The ADMIRAL Court Care Home in Leigh was named “Best Outdoor Activity Commission” in the annual Hallmark in Bloom gardening competition of care providers, which beat 18 other care homes in the UK.
The home, which offers residential, nursing and dementia care, was praised for “fun exercise offers” and “cross-generational activities”.
The “Hallmark in Bloom” competition, first launched in 2003, encourages residents and the local community to get involved in the garden, be it by planting pots or just sitting in the garden and having a say.
A select jury visited the house, walked through the gardens and learned what the house had done to improve its exteriors. Participants were rated on the engagement of residents and the community, innovation in their garden areas, and the overall gardening experience.
That year, Admiral Court hosted a celebration during Special Jury Day and raised £ 190 for Marie Curie by hosting a prosecco picnic for residents and loved ones.
They were also attended by local Darlinghurst Academy school children who supplied homemade paper sunflower art to decorate the Admiral Court Beach Hut. Every student at the academy had a contribution to the creation of this cross-generational work of art.
At the beginning of the year, the students at the school also delivered sunflowers home and were excited to see how big they got.
Sarah Savidge, Lifestyles Team Leader, said, “We hope that the children and the local community will soon be able to see the sunflowers over our four-foot garden wall.
“The gardens have been very important to our wellbeing, especially over the past 16 months. The team, residents and family spend a lot of time relaxing in the many different ‘rooms’ created for doing something, be it art, gardening, listening to live music or walking the dog in the house. “
Darlinghurst Academy teacher Anisa Lee said, “Thank you for visiting us this afternoon. The children hummed. “
96-year-old Mavis Brazier, resident of the Admiral Court Care Home, said, “The kids really brought the sunshine and cheered us all up.”
Hallmark Wellbeing Manager Georgina Miller, who was also the judge that day, said, “The Admiral Court team has worked hard over the past year redesigning different areas of the gardens to create spaces for different activity options.
“The work garden is enjoyed by residents, and there are new areas for fun, including outdoor games and seated drumming. The judges were particularly impressed with the champagne afternoon tea activity, which was designed as a safe place for residents to spend time outdoors with their families; and at the same time to raise money for charity. “
Admiral Court Care Home is part of Hallmark Care Homes, the award-winning care provider founded in 1997 with 19 care homes across England and Wales. Hallmark Care Homes nurses and trained caregivers are highly trained and proud to provide 24 years of excellent relational care. The Admiral Court Care Home offers residential, nursing and dementia care. For more information, please visit www.hallmarkcarehomes.co.uk
Add a comment
