A Herefordshire care home is celebrating 10 years of delivering care for its residents.
Orchard House Care Home in Withington marked the decade-long care partnership between Shaw healthcare and Herefordshire Council with a celebratory cake, drinks and afternoon tea, with entertainment from ‘The Poppy Sisters’ who sang songs from the 40s, 50s and 60s.
It also doubled-up as an opportunity to officially unveil the home’s new dementia-friendly garden, a project that came to fruition with ideas from staff and relatives. Thanks to staff member, Liz East, the home was able to raise funds to ensure the large garden is put to good use and now includes colourful paintings and archways as well as animal ornaments. The project also received support from the local Lloyds TSB branch, where staff members gave a day of their time to help prepare the garden by painting the animal theme boards, which were kindly donated by Tudor Building Supplies.
Special guests helping to mark the occasion included the Chairman of Herefordshire Council, Councillor Brian Wilcox, alongside Christine Price of Healthwatch Hereford and, from Shaw healthcare, dementia lead, Jan Morgan and deputy CEO, Suzanne Hughes.
Home manager, Margaret Young, commented: “Staff, residents and our special guests enjoyed a lovely afternoon celebrating 10 years of providing care here in Herefordshire. Recognising this significant milestone is important, and I would like to pay tribute to the staff who work hard to ensure that we provide a high standard of care.
“We were also thrilled to mark the occasion with the opening of our dementia garden, recognising the importance of helping our residents to enjoy the outdoor space and enabling them to reminisce in the fresh air. It’s been the highlight of everybody’s week at Orchard House and we’re thoroughly looking forward to the next 10 years.”
Councillor Brian Wilcox added: “I was delighted to attend the 10th anniversary event at Orchard House to celebrate a decade of delivering care in partnership with Shaw healthcare. Orchard House provides an important respite service for older residents living with dementia and their carers. The high standard of care offered at the home is testament to the excellent partnership working.”
Staff at the home are looking to make the up-keep of the garden an ongoing project and are on the search for a red telephone box to add to its growing mix of bright colours.
