Celebrating life at Barchester

Last Friday was a very special and emotional day for Alex at Bushey House Beaumont Care Home, as he fulfilled a long-held wish to attend Friday prayers at the Bushey Mosque.

Alex dressed smartly for the occasion and was overjoyed to be welcomed into the mosque community. He had the opportunity to meet many members of the congregation, as well as the Imam, who made him feel incredibly welcome. The mosque has very kindly invited us back regularly, allowing Alex to attend prayers two or three times each month, with Tina, our activities lead accompanying him and sitting alongside him during prayers.

As Friday prayers take place for around half an hour at lunchtime, this means Alex can enjoy being part of his faith community without disrupting activities back at the home.

Seeing the happiness on Alex’s face was something truly special.

Some of our residents enjoyed a wonderful outing to Pets Corner where they spent time exploring the park and meeting a variety of fascinating animals. 

The visit was filled with smiles, laughter and plenty of memorable moments in the sunshine as our residents took in the sights and sounds of nature. From friendly farm animals to more exotic residents there was plenty to see and enjoy. 

One of the highlights of the day was watching the playful and ever- curious meerkats who certainly lived up to their cheeky reputation and brought lots of joy to everyone watching. 

Trips like these provide a fantastic opportunity for residents to get outdoors , socialise and experience something a little different creating special memories along the way.

Residents on our memory lane community spent a lovely relaxing morning solving various jigsaw puzzles together, tailored for their own ability levels, fitting in all the pieces to create a complete picture bringing back nostalgic memories of flowers they had in their own gardens, as well as beloved pets.

Moments like these create a sense of calm whilst improving hand – eye coordination, and a great sense of achievement.     

St George’s Day is a celebration of England’s patron saint, St George — a symbol of courage, strength, and unity. It’s a day to come together, share stories, and celebrate English heritage and tradition.

Today felt especially meaningful as we welcomed the incredibly talented Clare, whose storytelling and music brought so much joy to our residents. From the very first song, she created an atmosphere full of warmth and connection. What made it even more special was the way Clare involved everyone — encouraging residents to join in, share memories, and be part of the experience. 

Days like these remind us how powerful music and storytelling can be in bringing people closer, sparking memories, and lifting spirits.

Thank you, Clare, for making our St George’s Day celebration so memorable.          

Perth, Scotland — Residents at Ochil Care Home, part of Barchester Healthcare, enjoyed a vibrant and heart-warming celebration this week as the home marked the Sri Lankan New Year with colour, music, and cultural traditions.

The event brought a lively atmosphere to the home, with residents joining in to learn about Sri Lankan customs and enjoy the festive spirit. Laughter, music, and shared stories filled the rooms, creating a sense of togetherness that perfectly reflected the meaning of the celebration.

Ochil Care Home is proud to have several team members from Sri Lanka, and the day offered a special opportunity for them to share a piece of their heritage. Staff spoke about traditional New Year practices, explained the significance of the celebration, and helped bring the culture to life for residents.

“It was wonderful to see our Sri Lankan colleagues sharing their traditions so proudly,” the home said. “The joy and connection it brought to our residents was truly special.”

The home extended a heartfelt thank you to its Sri Lankan staff for their enthusiasm, warmth, and dedication in making the celebration so memorable.             

We’re thrilled to share that our Managing Director, Alison Donaldson, will be stepping out of their comfort zone, on Thursday 30th April, to compete for culinary supremacy in the Barchester Charitable Foundation Cook Off 2026.

Swapping their business suits for chefs’ whites, Barchester’s Managing Directors are going head-to-head with members of the Barchester Executive and Senior Management Teams to cook up a storm and raise funds for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation. 
The Foundation helps connect vulnerable people and those living with a disability to community groups in their local area by providing grants to improve mobility and quality of life. 

In 2025 the Foundation achieved a donation milestone of £424,000 which enabled the charity to provide vital help to a staggering 262 small groups and charities, plus 123 individuals in one year alone.              

We’re thrilled to share that our Managing Director, Alison Donaldson, will be stepping out of their comfort zone, on Thursday 30th April, to compete for culinary supremacy in the Barchester Charitable Foundation Cook Off 2026.

Swapping their business suits for chefs’ whites, Barchester’s Managing Directors are going head-to-head with members of the Barchester Executive and Senior Management Teams to cook up a storm and raise funds for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation. 
The Foundation helps connect vulnerable people and those living with a disability to community groups in their local area by providing grants to improve mobility and quality of life. 

In 2025 the Foundation achieved a donation milestone of £424,000 which enabled the charity to provide vital help to a staggering 262 small groups and charities, plus 123 individuals in one year alone.       

Springtime brought extra cheer to Fountains Care Home as our residents enjoyed a wonderful Easter celebration. The highlight of the day was a special visit from the Easter Bunny, spreading smiles and happiness throughout our home.

Laughter filled the air as everyone shared sweet treats and enjoyed each other’s company. These heartwarming moments create lasting memories and bring a sense of togetherness that makes Fountains Care Home truly special.

We are grateful to everyone who helped make our Easter celebration so delightful. It’s events like these that bring so much joy to our residents and staff alike.