Activities at Laurel Bank Care Home

As lockdown continues, so does our busy weekly Skype schedule! All of our residents and their loved ones are encouraged to have a half-hour catch up over Skype at least once a week, to reassure families that we are all OK and vice versa. Pictured is Vera on her birthday, sharing a virtual afternoon tea with her son to celebrate. ‘It was a really lovely to see my family on my birthday, and the cakes were delicious!’, she said

Our monthly Cheese & Wine evening has continued to be a success throughout lockdown, just with fewer guests than before. The kitchen prepare a different selection of artisan cheeses each month for resident’s to taste, and it is the highlight of the busy activity schedule for some- ourselves included! Cheers!

Jamie Hodgson was crowned as the national winner in the Activities Coordinator of the Year category at the 2020 Barchester Care Awards, held virtually on 8th October.

The awards celebrate staff and volunteers who go the extra mile for the benefit of residents and patients living in Barchester care homes and independent hospitals. 

More than 2,800 nominations were received from homes, residents, staff and relatives across the UK this year, which is nearly 1000 more than was received last year. Nominations were sent in by Barchester staff, but many more were also from residents and their families who have praised the fantastic care provided to their loved ones.

All entries have been of a very high standard, and Jamie is thrilled to have been declared as the national winner!

Our very own Activity Coordinator, Jamie, has recently been appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Barchester Charitable Foundation. The BCF works tirelessly to support charities involved in the stimulation and engagement of elderly and disabled people, and gave £10,000 to Kendal-based charity ‘Vision of Adventure’ in January. Jamie is looking forward to working with the Foundation to help to reduce isolation and promote an active lifestyle amongst the elderly and disabled.”

Lucky residents Susan and Christine enjoyed an Afternoon Tea with Manager Lyndsay and Administrator Debbie recently, after winning the prize at our Summer Fair. Our Head Chef prepared a delicious selection of cakes and sandwiches and all of the ladies really enjoyed themselves- General Manager Lyndsay said “It was so nice to take time out from my busy schedule to spend some quality time with our Christine and Susan. I’ve enjoyed it so much that we’re going to do it again next month!”

A care practitioner at Laurel Bank in Lancaster has received a prestigious 15 Year Service Award in celebration of working at Barchester Healthcare for 15 years.

Lois Crowe, now a care practitioner, started at Barchester as a carer in September 2005 and has worked with residents and their relatives to ensure that their needs have been met over the years. Through her hard work, determination and caring nature, Lois was promoted to Senior Carer years ago and was recently promoted again after completing the Barchester Care Practitioner course, and now works alongside the nurses to support them. Lois is well-loved by staff and residents alike, and was very happy to receive a £250 gift card from Barchester in recognition of her achievement.