The Latest News from Birchwood House
- Gentle exercises for older adults
When we get older, finding ways to move our body can get harder. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible! Using low-impact, gentle exercise is a great way to stay active without putting too much strain on ourselves. Regular movement is important for a number of reasons, not to mention the physical and mental health benefits. A recent report by Care England even showed that regular physical activity is improving the health, confidence, and wellbeing of residents in care homes, and could even deliver savings of up to £96 million to the NHS. - How did our residents celebrate National Baking Week?
Happy National Baking Week! From Monday (October 13th) to Sunday (October 19th), we’re celebrating the joy and benefits of baking. Because, as you may have already seen on our Facebook, baking is a firm favourite at Birchwood House. Whether it’s sweet treats or savoury goods, we make sure baking is a regular activity. There are always recipes to try, techniques to learn, and opportunities to discover something new. - How we use colour in a care home
Colour in a care home affects residents more than we think. It has a direct impact on how we view our environment, which then influences our emotions and wellbeing. And this is especially true for older adults, as colour can help our residents better move around the home, and better distinguish the objects around them. - Birchwood House review: thoughts from the community
Birchwood House review: thoughts from the community This month, Birchwood House completed the Quality Assurance Questionnaire, a survey for our residents and their loved ones. This is essential feedback for us, and the results are used to shape and develop the care we provide. We’re always looking to stay on top of the game, andContinue reading “Birchwood House review: thoughts from the community” - Sensory Stimulation
Sensory Stimulation What activities do our residents like? Sensory stimulation is essential for older people, with many activities enhancing both cognitive and physical function. We find it’s the best way to enrich life, giving our residents multiple opportunities to connect with the world around them. We want to fill their day with actions that fuelContinue reading “Sensory Stimulation” - National Age Without Apology Month: embracing our future
National Age Without Apology Month: embracing our future June is National Age Without Apology Month, giving us the opportunity to celebrate ageing and challenge the negative biases associated with it. It’s a time for accepting the past years of your life, whilst embracing the years for the future. But that’s not always been an easyContinue reading “National Age Without Apology Month: embracing our future” - How to maximise family visits during springtime in a care home
How to maximise family visits during springtime in a care home As the days grow longer and flowers continue to bloom, springtime brings a renewed sense of energy and joy to Birchwood House. It’s the perfect season to spend quality time with your loved ones, creating cherished memories that will last all year long. WhetherContinue reading “How to maximise family visits during springtime in a care home” - April Fools! The importance of humour with the elderly
April Fools! The importance of humour with the elderly We all like a joke, and there’s a reason why people say laughter is the best medicine. Humour improves your well-being in multiple different ways, as well as strengthening the relationships with those around you. And yet, there’s been a slight pullback in joking with theContinue reading “April Fools! The importance of humour with the elderly “ - The joy of community in spring at Birchwood House
As the last traces of winter melt away and the days get warmer and lighter, Birchwood House comes alive with the vibrant energy of spring. The change in season brings more than just blooming flowers and longer days – it rejuvenates our sense of community, filling the air with laughter, shared experiences, and the warmth of togetherness. - Celebrating our incredible team at Birchwood House
At Birchwood House, we believe that our team are the heart and soul of everything we do. Their dedication, compassion, and hard work create a warm and welcoming environment that truly makes a difference in the lives of our residents. Today, we’re taking an extra moment to show our appreciation for their unwavering commitment. - What is a care home’s role after death?
What is a care home’s role after death? Death isn’t a conversation we should be afraid to have. It’s an inevitable thing, something we all reach as life ends. And whilst it may be scary, it’s also an opportunity to find peace. At Birchwood House, we believe in making the aftercare surrounding death as peacefulContinue reading “What is a care home’s role after death? “ - Living with the Seasons in a care home: winter and spring
Living with the Seasons in a care home: winter and spring As the seasons change, life in care homes also transforms, bringing unique opportunities and challenges for residents and caregivers. Winter and spring are two distinct seasons, each offering a chance to embrace nature, celebrate traditions, and promote wellbeing among residents. In one ofContinue reading ” Living with the Seasons in a care home: winter and spring “ - A Day in the Life of a Birchwood House Resident
A Day in the Life of a Birchwood House Resident At Birchwood House, we’re passionate about providing quality, one-to-one care for each and every resident. We put their comfort and independence first, meaning a typical ‘Day in the Life’ varies depending on each resident’s needs and wishes. However, we understand the importance of a routine,Continue reading “A Day in the Life of a Birchwood House Resident “ - The Importance of Inclusion at Birchwood House
The Importance of Inclusion at Birchwood House At Birchwood House, we believe that creating an inclusive environment is the foundation of providing exceptional care to our residents. Inclusion fosters a sense of belonging, dignity, and well-being for everyone, regardless of their background, abilities, or personal preferences. In this blog, we’ll explore the key aspects ofContinue reading “The Importance of Inclusion at Birchwood House” - Finances for the Future: Why is it important to plan ahead?
Finances for the Future: Why is it important to plan ahead? Funding your care is not always easy, and planning finances in a care home is not something you can prepare for in a day. It’s never too early to make the necessary preparations for your future, both for you and your loved ones’ peaceContinue reading “Finances for the Future: Why is it important to plan ahead?” - The value of maintaining intergenerational relationships
The value of maintaining intergenerational relationships In today’s climate, there is a divide between the different generations, meaning younger generations often fail to understand older people, and vice versa. For the elderly, this divide can be particularly isolating – whilst the younger generation has lots of peers and family, older individuals have smaller social circles. Continue reading “The value of maintaining intergenerational relationships” - Our ‘Mind, Body & Soul’ approach to care home activities
The benefits of a ‘Mind, Body & Soul’ approach to activities As we get older, we often find ourselves losing connection. Social circles become smaller, and often our mental and physical wellbeing becomes compromised. To combat this, Birchwood House dedicates itself to carrying out meaningful activities for our residents. Thanks to our Activities Lead, Lizzie,Continue reading “Our ‘Mind, Body & Soul’ approach to care home activities “ - Connecting with animals in aged care
Connecting with animals in aged care How care homes and their residents can benefit from time with animals As part of our dedication to enriching residents’ lives, we’re always exploring interesting ways to support holistic well-being. Animals can be a big part of life. From childhood companions and pets to hobbies, we interact with animalsContinue reading “Connecting with animals in aged care” - Dignity and peace in death
Dignity and peace in death As our loved one’s age, they can experience a myriad of life-limiting conditions whereby additional support may be needed and a more focused approach to living well is required. At this point where end-of-life care is introduced, you may feel like the only option is for your loved one toContinue reading “Dignity and peace in death” - Why Human Connection is Important for the Elderly
Why Human Connection is Important for the Elderly Social connections are an integral part of human life, whether it’s with friends, family, colleagues, or others, so it’s no surprise that they form such a huge part of what we do here at Birchwood House. As social beings, we crave the company of those who matterContinue reading “Why Human Connection is Important for the Elderly “ - Egg-citing Easter Activities for the Elderly
Egg-citing Easter Activities for the Elderly With Easter approaching, now is wonderful time to create lasting memories with your beloved family. People of all ages cherish this occasion, and it’s a time of happiness and rejuvenation. As we get ready for the festivities, it’s essential to remember our elderly loved ones and ensure they areContinue reading “Egg-citing Easter Activities for the Elderly “ - Why is continence care important for care homes
Why is continence care important for care homes Continence care can become more relevant with age as incontinence is something that many people experience as they grow older. While this can be a cause of embarrassment for residents, our friendly and experienced team are trained to understand why this happens, and how to best help residentsContinue reading “Why is continence care important for care homes” - The new Care Quality Commission Assessment Framework
The new Care Quality Commission assessment framework The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. It ensures that these services provide people with safe, effective, compassionate, and high-quality care. One of its key functions is to monitor, investigate, and review service providers like Birchwood House andContinue reading “The new Care Quality Commission Assessment Framework” - Bringing festive joy into our care home
Bringing festive joy into our care home As November transitioned into December, the Birchwood House team continued to create a warm and festive home environment for residents. At a time of year when people and communities come together and connect over the holiday season, we have been especially focused on helping our residents feel engagedContinue reading “Bringing festive joy into our care home” - Introducing our new lifestyle lead: Elizabeth Penman-Green
Introducing our new Lifestyle Lead: Elizabeth Penman-Green Elizabeth, known as Lizzie, brings a fun, enthusiastic energy and a wide smile to the team. As Lifestyle Lead, her role includes planning activities to help Birchwood House residents live the best day-to-day experience – one of her favourite sayings is “don’t count the days, make the daysContinue reading “Introducing our new lifestyle lead: Elizabeth Penman-Green” - Mental Health Day 2023
Here at Birchwood House, every day is dedicated to nurturing not just the physical health of our residents, but also their mental well-being. We celebrated World Mental Health Day on October 10, which was established on the same day in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health. As decided by the World Health Organisation,Continue reading “Mental Health Day 2023” - Living with the seasons in care homes
Living with the seasons in care homes Care homes play a vital role in helping residents to experience the beauty and benefits of every season. By understanding the impact of each unique season on residents’ health and wellbeing and implementing thoughtful strategies, we can create a warm and nurturing environment that enhances their quality ofContinue reading “Living with the seasons in care homes” - Proactive fall prevention in care homesProactive fall prevention in care homes For mature adults, small accidents like tripping on carpet or slipping in the shower can have a much bigger impact. Falls can lead to broken bones and incur serious or long-term health problems. The NHS report that one third of people over 65 – and half of people overContinue reading “Proactive fall prevention in care homes”
- Celebrating Good Care Month at Birchwood House
Celebrating Good Care Month at Birchwood House “Good Care Month” encourages the care community to take a moment to appreciate the heroes behind community care and wellbeing. It was founded by the Hertfordshire Care Providers Association and is a great reminder of the compassionate people whose work sits at the heart of Birchwood House. TheContinue reading “Celebrating Good Care Month at Birchwood House” - How to help elderly people beat the heat
Staying cool in the English summer: How to help the elderly beat the heat The English summer brings a refreshing change to dreary weather, with sunshine and warmth filling the months mid-year. As beautiful as this season is though, it can also pose challenges for our residents and other aging adults, who may be moreContinue reading “How to help elderly people beat the heat” - Sunshine and Serenity: Exploring the Endless Benefits of the Great Outdoors at Birchwood House
Sunshine and Serenity: Exploring the Endless Benefits of the Great Outdoors at Birchwood House With National Walking Month in full swing and May also seeing National Garden Day, it seems a fitting time to draw focus to the myriad benefits brought by the great outdoors at both Birchwood House and beyond. It was Hans ChristianContinue reading “Sunshine and Serenity: Exploring the Endless Benefits of the Great Outdoors at Birchwood House” - The key to a Happier, Healthier Life in Care Homes? It’s all in the Smile
The key to a Happier, Healthier Life in Care Homes? It’s all in the Smile Why does smiling actually matter, and what do teeth have to do with it? Beyond the obvious ties to hygiene, oral wellbeing plays a vital role in holistic health and happiness. Birchwood couldn’t agree more – because smiling does matter.Continue reading “The key to a Happier, Healthier Life in Care Homes? It’s all in the Smile” - Supporting mental wellbeing in our home
Supporting mental wellbeing in our home The care industry plays a vital role in supporting the physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing of individuals. Mental wellbeing, in particular, has become increasingly important in recent years, with growing recognition of the impact that mental health issues can have on people and society as a whole. In thisContinue reading “Supporting mental wellbeing in our home” - Raising Awareness of Race Against Dementia Day 2023
Raising Awareness of Race Against Dementia Day 2023 Race Against Dementia is a global charity that was founded in 2016 by Sir Jackie Stewart OBE. This year Race Against Dementia Day falls on January 21st. The organisation aims to raise awareness and funds for research and development in the search for a cure or treatmentContinue reading “Raising Awareness of Race Against Dementia Day 2023” - 5 gift ideas for your loved ones in a care home
5 gift ideas for your loved ones in a care home Finding the perfect Christmas gift can be hard and so today we wanted to share some ideas for what you might like to gift your elderly loved ones this year. Art supplies or craft kits Many care homes, including us here at BirchwoodContinue reading “5 gift ideas for your loved ones in a care home “ - 3 reasons to consider respite care this Christmas
3 reasons to consider respite care this Christmas Respite care can be a nice way to help ensure everyone in your family is able to relax and enjoy the festive season. After all, we know that while caring for loved ones is very rewarding, it can also be challenging at times and incredibly demanding. Sometimes it can evenContinue reading “3 reasons to consider respite care this Christmas” - Celebrating the healing powers of animals
Celebrating the healing powers of animals Enchanted forest event You might already know that here at Birchwood House we host a number of exciting events and activities for our residents to enjoy. Our most recent event, themed around the enchanted forest, was really successful. The residents enjoyed the beautiful autumnal scenery and wildlife. To addContinue reading “Celebrating the healing powers of animals” - Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia – what’s the difference and how can you help?
Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia – what’s the difference and how can you help? Nearly 50 million people are living with dementia worldwide, according to Alzheimers.org. World Alzheimer’s Month aims to spread awareness and bring people together to tackle this challenge. Globally there is thought to be poor understanding and stigma surrounding the disease. For example,Continue reading “Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia – what’s the difference and how can you help? “ - Why choose a residential care home?
Why choose a residential care home? Choosing a residential care home can be a difficult choice to make and we completely understand the concerns you may have regarding yourself or your loved one moving in. In today’s blog post we hope to ease your worries by sharing all of the wonderful benefits of choosing residentialContinue reading “Why choose a residential care home?” - Five ways to create friendships at an older age
Five ways to create friendships at an older age On Saturday, 30th July we’ll be celebrating International Friendship Day 2022. It’s incredibly unfortunate to hear that according to Age UK, more than 2 million people in England over the age of 75 live alone, and more than a million older people say they go forContinue reading “Five ways to create friendships at an older age”
