Celebrating life at Barchester

We want to take a moment to shine a spotlight on the incredible Jo, who brings so much more than scissors and rollers to our home. 

For many of our residents, a visit to Jo in her hair salon within the home is a vital part of their wellbeing. This is especially true for our bed-bound residents. When Jo brings the salon experience to their bedside, it’s a moment of pure, dedicated care. It’s about the soothing sensation of a head massage, the familiar scent of styling products, and the gentle, non-clinical touch that is so important for comfort.

Jo has been part of the team with Barchester, 4 years based in Glebefields and 6 years at one of our sister homes in Banbury. Jo stated “Hair care is essential and makes our residents look and feel like "themselves" gives a huge boost to their self-esteem. We know that there is a therapeutic, almost meditative quality to having your hair done. It reduces anxiety, encourages relaxation, and truly calms the soul, whether it’s in the salon or bedside”.

Jo provides a wonderful space for a natter and a laugh, providing that vital social connection that brightens the whole day.

General Manager Benazir said “Thank you, Jo, for your patience, your talent, and the gentle way you care for every single person in our home. You don't just style hair; you lift the spirits of our residents

This weekend, our home was filled with the atmosphere which was truly moved by the live music of Sally and Rob from The 2 of Diamonds, who brought incredible talent and nostalgia to the home. 
However, the most poignant moments weren't in the music or the fizz, they were in the small, silent touches: the gentle hand-holding and the knowing smiles between couples who have shared decades together.

We were privileged welcoming the husbands of our permanent residents from our memory lane community to join their wives for a romantic celebration of music and tea. It was clear to everyone present that the love remains as vibrant as ever. It was a powerful reminder that while dementia may change how we communicate, it never diminishes the bond between two people.

To add to the festivities, our residents enjoyed a creative afternoon of Valentine’s biscuit decorating and crafts. These tactile, sensory activities are a vital part of our life enrichment programme, encouraging expression and joy in a relaxed, social setting.

Staff and residents were delighted to finally reach their goal of an overall score of 10 on the independent internet care home reviews page, carehome.co.uk.

Carehome.co.uk is often one of the first places people will look when searching for a care home for a loved one, and is independently run to ensure that all reviews are vetted and come from people who have genuine experience of the homes that they are reviewing.

Residents, staff, and the local Banbury community came together for a heart-warming series of Valentine’s Day celebrations, featuring live musical performance, interactive entertainment, and some very special four-legged visitors.

Valentines began early with a charming visit from the Lollipop Ponies, who arrived dressed in their finest Valentine’s outfits. To ensure everyone could share in the joy, the ponies visited residents in the nursing community directly in their individual rooms, providing comfort and a delightful surprise for those unable to join the main communal areas.

The highlight of the week was a Sparkling Valentine’s Afternoon Tea, where the home was transformed with a feel of romance with arrangement of roses and heart-themed decorations. The home hosted guests from across the local community joining in with the afternoon’s entertainment with the home’s residents. A gourmet spread of elegant selection of sandwiches, biscuits, and heart-shaped cakes was prepared by the home’s talented chef.

Refreshments including tea, coffee, and chilled pink prosecco, with lots of toasts to Love. The residents and guest were then treated to a lively performance by the Move On Band, encouraging residents and guests to sing along and socialise. The event received glowing praise, with the dining room comments book filling up with compliments for the culinary team and the joyful atmosphere.

General Manager Benazir Shakkir said "We believe in the power of connection, seeing our residents socialising with friends and neighbours while enjoying the music with the added bonus of our friendly ponies visit which was truly special"
 

Residents and staff enjoyed an unforgettable Valentine’s Day with music, memories and sweet treats.

Residents and staff were treated to a heart-warming celebration filled with music, nostalgia, and delicious treats. The day was made perfect and made even more special with a live performance from local singer Gavin Spencer who delivered a trip down memory lane. Gavin performed classic songs from the resident’s pasts, songs that had residents unlocking their fond memories of times gone by. Residents sang and danced the afternoon away, with some even crying a few happy tears whilst sharing stories of their younger days and first loves.

Activities Co-ordinator, Tina said: “Gavin created such a magical afternoon for all our residents, and one thing we cannot thank him enough for, is he also delivered songs to our residents who reside in their rooms. Gavin delivered the bedside concerts as a kind gesture, which truly was a touching experience for our residents. Gavin made it a very all-inclusive afternoon spreading love and joy to all.”

General Manager, Larisa Bledea, said: “What a wonderful afternoon of celebrations was had here at the home. As a home we are truly grateful to Gavin for offering to perform to our residents in their rooms, it really made for a magical afternoon.”