A warm welcome to our Spring newsletter, where we celebrate the wonderful moments and experiences shared across our care homes. Through the start of the year, our Community Champions initiative has seen great participation, especially during Random Acts of Kindness week, where everyone came together to spread joy and positivity throughout their local communities. I want to say a huge well done to our teams and I can’t wait to see your positive community outreach continue throughout the year.
From the visit of furry friends at Westerham Place to the imaginative journey to Narnia at Linden House, our communities have been buzzing with activity. Featherton House have been enjoying their green thumbs, while the burlesque evening at Linden House adds a touch of glamour and laughter. At Patcham Nursing Home, our keep-fit sessions promote wellness, and at Wren House,
our art sessions showcase the creative talents of our residents.
The recent five-star reviews from carehome.co.uk reaffirm the dedication of our staff across Featherton, Linden, Patcham, Wren, and Westerham. These testimonials reflect the care and compassion our residents and their families experience daily, so thank you to all our teams.
With the arrival of spring and it’s warmer days, I hope you enjoy your gardens and outdoor activities. We are so glad to have you all as part of our Wren Retirement Living family!
Warm regards, Alison Boote
Operations Director, Wren Retirement Living
It’s been a busy time at Westerham Place. Zoe, the wonderful administrator, alongside her daughter Frankie, are gearing up for a challenge. Their mission is a 13-mile trek, with the goal of raising funds and support for the Alzheimer’s Society. This endeavour is not merely a walk; it’s a stride towards hope, understanding, and the future of Alzheimer’s research and care.
“Their enthusiasm is infectious,” says Annabelle Purdie, the home’s manager. “Zoe and Frankie represent the best of us, showing how a single act of kindness, multiplied by many, can pave the way for monumental change. It’s a testament to their character and to the ethos of our home where caring for others extends beyond our walls.”
Featherton House care home in Deddington near Banbury became a riot of colour and life, a tribute to the residents’ green thumbs and nurturing spirits. Hilda Sanyika, the home’s manager, led the charge as the garden became a canvas of textures and hues, with flowers and foliage arranged in a vibrant display. The project brought the residents outdoors, engaging with nature and each other in a shared labour of love. Hilda commented, “Our garden is more than a space to relax, it’s a living, growing representation of the community at Featherton, each plant a story, each bloom a memory cherished.”
The corridors of Linden House care home in Epsom echoed with the sounds of a different realm as residents embarked on a journey to Narnia. It was a celebration of imagination, a reminder of the power of literature to transcend the boundaries of age and time. The Lion, Witch and Wardrobe, performed by youngsters from Nonsuch High School for Girls was not just about entertainment; it was a sensory and cognitive stimulation for the residents, inviting them to recall and share beloved stories.
In an endearing scene at Westerham Place care home in Kent, a bevy of small, furry visitors captivated the residents. The residents’ faces lit up with delight as they cuddled with rabbits, guinea pigs, and other pintsized pets, courtesy of ‘Karen’s Pets and Ponies’.
It was a wonderful reminder of the simple pleasures that bring joy to our lives. The furry friends were a source of much chatter, as they hopped and scurried about, creating an atmosphere of light-heartedness throughout the home. Annabelle Purdie, Westerham Place manager, expressed her gratitude and delight over the visit: “Activities like this play a vital role in our holistic approach to care, tapping into the emotional and psychological benefits that animals bring to our residents.”
Please ask for a review card on your next visit and let us know what you think of our homes!
The collective pride amongst all the Wren Homes has been palpable as they basked in the glow of five-star reviews from carehome.co.uk. These accolades for the five Wren homes – Featherton, Linden, Patcham, Wren, Westerham – were not just marks of excellence but affirmations of the love and dedication poured into every aspect of care. The reviews painted pictures of lives
enriched and dignities upheld, of laughter shared and support given.
Daughter of a resident at Featherton House: “The staff are outstanding; professional, kind, loving and genuinely care about the residents.”
Son of a resident at Wren House: “The staff are so friendly and welcoming, and display such dedication to those they look after.”
Son of a resident at Patcham nursing home: “She has now been at the home for six months and we couldn’t be more grateful for the effort they put in every day to make sure she is happy and comfortable.”
Niece of a resident at Linden House: “This is the most wonderful, lovely care home ever. I would 100% recommend going there!”
Son of a resident at Westerham Place: “The place is run in a kind and gentle style and we are always welcomed as part of the care team.”
What attracted you to working in the care sector? I started work in the care sector in 2020, this was after working in education for 15 years. My father had received excellent care for end of life. The carers were a model of patience and compassion to the whole of my family. Their example led me into the care sector.
What makes Wren House so special? Wren House is exceptional in the care sector as it is small, and personal and provides a family-like environment for the residents and their families. Staff go above and beyond daily to meet their needs and it is completely resident-centred care and nothing is too much trouble.
Who inspires you and why? To be honest the residents inspire me when I spend time with them and listen to their amazing stories of what they have been through in their lives and yet remain stoic.
What do you always carry with you at work? I always carry a pen and a camera to capture special moments.
What hobbies do you have outside of work? In my personal life, I enjoy gardening and doing crafts of any type.
Never ones to shy away from new ways to bring fun into the residents’ lives, the burlesque evening at Linden House was a tapestry of glamour, laughter, and bold expression. Katie Wilkinson, regional manager for Wren Retirement Living, praised the event for its atmosphere of inclusivity and the sense of empowerment it brought to participants. Residents enjoyed performances that were both elegant and cheeky, evoking the golden age of burlesque with a modern twist. Confirming our commitment to making life at Wren Retirement homes as fun as possible, Katie said: “It’s events like these that remind us that self-expression has no expiration date!”
At Patcham nursing home in Brighton, the energy was infectious as residents gathered for their regular keep-fit sessions. Victoria Bobes, the home’s manager, led the group with enthusiasm, ensuring that each session was filled with fun, music, and a sense of achievement. The exercise routines, tailored for different abilities, encouraged mobility, strength, and flexibility, fostering a culture of wellness within the home.
Victoria emphasised the importance of these sessions in promoting mental and physical health, noting: “Our residents are proving that you can embrace a healthy, active lifestyle at any age.”
Wren House residents were taken on a whimsical journey down the yellow brick road, thanks to a fantastic performance of ‘Over the Rainbow’ by Tickled Pink Productions. This wonderful event invited residents to the enchanting Land of Oz, where familiar characters from the cherished classic came to life, weaving a story of adventure and friendship. Tracey Atkins, the home manager, transformed the event into a magical experience, replete with the splendour and nostalgia of the Emerald City and beyond. As residents followed the adventures of Dorothy and her friends, they were reminded of the power of hope, the value of courage, and the love that binds us all together.
“Today, we journeyed together over the rainbow to a place where imagination takes flight,” Tracey said, reflecting on the production. “It’s a beautiful reminder that our Wren House is a community where every story is heard, and every dream is valued.”
Download the Wren Retirement Living Spring 2024 Newsletter here.
Searching for care? Find your nearest Wren Retirement Living Care Home.
