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May, 14
2025
Care Awards, Community, Merryfield

Merryfield Nursing Care Home Named One of the Top 20 Care Homes in South East England for 10th Consecutive Year

Merryfield Nursing Care Home, part of our award-winning Peverel Court Care group, has been named one of the Top 20 Care Homes in South East England 2025 by carehome.co.uk, the UK’s leading care home reviews site – marking an exceptional 10th consecutive year of recognition.

 

Selected from 2,665 care homes across the region, Merryfield’s inclusion on this prestigious list is a reflection of its exceptional standards of personalised nursing care, welcoming atmosphere and consistently high praise from residents and their families.

Located in a charming Cotswold manor house in the heart of Witney, Merryfield is the smallest of Peverel Court Care’s homes by size – but is well known for its warmth, character and community spirit. With a perfect 10/10 review score, it continues to set the standard for nursing care in Oxfordshire.

Recent reviews shared on carehome.co.uk demonstrate exactly why Merryfield has earned its place among the region’s most respected care homes:

“My father became a resident at Merryfield in early December 2024. His introduction to the care at Merryfield has been a revelation. He is so well looked after by the excellent staff. Everyone from the Chef to Senior Management are so approachable and eager to do their best for him. After a disappointing time at a previous care home in Witney, making the decision to move a 95-year-old was not easy but we are so glad we did. The care given is fantastic, and I cannot praise the team there enough.” (Son of a Resident)

“We were so pleased that Merryfield was recommended to us when looking for a care home for Dad, it has not disappointed and has exceeded our expectations. Much praise and thanks must go to the staff and management for helping Dad with the transition. It’s like a home from home! He is happy and is receiving excellent care and his needs are being fully met. We are delighted! Thank you!” (Daughter of a Resident)

How our carers feedback helps us stay on top of running a leading care business at Peverel Court Care

Fran Torres, Home Manager at Merryfield, commented:

“It’s a real honour for Merryfield to be recognised as one of the top care homes in the South East. This award means even more because it comes from the heartfelt reviews of our residents and their families. We may be small, but what we offer is incredibly special – true person-centred care in a beautiful, homely environment where people feel genuinely supported and valued.”

As well as providing round-the-clock nursing care, Merryfield offers a varied and engaging lifestyle programme led by its dedicated Activities Coordinator. From drama therapy, musical entertainment and physiotherapy using Wii consoles, to outings across Oxford and the Cotswolds, residents are encouraged to remain active, stimulated and connected.

Merryfield is also a proud supporter of Age UK Oxfordshire, a local charity that provides advice, companionship and support to older people across the county – helping them to love later life.

carehome.co.uk is the UK’s largest and most trusted care home reviews website, listing all registered services along with transparent inspection ratings, detailed fee information and verified reviews. It also hosts a free expert helpline to support families navigating the process of finding care. Its annual awards celebrate the homes that go above and beyond in providing exceptional care experiences.

With growing demand for high-quality care in Oxfordshire, families are encouraged to get in touch early to learn more about what makes Merryfield such a highly regarded choice for residential nursing care.

To book a viewing, visit: https://peverelcourtcare.co.uk/homes/merryfield-nursing-care-home-witney-oxfordshire/

Mar, 17
2025
Bartletts, Community, Events, Merryfield, Personalisation, Stone House

Creating Meaningful Moments

Creating Meaningful Moments: Animal Therapy and Celebrations

 

At Peverel Court Care, we believe that moving into a care home is the beginning of a vibrant and fulfilling new chapter. Our mission is to create a warm and engaging environment where residents can thrive, connect, and find joy in everyday experiences. Two key aspects of this commitment are celebrating special occasions and offering the profound benefits of animal therapy.

Celebrating Special Occasions: Creating Lasting Memories

Marking life’s special moments is an essential part of our approach to care. From birthdays and anniversaries to national holidays and cultural celebrations, we ensure that every resident at Peverel Court Care feels valued and included.

Personalised Celebrations

We tailor our celebrations to reflect the preferences and traditions of our residents. Whether it’s a grand 100th birthday garden party or an intimate fine dining experience for a diamond wedding anniversary, we go the extra mile to make each event unique. Family involvement is encouraged, strengthening bonds and creating cherished memories.

The Emotional Benefits of Celebrations

Studies show that celebrations contribute to emotional well-being, reduce feelings of isolation, and provide something exciting to look forward to. For residents living with dementia, these events also offer opportunities for reminiscence, triggering fond memories and joyful emotions.

Quality Time with Loved Ones

Spending time with family and friends is an essential part of a fulfilling life. We warmly welcome relatives and friends to join in our celebrations and daily activities, ensuring our residents remain socially connected with their loved ones. These shared moments foster happiness, strengthen relationships, and provide reassurance that residents continue to be surrounded by those who matter most.

Our Café: A Hub for Connection and Celebration

A key addition to our Aylesbury care homes will be our new café at Bartlett’s Residential Care Home, open to the public and serving artisan coffee and delicious food. This inviting space is designed to bring people together, offering a welcoming environment for celebrating special occasions, gathering with loved ones, and connecting with the wider community. For residents who may struggle with mobility, this café provides an exciting opportunity for the community to come to them, ensuring they remain engaged and socially active in a way that suits their needs.

Animal Therapy: Comfort, Connection, and Well-Being

Animal-assisted therapy is a beloved feature of life at Peverel Court Care. Interaction with animals has been shown to enhance mood, reduce anxiety, and provide a sense of comfort, particularly for residents in dementia care.

A Diverse Range of Animal Visitors

Over the past year, we have welcomed an incredible variety of animals into our homes, including therapy dogs, alpacas, penguins, guinea pigs, birds of prey, and even snakes. Each visit brings excitement, curiosity, and heartwarming interactions. Whether at Stone House Nursing Home, Merryfield House or Bartlett’s Residential Care Home, animals are a key feature of our activities.

The Science Behind Animal Therapy

Research indicates that spending time with animals can lower blood pressure, decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and boost serotonin and dopamine levels—neurotransmitters that promote feelings of happiness. The simple act of petting an animal can also improve motor skills and coordination.

Creating Shared Experiences

Animal visits create wonderful opportunities for intergenerational bonding. Grandchildren and family members love to participate, making these visits even more special. Seeing a loved one light up while holding a small animal or stroking a friendly dog fosters connection and joy.

A Joyful, Enriching Environment in Luxury Elderly Care

By incorporating meaningful celebrations and animal therapy into daily life, we ensure that our residents enjoy a vibrant and engaging lifestyle. At Peverel Court Care, every day is an opportunity for happiness, connection, and new experiences. Our luxury care homes in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, and Witney, Oxfordshire, provide exclusive, high-quality residential, dementia, and nursing care in a refined setting.

Dec, 20
2023
Community, Events, Outings

Giving our communities a BOOST

 

At the heart of our core values is care for the communities that our care homes are part of. Read on to find out more about our latest initiative to strengthen the ties between Peverel Court Care and Age UK.

 

Being part of a care community is something we are very proud of at Peverel Court Care. We take every opportunity to engage with organisations and individuals in our localities who can enrich the lives of our residents or who can benefit from the many events and activities we arrange. It is the feeling of being part of such a vibrant community that makes living in a Peverel Court Care Home so special.

 

Our partnership with Age UK Buckinghamshire

We partnered with Age UK Buckinghamshire at the beginning of 2023 after Preet Shergill, our Associate Director, met with Mark Russell, CEO of Age UK Buckinghamshire. Recently, Allicia Maclean joined Age UK Buckinghamshire as their Community Engagement Manager and Allicia visited us to tell us about the BOOST programme.

BOOST sits alongside Age UK Buckinghamshire’s Befriending Plus Service and is aimed at older people who are isolated and lonely. It enables individuals who join the programme to develop peer-to-peer friendships with those in similar situations, and access local community groups or activities like those we provide at Peverel Court Care.

 

Sharing the joy of a festive theatre trip

We loved the idea of getting involved with the BOOST programme, and our planned trip to Aylesbury Waterside Theatre to see the 1938 classic, A Christmas Carol, was an ideal way to kick off our involvement in BOOST. 

Four members of our local community who are part of the BOOST programme, alongside Age UK Buckinghamshire volunteer Tricia, joined our residents from Bartlett’s and Stone House for this festive outing.

Tricia said of the Theatre trip:

We took some of our BOOST clients to the Christmas Theatre screening of ‘A Christmas Carol’. It was a real treat and a fantastic opportunity for our clients to meet in a safe and supportive space, reminiscing about Christmases past whilst enjoying the performance. It was great to see our BOOST clients get excited about socialising and it was thoroughly enjoyed by them all. Thank you Peverel Court Care for inviting us.

 Our residents Patrick and Pearl said:

I hadn’t seen that film in a long time, it was great to enjoy it again with friends and mince pies!

 

I enjoy going to the theatre. I like that Christmas film, it was good to watch it again. I ate a lot of chocolate! [laughing] 

 We are planning more participation in the BOOST programme in 2024 which will be a mixture of outings and in-house events at our care homes. Like the theatre trip, all will continue to be funded by Peverel Court Care in addition to our monthly donation to assist with Age UK Buckinghamshire’s community work.

 

Why is community so important to us?

In the past care homes have been viewed as standalone facilities in some communities and there has been little engagement between residents or their care home neighbours. This goes completely against what we believe, which is that the best care homes should be the vibrant heart of our communities. 

We have a huge amount to offer people of all ages within our care communities, all focused around the simple but vital joy of social interaction. Whether it’s Debutots visiting us for some preschool fun, or our sports, arts, music or animal therapy events, all provide the chance to bring the community into our care homes and spark interactions for everyone involved which boost wellbeing and mental health.

Being engaged with and forming mutually beneficial relationships with neighbours and friends within Buckinghamshire is transformative for all who engage in the initiatives we are involved with, which alongside our partnership with Age UK Buckinghamshire includes our sponsorship of a local football team and our partnership with Aylesbury Homeless Action Group.

 

Combatting isolation and loneliness

Being connected to others is something we all need as human beings, and we should never underestimate the damage of feeling cut off from each other. None of us can forget what the isolation of COVID entailed and the negative effects so many people endured as a result, which proves just how vital promoting and supporting social interaction is for us all.

We are all potentially at risk of isolation and loneliness, the effect of which on mortality is comparable to the impact of well-known risk factors such as obesity, and has a similar influence as cigarette smoking (Holt-Lunstad, 2010). Loneliness is also associated with an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease and stroke (Valtorta et al, 2016), it increases the risk of high blood pressure (Hawkley et al, 2010), and lonely individuals are also at higher risk of the onset of disability (Lund et al, 2010).

Christmas is often strongly related to people feeling acutely lonely and isolated, especially if they live on their own. Age UK wrote about this in their recent blog, ‘Looking out for loneliness this winter’, and we know through our connections at Age UK Buckinghamshire that they are encouraging anyone in our localities who is feeling lonely to get in touch with them.

We would also signpost any older person who is feeling alone to The Silverline, which is run by Age UK, Independent Age and the useful advice the NHS offer. Know too that if you are near to one of our Peverel Court Care Homes, our door is always open.

 

About Peverel Court Care

Peverel Court Care is a group of one residential and two nursing homes, located in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. Bartlett’s Residential Care Home and Stone House Nursing Home in Aylesbury, and Merryfield House Nursing Home in Witney. We are a long-standing family business. Providing exceptional, personalised care, delivered by talented and compassionate people, in exclusive and idyllic settings.

With happiness at the heart of our homes, we recognise and respect the contribution made by our residents to society during their lifetimes. Valued by residents and their families; our reputation, investment in each property, and approach to appointing and developing our staff makes each home unique and the benchmark in premium care.

Sep, 08
2023
Bartletts, Community, Events

Bartlett’s charity walk for Age UK

On 15th September 2023 at 2pm, Bartletts residents and staff are taking part in a charity walk around the home to help fundraise for Age UK.

Peverel Court Care is proud to sponsor Age UK Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. Age UK is a well-known charity dedicated to supporting older adults, promoting well-being and tackling loneliness and isolation. They offer a wide range of services including befriending, social activities and practical assistance, which aligns perfectly with our focus on providing holistic care to our residents.

As you know, our mission extends beyond providing exceptional care services to our residents. We believe in supporting and enriching the lives of those in need around us. This partnership allows us to extend our reach and work together with these organisations, combining our efforts for a greater collective impact.

Please join us in supporting Age UK by sponsoring us on our JustGiving page. Together, we can create a positive impact and bring about meaningful change.

May, 09
2023
Care Management, Community, Future of Care, Stone House

Brush Party x Aylesbury Dynamos x Stone House Nursing Home Sponsorship Collaboration

Why?

At Peverel Court Care we Care for our Communities, thus we are the proud sponsors of the Aylesbury Vale Dynamos Under 14’s Girls Football Team.

Intergenerational activities have been proven to energise older adults and give a sense of purpose, especially when they are sharing their experience and skills. Shared activities across generations can also reduce a sense of isolation for older adults and potentially relieve or lessen depression. We know that loneliness and depression are a big concern for today’s residents. By providing a way for residents to interact with younger generations, they afford the opportunity to build lasting relationships. Intergenerational activities can also help different age groups relate and value one another – reducing ageism, breaking down stereotypes and increasing empathy.

Art in care homes can provide many opportunities for residents to use their imagination, make connections and reminisce. Arts participation offers a chance for residents to express themselves, learn a new skill (or return to an old one), and form a stronger sense of personal identity that can sometimes be diminished in care.

 

Who?

Aylesbury Vale Dynamos Under 14’s Girls Football Team – https://twitter.com/avdfcgirls

“Where painting gets social… it doesn’t matter if you have picked up a paint brush since school! A brush party is an unforgettable few hours of fun, friends and painting you’ll be talking about for weeks!”

https://brushparty.co.uk/

 

 

Outcome

Feedback from residents and the football team about Brush Party’s painting workshop was overwhelmingly positive, with all residents asking to participate in an activity like this again. With some gentle encouragement and inspiration from the girls, residents became lively and engaged in the workshop. They were guided through the session with tips and advice from the leading artists Mel and Sam. This provided a new experience for the residents and was a happy and expressive session that set a precedent for future collaborative activities at Stone House.

At Peverel Court we see how are arts have a positive impact on the resident’s emotional wellbeing every day. The arts bring joy and the ability to communicate feelings even when we can no longer communicate with words. We can use arts-based activities to crate a state of reminiscence which is why it is such a powerful tool within a care setting and fundamental in our day-to-day activities within a care home.

 

 

Testimonials

Resident – Sheila H:
What did you think of the experience? “It was lovely to have the girls help, I enjoy sitting in on the painting sessions but my wrists often ache, so it was good to have their help.”
Would you like to experience it again? “Yes, absolutely, it was great to meet the team.”

Resident – Heather W:
What did you think of the experience? “It was good, I relaxed while a member of the team showcased her painting skills.” [laughing] Would you like to experience it again? “Yes, I would, it was lovely to meet them all and be in the lounge.”

Resident – Jean L:
What did you think of the experience? “It was nice thank you, I enjoyed the conversation with Keira, the girl who helped me.”
Would you like to experience it again? “It was good to see the girls, yes, I would be interested in doing it again!”

Apr, 18
2023
Bartletts, Community, Intergenerational, Wellbeing

A visit from Green Ridge Academy pupils to Bartlett’s

Why?

Benefits of Intergenerational Activities

As care specialists, improving the quality of life for our residents is our core commitment. Activity helps to sustain both physical and mental health. Intergenerational activities have been proven to energise older adults and give a sense of purpose, especially when they’re sharing their experience and skills. Shared activities across generations can also reduce a sense of isolation for older adults and potentially relieve or lessen depression. We know that loneliness and depression are a big concern for today’s residents. By providing a way for residents to interact with younger generations, they afford the opportunity to build lasting relationships. Intergenerational activities can also help different age groups relate and value one another – reducing ageism, breaking down stereotypes and increasing empathy.

 

Who?

Mr. Aaron Wanford – Head Teacher
Green Ridge Primary Academy

At Green Ridge we aim to provide an exciting, broad and engaging curriculum, which encourages our children to become confident and resilient life-long learners. We want our children not just to achieve, but to exceed expectations and attain the very best results they can, academically, creatively and personally. We offer a safe, nurturing and creative learning environment, which enables us to ensure our children are supported, challenged, inspired and motivated through a breadth of learning experiences and opportunities. We aim to develop trusting, strong and sustaining partnerships with families and the wider local community.

Green Ridge Academy Website

 

Outcome

Residents at Bartlett’s Residential Home, welcome pupils from Green Ridge Primary Academy as part of our programme to build intergenerational relationships.

Our residents are delighted to be visited by some of the pupils, and we have seen the engagement between our residents and the students growing each month. This is something we are really passionate about at Peverel Court, and we will continue to partner with local organisations in order to benefit our residents.

After the students sang a selection of songs from Bob Marley to their school hymns, they had an opportunity to have a juice and chat with the residents. Everyone had a lovely time, with residents clapping and cheering “bravo, bravo” as the students finished singing. Everyone was asking when they would be visiting again!

Providing activities to evoke memories and reflection helps to give residents a feeling of security and comfort but Bartlett’s is also keen to create new memories and opportunities for residents, enabling them to live stimulating and fulfilling lives. While moving into our homes is a new chapter for them, ensuring that our residents feel like they have a sense of purpose and like they are part of something special is so important.

 

Testimonials

Resident – Georgina R:

What did you think of the experience? – “They were so good! I was cheering and clapping bravo! I was very impressed!” [laughing]

Would you like to experience it again? – “Yes I would, it is lovely to see them.”

Resident – Janet F:

What did you think of the experience? – “They were a joy to watch! It was lovely for them to visit regularly, I really enjoyed it, bless them!”

Would you like to experience it again? – “Yes, definitely. They were very sweet, their singing was very good!”

Resident – Beryl C:

What did you think of the experience? – “They were lovely, I enjoyed meeting them today!”

Would you like to experience it again? – “Yes, I would, their singing was lovely, I even joined in on some of the songs!” [laughing]

 

 

 

Mar, 06
2023
Bartletts, Community, Stone House, Wellbeing

Pawside Puppy Visit – Bartlett’s and Stone House

The benefits of Animal Therapy in Care Homes

Why?

As care specialists, Peverel Court Care know how much of a positive effect animal therapy can have on those living with dementia. That’s why we welcomed a visit from Pawside Yoga to Stone House Nursing Home.

Making invaluable connections and partnerships with organisations, such as Pawside Yoga, helps to enrich the lives of those residing with us, many of those living with dementia. Interaction with animals has well-documented benefits to older people mentally, emotionally and physically, by improving emotional, social and cognitive abilities.

When visiting our homes, animals help improve the lives of our residents, including those living with dementia, by bettering motor skills, making them feel happier and lifted, encouraging interaction and also triggering reminiscing conversations.

Who?

https://pawsideyoga.co.uk/

Our Mission – Pawside Yoga

We are a friendly + welcoming group who are passionate about sparking inner peace, conversation & connection through the ancient art of yoga to create a health and fitness class whilst adding our special element combining adorable puppies with creating the most blissful experience you’ve ever been to. We are committed to creating safe spaces that are inclusive & respectful of a diverse community.

Our Values – Pawside Yoga

  • LOVE is our underlying frequency. We have a genuine love for our yogis & we are passionate about uniting humanity through our classes.
  • COMMUNITY Our people (team and students) are at the core of what we do, we strive to learn new perspectives by listening to, learning from & educating our community.
  • LEARNING We use physical practice to spark conversation, curiosity & connection to the body, mind & soul. We aim to cultivate a sacred space for diverse bodies through intentional movement & mindfulness.
  • THE INDIVIDUAL JOURNEY We aim to give you space to explore through the various aspects of yoga & then journey back with a newfound sense of self-connection & appreciation for yourself & others as well as being given the added element of the best cuddles ever with our gorgeous fur babies.
    Outcome

Feedback from residents and carers about Pawside’s visit was overwhelmingly positive, with most residents asking to hold and fuss the puppies. Their eyes lit up and smiles beamed as they saw staff enter the lounge and bedrooms with the litter. Most residents needed little encouragement to engage and ask questions during this visit. They were welcome to cuddle as many puppies as they could, with owner Shani on hand to answer any queries they had. Common questions included how old they were, how many were in the litter, how many boys/girls there were. This provided a heart-warming experience for the residents, with many reminiscing family pets, recalling their names and how long they owned them. This was a happy and expressive session that set an example for future per therapy activities at Stone House.

Testimonials from Bartlett’s

Resident – Denis J:

What did you think of the experience? – “It was great, I got to hold three puppies at once! They were so cute and soft.”

Would you like to experience it again? – “Yes, definitely, I like the animals visiting me in my room!” [laughing]

Resident – Laurie K:

What did you think of the experience? “I loved it, it made my day! The puppies were so small and cute” [laughing]

Would you like to experience it again? “Oh yes, they are welcome any time!”

Resident – Elaine A:

What did you think of the experience? “It was a nice afternoon, they were so lovely and well behaved, they fell asleep in my arms!” 

Would you like to experience it again? “Of course, it was a lovely surprise! I’d like to see them again.”

 

Testimonials from Stone House

Resident – Eunice:

What did you think of the experience? – “They were lovely and ever so cute, I really loved holding them.”

Would you like to experience it again? – “Yes, definitely, I didn’t want to give them back!” [laughing]

Resident – Sheila:

What did you think of the experience? “I loved it, I wanted to keep one!” [laughing]

Would you like to experience it again? “Yes definitely, they were so cute!”

Resident – Heather L:

What did you think of the experience? “It was lovely, I really enjoyed seeing them, my daughter just got a puppy!” 

Would you like to experience it again? “Yes, of course, I really like dogs. I’ve always owned them.”

Feb, 14
2023
Community, Events, Outings, Stone House

The benefits of Outings in Care Homes

Waddesdon Manor – Stone House Nursing Home, January 2023

Who?

Waddesdon Manor was built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild between 1874 and 1885 to display his collection of arts and to entertain the fashionable world. Opened to the public in 1959, Waddesdon Manor is managed by the Rothschild Foundation, a family charitable trust, on behalf of the National Trust, who took over ownership in 1957. It’s home to the Rothschild Collections of painting, sculpture and decorate arts.

Visit Waddesdon Manor’s website here

Why?

An important initiative for each of our homes, who offer a range of professional residential care services, including nursing, dementia and respite care, is to establish and build relationships with local communities, groups and even animals in order to provide a varied programme of activities and experiences for our residents, helping to maintain a stimulated and engaging living environment.

As care specialists, Peverel Court Care know how much of a positive effect regular outings can have for those living in a care setting. This gives residents the opportunity to meet and interact with new faces. Having the chance to socialise can help to improve social skills and behaviours and reduce the feeling of loneliness. Social interactions can also improve memory recall and cognitive abilities.

Outcome

The morning of the trip, both Olive and Marion were excited for their outing to Waddesdon Manor. They both had not been for a long time, 1995 being the last time Olive went during a visit from the Queen! She explained how the Queen was just feet away from her and Ann, her daughter. She took her camera as she wanted to get photos!

Being subjected to new or familiar sights, sounds and experiences is important for everyone, but especially for those living in a care home. This encourages the residents to talk about their memories and can prove to be a powerful stimulant, providing a much-needed change of scene along with a breath of fresh air.

Both Marion and Olive chatted about their surroundings, in awe of the size and details of the manor, and their delight in seeing the new daffodils and snowbells bloom! It was a peaceful day, and we were on site to experience the winter lights show around dusk, being lucky enough to end the day with a beautiful sunset which everyone enjoyed!

Testimonials

Resident – Olive: 

What did you think of the experience? – “It was wonderful thank you, I had a lovely day. The last time I visited Waddesdon Manor was 1995 when the Queen visited! She was stood just a few feet away from us. I took my daughter, Ann, along with me.”

Would you like to experience it again? – “Yes definitely, it was a beautiful day, I have fond memories there and it was nice to see the lights!”

Olive’s daughter – Anne: “It was lovely to join mum on this trip, we both had a great day. The lights were wonderful and we enjoyed reminiscing our trip many years ago now!”

Resident – Marion:

What did you think of the experience? “I had a lovely day thank you. It was nice to go with Olive, we actually used to live down the road from each other in Thame!” [laughing]

Would you like to experience it again? “Yes, I would, it was beautiful to see. Even though it was cold!” [laughing]

Jan, 13
2023
Community, Intergenerational

Meeting Life, an intergenerational project

 

Intergenerational activities aim to bring people together from different generations. For example young people and those in later life. Connecting people in a purposeful and mutually beneficial way. To promote greater understanding and respect between generations and to learn from each other experiences.

Listening, learning and respecting, through these types of projects, can help society and communities become more cohesive.

Our Meeting Life project

Learning from an individual’s experience of life is invaluable. Particularly when it involves young people hearing the stories of older adults and benefiting from their wisdom. Comprehending the vivid difference between life in the past and today can be enlightening for young people.

Our 94-year-old resident, Philip Smith at Bartlett’s, tells his story of one family’s exodus from France in the summer of 1940, evacuating Paris and embarking on a 600-mile plus cycle trek and an onward trip to London.

Pupils from Dunmow St Mary’s Primary school, in Great Dunmow Essex, have been learning about the history of the second world war. We brought Philip and the schoolchildren together on a call allowing them to ask questions that their class had raised, after watching Philip’s story. Enabling these young people in society, to learn from those with first-hand experience of historic events.

Watch the videos here >>>

Dec, 15
2022
Bartletts, Community, Merryfield, Personalisation, Real life, Stone House, Wellbeing

The importance of reading for older adults at Peverel Court Care

The importance of reading for older adults at Peverel Court Care

 

Reading is one of the most important activities that older adults can engage in. It helps our residents to maintain friendships and keeps them mentally active and engaged. However, not everyone wants to read or finds reading to be easy for them.

 

Why reading matters for older adults

Reading is important for everyone; it helps us stay sharp, social and connected. For people living in care homes, reading is one way to help keep their minds engaged. And like anyone else, the choice of reading material for our residents will be led largely by their interests and their favourite genres. 

There are a lot of benefits to reading to older adults, especially those who are unable to read for themselves. At Peverel Court Care we have small in-house libraries in each of our homes. Our residents and staff help us to evolve the collection to ensure there is always something new to discover. It is also worth speaking with one of our Registered Managers as we also have a number of reading lists across our homes together with a writing and poetry club. 

 

Encouraging residents to read anything they choose

It’s never too late to start reading or to read more books. Reading can have a profound effect on mental health.  Reading may become more difficult as we age, so reading to older adults is one way to help keep them stimulated, entertained and engaged.

There are a lot of lists out there with recommendations on books to read, which cover a wide variety of topics. If you have an elderly family member or friend, give them some books you think they’d enjoy. Also, make sure you keep reading yourself. It can be fun to discuss what you’re reading with your relatives when you visit them.

 

Some places that might be helpful to consider

As not all care home residents are lucky enough to have access to so many books, the local library can also be a great place to start. Many libraries have reading lists for older adults and your loved one can get started on their reading list right away. 

 

About Peverel Court Care

Peverel Court Care is a group of one residential and two nursing homes, located in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire: Bartlett’s Residential Care Home and Stone House Nursing Home in Aylesbury, and Merryfield House Nursing Home in Witney. We are a long-standing family business, providing exceptional, personalised care, delivered by talented and compassionate people, in exclusive and idyllic settings.

With happiness at the heart of our homes, we recognise and respect the contribution made by our residents to society during their lifetimes. Valued by residents and their families; our reputation, investment in each property, and approach to appointing and developing our staff makes each home unique and the benchmark in premium care.

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