Author Archives: Jess Morgan

Neurodiversity is increasingly talked about in care, especially when it comes to meeting emotional needs. And whilst it’s so good to see this happening, sometimes older adults are left out of the conversation. Focus tends to be on children, particularly for school support and early diagnosis.  

High-quality care is so much more than meeting basic needs. We want our residents to feel safe, valued, and fully supported in their day to day lives.

That’s why feedback is so important. Having a voice is empowering, and we aim to ensure that all residents and their families feel comfortable advocating for their needs. We know that each resident has a unique care journey, and we’re always looking to hear about their individual experiences.

This means hearing the good, the bad, and the ugly! We’re always looking for ways to improve, and our commitment to honest reviews keeps us at the top of our game.

But why are reviews so important? And as a resident or family member, how can your voice make a difference?

As we age, our memories become threads that connect us to who we are, where we’ve been, and the people we love. Even as routines, health, or mobility change, memories can provide comfort, stability, and joy.

The act of reminiscing (even simply talking about past experiences) is something most of us do naturally, without thinking of it as a ‘therapy’. At our Kent care home, we see every day how powerful those shared stories can be.

We all know what it’s like to feel stressed, and we all have certain triggers. Whether it’s a deadline at work, a missed flight, or a new social situation, stress is a natural part of life.  

But as we get older, these stress triggers can change. Our health, and the health of our loved ones, becomes a more prominent source of stress, especially as this is something out of our control.  

On top of that, there’s the possible move into a care home, which can be a hard transition to navigate. At Birchwood House, we want to recognise the impact stress can have on our wellbeing, whilst using gentle, effective ways to reduce anxiety.  

So, what are some of the ways we manage stress to promote wellbeing?

January is National Hot Tea Month, and there is nothing better than a good cup of tea. It’s one of life’s small pleasures, and it’s a daily routine for many, including for us at Birchwood House!  

Tea is also rooted in long-standing tradition and cultural significance. Legend says that tea was discovered by Emperor Shen Nung all the way back in 2732 BC, when leaves from a wild tree accidentally blew into his pot of boiling water. Tea came to Europe in the early 1600s, and we’ve been drinking it ever since.  

To celebrate National Hot Tea Month, here are some of our favourite reasons why we drink it!