Celebrating life at Barchester

Mortain Place care home, Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne, is not only a luxury care home providing the highest level of care in comfortable, quality surroundings. Their staff are always looking at innovative ways of providing the best living environment and enriching their residents’ lives. One key area of focus is resident hydration.

Fluid intake is a vital element of our wellbeing; however, many people do not realise hydration is vital for the elderly because aging reduces the body’s water reserves and thirst sensation, increasing dehydration risks. This in turn can lead to confusion, kidney issues, UTIs, poor cognition and organ dysfunction.

Offering jelly drops help tremendously with this potential issue as they are made of 95% water, completely sugar free and benefit from added vitamins and electrolytes which are designed to increase fluid intake. This initiative has proven to be very successful and is especially helpful to people with Dementia, the elderly and others who struggle to stay hydrated. Adequate hydration supports temperature regulation, joint lubrication, waste removal and overall cellular function, preventing serious health complications.

Given the importance of fluid intake, Mortain Place has regular hydration stations placed around their home, where residents can hydrate and fuel up at these easily accessible areas. The placement of these stations help assist residents with their daily walking exercise routine by offering an inviting stop off to take a five minute comfort break. Once relaxed, residents continue with their daily routine promoting activity and mobility, enhancing their sense of independence. Mortain Place cares for dementia, residential and respite residents, helping them live, their best lives in a safe, caring quality setting.

This week we celebrate our incredible Activities Team who bring joy, creativity, and purpose to each day to the residents in our home. From music and games to meaningful one to one moments, they work tirelessly to make life engaging, fulfilling, and fun for all our residents.

A huge thank you to Abi and Jo from Sarah, General Manager and Louise, Deputy and the whole team for the smiles you create, the memories you make, and the care you show every single day … we truly couldn’t do it without you!

 

The children from Perry Court visited our home this week and brought so much joy with their songs and dances. They helped residents with quizzes, shared conversations, and took the time to chat and connect with everyone.
Our residents were absolutely delighted to see the children, and the smiles and laughter throughout the visit made it a truly wonderful experience for all involved.
We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the children from Perry Court. We hope they enjoyed their visit as much as we did, and we look forward to welcoming them again in the future.

What a fantastic sport our General Manager Claudia was. Not only was she an Elf all day and going about her everyday duties, but she also took part in Challenge Elf, making toys, guessing the festive food item, solving riddles and a scavenger hunt running all over the building!
Our residents had such a giggle with her they even threw snowballs at her when she was singing!
Claudia was raising money for the Barchester Charitable Foundation- a charity that helps elderly people in the community battle isolation and loneliness. Thank you Claudia for all you do for our residents, staff and Barchester!

Christmas Day at Middletown Grange Care Home was filled with laughter, smiles, and festive cheer as residents enjoyed a very special visit from Santa and his helper, Elf Holly.

Santa spent time with residents delivering presents, sharing jokes, and spreading Christmas magic throughout the home. The visit created a lively and joyful atmosphere, with plenty of smiles, warm conversations, and memorable moments shared together.

Celebrations like this are an important part of life at Middletown Grange, helping residents feel connected, valued, and included during significant occasions. The visit brought a wonderful sense of togetherness and reminded everyone that the magic of Christmas can be enjoyed at any age.

The day was a heart-warming celebration of community, kindness, and the true spirit of Christmas, enjoyed by residents, staff, and visitors alike.

Residents and friends at Middletown Grange Care Home recently enjoyed a relaxing and creative Christmas wreath-making workshop, getting well and truly into the festive spirit.

During the afternoon, residents chose their own greenery and decorations, carefully assembling wreaths while chatting and sharing ideas. The hands-on activity encouraged creativity and concentration, while also providing a lovely opportunity for social interaction and seasonal conversation.

Creative activities like wreath making are an important part of life at Middletown Grange, supporting wellbeing by encouraging self-expression, engagement, and a sense of achievement. The workshop created a calm and cheerful atmosphere, with residents taking pride in their finished decorations.

The session was a wonderful way to celebrate the lead-up to Christmas, and residents thoroughly enjoyed taking part in this festive tradition.  

Residents from Middletown Grange Care Home recently enjoyed a special festive outing, joining their families for a delicious Christmas lunch at the local village pub, The Lamb & Flag in Hailey.

The afternoon provided a relaxed and welcoming setting for residents to enjoy good food, familiar surroundings, and valuable time with loved ones ahead of the Christmas celebrations. Conversations flowed easily around the tables, with plenty of laughter and shared moments making the occasion particularly meaningful.

Outings like these play an important role in supporting residents’ wellbeing, helping them stay connected with their local community while enjoying experiences that feel familiar and enjoyable. Sharing a traditional pub lunch together created a lovely sense of normality and celebration during the festive season.

The team at Middletown Grange would like to thank The Lamb & Flag for their warm hospitality and everyone who helped make the day such a memorable and enjoyable experience for residents and their families.

Residents recently enjoyed a fascinating virtual trip to Norway, presented by our very own Jan. The lounge was transformed into a wintery, cosy setting that helped bring the experience to life, making everyone feel as though they were travelling together. 

Jan’s engaging presentation took us through beautiful landscapes and cultural highlights, sparking curiosity and conversation among the group. Many residents were keen to share their own travel memories and ask questions throughout the journey, creating a lovely atmosphere of shared discovery. 

It was a truly enjoyable session that blended comfort, learning, and community spirit. Thank you to Jan for taking us on this special virtual adventure — a delightful way to spend time together and make new memories at Fountains.