Category Archives: Blog

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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 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 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 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 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”