. It is such a generous gesture and we are all extremely grateful”.

Mary Owen commented, “Mum is extremely happy and well looked after at Ashleigh Court care home. Over the past year or so, since Sarah has taken over as Home Manager, I have noticed how much the home has changed and improved. All the staff work together as a close-knit team and go out of their way to make the home an inviting and friendly place to both live and visit”.

Mary continued, “All the staff have worked so hard lately and I wanted to show them that it hasn’t gone unnoticed and is really appreciated by the family and friends of residents”. In order to ensure the home was still manned while staff were taken out for the night the team was divided into two groups and taken out over two nights. They were treated to a meal at the local pub one night and the local Chinese restaurant another. Home Manager, Sarah, presented Mary with a big bouquet of flowers to say thank-you on the second night.

January 2010

RIGHT HONOURABLE 4th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

A Kings Lynn care home will be celebrating its 4th birthday recently with a right honourable visit from the local mayor.

Amberley Hall care home on Baldock Drive held a party on Wednesday 27 January for all staff and residents to mark the home’s 4th birthday. The party was complete with local musician Geoff Ticehurst, a buffet, some bubbly and a visit from the Right Honourable Mayor of Kings Lynn, Councillor Michael Pitcher, who cut the birthday cake.

Three special residents who have been at the home since it opened had a starring role in the celebrations – they are Elsie ‘Eky’ Firth, aged 90, Dorothy Fraser, 52 and Jennifer Flat, 55. Caroline Soriano, Home Manager at Amberley Hall said, “We wanted to mark our 4th birthday with a proper celebration so what better way than to organise a good old knees up with a musician, buffet and a visit for the local mayor. The day will be even more special for residents Elsie, Dorothy and Jennifer who have been with us since the opening four years ago.”

royalty visits care home!

Watch a clip of the Royal Visit »
Read about the events of the day during the Royal Visit »

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