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We are thrilled to announce that Care UK has been honored at the UK Employee Experience Awards 2024: • Gold Winner 'Best Employee Experience Journey' • Silver Award 'Best Company to Work For' • Silver Award 'Best Leadership – Leah Pozo-Queripel – Director of HR' Over the past year, we have implemented several innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing the employee experience. These include comprehensive and engaging onboarding journeys, ongoing professional development opportunities, a new careers website and chat bot functionality, and a focus on early years recruitment as well as mental health and well-being. Our efforts have not only fostered a supportive and dynamic workplace but have also contributed to our overall success and employee satisfaction. This award would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our incredible team, consistently upholding our values of Caring, Passionate and Teamwork.
Our Bickerton House Care Home pulled out all the stops for resident Yvonne Taylor when they discovered it was her wish to attend a rugby match again. Office worker Yvonne, who has fond memories of watching rugby games with her late husband, attended the England v Ireland Six Nations women’s match at Twickenham on Saturday 20th April. Along with celebrating England’s triumphant 88-10 win, Yvonne and her friends enjoyed soaking up the buzz of a busy stadium and a spectacular fireworks display – topped off with a lively half-time performance by singer Sophie Ellis-Bexter. Yvonne said: “Seeing England win was amazing. We were sat right at the front next to the try line. I just couldn’t believe I was actually there. “We all enjoyed singing to the national anthems and loved seeing Sophie Ellis-Bexter. The fireworks and the atmosphere were amazing – everyone was brilliant.” The day re-awakened special memories for Yvonne, who has been a rugby fan for over 20 years and used to watch matches with her late husband George. The couple previously enjoyed a visit to Twickenham in the noughties to see the Saracens play. Yvonne said: “Rugby was something George and I always loved. It was one special thing we could enjoy together as a family. I haven’t been able to go on my own since George passed away, so I had an absolutely brilliant day.”
Two of our Care Homes in West Sussex, Mill View and Skylark House have teamed up to join a nationwide campaign to save traditional recipes from being forgotten. A poll of 2,000 adults carried out by Care UK, found almost two-thirds (65%) of the nation no longer use family recipes that have been handed down through the generations, however, 43% of people surveyed are keen to save them. In a bid to prevent family recipes passed down through the generations from being lost forever, we have launched a free downloadable recipe book – 'Recipes to remember', which features recipes shared by our residents across the UK. From food enjoyed during World War Two to quirky desserts from the 1970s, the book includes residents’ favourite foods, alongside recipes tailored to support older people by our award-winning chefs. Keen to keep their recipes bubbling away in West Sussex for many years to come, residents rolled up their sleeves and donned their aprons in the kitchen at Skylark House, to show just how tasty their food favourites from the past are. On the day, residents cooked Victoria Sandwich cakes and shortbread biscuits, with the help of the home’s Head Chef. Commenting on the afternoon, resident, Audrey Simms, said: “I always cooked a Victoria sandwich for my family on Sundays so it was lovely to make one again and revisit those memories.”
Our Cuttlebrook Hall Care Home is inviting local people to attend the cinema club which will run on the last Friday of each month from 10.30am-12.30pm, starting on Friday 29th March. Attendees will be shown a variety of classic ‘feel-good’ films in the comfort of the care home’s cinema, a safe, social and supportive environment, with the aim of encouraging those living with dementia to reconnect with their past and connect with others. Family carers will also have the opportunity to meet others in a similar position, share experiences with one another and benefit from the expertise of the Cuttlebrook Hall team. Visitors can also enjoy refreshments during the film, as well as coffee and cake in the home’s café afterwards. Alana Corr, Home manager at Cuttlebrook Hall, said: “Here at Cuttlebrook Hall, we strive to create a sense of belonging within the home and the wider community, and this includes those living with dementia and those who care for a loved one with the condition. “Reminiscence therapy, including watching older films, has a multitude of benefits to those living with dementia. It allows them to feel confident in their memories, and to engage comfortably with others by telling stories and sharing thoughts. These sessions can also enable those caring for a loved one to meet others in a similar position, to show them they are not alone, and to allow them a space where they can share their experiences and feel supported too."
Keen observer of birds Cynthia Ridger, a resident at our Hartismere Place Care Home, had her wish to go birdwatching. Cynthia’s love of birdwatching began in her childhood, when her parents took her on regular trips to the Suffolk countryside up until she was 11 – after which she was evacuated to a small town just outside Birmingham. Her love for the for the feathered, ‘characterful’ creatures, especially blackbirds, only grew from there. She continued to observe yellow hammers on her way back from school, but she hadn’t had a chance to get back to nature for a proper spot of birdwatching in years – until now. On the day, Cynthia, along other residents at Hartismere Place, had their binoculars at the ready as they headed to Lackford Lakes nature reserve, where they surveyed the local wildlife. Cynthia said: “I think that it is wonderful to have places like Lackford Lakes, which are put aside for birds and wildlife, and to see them so close up. I wonder if they get used to us watching as they got so close – maybe they are really watching us!” Claire Martin, Home Manager at Hartismere Place, said: “It was our pleasure and privilege to grant Cynthia her wish – all while enjoying some fresh air and beautiful scenery. “Birdwatching is an especially worthwhile hobby for older people, as it encourages them to spend more time outdoors and keep active."
Bryn Evans, a resident at our Elizabeth Lodge Care Home, never thought he’d share his birthday with the students he once taught – but 60 years later, has done just that, after turning 91 on 17th February. Organised by our brilliant team at Elizabeth Lodge, Bryn was delighted to find the rugby team he first coached in 1964, singing happy birthday and carrying a birthday cake into the home’s dining area, alongside his friends and family. Bryn, who taught at Chase Boys Secondary School, was shocked to discover the school had no rugby team when he first started working there in 1964. Keen for one to be created, Bryn wasted no time setting up the school’s first-ever Rugby team – and the students were thrilled. Now in their seventies, the school’s original team included former students Arthur Edwards, Barry Hall, Tom Hardy, Paul DeFelice, David Overfield, and Mike Theodoulou, who made the journey from Wales to celebrate Bryn’s special day alongside his former teammates. Commenting on the surprise visit, Bryn said: “My teaching days were the best time of my life – especially when out on the pitch. The boys were, and still are, simply the best. It was a pleasure to be able to teach them and to be back with them all these years later has made me one very happy old man!”
To celebrate Valentine’s Day, the team at our Martlet Manor Care Home arranged a romantic meal for Jeannie and Nick Leadsom who live at the home. The special celebrations included a three-course meal prepared by the home’s Head Chef, and the lounge was decorated with banners and heart-shaped balloons. The happy couple reminisced about their early days together and revealed their secrets to a happy marriage. Joining the celebrations was married couple, Jeannie and Nick, who first met at a dinner party hosted by their local vicar in 1970. After a whirlwind romance, the couple married just six months later on 22nd May 1971. Commenting on their secret to a long and happy marriage, Nick said: “Tolerance – you’ve got to have loads of it!” Sarah Barrett, Home Manager at Martlet Manor, said: “We were delighted to host a romantic Valentine’s celebration for residents, and we thought there’s no better time to encourage the happy couples to reminisce".
On Wednesday 7th February, from 2pm-4pm, Care UK’s Millers Grange on Curbridge Road is inviting members of the community for a special event as part of The Big Dementia Conversation – a nationwide initiative designed to encourage people to talk about dementia, including some of the most difficult topics associated with the condition. According to a recent survey, commissioned by Care UK, eight in ten adults believe dementia is still misunderstood, with 69 percent of the nation believing it’s a subject which is not talked about enough in society. Many people also admit finding the condition uncomfortable to discuss – something Care UK is hoping to change by launching The Big Dementia Conversation. The Let’s Talk About Dementia session at Millers Grange will be led by Dementia Care Coach, Rachel Scurr, and will provide attendees with tips and advice on recognising the signs and symptoms of dementia, as well as support for caring for loved ones. Alison Parry, Home Manager at Millers Grange, said: “Here at Millers Grange, we strongly believe professional knowledge, insight and shared experiences can make a real difference to the everyday lives of those looking after a loved one living with dementia – which is why we’re thrilled to be taking part in The Big Dementia Conversation. “We are looking forward to welcoming local people and building a community-wide support network.”
At our Amherst House care home, resident Joyce Frogley turned 103 years ‘young’ and Councillor Tom Turner, Deputy Mayor of Horley, helped her celebrate the big day. Enjoying the special day with a slice of birthday cake and surrounded by family and friends, the team threw a spectacular party to ensure Joyce enjoyed a celebration to remember. Revealing the secret to a long and happy life, Joyce said: “Have a glass of sherry every day!” She also said her happiness stems from the love and joy of a marvellous husband. Joyce was born on 10th January 1921 in Leytonstone, Essex. She worked in a factory during World War Two, but she “hated it.” Later in life, Joyce worked in an office in London for the Admiralty, a government department responsible for the command of the Royal Navy. It was a role Joyce loved and often talks about. In her spare time, Joyce enjoys embroidery, and she was a very well-known bowler, playing for Horley Bowls Club for 50 years. Cristina Cristea, General Manager at Amherst House, said: “Joyce is a much-loved resident, and it was wonderful to help her celebrate such a huge milestone with her family and friends. “Here at Amherst House, we strive to help residents live fulfilling lives which includes marking special occasions – Joyce’s 103rd birthday definitely called for a huge celebration. “We would like to say a massive thank you to Councillor Tom Tuner for joining us to help Joyce celebrate this incredible milestone!”
A 96-year-old care home resident was given a showstopping surprise when a local ballet group arrived at her care home in Bromsgrove. When ballet enthusiast, Thelma Parker, a resident at Care UK’s Chandler Court, in Bromsgrove, told her care team her greatest wish was to see a ballet performance up close once again, they immediately pirouetted into action to make her wish come true. With the spirit of Christmas magic already in the air at Chandler Court, Thelma was delighted when ballet group, Spirals Dance and Performance Academy, pliéd and pirouetted their way into the home for a special show, performing three of Thelma’s favourite ballet pieces. Joining Thelma for the surprise performance was her close friend, Dorothy Richardson, who has also long admired this style of dance and would often see ballet performed live in the theatre. Spirals Dance and Performance Academy are linked with Dorothy’s niece, Justine, who helped organise the special event with the team at Chandler Court. Commenting on the afternoon, Thelma said: “The performers were so wonderful – they were so graceful with their movements. I really enjoyed it!” The visit was part of the home’s ‘Wishing Tree’ Initiative, which encourages residents to put wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new – from flying a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.
