The Old Rectory Shines as Finalists
The Old Rectory Care Home Shines as Finalists in Multiple Categories at the Kent Care Awards 2024
The Old Rectory Care Home is celebrating an outstanding achievement as multiple team members have been named finalists at the Kent Care Awards 2024. This recognition highlights their commitment to excellence in care, with several categories showcasing their contributions to the industry.
Frances Roberts has been recognised for her exceptional work by being shortlisted for the Care Nutrition Award, reflecting her dedication to ensuring residents receive nutritious, balanced meals that support their overall well-being.
The team, including Tvinkal Champaneri, Grace Ramones, Chelsea Gillham, Charlie Barry, Dalila Neves, and Ann Savage, have been honoured as finalists for the Residential Care Team Award. Their collective efforts have created a nurturing and supportive environment for the residents, underlining the importance of teamwork in delivering high-quality care.
Pauline Lewin has been shortlisted for the Residential Care Worker Award, acknowledging her hands-on approach, empathy, and tireless efforts to provide top-tier support to residents every day.
Meanwhile, Cheryl Waters has been recognised as a finalist for the Residential Registered Manager Award, a testament to her leadership and dedication to managing the home with excellence, ensuring both the staff and residents thrive.
This year’s Kent Care Awards have seen a surge in deserving candidates, and the recognition of The Old Rectory Care Home in multiple categories reflects the high standards the care home upholds.
"We are incredibly proud of our team and the recognition they've received," said Cheryl Waters, Manager at The Old Rectory Care Home "Their dedication to providing compassionate, resident-centred care is truly inspiring. Being named finalists in these categories is a proud moment for us all."
Fairways Care Home Team Awarded
Fairways Care Home Team Celebrated for Palliative and Residential Care Excellence.
Fairways Care Home is bursting with pride after being recognised as finalists in two prestigious categories at this year’s annual Kent Care Awards.
Georgia Hollis was recognised as a finalist in the prestigious Palliative Care Award and Rica Pongan, Jomelyn Bazen, Ladydan Pablo, and Sharon Burchell in the Residential Care Team Award.
The team at Fairways has long been admired for their commitment to excellence, and this recent recognition only serves to highlight the remarkable work they do every day. Their approach, rooted in empathy, dignity, and tailored care for each resident, has earned them a place as finalists in one of the most important categories in healthcare.
The announcement of their finalist positions has been met with an outpouring of support and congratulations from colleagues, residents, and families alike.
Fairways Care Home continues to set an example in the care home industry where their efforts ensure that residents receive not only medical care but also emotional and spiritual support in their final days.
Congratulations once again to Georgia Hollis and the entire team at Fairways Care Home for this well-deserved recognition!
“We are very pleased with this recognition,” said: The Fairways Care Home Manager Alison Yarnley. “It’s a reflection of the team’s unwavering commitment to providing excellent care day in and day out. Being named finalists in these categories makes us incredibly proud.”
Adventure Along Littlestone Seafront
Residents at Fairways Care Home recently enjoyed a scenic adventure on foot, exploring the tranquil beauty of the Littlestone seafront and discovering the rich history of the iconic Littlestone Water Tower, a Victorian marvel that stands 120 feet tall.
On a crisp, bright day, we took a leisurely stroll along the serene Littlestone coastline. The walk offered breathtaking views and the gentle sea breeze created the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing and invigorating outing.
The highlight of the day’s adventure was a visit to the Littlestone Water Tower, a stunning Victorian structure that dominates the local landscape. Built in the late 19th century, the 120-foot tower is not only an engineering marvel but also steeped in history. During World War II, the tower was repurposed as a lookout post, providing a strategic vantage point over the surrounding area.
The tower’s striking design, with its brickwork and distinctive height, offered a unique glimpse into the past, reminding everyone of the enduring legacy of Victorian engineering.
The Littlestone Water Tower remains a testament to Victorian innovation, and for the residents of Fairways Care Home, it provided not only a fascinating look into the past but also a chance to enjoy the simple pleasures of the present—exploring the natural beauty and history of their local area.
As they returned to the care home, residents were left with fond memories of the day’s adventure, with many already looking forward to the next opportunity to explore the world beyond their doorstep.
Aloha From Gabriel Court
Aloha from Gabriel Court Care Home brought the warmth of the tropics right into its lounge with a vibrant and fun-filled Tropical Beach Party!
Residents and staff alike were transported to an island paradise as the lounge was transformed into a Hawaiian oasis, complete with colourful decorations, festive music, and a host of exciting activities.
The day kicked off with upbeat Hawaiian tunes filling the air, setting the perfect tone for a day of joy and celebration. The main event of the day was a thrilling Bingo Bonanza, where everyone competed for fun prizes amid laughter and friendly competition.
One of the biggest highlights was the Travelling Tropical Trolley, which became an instant favourite. Offering a variety of refreshing treats, including delicious ice creams and tropical snacks. The sight of the trolley evoked memories of ice cream trucks from summers past, adding a nostalgic touch to the day’s festivities.
Whether dancing along to the music, assisting with bingo, or helping to serve treats from the trolley, the team at Gabriel Court made sure that every resident felt like they were on their own personal holiday escape.
The event served as a delightful reminder of the joy that comes from coming together as a community. Gemma, Activities Coordinator said: “It felt like we were really on a beach. The music, the ice cream—it was all so much fun!”
David Merry, Care Home Manager at Gabriel Court Care Home said: “The day was a resounding success, bringing smiles, laughter, and a sense of warmth to everyone involved. It demonstrated once again how the care home continues to go above and beyond in creating meaningful and joyful experiences, especially on special occasions like Bank Holidays.”
Gabriel Court is already looking forward to hosting more exciting and creative events in the future!
Musical Notes with Paper Plates
At Mountside Care Home, creativity and music have come together in a fun and imaginative way, bringing joy and engagement to residents through an unexpected tool—surplus paper plates!
In a recent music and movement session, the care home’s activity team re-imagined the use of these ordinary items, transforming them into instruments for creativity and connection. With the belief that “music makes everything better,” staff led residents in a unique activity where they not only conducted an imaginary orchestra but also made musical notes with their paper plates.
This innovative session had everyone waving their plates like tambourines, keeping time with the rhythm, and creating an atmosphere filled with laughter and energy. The plates became not just props but a means to bring out their inner maestros, allowing everyone to participate regardless of musical experience.
"We had a blast," said one resident, smiling from ear to ear. "Who knew paper plates could be so much fun?”
The music and movement session was designed to engage individuals physically, mentally, and emotionally, and it certainly achieved that goal. With everyone participating, the combination of music and playful interaction using paper plates created a positive and stimulating environment for all involved.
As for the surplus paper plates, they’ve officially found a new purpose at Mountside—bringing people together through the magic of music and movement.
Pirates Ahoy at The Old Rectory
The Old Rectory Care Home recently embarked on an unforgettable adventure as they joined the New Romney Day of Syn parade and celebrations.
This year’s event, received an extra dash of excitement as the care fully embraced the theme, transforming into a lively crew of pirates. With shouts of "Ahoy mateys!" echoing through the home, The Old Rectory Care Home’s team, dressed in their finest pirate attire, with enthusiasm and flair.
From eye patches to waving Jolly Roger flags, their participation added a swashbuckling charm to the festivities.
Cheryl Waters, Manager at The Old Rectory Care Home said: “What a celebration, many of us have fond memories of previous Day of Syn celebrations and were thrilled to be part of the action once again. We are so lucky to be part of this community tradition long may it last”.
The Day of Syn is more than just a parade; it's a day that captures the essence of community spirit in New Romney, where people of all ages come together to celebrate their shared heritage.
Day of Syn Features in the Kent News Online
The Old Rectory Care Home has recently made headlines for their memorable participation in the New Romney Day of Syn parade and celebrations, bringing a sense of adventure and joy to both residents and the local community.
This year, the care home took the event to new heights by fully immersing themselves in the parade’s vibrant theme, transforming into a spirited crew of pirates. The Old Rectory was alive with excitement as residents and staff alike donned their best pirate attire, their voices ringing with hearty shouts of “Ahoy mateys!”
The unforgettable experience not only showcased the care home's dedication to creating enriching and enjoyable moments but also highlighted their strong connection with the community, making the Day of Syn celebrations an event to remember.
You can read the full story in Kent News Online here.
Olympic Closing Party Story in Sussex World
Sussex World recently covered an uplifting story from Mountside Care Home, where residents and staff wrapped up their very own Olympic Games with a spirited Team GB-inspired closing party.
The event marked the culmination of a series of fun-filled activities, where participants engaged in friendly competition and shared countless laughs.
The closing party was a vibrant celebration of camaraderie, bringing everyone together to honour the achievements of their "Olympians" and to revel in the joy that these games brought to the care home community.
The story highlights how Mountside Care Home turned a simple idea into an unforgettable experience for all involved.
You can read the full story about the celebration here in Sussex World
Hawaii in Kettering is Northampton Chronicle Top Story
The Northampton Chronicle brings a tropical story to its readers courtesy of Gabriel Court Care Home who recently transformed their Kettering Care Home into a slice of paradise with a vibrant tropical beach party.
The event, inspired by the sunny shores of Hawaii, transformed the care home into a lively oasis, complete with colourful decorations, island music, and themed activities.
Residents and staff alike enjoyed a day filled with joy, laughter, and the spirit of Aloha, making this event a memorable highlight in the local community.
You can read the full story about the fun of the event here in the Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Care Home Closing Party
Mountside Care Home concludes care home Olympics with spectacular Team GB-inspired closing party
Mountside Care Home wrapped up their incredible Care Home Olympics journey in style, hosting a vibrant closing party inspired by Team GB.
The grand celebration was filled with joy, laughter, and camaraderie as residents, staff, and families came together to commemorate weeks of friendly competition and unforgettable moments.
The event kicked off with a spectacular spread of delicious homemade cupcakes, adorned with sporty designs and gold, silver, and bronze decorations, baked by our talented staff.
Everyone was treated to refreshing mocktails that perfectly captured the spirit of celebration—complete with fruity flavours and colourful garnishes that added the perfect Olympic touch to the party.
Highlighting the event was the much-anticipated medal presentation ceremony, where participants were honoured for their achievements during the Care Home Olympics. The glow of accomplishment and joy on everyone's faces was undeniable.
The closing party is the home’s way of celebrating not just their achievements but the strong sense of community that grew through the games. Everyone is a winner!
The closing ceremony also featured lively music, dance, and a joyous atmosphere that made it feel like a real Olympic village, with residents proudly wearing their medals and sharing stories of their sporting feats.
The event marked the perfect conclusion to a truly extraordinary experience, one that will be remembered fondly by residents, staff, and families alike. Here's to continuing the Mountside Care Home tradition of bringing joy, togetherness, and excitement to everyday life.
For more information on Mountside Care Home’s activities and events, visit our website or follow us on social media!