Blog
- The skills and attributes you need to be a good carer
The skills and attributes needed to be a good carer. Whether you’re looking for a good care provider or thinking of starting a career in care, it’s important to remember caring is all about people. As everyday humans, a carer needs to have a number of skills and attributes over and above those that canContinue reading “The skills and attributes you need to be a good carer” - White Christmas had by all at Birchwood
Pulling out the stops for a fun and festive December. We went all out to make sure it was a white and jolly Christmas for the residents at our home in Speldhurst, Kent. With a snow machine adding a dusting of white to the beautiful House, staff held a festive event to bring joy toContinue reading “White Christmas had by all at Birchwood” - Maintaining positivity for residents and homecare clients
Well-being first for staff, residents & clients. We’re delighted to kick off a new initiative to show the smiling faces of our staff behind their masks to help our residents and clients recognise their support and maintain positivity. Aptly named Birchwood Smiles, every team member will be wearing a lanyard around their neck, with aContinue reading “Maintaining positivity for residents and homecare clients” - Brightening up the afternoon for one lucky winner
Afternoon tea winner announced, courtesy of Birchwood chef Anne Jones We wanted to do something to brighten up someone’s day so as people can’t get out much, we ran a prize draw at the end of November offering afternoon tea to two people in our local community. Our fabulous chef Anne Jones is creating aContinue reading “Brightening up the afternoon for one lucky winner” - An unprecedented year in the life of a care home
Reflections on an unprecedented year in the life of a care home Owner of Birchwood House and Care Services, Niral Patel, provides his personal reflections on the last 9 months of 2020 and how he continues to be optimistic in the run up to Christmas. As the daylight hours get shorter and the outside temperaturesContinue reading “An unprecedented year in the life of a care home” - Harvest Hoedown extravaganza
Birchwood House hosts Harvest Hoedown extravaganza Birchwood House enjoyed a socially-distanced harvest festival in its grounds on Wednesday 9th September, for all staff and residents. Sealed food was donated to benefit the local community. Birchwood House has been locked down since before the start of the pandemic to keep residents safe. The Hoedown was arrangedContinue reading “Harvest Hoedown extravaganza” - Take care of your mental health during lockdown
Take care of your mental health during lockdown The lockdown that has been imposed by the Covid-19 outbreak has made us think about how important it is to take care of your mental health whilst either in isolation, or just unable to socialise and interact with others in person for a long period of time.Continue reading “Take care of your mental health during lockdown” - The difference between a care home and a retirement village
The difference between a care home and a retirement village As many 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. There are a multitude of options whenContinue reading “The difference between a care home and a retirement village” - An Introduction to Helen Geer – Manager of Birchwood House
An Introduction to Helen Geer – Manager of Birchwood House I have worked in care for 20 years and am proud to say I’ve been at Birchwood House for 10 of these years. I came to work at Birchwood through the manager who I already knew. We had worked together at a previous home. WhenContinue reading “An Introduction to Helen Geer – Manager of Birchwood House” - Looking after the elderly in summer
Looking after the elderly in summer Although summer is only just upon us and we are probably yet to hit the hottest day of the year, the recent spell of warm and sunny weather coupled with spending more time than normal at this time of year indoors during the Coronavirus lockdown has got us thinkingContinue reading “Looking after the elderly in summer” - Looking after our care home residents during Coronavirus
Looking after our care home residents during Coronavirus The current Covid-19 Pandemic has caused an enormous disruption to every day life, and has had significant ramifications for care homes in particular. Suddenly the way we look after our residents has changed dramatically and here at Birchwood House we have done everything we can to dealContinue reading “Looking after our care home residents during Coronavirus” - An Introduction to Claire – Deputy Manager of Birchwood HouseAn Introduction to Claire – Deputy Manager of Birchwood House I’ve worked in the care industry for 21 years. I was recommended by a friend who also came for a job at Birchwood having worked together at another care home. I’ve now been here for 5 years and never looked back. My first impression ofContinue reading “An Introduction to Claire – Deputy Manager of Birchwood House”
- Is A Care Home Or Assisted Living More Appropriate?
Is A Care Home Or Assisted Living More Appropriate? There are a number of signs to look out for in an elderly friend or relative that may signal to it being an appropriate time for additional care. There are many different options depending on each individual’s circumstance – including homecare (which our friends at Birchwood CareContinue reading “Is A Care Home Or Assisted Living More Appropriate?” - Choosing The Location Of Your Care Home
Choosing The Location Of Your Care Home Finding a care home for a loved one can be an extremely stressful and challenging experience, and often one that people only do infrequently so it’s certainly not something they do every day! Location of a care home is critical. Here we take you through the key locationContinue reading “Choosing The Location Of Your Care Home” - Life as a Birchwood House Carer
Life as a Birchwood House Carer As the UK population continues to age, care workers and care homes will continue to be in huge demand and we face significant challenges ensuring we are able to support a changing and ageing population to live healthy and fulfilling lives. Working at a care home involves a wideContinue reading “Life as a Birchwood House Carer” - Respite Care: What Is It and How Can It Benefit?
Respite Care: What Is It and How Can It Benefit My Elderly Relative? Respite care is a short-term stay, often around one to two weeks, in a care home, such as Birchwood House and is usually arranged to give a carer a holiday from their care-related duties. These breaks can be planned or, in cases ofContinue reading “Respite Care: What Is It and How Can It Benefit?” - How Are We Dealing With Coronavirus
How Are We Dealing With Coronavirus The recent Covid-19 outbreak has caused many worldwide problems. Here at Birchwood House, the safety of our residents and staff is paramount. With the UK now moving into the delay phase of controlling the outbreak, we have taken the decision to, as a preventative measure, ask family members, visitorsContinue reading “How Are We Dealing With Coronavirus” - Birchwood House Sponsors Art of the Weald!
Birchwood House Sponsors Art of the Weald! Birchwood House is delighted to be sponsoring Hospice in the Weald’s ‘Art of the Weald’ exhibition along with our colleagues from Birchwood Care Services. Hospice in the Weald is an incredible local charity who provide care completely free of charge to patients, their families and carers in West KentContinue reading “Birchwood House Sponsors Art of the Weald!” - Power of Attorney
Power of Attorney A power of attorney is a legal document that can be used to give another person the authority to make health care decisions, financial transactions, or sign legal documents that you may not be able to do for yourself for some reason, giving you peace of mind that someone you trust is in charge of yourContinue reading “Power of Attorney” - Valentine’s Day At Birchwood House
Valentine’s Day At Birchwood House Here at Birchwood House, we love any excuse for a celebration and Valentine’s Day is no exception. Not only do we spend time putting up decorations and making the tables look special, Chef Pete also prepares a special meal and this year we’ll be enjoying a delicious feast of beef bourguignon withContinue reading “Valentine’s Day At Birchwood House” - Writing A Will
Writing A Will A will is the only sure-fire – and legal – way to ensure your estate (money, property, possessions and investments) goes to the people and causes you care about. Writing or updating a will is one of those things we often push to the bottom of the To Do list, but itContinue reading “Writing A Will” - Blue Monday
Blue Monday The third Monday of January has been dubbed Blue Monday due to a combination of post-Christmas blues, cold dark nights and the thud of unpaid Christmas credit card bills on the doormat. A mathematical formula was even used to precisely calculate the most depressing day of the year. Supposedly the date was calculated using manyContinue reading “Blue Monday” - You’re Only As Old As You Feel
You’re Only As Old As You Feel It’s a sad fact of life that elderly people are often stereotyped as being unattractive, boring, lonely and ‘past it’. But that negative and misguided perception was challenged recently when an 85-year old pensioner, living in a care home in Surrey, was ‘spotted’ by a top fashion photographer – andContinue reading “You’re Only As Old As You Feel” - What Is A Care Plan
What Is A Care Plan? Once you’ve chosen a care home (hopefully Birchwood House!) for your loved one (or yourself), the next step is to create a personalised care plan. But what is it – and why is it needed? A care plan is essentially a written statement of the individual’s needs, preferences and wishes, wrapped upContinue reading “What Is A Care Plan” - Art & CraftArt & Craft At Birchwood House, we love to encourage our residents to participate in a variety of art and craft sessions – especially at this time of year and there are so many reasons why creative activities can have a positive effect on the mind, soul – and even the body! Many elderly peopleContinue reading “Art & Craft”
- Birchwood House Recognised As An Investor In People
Birchwood House Recognised As An Investor In People! Birchwood House, a residential care home based in Speldhurst on the outskirts of Tunbridge Wells has been awarded an accreditation against the Investors in People Standard, demonstrating their commitment to realising the potential of their people. Investors in People is the international standard for people management, definingContinue reading “Birchwood House Recognised As An Investor In People” - Singing From The HeartSinging From The Heart Music has such an emotional pull, doesn’t it? It can make us laugh, cry, reflect – and it can soothe, stimulate and bring to mind long-forgotten memories. It’s especially important for older people – including those with dementia or Alzheimer’s as it can also trigger long forgotten memories. Whether it’s stageContinue reading “Singing From The Heart”
- Do I need a care home or live-in care
Do I need a care home or live-in care? Birchwood House is a residential care home based in Tunbridge Wells. This means our residents come and live in our home and we look after them, enabling them to enjoy as fulfilling lives as possible. This is very different to 24 hour live-in care which isContinue reading “Do I need a care home or live-in care” - Purpose Built Vs. Home From Home
Purpose Built Vs. Home From Home One of the big questions people need to consider when looking for a care home for their loved one or themselves is do they want to go to a purpose built care home or one (like our care home here at Birchwood House) that isn’t purpose built? Much ofContinue reading “Purpose Built Vs. Home From Home” - Elderly book lovers live longer
Elderly book lovers live longer Yes, it’s true! A study by Yale University has revealed that “book readers experienced a 20 percent reduction in risk of mortality over the 12 years of follow-up compared to non-book readers.” August 9th marks National Book Lovers Day – a special day for bibliophiles to celebrate their love of literatureContinue reading “Elderly book lovers live longer” - Summer arrives at Birchwood House!
Summer arrives at Birchwood House Summer is well and truly upon us and we’ve had a fabulous time thinking of some fun activities for our residents. We understand the importance of staying active in later years – and that includes being socially active. While exercise is important for a high quality of life, the connectionsContinue reading “Summer arrives at Birchwood House!” - Self care and wellbeing at Birchwood House
Self care and wellbeing at Birchwood House ‘Self care’ is a buzzword that is frequently used today, especially amongst many millennials. But what does it mean, how does it apply to elderly people – and how do we approach it here at Birchwood House? According to World Health Organisation (WHO), self care is “what people do forContinue reading “Self care and wellbeing at Birchwood House” - ‘Home from Home’
‘Home from Home’ Bringing personal items with you when you move into a care home, such as Birchwood House, is a simple and effective way to make it feel more like home. Photographs, paintings, books, souvenirs and small pieces of furniture all hold sentimental value it’s important to create that ‘home from home’ feeling whenContinue reading “‘Home from Home’” - Caring for residents with dementia
Caring for residents with dementia Dementia is the leading cause of disability and dependency among the elderly. Globally, the numbers of people living with dementia will increase from 50 million, in 2018, to 152 million in 2050. That’s an increase of 204%. Dementia is a collective name for progressive brain syndromes – there are over 100, including includeContinue reading “Caring for residents with dementia” - Healthy eating and nutrition at Birchwood House
Healthy eating and nutrition at Birchwood House At Birchwood House, we understand that good nutrition plays a vital, protective role in a number of age-related conditions including cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline and can help to protect oral and dental health, and bone and joint health in later life. We also know that it’s notContinue reading “Healthy eating and nutrition at Birchwood House” - Behind the facade
Behind the façade In 2010 American photographer, Tom Hussey, created an award-winning project ‘Reflections of the Past’for a pharmaceutical company, to advertise their prescription medicine for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s dementia. Inspired by a WW2 veteran who said ‘I can’t believe I’m going to be 80, I feel like I just came backContinue reading “Behind the facade” - When is it time to think about a care home for loved ones?
When is it time to think about a care home for loved ones? Watching loved ones struggle with the effects of old age can be devastating. While we can help by offering informal care in the home – cooking meals, grocery shopping, and general housekeeping – the reality is that caring for an ageing parentContinue reading “When is it time to think about a care home for loved ones?” - What to look for when choosing a care home
What to look for when choosing a care home The UK care homes sector is worth almost £16 billion a year, with around 410,000 people currently in living in 11,300 care homes. With these kind of numbers, finding the right care home can sometimes feel like a needle in a haystack with so many practicalContinue reading “What to look for when choosing a care home” - What’s the difference between a care home and a nursing home
What’s the difference between a care home and a nursing home? Finding the right residential care home for an elderly loved one can be an emotional and stressful process; getting it right is crucial. Understanding the options available so you can find the best care is a good start, but it’s important to start byContinue reading “What’s the difference between a care home and a nursing home”
