Birchwoods virtual tours have been extremely helpful for those who are looking for the right care for their relatives. We’re well aware of the impact that Covid-19 has had on searching for a care home for a loved one. In normal times you would have been most likely to have made initial enquiries and then visited the care home to meet the staff and look around. Sadly, for the safety of our residents, staff, and relatives this is not currently able to happen. Instead Birchwood House – our welcoming care home in the charming village of Speldhurst, near Tunbridge Wells in Kent – offers virtual tours.
What happens during a virtual tour?
Our Deputy Manager Claire makes the arrangements and welcomes visitors into Birchwood as she would on a normal tour. The virtual visit takes place using your mobile device and can still give you a glimpse into our home and the facilities available.
“The virtual tour is a great alternative to a normal visit and gives relatives a real insight and a feel for Birchwood House,” explains Claire.
“We’re proud to offer a home from home in a country setting, and people tell us Birchwood feels like home the moment they step through the front door.”
As you tour through the entrance hall Claire talks to you about the care and activities on offer, and answers any questions you may have. Visitors may see our residents taking part in art and craft activities during their tour, or enjoying some home-cooked food.
You will also get to see the dining room which has stunning views of the grounds, the communal areas, the visiting pod and our bright and spacious Victorian conservatory. Birchwood House is on three levels and has a lift to all floors. There is also a hairdressing salon and a bathroom with an accessible bath.
“Many elderly residents have not been able to enjoy a bath in their own homes due to access issues, so this specially designed bath with a lift-up side is a great treat for many,” added Claire.
Will we get to view the bedrooms available?
On the tour, guests will be able to view any of the available individual bedrooms. Our house has 31 bedrooms, including some doubles rooms for couples.
The other secret ingredient at Birchwood is our caring staff, all of whom are passionate about caring and highly motivated to give the best care possible to the residents. Plus we’re a very loyal and close-knit team. Claire has been here for over five years and Helen, the Registered Manager, has been here for over a decade.
If you think that Birchwood is a good match for your loved one the next step is a more detailed telephone assessment to find out about your potential resident’s needs and make sure that Birchwood House can meet those needs.
“When a new resident comes into Birchwood they currently cannot be accompanied by a relative due to Covid-19, so we employ a carer to settle them into their room and stay with them so they have company, ” added Care Manager Helen Geer.
To find out more and book your tour please call 01892 863559 or email birchwood@birchwoodhouse.org.uk.
Other articles you may like
- How the elderly can benefit from Gardening
How the elderly can benefit from Gardening With the Summer solstice approaching and the sun shining just a littleContinue reading “How the elderly can benefit from Gardening” - Easy-bake meatloaf
ELIA’S EASY-BAKE MEATLOAF Who doesn’t like a freshly-baked meatloaf? It’s safe to say it’s a favourite amongst our residentsContinue reading “Easy-bake meatloaf” - Give us a smile! Four Reasons to smile every day
National Smile Month is upon us and here at Birchwood House, we’re all about sharing a friendly smile. Back in December of 2020, we launched Birchwood Smiles. It was a difficult time for us all, with the pandemic a major concern for many vulnerable people. With all staff in PPE, we wanted to make sure Birchwood House residents were still able to see a friendly face and so every team member wore a lanyard around their neck, with a large picture of their smiling face on it. - A Taste of Days Gone By this April
This month we travelled back in time and turned the clocks right back for an afternoon of vintage 1940s fun. We enjoyed fabulous vintage-styled live entertainment, historically themed displays, and the nostalgic taste of wartime Britain during our 1940s-inspired Tea Dance. - Spring Open day
Whether you’re looking for respite or permanent residential care Birchwood House warmly invites you to our Spring Open Day on Saturday 7th May from 12 – 4 pm. All key members of staff will be available to meet you as well as give a tour of our beautiful residential home on the outskirts of Tunbridge Wells. - There’s a spring in our step at Birchwood House
There’s a spring in our step! The flowers are blooming, and the skies are turning blue. Spring is onContinue reading “There’s a spring in our step at Birchwood House” - Win a Mother’s Day afternoon tea
- How arts and crafts hugely benefit the elderly
It’s been a fantastic month here at Birchwood House. We’ve recently celebrated Valentine’s Day and have enjoyed smiles all around. - The difference between care homes and retirement villages
As many adults enter the later stages of their life, they often need either extra care, help and support and want to be around those in a similar situation or position to them from an age and health perspective.
