Environment
We are proud of the care home environments we create for the people we support. It’s why we are constantly looking to improve our existing buildings while also investing in new state-of-the-art homes right across the country. In 2013 we had new developments opening in East Sussex, Surrey, Suffolk and many more locations, winning two prestigious Pinders design awards at Lakeside Manor and Harper Fields over the year. Our homes lead the sector in environmentally friendly design and are built well above the specifications required by the regulatory standards. Rooms are spacious and airy. Careful interior design gives an elegant but homely feel, which is comfortable and friendly.
Tailored to individual needs
Inside our homes, the facilities and services are tailored to meet the needs of the individuals living there. Wings of homes are designed around themes in terms of colours and pictures on walls. These themes help people to orient themselves but they also give character and prevent homes from feeling institutional. Bedrooms must feel like a personal space and a retreat with the facilities and personal touches to match. Pets are generally made welcome. We also provide life skills kitchens, so that people who want to can carry out domestic tasks like cooking, washing and making cups of tea or snacks for themselves.
Blooming marvellous
Outside our homes, there is lots to do. An important element of our homes' design is beautiful gardens. We make sure they play an important part aesthetically and therapeutically in everyone’s lives, and many homes have facilities in the gardens for outdoor dining as well as for a range of activities from gardening to sports. The value we place on our gardens is why we launched our Barchester in Bloom competition in 2005 with celebrity gardener Charlie Dimmock. This gives our homes the opportunity to showcase their individual skills and team talents in a range of categories:
- Residents' Garden of the Year
- Innovative Garden of the Year
- Garden of the Year
Hundreds of our homes compete for these prizes with real passion every year, with staff, the people we support and relatives all involved. This years 'Garden of the Year' winner at Barchester in Bloom was Strachan House Care Home in Edinburgh.
What can we do to help?
We’re here to help in any way we can – whether that’s finding you the right support or helping you choose the best care home environment. Use our online tool for more information on our services or for contact details to our individual care homes where you can arrange a visit direct. Alternatively, you can complete our contact form and we’ll be in touch with you as soon as possible.