Activities at Westlake House Care Home
Residents enjoy playing hoopla and bocce bowls, which combine exercise with the thrill of competitive sport. We invite entertainers and musicians to visit the home on a regular basis and residents very much enjoy watching them perform.
We also have our pet therapy dog, Marley, visit the home on a fortnightly basis, and residents love petting him. They also enjoy health and fitness days, where they get the opportunity to participate in armchair exercises and target games.
We always celebrate National Volunteer Week, which we use as a chance to say thank you for the wonderful work that our volunteers do that further enhances the quality of life for those who live at Westlake.
As well as continuing with our favourite activities, such as arts & crafts, bingo, knit & natter, Scrabble, board games, bridge, quizzes, pampers & manicures, reminiscence sessions and musical memories, we always like to launch new activities for residents, which give them the opportunity to socialise with their friends and families. These could be our own vegetable patches, flower arranging sessions, a book club or anything else that our imaginations conjure up.
Rosie Duhig
I joined the Barchester family in November 2024 and have instantly felt welcome and supported. As an activity coordinator, I am passionate about getting to know our residents and delivering person-centred care and activities to all residents, an approach supported by a holistic, whole-home view.
I have been in a Care support role since 2019 and an Activity Coordinator since 2020. I love that my role brings laughter and joy to others. It so wonderful seeing people engaging in an activity they enjoy and interacting with each other. I am very passionate about Intergenerational projects, as something magical happens when old and young get together.
Activities and Events Partnerships
As part of our bespoke life-enrichment programmes, we host a number of live virtual events in the home on a regular basis through a number of partnerships with places of interest and world class performance companies
Life at Westlake House Care Home
Our residents have spoken!
Please join us in welcoming Sheila Elliott as our new Resident's Representative at Westlake House.
Sheila has been selected by our resident's as well as staff, to take on the role of our Resident's Representative. This position within the home is one of many responsibilities. Sheila will work alongside the resident's as their trusted confidant. All topics of improvement, worries, complaints and praises within the home will be handed over to Sheila where it will then be mentioned in our monthly Resident's and Relatives meeting that is held every first Monday of the month.
Sheila is a much loved resident who has been an important part of Westlake House. As the Representative, one needs to be sociable, confident and the voice of all the residents respectfully, and Sheila is all these things and more.
We look forward to working with Sheila to improve all aspects of life at Westlake House.
Our annual Family Fun day
Westlake House care home had the pleasure of hosting our annual Family Fun day last weekend. Staff and residents welcomed their loved ones, neighbours and guest from the local community to join in the fun.
The highlight of the day was a visit from the Kingswood Shetlands and Friends, a local charity who offer animal assisted therapy led by a qualified AAT therapist. They bought along some VIP’s (Very Important ponies), who were a huge hit with everyone, especially the residents who were absolutely thrilled to meet them. There were smiles all round when residents had the opportunity to brush the ponies and give them a pat.
There was also face painting by the very talented Nicola Makes from Horsham and guest enjoyed game and activities hosted by the homes Life style Coordination team. Head Chef Craig served a delicious BBQ, selection, sweet treats and refreshments.
Mrs Vasey, relative of Sheila Elliott At Westlake House Said, “It has been a lovely day today- the drinks followed along with burgers, hotdogs and ice cream! Great time was had by all.”
Our talented Chef.
Here at Barchester we pride ourselves on the standard of dining and hospitality that is available to our residents and their relatives and this is showcased in our menu’s and dining options in our homes Craig, Head Chef at Westlake House is currently attending the Barchester’s 2023 Chef Academy led by Mervyn Knights, our Hospitality Development and Standards Manager.
Craig has a wealth of experience and has been Head Chef at Westlake House since September 2022. Craig said "I am really enjoying the academy. It has been great to met Chef's from other Barchester Homes, we have shared ideas and inspired each other. We recently cooked and served food for Natasha, Managing Director and members of the project team. It was good to cook for them and an opportunity to showcase our dining experience." Craig and his team meets with residents and their families regularly to discuss menu selections and residents favorite foods.
For more information about our home please call us on 01403 270 773 or visit.
BBC Interviews our General Manager
Our General Manager Audrey Chiduku recently had an interview on BBC News where she explained how we are managing to keep our residents safe in this hot weather. Audrey advised viewers at home who are bed bound to stay cool, push fluids and not to expose to direct heat. Click here to watch a clip of the interview. Remember to stay cool and hydrated in this warm weather.
A visit from West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service
This week, residents and team members at Westlake House Care Home were delighted to be joined by West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service Matt and his team spoke with residents about their role as a fire fighter's and showed us the equipment they use.
We are very grateful for the time the Horsham Crew spent with us, it was really interesting and thank you for all that you do.
Armed Forces Day
Residents and staff at Westlake House, paid their respects to soldiers past and present on Armed Forces Day which took place on Saturday 24 June 2023.
Armed Forces Day is a chance to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community from currently serving troops to Service families, veterans and cadets.
This year Westlake House marked the occasion and took some of their residents, who are veterans, to The Armed Forces Day in Horsham. Tony, 100 years old, a Royal Navy Veteran and Derek, 98 years old, an Army Veteran, took a ride on the Barchester mini bus along with some of the team at Westlake House and meet up with Tony's family at the event.
They had a go at making a picture of poppies using Veteran's fingerprints to make the petals. Tony and Derek really enjoyed the day and were moved when members of the public came to say hello and thanked them for their service.
