Celebrating life at Barchester

The Mount Vale Knit & Natter Community are picking up their knitting needles this November to support Dementia UK, the specialist dementia nursing charity. 

The group is taking part in the November Knitting Challenge, pledging to knit every day throughout the month to raise vital funds and awareness for families affected by dementia. 

Throughout the challenge, residents, families and staff at Mount Vale will be knitting poppies, scarves and squares that will be joined together to create a beautiful Mount Vale blanket; a symbol of warmth, care and community spirit.

As part of Barchester’s ongoing commitment to move towards greener technologies, we’re happy to share that our home has now installed solar panels.

We're committed to creating a greener, more sustainable future for our residents, colleagues and our local community. By harnessing the power of the sun, we're not only reducing our carbon footprint but also ensuring a brighter, cleaner environment for everyone.

Join us in celebrating this step towards more eco-friendly living.
 

Resident, Stan had always wanted to revisit his place of work, Greyleys Jersey Dairies in Elvington near York, so staff at the home made his birthday wish a reality, proving the old adage, it’s never too late.

Stan has lived at Stamford Bridge for over a year and is beloved by staff and residents alike. Staff at the home were delighted to be a part of making his birthday wish come true, as they knew how much it meant to him, and they all wanted to be there to see the smile on Stam’s face when his surprise was realised.

Staff have been dedicated to helping him achieve it. Stan was able to reconnect with the herd of cows he looked after whilst working at the diary and was able to see several newborn calves only two days old.  Stan’s former colleagues were delighted to see him and served a delicious spread of home-made cakes accompanied by a cup of his favourite Yorkshire tea in his old mug!  It was an emotional visit and Stan was delighted to catch up with his former colleagues.
 

One of our nurses has received a prestigious Long Service Award in celebration of working at Barchester Healthcare for twenty years.

Ida Juliao, now a registered nurse, started at Barchester in 2005 and has worked with residents and their relatives to ensure that their needs have been met over the years.

Rachael Moss, General Manager, said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating twenty years of loyal service to Ida. She has demonstrated her dedication and loyalty to this home and its residents year after year. I speak for all of us here at Mulberry Court when I say that I’m looking forward to many more years of working with Ida.
 

Local historian and founder of Our History Explored, Mr Chris Berendt, gave a fascinating historical presentation about the Battle of Towton 1461, the most deadly battle ever on English soil and one of the most pivotal moments of the 15th century Wars of the Roses - the war which inspired the TV show 'Game of Thrones'. Mr Berendt brought in a selection of medieval weapons and armour pieces from the period, for residents to hold and look at. Activities Coordinator, Neil, even roleplayed as a medieval knight from the battle!

Upton Bay Residents, Family, and Friends enjoyed a wonderful singing session with Sally.

She delighted us with Wartime Melodies, 50s & 60s favourites, and some beloved Family Classics.

Lots of singing along.  A truly lovely time was had by all.

Kathy, who has always loved painting, has finally decided to pick it up again with the support of her daughter Debbie. 

Her passion has even inspired some of our team to join in and rediscover their creativity. 

It’s wonderful to see art bringing us all closer.

At Ritson Lodge we love hosting events that we can open up to our relatives, friends and the wider community. Life at Ritson Lodge is about being part of the local community and enjoying life long hobbies whilst also exploring new experiences.

Our Residents enjoyed a visit from some mischievous young friends for a fantastic Happy Halloween Party. There were fun treats and refreshments  as all enjoyed the intergenerational fun.

At Ritson Lodge we know that intergenerational activity is hugely beneficial to all involved as it encourages communication and social skills. Intergenerational contact also helps to develop language and reading confidence through shared activities, as well as increasing confidence and self-esteem. Lastly it helps children to develop empathy, care and kindness, helping them to understand and talk more positively about ageing and older people.

At Highfield, we know that music is something that brings everyone together, and it can be highly therapeutic for people living with dementia. Residents showed off their dance moves in style at our dementia-friendly silent disco, hosted by the fan favourite, DJ Pete.