Oak Class Pupils Visit Croft Lodge Care Home for 'We Are Teignmouth Week 2024'

Oak Class pupils marked the inaugural 'We Are Teignmouth Week 2024' event, with a heartwarming visit to Croft Lodge Care Home. This special interaction allowed the young students to engage with the residents, sharing stories and creating cherished memories.

The visit was filled with enriching activities as the children read aloud from their library books and even showcased some of their own writing from their English classes. The atmosphere was vibrant with curiosity and joy, as the pupils eagerly asked questions about the residents' lives. This led to wonderful conversations about a variety of topics including favorite artists, captivating World War II stories, and reflections on past careers, experiences, and achievements.

"The children represented the school beautifully and we are very proud of all of them," said a spokesperson from Oak Class. "Their enthusiasm and respect for the residents were evident throughout the visit."

Both the children and the residents greatly enjoyed the time spent together, forging connections across generations. The initiative not only provided a delightful change of pace for the residents but also offered the children valuable insights and learning experiences outside the classroom.

"We hope the residents enjoyed the visit as much as we did," added Sarah Tremlett, Deputy Manager for Croft Lodge.

This event exemplifies the spirit of 'We Are Teignmouth Week,' fostering community ties and celebrating shared histories and stories. Centrum Care Homes is proud to support such meaningful interactions that bring joy and enrichment to both the young and the elderly.

Willow House Care Home Celebrates Installation of Solar Panels

Willow House care home, a valued part of the Centrum Care Group, is thrilled to announce the successful installation of solar panels. This significant development has been generously part-funded by the South Brent Community Energy Society, marking a pivotal step towards generating renewable electricity and reducing the carbon footprint of South Brent. As a key employer in the community, Willow House is proud to contribute to the wider economic and environmental sustainability of the area.

Rupert Hancock, Treasurer of the South Brent Community Energy Society, shared his enthusiasm, stating, "Following a very successful winter with our wind turbine near Marley Head, we have been able to make a number of significant grants to village businesses and organisations this year. The installation of solar panels on Willow House, as well as Windward House – which is also in South Brent and part of Centrum Care Group - were the first to be completed. Next in line is the Primary School, with panels due to be installed this summer."

Peter Kelly, Chair of the Society, added, "Although the wind turbine has not proven to be as reliable as we had hoped, in the course of the 11 years of operation, the Society has been able to support many local energy-saving projects for the community, and we look forward to supporting more."

The solar panels were celebrated with an event held at Willow House Garden on July 12, 2024, which saw the participation of residents, the care team, members of the local community, and representatives from the South Brent Community Energy Society. Councillor Glyn Richards, Chairman of South Brent Parish Council, was also present to mark the occasion.

Janice Federer, Registered Manager of Willow House, expressed her heartfelt gratitude, stating, "It was wonderful to come together and celebrate the installation of solar panels with our residents, the local community, and South Brent Community Energy. Their generous donation has empowered us to make this significant and positive investment in our homes. Many residents and their families have expressed their delight at seeing our commitment to further enhancing our facilities."

Tushar Shah, Director of Centrum Care Homes, highlighted the broader impact of this initiative, saying, "The grant from the local community marks the beginning of our journey to becoming a net zero provider. Utilities are a significant expense for our homes, and the installation of solar panels will reduce our energy bills by 35%. The savings will enable us to invest in additional green technologies across our other homes, furthering our commitment to sustainability."

Joan's dream to return to the classroom comes true

A long-held dream of returning to the classroom has come true for an elderly Teignmouth care home resident.

Joan Allum, who will celebrate her 99th birthday later this month, visited Class 4 at Our Lady and St Patrick (OLSP) RC Primary School in Teignmouth on Wednesday 5th June 2024.

The visit was organised as part of the White House care home’s ‘Just One Wish’ campaign, which aims to fulfil residents’ long-held dreams. After Joan expressed her deep longing to revisit her past as a teacher, staff leapt into action and partnered with OLSP to make her wish come true.

Joan teaching to class 4 pupils

Children from Class 4 at OLSP were keen to ask questions about what schooling was like when Joan was a teacher in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Joan taught in schools in both the UK and Australia, including at a children’s hospital where some pupils were wheeled down to the classroom in their beds as they recuperated from spinal operations. Joan was fascinated by the work children get up to in school today and was thrilled when some children shared their workbooks so she could see how things have changed since she retired.

Joan shared that she had ‘always wanted to be a teacher’ and that she had taught for 36 years, specialising in English. Her favourite part of the job was when she used to greet the children every morning and they would reply ‘Good Morning Mrs Allum’.

After the visit, Joan remarked on how much she enjoyed the experience, highlighting the children’s good behaviour and the pleasure of looking through their books. She was particularly fascinated by how they learned to add up money, reflecting her enduring passion for education.

‘Witnessing Joan’s wish come to life was a magical moment for all of us,’ said White House care home manager Tracie Bowen. ‘This is exactly what the 'Just One Wish Campaign' is all about – transforming dreams into reality and creating lasting, unforgettable memories that enrich lives. We want to thank OLSP for welcoming Joan. It was a fantastic day,’ she added.

The White House care home is part of the Centrum Care Group.

To read the full article, please click here.

Beacon House Care Home Raises Over £1,200 for Dementia UK

Beacon House Care Home, part of Centrum Care Group, successfully hosted its annual “Time for A Cuppa” event, raising a remarkable £1,278.00 for Dementia UK. The event, held on 1st May, was a vibrant gathering filled with community spirit and charitable enthusiasm.

WINNER OF THE BAKE OFF COMPETITION WITH THE JUDGES TUSHAR AND MEHUL SHAH

Directors of Centrum Care Group, Tushar Shah and Mehul Shah were present to judge a variety of delicious cakes, with team member Sonia claiming the top prize with her exquisite baking skills. Another highlight was the “Guess the Weight of the Cake” competition, which was expertly won by Dawn Sheppard – a member of the local community.

Suzanne Gatrell, Home Manager at Beacon House, said: “We are thrilled with the fantastic turnout and the generosity of our community. A huge thank you to everyone that donated – as a community we raised over £600, and the total was then matched by Centrum Care Group – we are very grateful. The event was a great success, and I am so proud of the entire team who worked really hard to ensure everything ran smoothly. The funds raised today will provide invaluable support to families affected by dementia, thanks to the specialist care facilitated by Dementia UK.”

SOME OF THE RESIDENTS AND TEAM MEMBERS OF BEACON HOUSE

The day comprised of fun activities, a bake sale, and a raffle. The Beacon House team’s dedication and passion was evident, creating a memorable event for residents, their families, and local supporters.

Heartfelt Mother's Day at Windward House

Windward House in South Brent pulled off a heartwarming Mother's Day celebration on Sunday, March 10th, spreading joy and warmth throughout its corridors. As part of the Centrum Care Group, Windward House welcomed families for a special afternoon in their cosy conservatory, from 2-4PM.

With five families and 36 attendees in total, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. The home was decked out in festive décor and elegant table settings, setting the stage for an unforgettable day.

Guests tucked into a delightful spread of treats, including scones, cakes, sandwiches, and more. Laughter filled the air as residents and guests enjoyed traditional games like quoits and skittles.

Joyce Brooker, an 88-year-old resident, summed up the event perfectly, calling it "very enjoyable" and "wonderful."

Nigel and Janet, relatives of resident Shirley Bowen, aged 87, praised the beautiful decorations and delicious treats, thanking the Windward House team for their hard work.

Nicholas Hill, Windward House's Registered Manager, couldn't be happier with how the day went, saying, "What a lovely day it was - there was a real sense of family and team spirit all round, and we cannot wait until our next event."

Windward House's Mother's Day celebration was a true testament to the power of love and community, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

Beacon House Care Home Elevates Resident Experience with Innovative Hydration Station and Inclusive Initiatives

Dartmouth based care home, Beacon House, part of the Centrum Care Group, has recently introduced an innovative hydration station in its communal lounge, significantly enhancing the experiences of its residents, particularly those living with dementia.

The concept of the hydration station was inspired by the desire to promote greater autonomy among residents, enabling them to effortlessly enjoy beverages while watching their favourite television shows, or engaging in conversations, much like they would in their own homes. This project is perfectly aligned with Beacon House’s focus on providing the highest quality of care and support, and is a vital addition to its comprehensive hydration programme – emphasising the critical role of hydration in maintaining resident health and mitigating risks such as falls and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

The hydration station features a user-friendly Tassimo coffee machine, offering a variety of beverages, including Cappuccinos, Mochas, Lattes, and Hot Chocolates. The design of the machine, with its conspicuous red colour and simple pod system, is tailored to meet the needs of residents living with dementia, ensuring ease of use and high visibility. Additionally, the station offers an assortment of cold drinks, snacks, and a small activity area where residents can partake in daily activities, while they have their drink.

The inception and implementation of the hydration station was a collaborative effort, involving both residents and team members. Following comprehensive dementia training, ideas were gathered and then executed. This teamwork highlights the inclusive and community-driven spirit at Beacon House.

The whole initiative has been met with enthusiasm and positive feedback from residents and their families. It has become a social hub, fostering camaraderie and conversation, and has led to noticeable improvements in hydration levels.

In addition to the station, Beacon House is engaging in other innovative projects, which centre around promoting independence and a sense of purpose for residents. For example, the team encourage residents to pursue hobbies, take part in new activities and help out around the care home, should they wish to. Sonia, a resident who actively participates in daily life at Beacon House, finds great accomplishment and enjoyment in setting the table for lunch each day, a task that not only gives her a sense of responsibility, but also provides opportunities for conversation and engagement with fellow residents.

Beacon House also organises regular trips to the local Memory Café, to Dartmouth library as well as other outings, ensuring community integration, autonomy, and fun. Team members are also creating cork boards for every resident to put up on their bedroom door, to showcase their lives and loves. 

Suzanne Gatrell, Registered Manager at Beacon House care home, said:

“The hydration station is just fantastic. It’s so wonderful to see an idea come to fruition – every single person at the home has in some way, shape or form, been involved, so it’s very rewarding to not only see an environment of self-reliance, but the overall positive impact that the station is having on the health and wellbeing of residents. We are all about enriching the lives of residents here at Beacon House.”

To read this article featured in Care Talk Magazine, click here.

Centrum Care Home Group acquires trio of South Devon care homes

Centrum Care Home Group has acquired care homes in South Devon: Beacon House in Dartmouth, and Windward House and Willow House in South Brent.

Combined, the homes are registered for 106 service users and comprise 101 bedrooms, 90 of which have en suite facilities. Each home is ‘Good’ rated with registered managers in place.

Previously owned by Thurlestone Court, which is run by husband-and-wife Brigitte and Neil Harvey, the homes were brought to market to allow the pair to retire.

The Harveys commented: “We have been providing residential care services since 1999, and have seen huge changes across our sector during the last 24 years. We have been lucky enough to be able to nurture and grow our business during a simpler time where ‘to care’ was a vocation for many and where the needs of residents were more of a personal and social nature. Today’s sector looks very different, where highly trained staff are needed to care for people with very complex needs. In the 21st century, residential care providers are expected to operate their services at a much higher corporate level and work solidly in partnership with health and social care services. We are proud of the work we have done to ensure that our homes are future-proof, thus securing the future for our staff and residents.”

Tushar Shah and Mehul Shah, directors at Centrum Care Home Group, commented: “We are really pleased to acquire the three homes from Brigitte and Neil. They are lovely and already have a positive reputation. We are looking forward to working with the management team to build on the strong foundations laid by Neil and Brigitte.”

To read the full article featured in Caring Times, click here.

Care Homes Celebrates International Women's Day and Festival of Holi with Residents at The White House and Croft Lodge

Teignmouth, UK - Centrum Care Homes, a leading provider of residential care services, celebrated International Women's Day and the Festival of Holi with residents at The White House and Croft Lodge on March 8th, 2023.

The event was organised to recognize and honour the contributions of women in society and celebrate the arrival of spring. Residents at both locations enjoyed a day filled with fun activities, delicious food, and vibrant colours.

The day began with a special lunch, where residents were served traditional Indian cuisine. They also received colourful scarves and flowers to wear for the festivities.

The celebration continued with a Holi party, where residents enjoyed throwing colourful powders at each other, dancing to music, and enjoying sweet treats.

Celebrating Holi and International Womans Day

In addition to the Holi celebrations, the event also included a special tribute to the women who have made significant contributions to society. Residents shared stories and memories of the women who have inspired them and made a difference in their lives.

"We wanted to create a special day for our residents that would recognize the important role that women play in our society and also celebrate the arrival of spring," said Tracie Bowen, Registered Manager at Centrum Care Homes. "The residents had a fantastic time and it was wonderful to see them come together to share stories and memories."

Centrum Care Homes is committed to providing high-quality care services to its residents and creating a warm and welcoming environment where they can feel at home. The International Women's Day and Festival of Holi celebrations are just one of the many activities and events that Centrum Care Homes organises throughout the year to help its residents stay engaged, active, and happy.

Tracie Bowen promoted to Registered Manager of The White House

Tracie Bowen

Registered Manager, The White House, Teignmouth

Centrum Care Homes is proud to announce the promotion of Tracie Bowen to the position of Registered Manager for The White House. Tracie's journey from carer to Registered Manager is a testament to her dedication, compassion, loyalty and perseverance.

Tracie's passion for providing exceptional care to residents and her commitment to their well-being is evident in the positive feedback she has received from both residents and their families. Her expertise and leadership skills have been an asset to The White House and Centrum Care Homes, and we are confident that she will continue to shine in her new role.

Not only is Tracie an invaluable member of the Centrum Care Homes team, but she is also a true role model for all staff members. Her approach to her work and her willingness to lead by example have earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues. Tracie's passion for care and her dedication to her work inspire others to provide the highest quality care to residents.

We are thrilled to have Tracie on board and look forward to seeing The White House thrive under her leadership. Please join us in congratulating Tracie on her well-deserved promotion and wishing her all the best in her new role.

Care Home get a surprise visit from Lamas

Residents of Centrum Care homes were recently treated to a special surprise visit from some very special guests – a herd of Lamas! The Lamas, who are part of ongoing innovative therapy for residents,  made their way into the care home's garden where they met and played with the residents. The visit was a huge hit with everyone involved, and it's just one example of how animals can brighten up our day and bring joy to those who need it most.

The care home residents were surprised and delighted when they received a visit from some Lamas. The Lamas blessed the residents and their carers, and everyone enjoyed spending time with the friendly animals.

Andy a resident said “It just keeps getting better and better. I have never felt more at home. Alpacas are just an additional amazing thing here. I’m really fond of all animals, but to see and interact with an unusual animal that you wouldn’t normally see was amazing. The bonus was they were very tame, and thankfully didn’t spit!”

Another resident, Sheila said, "I've never met a Lama before, but they were very gentle and I felt really happy when they came to visit us. This an experience I will cherish, I’ve had many of those since my stay. Nothing is too much for anyone at Croft Lodge.

The carers at the care home also enjoyed meeting the Lamas, and one of them said, "It's so nice to see something different happening here, it really brightened up everyone's day."

Read the full feature in The Carer magazine.

Croft Lodge gets a face lift....

Centrum Care Homes Croft Lodge refurbishment

Centrum Care Homes has completed a refurbishment of one of its home’s communal areas, Croft Lodge in Teignmouth.  The care home provides accommodation and cares for elderly people who need assistance with everyday tasks. The refurbishment of Croft Lodge has made it a more comfortable and enjoyable place to live for its residents.

Since we began work on the project in early 2018, the team has been busy carrying out a range of refurbishment works to improve the look and feel of the home. We have replaced a lot of the old carpets and flooring throughout the building, as well as redecorating the communal areas. We've also installed new furniture in the lounge and dining room and carried out some much-needed repairs to the exterior of the building.

The final stage of work is currently underway, and we're looking forward to revealing the finished product very soon!

We are extremely pleased with the results of the refurbishment and we are confident that our residents will be very happy in their new surroundings. We would like to thank all of the staff who worked so hard to make this happen and we look forward to continuing to provide high-quality care for our residents in the years to come.

Reasons for your loved to come to our homes

Why our Care Home is the best place for your loved one

Our Care Home is the perfect place for your loved ones. We pride ourselves on excellent care and services, and our facilities are second to none. Plus, our location is just perfect – it’s close to all the best amenities in town, including sea view rooms.

Why our homes are the best place for your loved one

There are many reasons to choose a care home for your loved one. The care and support that they receive in a care home is second to none, and the staff are dedicated to providing the best possible care for their residents. Here are just a few of the reasons why we believe that a care home is the best place for your loved one:

1. The care and support that they will receive in a care home is outstanding. Our staff are passionate about providing the best possible care for our residents and go above and beyond to make sure that they are comfortable and happy.

2. The facilities in our care homes is another reason for your loved one to move into our homes. We have everything that your loved one could need or want, from comfortable rooms to spacious gardens.

3. The food in our care homes is delicious and nutritious, made by our talented chefs using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

4. Our care homes are safe and secure, with state-of-the-art security systems in place to keep our residents safe and sound.

5. We offer a wide range of activities and amenities for our residents to enjoy, from arts and crafts to exercise classes and outings into the local community.

Reduce risk of isolation

Many older adults feel isolated and lonely, especially if they live alone. This can lead to depression and other health problems. A care home can provide social interaction and activities to keep residents engaged. This can help reduce the risk of isolation and improve mental well-being.

Quality Care

We pride ourselves on the quality of care that we provide at our care home. We believe that our care home is the best place for your loved one because we offer a wide range of services and amenities that are designed to meet their needs. We have a team of highly trained and experienced staff members who are dedicated to providing the best possible care for our residents. We offer a variety of activities and events that are designed to keep our residents active and engaged, and we also offer a wide range of services that are designed to meet their medical and personal care needs.

Medication Management

At our care home, we understand how important it is for your loved one to receive the medication they need. That's why we have a dedicated Medication Management team who are on hand to ensure that all of our residents receive the correct medication, at the correct time.

Our team are highly trained and experienced, and they work closely with both residents and their families to ensure that everyone is always kept up-to-date with any changes to medication regimes. We understand that this can be a worrying time for families, but rest assured that your loved one is in safe hands with us.

Companionship

At our care home, we believe that companionship is one of the most important things for our residents. We offer a variety of activities and events that encourage socialisation and provide opportunities for our residents to make new friends. We also have a pet therapy programme which is very popular with our residents. Our carers are always on hand to provide support and conversation, and we encourage family and friends to visit often.

We believe that being surrounded by others who care about you is one of the key ingredients to a happy and fulfilling life, no matter your age. If you are looking for a care home for your loved one, we hope you will consider ours.

24 hour care and support

Our care home offers 24-hour care and support for your loved one. We have a team of highly trained and experienced staff who are on hand to provide the best possible care for your loved one.

We offer a wide range of services, including:

- Personal care
- Medication assistance
- Meal preparation
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Activities and outings

We also have a number of specialist facilities, such as:

- A dementia unit
- Pallative Care
- Self Contained Flats
- Wet Rooms

Our care home is located in a beautiful setting, with gardens and grounds for residents to enjoy. We also have a number of on-site amenities, such as a hair salon, a café, and a library.

If you are looking for the best possible care for your loved one, our care home is the perfect choice.

Food and Nutrition

One of the best things about our care home is the food and nutrition. We have a team of highly trained and experienced chefs who are passionate about preparing nutritious and delicious meals for our residents. We cater to all dietary requirements and preferences, so you can be sure that your loved one will be well-nourished and happy with the food here.

Peace of Mind

You can rest assured that your loved one is in good hands at our care home. Our experienced and caring staff will provide them with the best possible care and attention. We understand the importance of peace of mind for both you and your loved one, and we will do everything we can to provide a safe and comfortable environment for them.

If your interested in how we can help feel free to contact us on 01626 244 218 to arrange a chat or a visit to one of our homes.

What a wonderful afternoon of celebrations

It was so lovely to see everyone in person to celebrate the Queens Platinum Jubliee in the gardens of the care home. Thanks to the team for working hard to put this together, a lovely afternoon of music, dancing, food and sunshine. We look forward to doing many more events like this in the future.

Garden party to celebrate the Queen's birthday. You're invited!

Our lovely residents would like to invite you to celebrate the Queen’s birthday at our garden party, to be held at The White House gardens on Saturday 11 June between 12pm to 2pm. This will be a fun afternoon with lots of food and drink with our head chef manning the barbecue, music, stalls and a raffle.

If you’d like to join us for this special occasion, please contact us by Wednesday 8 June. We look forward to seeing you there!

Government plans for social care: our feature in the Care Talk magazine

Mehul Shah, Director of Centrum Care Homes was recently invited by the Care Talk magazine to give his views on the recent announcement of the Government’s plans for social care. Below are extracts from the article.

Centrum Care Homes wins prestigious award at the Great British Care Awards!

Centrum Care Homes won the Care Employer of the Year Award at the annual Great British Care Awards in July. Dubbed as the Oscars of the care industry, Centrum Care Homes won this award, competing with other care homes in the South West, following a transformation in their recruitment process in the last year.

By focussing on recruiting people with a passion for care, a strong work ethic and values in line with the homes, Centrum Care Homes have built a culture where everyone works there to make a difference to their residents’ lives, and are recognised for doing so.

As part of the transformation, the pandemic also saw the home bring their whole recruitment process online, streamlining procedures and making it even easier for candidates to apply.

Centrum Care Homes are now through to the National Finals which will take place at a special Gala event at the end of September.

We've made a pen pal!

It was so heart warming to receive a letter in the post last week from a beautiful girl called Catherine from all the way in Dundee!

Our residents were delighted to receive this letter. She wanted to become our pen pal, and of course, we were delighted to accept! Below is a copy of her letter and a card we sent back to Catherine.

Thank you Catherine for writing to us and putting a smile on our faces. We look forward to receiving more letters from you soon!

It's been lovely to have visitors again...

From 8th March 2021, we were finally able to open our doors to visitors following a relaxation by the government restrictions. We’ve missed having visitors just as much as our residents, so it was lovely to see some familiar faces :-)

It’s been lovely seeing you again and it’s really brought extra cheer to our residents.

As per guidelines, we are currently only allowed to have one named individual visiting per resident. To book a visit, please call the homes and book in your time.

We hope to see more of you soon!

Centrum Care Homes The White House featured on BBC News

The White House locked down has been featured by BBC News, showing the great work the team have been doing to support the residents to be safe and kept well.

Here is an extract from the article.

To read the full story, click here.

Coronavirus: Care staff in lockdown with residents 'to keep them safe'

Staff who have moved into the care home where they work say it has had a "positive effect on the residents".

In March, 10 members of staff moved into The White House in Teignmouth, Devon, where they care for people with dementia.

They are sleeping in a campervan and the staff offices to ensure the 17 residents are "kept safe".

Manager Demelza Lamport said since moving in "we have established better relationships with the residents".

She said the staff have "settled in really well".

Finance and office manager Rebekah Hayden said: "We made the decision because we thought it was going to be the only way to keep them safe.

"It's had a positive effect on the residents - seeing the same faces all the time.

"It wasn't a difficult decision because I am one of the team, but I talk to my son and parents every day - I miss him and he misses me."

She has been working in the kitchen to release other staff members who can work as carers.

"My office is now a bedroom for three of us. I moved everything around and turned it into three separate cubicles so we've got as much privacy as possible," she said.

Katie Smith, a care assistant, said the decision to move in "keeps the residents safe and my family safe".

"I've only been here for two months so it was a massive change. I'm getting to know the staff and residents better, like a family."

The staff unable to stay with the residents have been working at The White House's sister care home.

The National Care Association said what staff members were doing was "most admirable".