COME DINE WITH HURST PARK COURT

Huyton Care Home, Hurst Park Court last week hosted ‘A Come Dine with Me’ style dinner party. 

The area’s newest Care Home invited residents and staff from neighbouring Birkenhead Court and Widnes Hall to join them for a 3 course dinner and entertainment.

The idea was the brainchild of Home Managers Lorraine Sharpe (Hurst Park Court), Jennie Wright (Widnes Hall) and Phil Ryan (Birkenhead Court), with the objective of welcoming the new home into the Ideal Family and allowing residents to socialise and meet each other and of course in true ‘Come Dine with Me’ style have a nosey around the new home

As their guests began to arrive at noon Hurts Park Court Manager Lorraine Sharpe commented;

“the objective of today’s dinner is simple; we want to provide both our residents and our guests a lovely afternoon and allow them to enjoy the warm and welcoming  Hurst Park experience.  Going out for dinner and meeting new people may seem to be a basic concept but for residents it shows that they are still able to go out for dinner, meet new people and feel they are still very much part of a bigger community than just what is within their 4 walls”

Guests were treated to an impressive lunch menu, created and served by Hurst Park Court chefs Debbie Cooper and Julie Edwards.  Although preparing and serving such a menu for over 60 residents, gests and staff is no mean feat, Debbie and Julie served up 100% home cooked restaurant quality food, receiving a standing ovation from the residents following the serving of the final course.  Spoilt with a choice for each course diners had the choice of;

Starter:

Leek and Potato Soup or Vegetable Spring Rolls with Sweet Chilli dip and Side Salad

Main:

Poached Salmon Fillets or Chicken in White Wine and Mushroom Sauce

With; New Potatoes, Broccoli and Baton Carrots

Dessert:

Lemon Drizzle Cake with Fresh Cream, or Cherry scones served with Jam & Cream followed by Cheese & Biscuits

As the Sherry, Baileys, wine and water flowed and dinner was cleared away, 17 year old singer Ian Murphy provided the after dinner entertainment singing a mix of past and present hits.  Residents and staff took to the floor dancing off their earlier feast.

As the taxi’s arrived to collect the tired but full and happy guests a smiling Lorraine said

“a great afternoon has been had by all, everything about today has been lovely.  Ian provided great entertainment and some of the dance moves demonstrated by residents and guests needed to be seen to be believed”

Visiting Managers Jennie Wright and Phil Ryan concluded;

“On behalf of Birkenhead Court and Widnes Hall we want to say a big thank you to Lorraine and her team at Hurst Park Court who worked so hard and hosted a great afternoon. 

You cannot underestimate the value of residents being able to come out for the afternoon, meet new faces and start to build friendships.  We look forward to hosting Hurst Park Court at our homes for another event in the near future”

Hurst Park Court in Longview Drive, Huyton opened officially in November 2011 and is operated by Ideal Care Homes.  Offering both residential and specialist Dementia Care Hurst Park Court has the facilities to provide a home for 41 local older.  The new, luxurious home from home facility boasts 100% en-suite bedrooms, landscaped gardens and a hairdressing salon and was the 24th home to be opened by Ideal Care Homes. 

The home was built by sister company LNT Construction, both part of the Leeds-based LNT Group owned by adult social care expert Lawrence Tomlinson.  The Yorkshire born entrepreneur is responsible for a new era in care by abolishing third party top-up fees to ensure the highest quality of care for all, regardless of financial wealth and circumstances.

After Dinner Dancing

HARDEN HALL CARE HOME OPENS ITS DOORS

This week Carers at Walsall’s newest care home were delighted to show off its facilities to members of the caring profession, to mark its imminent opening in the local community.

Guests attending the opening included the Deputy Mayor Councillor Graham Wilkes, Reverend John Davies from neighbouring Coalpool Methodist Church and local care workers, district nurses, local Councillors and social workers.

Also unveiled was a specially commissioned sculpture of an abstract representation of ‘scissors and needle’ created by Dudley based Artist Robert Bowers paying tribute to the areas historic leather industry.  This is the first of 3 sculptures Robert Bowers has been commissioned to produce for new Ideal Care Homes, to celebrate the community history and heritage.

Pictured: Ideal Care Homes Chairman Lawrence Tomlinson, Deputy Mayor Councillor Graham Wilkes

and Harden Hall Manager Adam Preece in front of Robert Bower’s sculpture.

Harden Hall in Coalpool Lane, Walsall is a brand new luxurious home from home facility offering both residential and Dementia Care and providing a home for 54 older people.  Operated by Ideal Care Homes Harden Hall is part of the Leeds-based Ideal Care Homes and boasts 100% en-suite accommodation, landscaped sensory gardens, delicious home cooked food and a hairdressing salon.

In a presentation by Ideal Care Homes’ Business Development Director; Andrew Long, local care workers, district nurses, local Councillors and social workers were given an insight into Ideal Care Homes and its aim to change the face of residential care.  Tours of the new purpose built home also took place before guests joined for a buffet lunch.

After touring the home Deputy Mayor Councillor Graham Wilkes commented;

“This is a lovely facility and just what the local community needed, I only live up the road, so I will be a regular visitor popping in for a cuppa.  I will be delighted to come back to the home to welcome the first residents as they move in”

Ley Worker Linda Brown and Reverend John Davies said

“we are very much looking forward to welcoming the home into the local community and will be working with Adam and his team to bring a service to the home for those residents who wish to attend”

Ley Worker Linda Brown added

“the home is so lovely, I am thinking of reserving a room!”

Ideal Care Homes Business Development Director; Andrew Long commented: 

“Harden Hall is a stunning care home by anybody’s standards and the team relished the opportunity to show off its first rate facilities.  Adam and his team are able to showcase just why our homes are a great place to live and they very much look forward to Harden Hall becoming an integral part of the local community and welcoming their first residents.  We invite local residents and families the opportunity to view the facilities, meet the staff and reserve rooms”

Harden Hall was built by sister company LNT Construction, both part of the Leeds-based LNT Group owned by adult social care expert Lawrence Tomlinson.  The Yorkshire born entrepreneur is responsible for a new era in care by abolishing third party top-up fees to ensure the highest quality of care for all, regardless of financial wealth and circumstances.

MAYOR RETURNS TO WELCOME FIRST RESIDENTS TO DE BROOK LODGE

Just 10 days ago the Mayor officially opened De Brook Lodge and joined healthcare professionals as they were given tours of the new purpose built home from home facility. Councillor Jane Baugh was so impressed by the facilities and staff requested that she came back to join Managing Director Mark Greaves to welcome their first residents.

 Today The Mayor of Trafford, Councillor Jane Baugh and her Consort and husband Dr Peter Baugh, returned to De Brook Lodge to join staff in welcoming 93 year old Nancy Cope and 91 year old Catherine Flanagan into their new home.

Mrs Cope and Mrs Flanagan enjoyed a spot of lunch with, Ideal Care Homes’ Managing Director, Mark Greaves and De Brook Home Manager Kathryn Hewitt, before each being presented with bouquets of flowers by the Mayor.

Mrs Cope grew up in the Knutsford area and worked as a receptionist in an infant school, where she was well known and loved for her extra-curricular activity playing the piano for the children.  Mrs Cope’s daughter lives in Spain with her husband but will be able in touch with her mum’s active social life via the live internet feed also viewing Daily activities, menus and staff on shift.

Mrs Flanagan has lived in Flixton for over 80 years and like Mrs Cope also worked in a school, this time a local Junior School as a teacher.  Mrs Flanagan no doubt has some stories to tell as she has spent her free time touring the world on her holidays and sightseeing every inch of her chosen destination.

Mayor Councillor Jane Baugh commented:

“De Brook Lodge has a really warm and welcoming feel.  The residents who have moved in are happy and content and I am amazed by how quickly they have settled into their new home”

Mark Greaves; Managing Director of Ideal Care Homes said:

“We never under estimate what a big step it is moving into a new environment, but I know that Kathryn and her team of carers will go to every length to make sure the move for all our residents are as smooth as possible.”

Ideal Care Homes offer the highest quality of personalised care in a contemporary, relaxed home from home setting.  At an affordable price, welcoming both private and local authority residents with a no top up fee policy ensures provision of the highest quality of care for all regardless of wealth and circumstance.

Pictured (in order); Mayor Councillor Jane Baugh and Consort Dr Peter Baugh, resident Nancy Cope, De Brook Lodge Manager Kathryn Hewitt, resident Catherin Flanagan

REDHILL COURT SHOW HOME

Carers at Birmingham’s newest care home were delighted to show off its facilities to members of the caring profession yesterday, to mark its imminent opening in the local community.

Redhill Court in Nearhill Road, Birmingham is operated by Ideal Care Homes and provides a home for 64 local older people.  The brand new, luxurious home from home facility, which is managed by Steven Ward, was visited by a number of sector workers as the care home opened its doors for the very first time.

In a presentation by Ideal Care Homes’ Managing Director Mark Greaves, local care workers, district nurses, local Councillors and social workers were given an insight into Ideal Care Homes and its aim to change the face of residential care.  Tours of the new purpose built home also took place before guests joined for a buffet lunch.

Mark Greaves commented:  “Redhill Court is a stunning care home by anybody’s standards and the team relished the opportunity to show off its first rate facilities.  Steven and his team were able to showcase just why our homes are a great place to live and they very much look forward to Redhill becoming an integral part of the local community and welcoming their first residents”

Redhill Court is a 64 bed home, offering both residential and specialist Dementia care.  With 100% en-suite bedrooms, landscaped gardens and a hairdressing salon, Redhill Court is the 29th home to be opened by Ideal Care Homes. 

A public open day will take place on Sunday 22^nd January from 10.30 am – 14.30 pm providing the opportunity for people to view the facilities and reserve rooms.

The home was built by sister company LNT Construction, both part of the Leeds-based LNT Group owned by adult social care expert Lawrence Tomlinson.  The Yorkshire born entrepreneur is responsible for a new era in care by abolishing third party top-up fees to ensure the highest quality of care for all, regardless of financial wealth and circumstances.

ADRIAN BAILEY MP SUPPORTS CARE PROVISION

Adrian Bailey MP took time from his schedule to visit Ideal Care Home’s Bloomfield Court.

The Chair of the Parliamentary Business, Innovation and Skills Committee and West Bromwich MP took a tour of the purpose built residential home and spent time talking to residents and staff about a range of local issues.

As a highly active constituency MP, Mr Bailey takes a keen interest in anything that affects his local community especially the elderly and the vulnerable and is keen to see government money spent wisely within his PCT.

Ideal Care Homes Managing Director Mark Greaves hosted Mr Bailey’s visit and took the opportunity to not only showcase the quality of care being provided in Mr Bailey’s constituency, but also to share with him Ideal Care Home’s ethos on how social care operates in the UK and how this can impact the current social care policy agenda.

Ideal Care Comes led by Chairman Lawrence Tomlinson is serious about changing the way social care operates in the UK.   To do this; they have taken a stand and abolished third party top-up fees, ensuring highest quality of personalised care in a contemporary and relaxed setting at an affordable price for all, regardless of financial wealth and circumstances and they welcome both private and local authority funded residents.

Mr Bailey commented:

“its great to be able to come to a residential home which is so closely embedded in the local community.  It is clear Bloomfield Court is providing a great quality service for local people and on top of this providing jobs and opportunities for local people”

Ideal Care Homes Managing Director; Mark Greaves said

“We aim to ensure that Ideal Care Homes are an integral part of the community. Having the local Member of Parliament not only visiting Bloomfield Court but recognising the home for its strong links to the local community was really positive for not only the home, but also the residents and the staff who work so hard building these relationships.”

DONCASTER’S PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR ADULT SOCIAL CARE INSPECTS NEW HOME

Carers at Doncaster’s newest care home today show cased its facilities to the Mayor of Hatfield and Doncaster’s Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care.

The Mayor of Hatfield; Councillor Howard Morgan joined Councillor Patricia Schofield; Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and members of the caring profession including local care workers, district nurses, local Councillors and social workers,  as the brand new, luxurious home from home facility, opened its doors for the very first time.

In a presentation given by Ideal Care Homes Managing Director, Mark Greaves, guests were given an insight into Ideal Care Homes and its aim to change the face of residential care, completed with a tour of the modern two-storey home.

Mark Greaves comments:  “Hatfield House is a stunning care home by anybody’s standards and the team relishes the opportunity to show off its first rate facilities.  Hatfield House Home Manager; Lynne George and her team were able to showcase just why our homes are a great place to live and they very much look forward to Hatfield House becoming an integral part of the local community and welcoming their first residents.”

Hatfield House in Crooks Broom Avenue, Doncaster is operated by Yorkshire owned Ideal Care Homes and will provide a home for 49 local older people, offering both residential and dementia care.  With 100% en-suite bedrooms, landscaped gardens and a hairdressing salon, Hatfield House is the 28th home to be opened by Ideal Care Homes. 

The home was built by sister company LNT Construction, both part of the Leeds-based LNT Group owned by adult social care expert Lawrence Tomlinson.  The Yorkshire born entrepreneur is responsible for a new era in care by abolishing third party top-up fees to ensure the highest quality of care for all, regardless of financial wealth and circumstances.

A public open day will take place on Sunday 15^th January from 10.30 am – 15:00 pm providing the opportunity for people to view the facilities and reserve rooms.

LAWRENCE TOMLINSON; CHAIRMAN OF IDEAL CARE HOMES SPEAKS OUT

Through Ideal Care Homes, I have been campaigning for high quality, personalised and affordable care for all – but I need more Local Authorities to recognise the need to encourage quality and promote improved services in their areas.  I am increasingly of the view that this will only be achieved by the implementation of a national fee framework that Local Authorities can work to, providing and rewarding quality care.  This should be accompanied by the abolition of third party top up fees – an issue which Dilnot does not address.

The Care Home sector labours under an unnecessary complex and inconsistent financing structure.  What we as a society need is for the sector to focus on providing good quality of care at a fair price for all.  Southern Cross had no reason or incentive to invest into improving the quality of their provision.  Southern Cross failed because of poor quality care, leading to low occupancy not because of their rent.

The call for tighter monitoring is also not the answer to the recent Care Home crisis.  I am not totally against monitoring per se but, as the saying goes “the pig doesn’t get any fatter by weighing it” more direct action is required.

The solution isn’t radical, it’s simple, it doesn’t require a whole new department to manage it, the departmental body is already in place it just needs to refocus.   CQC should continue to register homes, but the responsibility for ensuring compliance with contracts and nationally agreed and transparent quality terms should sit firmly with the Local Authority – this is how they will drive quality within their locality.

If we sit back and continue to simply monitor, then those quality care providers that are out there will turn their focus away from local authority residents and focus on private fee payers.  This will leave the Local Authority residents with an increasingly poor quality pool of care to choose from.  Good quality care at a fair price for all isn’t either unachievable or unaffordable – but it needs national leadership to bring it to fruition.  I am happy to help.

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