Activities at Chalfont Lodge Care Home

Chalfont Lodge care centre held a week of celebrations to thank care staff at the home, who make a real difference to the lives of those in their care.

On Wednesday whole home, residents and staff enjoyed a delicious buffet luncheon prepared by head chef Greg and his team. Cards of appreciation were handed out and a letter of thanks from the South Managing Director read to everyone by Raj.

Carers Week is an annual event to raise awareness of caring, highlighting the challenges carers face, and recognising the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK, which now, is more important than ever. Carers have a vital job in the care of residents throughout the home, and form very special bonds with the people they look after. They are the day-to-day face of our home, working directly with residents and families to ensure the very best quality care and support is given.

Raj Boodhoo, General Manager said: “I am very proud of the carers at Chalfont Lodge. In light of the current situation our carers have continued to work tirelessly to provide high quality, personalised care to the people living in our homes, and often go above and beyond the call of duty, which has a huge impact on people’s lives. They offer friendship and comfort to residents and their relatives, during what can be a very emotional time. We appreciate the work they do all year round, and especially in these unprecedented times”.

Staff and residents at Chalfont Lodge care centre in Chalfont St Peter, showed support of Mental Health Awareness week 2020, spreading some positivity and joy, as the theme this year was ‘Kindness’.

Running from 18th - 24th May, Mental Health Awareness Week encouraged us to start conversations around mental health, sharing our experiences and stories, promoting an overall healthier understanding of mental health issues, especially at this uncertain time.

Throughout the week, Chalfont Lodge residents and staff supported the initiative by cups of tea and virtual catch ups with family and friends using Skype and Facetime. Residents were also touched to receive messages and prayers from the local community who would under normal circumstances be visiting the home on a weekly basis.

Raj Boodhoo, General Manager at the home, said: “Ensuring residents feel engaged and connected within our local community, and with family and friends is extremely important to their mental health, especially in these unprecedented times. Residents are really enjoying video calls, chatting about daily life on our iPad is certainly something new for many residents, they love to see their family and friends in their own homes all over the world. Here at Chalfont Lodge, we are continually adapting, and finding new ways to make sure every effort is focused on creating an enjoyable environment for all of our residents, adhering to social distancing advice.”

John, resident at Chalfont Lodge said; “The video calls are just wonderful, it’s so nice to see family and friends, it feels like you’re in the same room. It really does help.”

Coinciding with the birth date of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, International Nurses Day, held on Tuesday 12th May, is a day to celebrate nurses and care staff around the world. Residents and staff at Chalfont Lodge care centre in Chalfont St Peter, were happy to get involved by hosting a much deserved tea party.

This year the World Health Organization has designated 2020 as the first ever global Year of the Nurse and Midwife, because it will also mark the bicentennial of Nightingale’s birth. This theme is even more relevant in this unprecedented time, when we are hugely indebted to all our care staff, and we are incredibly proud to applaud their extraordinary efforts and commitment, on this special day of recognition. It is a day to recognise the important work and dedication of care givers everywhere, who often go above and beyond the call of duty.

Raj Boodhoo, General Manager at the home, said: “At Chalfont Lodge, our nurses and staff are hard-working, dedicated, and passionate about caring for others, and that compassion and commitment has shone through even more these past few weeks. They continue to work tirelessly, and I’m proud of the professionalism and duty of care they uphold.

All their efforts are focused on creating an enjoyable environment for our residents, so it’s nice to take this time to show our appreciation in return.”

We are playing our part in the wider care sector and supporting the NHS where possible. We are currently still taking admissions into our care home for those that need care in the next 4 weeks, so please do give us a call on 01753 888002 if you are looking for care or need any further help.

Staff at Chalfont Lodge Care Centre, in Chalfont St Peter recently received colourful sets of scrubs generously donated by Sew Grateful Bucks, a team of sewing volunteers. A group of local residents from Gerrards Cross and The Chalfonts have put their amazing sewing skills to good use, devoting their time to making scrubs for keyworkers in the NHS and nursing homes.

Debi is one of the ‘Sew Grateful’ team. A former clothing technologist for more than 35 years with Marks & Spencer, she has used her textile industry contacts to help source the fabrics and patterns. The colorful donations to Chalfont Lodge have been a great talking point between the residents and staff in the Memory Lane community and helped keep everyone smiling.  

Raj Boodhoo, General Manager at Chalfont Lodge Care Centre said: “In these unprecedented times, the kindness and generosity of the community to all our hardworking carers, nurses and support staff has been amazing, and we hope that these new friendships will continue beyond the current situation. We are so grateful to everyone who has made them for the team”.

We are playing our part in the wider care sector and supporting the NHS where possible. We are currently still taking admissions into our care home for those that need care in the next 4 weeks, so please do give us a call on 01753 888002 if you are looking for care or need any further help.

Chalfont Lodge in Chalfont St Peter celebrated VE Day, with a small garden party, to commemorate 75 years since the end of the Second World War.

Staff and residents at Chalfont Lodge Care Centre along with people all over the UK, joined together for the ‘Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of WW2’. In light of the current situation, rather than celebrating with street parties, at 3pm on May 8th, the country was encouraged to mark the day with a nationwide toast - “To those who gave so much, we thank you”. Paying tribute to the many millions at home and abroad, that sacrificed so much to ensure we all enjoy and share the freedom we have today.

Residents also celebrated the occasion by enjoying the sunshine on the terrace overlooking the lake and tucked into a delicious selection of homemade tea and cakes.

Raj Boodhoo, General Manager at Chalfont Lodge Care Centre said: “Many of our residents have very clear memories of the Second World War, and reminisced about their experiences, so it’s a privilege to remember and celebrate with them. We had a lovely day, and we are making sure extra effort is focused on creating an enjoyable environment for all of our residents, whilst ensuring that the group activities are smaller, adhering to social distancing advice.”

We are playing our part in the wider care sector and supporting the NHS where possible. We are currently still taking admissions into our care home for those that need care in the next 4 weeks, so please do give us a call on 01753 888002 if you are looking for care or need any further help.

Darren and Chris have been busy preparing the terrace for residents to enjoy over the summer months giving all the decking and woodwork a makeover. Residents come out every day to supervise and offer words of encouragement – I think some cold refreshments helped the job along during the afternoon as the weather warmed up.

With the work almost complete, our resident John took time to enjoy the view over the lake to watch the fish, with the trees providing the perfect place for the birds to perch. We all enjoyed their bird song in the sunshine!