BARTLETT’S GARDEN LODGES, NOW OPEN
Find out more
Nov, 08
2024
Dementia, Design, Future of Care, Landscaping and Dementia, Stone House

Stone House Gardens: A Stunning Redesign

 

We’ve recently had a wonderful redesign of our gardens at Stone House. Read on to learn more about the vision our designer, James Smith, had for the gardens and what was involved in this revamp of our outside spaces.

 

One of the most stunning aspects of Stone House is the grounds in which the care home sits. We are fortunate to have expansive outside space with beautiful views over the Buckinghamshire countryside and a south westerly aspect that helps a wide-variety of plants to thrive.

Aesthetically beautiful gardens are only part of the story though. At all of our Peverel Court Care Homes, having functional outside space is vital because we know the immense value of time spent outdoors . We use our gardens all year round, with some residents enjoying daily walks, family members visiting with their dogs who love to explore the grounds, and staff members using these spaces on their breaks. We aim to take as many activities outside as possible too, with everything from arts and crafts to wine tasting, dog shows and our hugely popular summer parties.

With the importance of our gardens in mind, we have invested in a redesign of the Stone House grounds to make them fit for the future, engaging James Smith https://jamessmith-design.co.uk to bring a refreshed vision for our gardens to life. James is a Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winning Garden designer, Chartered Landscape Architect, and Registered Member of the Society of Garden Designers who we’ve worked with for many years.

 

 

We caught up with James to find out more about his work and the redesign of the Stone House gardens.

James, can you tell us a bit about your background in garden design?

 

“I’ve worked in the industry since 2005 after training as a Landscape Architect at the University of Gloucestershire. I worked for 15 years with the respected design and build company Bowles & Wyer before setting up my own practice ‘James Smith Landscape & Garden Design Ltd’ in 2021. My projects have encompassed urban gardens, commercial projects, care homes, hospital gardens and country gardens. One of my proudest achievements was winning a Gold medal at Chelsea Flower Show in 2023 for The London Square Community Garden.”

 

Can you describe what you wanted to achieve with the redesign of the Stone House gardens?

 

“I was thrilled to be asked by Anil Dhanani (Owner of Peverel Court Care) to help redesign part of the historic grounds at Stone House, a former residence of Lord Baden-Powell.

 

The brief was to breathe new life and vigour into a functional ramped terrace area off the main conservatory. The existing space had minimal planting and opportunities for residents to sit and immerse themselves in the garden. 

 

I wanted to change this by bringing planting as close as possible to the building, softening and framing hard landscaping whilst also improving connections with nature. The idea is for the space to also be attractive when looking out of the building as well as being an enticing garden to spend time in. New opportunities for seating and spending time with friends and families was an important consideration too.”

 

How important is accessible, functional and enjoyable outside space for people living in a care home, their families and staff?

 

“The garden at Stone House provides an invaluable resource for residents and staff to get outside in the fresh air and enjoy a change of scenery. Whether it is walking around the grounds, relaxing on a bench in the morning sunshine, or helping to tend to the garden, the benefits can be huge both physically and mentally.  

 

The new garden space also provides more room for people to connect with one another in a relaxed environment and is a great location for friends and families to visit when the weather is fine.”  

 

Thinking particularly about our residents living with dementia, how did you incorporate dementia enabling features into your design?

 

“We were mindful that the garden needed to cater for residents living with dementia and it was important to create a space that was easily accessible and enhanced wellbeing through interactions with people and nature.  

 

Existing ramps and routes through the space have been made more legible with planting bordering paths and new sturdy handrails for safety and wayfinding. Scent, colour, texture and movement in the planting scheme makes for an attractive and immersive sensory experience with species changing throughout the seasons. Biodiversity will also be enhanced as a result of the scheme with birds, butterflies, bees and insects attracted to the new planting.”

 

Can you describe the process of the redesign?

 

“The re-design of the garden began with an initial visit and assessment of the space, talking with Anil, Preet, residents and staff about how they would like to improve the space.  

 

The key driver was to incorporate more planting and seating opportunities from the outset, and we also discussed including a new pergola structure with an outdoor kitchen space, allowing residents to potentially gather in larger groups with friends and family and enjoy food outside. The views over the wider garden from within the main conservatory and house were a key consideration particularly when the weather is not suitable for using the garden and this was a key factor in pulling planting right up to the building to make it highly visible.”

 

 

Now we have our wonderful new gardens at Stone House, how do you hope these will be used for year-round enjoyment?

 

“With the new garden my hope is it will quickly become the most popular and well used space in the grounds. I love the thought of friends and family coming together with residents and staff, laughing, sharing stories and recounting memories together. 

 

I also see great opportunities for small events and activities such as art and crafts on the terraces. Even when the weather is not so kind there is always the ability to appreciate the planting visually from the comfort of the internal rooms, and I hope the garden brings a smile and sense of calm to all who encounter it.”

 

Final word from James

 

“I have loved working on this first phase at Stone House. It will always hold a special place in my heart being one of the first projects I worked on when starting out on my own. 

 

I look forward to future opportunities in other areas of the site and working with the team at Peverel Court for many years to come.”

 

 

What our residents think of the new gardens

 

“The Stone House garden is very peaceful. It’s also ideal for garden parties, of which we’ve had several!” Olive N

 

Many thanks to James for his fantastic work on our Stone House gardens. We look forward to our residents, families, staff and visitors enjoying our new outdoor spaces.

 

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.

Oct, 21
2024
Best Care Practices, Care Management, Dementia, Personalisation

The Importance of Positive Relationships in a Residential Care Setting: Why Peverel Court Care is a leading provider of elderly care in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire

Choosing the right care home is one of the most important decisions families can make for their elderly loved ones. For those considering care options in Buckinghamshire, Peverel Court Care emerges as a provider that goes beyond basic care needs. Established in 1987, this family-run business has built a reputation for offering not just high-quality care, but a nurturing environment where residents feel valued, safe, and respected.

Why Positive Relationships Matter at Peverel Court Care

At Peverel Court Care, fostering positive relationships between care staff and residents is at the heart of everything we do. These relationships are essential to delivering personalised care that meets the unique needs of each resident, while ensuring their emotional well-being is prioritised. Our care team’s consistent, compassionate interactions build trust—one of the pillars of Peverel Court Care’s ethos.

By understanding the history and personal journey of each resident, the staff can create a home-like atmosphere that fosters a sense of belonging. This not only alleviates anxiety and fear but also contributes to the residents’ overall happiness.

Trust, Quality, and Personalised Care

Trust is essential for residents, particularly when they are adjusting to a new environment. Peverel Court Care recognises that each resident brings their own experiences and preferences, which is why our team is trained to provide care that respects individual dignity and autonomy. Residents are greeted by familiar faces daily, offering reassurance and building long-lasting bonds that enhance their emotional and physical well-being.

At Peverel Court Care, high-quality care is not just a standard; it’s a promise. Every resident receives personalised care plans tailored to their specific needs. Whether it’s assistance with daily activities or more specialised medical care, the attention to detail ensures that every resident enjoys a superior quality of life.

 

“All the staff throughout his three-year stay at Bartlett’s Residential Care Home

were so generous with their time.”

— G M (SISTER OF RESIDENT)

Communication: The Key to Building Positive Relationships

Effective communication is another cornerstone of Peverel Court Care’s approach across our three family-run care homes – Bartlett’s, Stone House and Merryfield. Staff engage in regular, open dialogue with both residents and their families, ensuring that concerns and needs are addressed promptly. For residents, the opportunity to share their stories and interact with staff on a personal level creates meaningful connections, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness that can be common in residential care settings.

Engaging Residents for a Better Quality of Life

A key aspect of life at Peverel Court Care is the emphasis on resident engagement. From social activities to involvement in decision-making processes, each of our homes empowers residents to take an active role in their daily lives. This not only helps maintain a sense of purpose but also fosters positive relationships among residents and staff. Whether it’s group activities, a trip to the local pub for lunch, tailored hobbies, or simply shared moments of conversation, these interactions strengthen the community atmosphere within the home.

Mental and Emotional Well-Being

The impact of positive relationships on mental and emotional health cannot be overstated. At Peverel Court Care, compassionate, personalised care significantly reduces the risks of depression and anxiety among residents. The environment is designed to be more than just a place for care—it’s a home where residents feel emotionally supported and genuinely cared for, which plays a crucial role in maintaining their mental well-being.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the importance of positive relationships in residential care is central to the philosophy at Peverel Court Care. Through our commitment to personalised care, compassionate interactions, and resident engagement, they have cultivated an environment that not only meets the physical needs of their residents but also enhances their mental and emotional well-being. For families seeking a residential care provider that prioritises both quality care and meaningful relationships, Peverel Court Care is the choice that ensures your loved ones feel truly at home.

If you’re beginning your care search, we invite you to explore what makes Peverel Court Care at it’s three leading family-run care homes different. Schedule a visit to one of our beautiful homes, meet our team, and discover how we can provide your loved one with exceptional care and support. 

For more information, contact us today to speak with one of our care experts.

 

Bartlett’s Residential Care Home

Portway Road, Stone, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire,HP17 8RP

Mibell Hernandez (RGN) – Registered Manager

Tel: 01296 747 000

Email: Mibell@bartlettscare.co.uk

 

Merryfield House Nursing Home

33 New Yatt Road, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX28 1NX

Fran Torres (RGN) – Registered Manager

Tel: 01993 775 776

Email: office@merryfieldcare.co.uk

 

Stone House Nursing Home

Bishopstone Road, Stone, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8QX

Hope Timbe (RGN) – Registered Manager

Tel: 01296 747 122

Email: office@stonehousecare.co.uk

Oct, 11
2024
Bartletts, Dementia, Design, New Extension at Bartlett's, Personalisation, Wellbeing

Now Available to Reserve – Bartlett’s Garden Lodges, Opening Spring 2025

A NEW STANDARD IN PREMIUM RESIDENTIAL CARE

At Bartlett’s, we are proud to announce the opening of The Garden Lodges, offering a truly exceptional blend of comfort and personalised care, set within one of Buckinghamshire’s most picturesque environments. Rated as the number one care home in the area for the last nine years on Carehome.co.uk, Bartlett’s continues to lead the way in providing care and high-quality support for elderly residents.

 

PERSONALISED CARE IN A PREMIUM SETTING

With only 12 exclusive bedrooms available, opening in Spring 2025, we invite you to discover a new way of care – where independence meets compassionate, 24/7 support in a luxury residential home setting.

Each of Bartlett’s Garden Lodges is designed to offer a high level of personalised care, with just three residents per lodge. This intimate setting fosters a close-knit community, where each individual receives tailored, responsive support. Our dedicated Health Care Assistants provide round-the-clock care, ensuring that every resident receives the attention and compassion they deserve.

 

THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED FOR COMFORT, INDEPENDENCE, AND REASSURANCE

Designed by the award-winning Atelier, each Garden Lodge is a sanctuary of comfort and tranquillity. Featuring fully accessible en-suite bedrooms, these lodges offer a perfect blend of independence and safety. The lodges are equipped with private kitchens and lounge spaces, allowing residents to enjoy the comforts of home, promote independence, and provide the perfect environment for family and friends to visit.

 

DESIGNED FOR COMFORT AND WELLBEING

Wellbeing is central to our care philosophy. Each lodge is designed to maximise natural light and features calming interiors that create a sense of comfort. With ergonomic furniture, personalised climate control, and secure access systems, residents can enjoy a safe, welcoming environment that truly feels like home.

 

18 ACRES OF STUNNING VIEWS AND LANDSCAPED GARDENS

Bartlett’s is set on 18 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, offering residents stunning views over the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Vale of Aylesbury. The grounds, designed by renowned landscape architect James Smith, feature wheelchair-accessible paths, woodland sculptures, and herb gardens, providing residents with spaces for relaxation and outdoor engagement.

 

A THRIVING COMMUNITY WITH EXCEPTIONAL AMENITIES

At the heart of Bartlett’s Garden Lodges is our new Café and Gallery, a vibrant space designed for social interaction and community engagement. The café seats over 30 guests and offers a varied menu, perfect for enjoying meals with friends, family, and fellow residents. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it’s an ideal spot for casual meals or special celebrations. Residents can also enjoy a variety of community events, including art workshops, social evenings, and family gatherings. Bartlett’s Garden Lodges are designed to foster connections and create meaningful relationships with both fellow residents and the local community.

 

 

Now is the time to secure your place at Bartlett’s Garden Lodges Opening in Spring 2025

Find out More

May, 24
2024
Bartletts, Best Care Practices, Dementia, Merryfield, Stone House

Understanding dementia care

 

We are passionate about the dementia care we provide at Bartlett’s, Stone House and Merryfield. Read on to find out more about dementia and how we provide expert support for our residents, families and local communities.

 

Dementia can be a challenging topic to discuss. Historically there has been significant stigma and misunderstanding about how the brain is affected when a person develops dementia, but as awareness and knowledge of dementia has grown, we’ve learnt so much as a society about how a person can continue to live a full and active life with dementia and what best practice in dementia care and support looks like.

At Peverel Court Care we are highly experienced at supporting individuals and families throughout their lives with dementia, providing knowledge, understanding and care in environments where any worries or fears you may have will always be met with kindness and compassion.

 

What is dementia and what are some of the common symptoms?

Dementia is a broad term used to describe symptoms that are caused by different diseases damaging the brain. Common types of dementia include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy Bodies, frontotemporal dementia and mixed dementia, which is where the person has been diagnosed with more than one type of dementia. All types of dementia are progressive, which means symptoms will get worse over time.

Whilst memory loss is the most commonly talked about symptom of dementia there are many others, including problems with language, communication and understanding, changes in mood and personality, and problems with concentration, organisation, orientation and perception, to name just a few. The symptoms of dementia often result in many difficulties with daily living which can become difficult to cope with in the person’s own home as their dementia advances.

You can find out more about dementia, the different types, signs and symptoms from The Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia UK. You may also like to complete the ‘Dementia Symptoms Checklist’ from the Alzheimer’s Society.

If you are concerned that you or someone you know is developing dementia, speak to your GP. They should offer to conduct some basic tests and may then make a referral to a Memory Clinic.

 

How we support our residents with dementia at Bartlett’s, Stone House and Merryfield

At Peverel Court Care we are honoured to support our residents at various stages of their dementia. Each person is unique in how they experience their dementia and therefore the care and support we provide is entirely bespoke to each individual. We work very much from a strengths-based approach, first and foremost looking at what each person can do and how, with side-by-side support, we can maximise the person’s abilities. 

We believe that enriching activities and beautiful surroundings are essential to enhancing the quality of life for our residents. Our homes boast stunning gardens and extensive grounds, providing a serene and therapeutic environment where everyone can thrive, and when blended with our engaging activities and dedicated dementia support our homes become truly special places to live.

 

 

Our environments

Our dementia environments are optimised to help minimise confusion and provide comfort, safety and reassurance whilst promoting engagement. We aim to support our resident’s memories in a number of ways, including having photos of recent events regularly added to our boards and daily reminders of the activities that are coming up.

Our residents are encouraged to personalise their rooms, and many bedrooms have pictures and other items that are important to the person. These aid with reminiscence and familiarity, as do memory books and diaries that we support our residents to use to write down who’s visited and what they’ve enjoyed doing each day.

Our dementia-enabling gardens are meticulously designed to offer safe, accessible, and engaging outdoor spaces. These gardens feature sensory plants, raised flower beds and comfortable seating areas, encouraging residents to spend time outdoors which has been shown to improve mood and well-being. We also provide regular guided walks and gardening activities, promoting physical activity and connection with nature.

 

 

Our activities

We host a variety of unique, enriching activities and events designed to stimulate and entertain our residents, supporting both existing hobbies and providing opportunities to foster new interests which can help with neuroplasticity.

 

 

For our residents with dementia we aim to provide a wide-range of specifically therapeutic interventions, like music, art, animal therapy and access to nature to reduce distress, which is in-line with the latest research that urges the use of safer behavioural management approaches rather than antipsychotics for people who experience changes in their behaviour due to their dementia. 

Our annual events, such as the Dog Show and Vintage Car Show, bring joy and excitement, fostering a sense of community and belonging. These events, open to residents and their families, create memorable experiences and opportunities for social interaction.

 

Caring for our families and educating our staff 

To support our families, we have a pop-up café at Bartlett’s Residential Care Home that runs semi-regularly for relatives to come and meet with each other for peer support. These gatherings have proven so popular that they often meet in other locations too.

Our staff are highly trained in dementia to ensure that they can provide the very best support with empathy, kindness and a true understanding of each individual and the best ways to care for them. We pride ourselves on delivering support that enhances each person’s quality of life and promotes meaningful interactions. 

In the words of Marcus, son of one of our Bartlett’s residents:

“My father went to Bartlett’s Residential Care Home when his dementia made things difficult for him to be cared for at home. In the three years he was there, the care he received was quite exemplary and I don’t think he could have stayed in a better place where everybody cared for him as much as the team at Bartlett’s did. The tenderness and love they showed him was genuine and I cannot sing the praises of the whole team there enough.” 


You can read more about our dementia care commitment here. If you would like to discuss our respite or residential dementia care options, please contact us.

 

Supporting our communities in raising awareness

We view Bartlett’s, Stone House and Merryfield as community hubs. We know many of our neighbours and our local communities may be touched by dementia in some way or have queries or concerns about it. Our expert staff are always on hand to share our expertise with you if you’re navigating the world of dementia within your family.

We run regular dementia information sessions for staff, relatives and our local community which we advertise on our social media channels. These sessions are run in collaboration with Age UK and provide invaluable support and information to our residents and their families, with our new staff often attending to complement their ongoing dementia training. These sessions – provided with complimentary refreshments –  include interactive activities, informative talks, and peer support groups, ensuring that everyone affected by dementia has access to the resources they need. You can find out more information and/or register for the next event by emailing office@peverelcourt.co.uk. We hope to see you at one of these events in the future. 

 

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.

Nov, 29
2022
Dementia, Events, Merryfield

Puppy Visit Pawside Yoga – The benefits of Animal Therapy in Care Homes

Puppy Visit Pawside Yoga – Merryfield House Nursing Home.

Who?

https://pawsideyoga.co.uk/ 

Our Mission, 

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,

  • 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.

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 Merryfield 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. 

Testimonials 

Resident – Vera:

What did you think of the experience? – “Amazing, the puppies were so cute.”

Would you like to experience it again? – “Yes, definitely!”

Resident – Phillis:

What did you think of the experience? “I loved it, I held a few of them!” [laughing]

Would you like to experience it again? “Yes, I would.”

Resident – Joseph:

What did you think of the experience? “It was lovely, I really enjoyed their visit!” [laughing]

Would you like to experience it again? “Yes, of course, it was nice to meet them.”

 

Dec, 09
2021
Advice for Choosing Care, Bartletts, Care Home Maintenance, Dementia, Food & Drink, Landscaping and Dementia, Wellbeing

Meet Philip and Wendy – Resident at Bartlett’s Care Home

I’m Wendy, this is my father Phillip.

I mean, nothing is this as pleasant as home, but I can find no fault here. The accommodation is very good, it is very clean and the garden is splendid, and a beautiful view. So I think you’d have to be a very difficult person to please, if you said that you weren’t very happy here. But I certainly am, it is very good. But it was nearest as we could get in the sense that, his home had a south-facing, an old cottage.

South-facing garden with a view of the Chilterns. So obviously, you used to visit. This is very good indeed, very nice, very quiet. Home from home, we didn’t have eighteen acres, it is very nice and this is familiar because I think long ago I’ve been up and walked up that hill.

You know, I think the church is that way anyway. I sleep well here, so I’ve always tended to sleep quite well, which is lucky. Some people don’t, you know. Why we chose here, father used to visit, when he lived in the village. One of the old ladies came here and he used to visit Elenor here and he told me about it. I’d actually spotted it, cause I used to drive to and fro. And yes, he used to say this beautiful place, this fantastic garden and everything and lovely rooms and that so it was always, obviously I googled it,
the sort of building, the quality building, the old building.

But then with the new, done in the similar style and the if you like the the absolute was the 18 acres of grounds. These beautiful grounds that my father could do as he was used to doing, sitting in a lovely garden and just looking at a fabulous view, enjoying the sun and he walks a lot, don’t you, darling? I do tend to, I don’t suffer from any lumbago or anything. So no, its, but I’m aware that one should have some exercise.

Wendy’s sister who sadly passed away, she was a botanist, so she knew anything and everything about flowers. And I don’t, you know, and I just like to see them. Yes, I don’t necessarily know what they are, but that doesn’t really matter. Not to me. And in the spring the area over there had all the violet’s. Oh yes, that’s right. Yes. And the snowdrops and roses. And that’s right. And then the bluebells.

I don’t think I would get lonely ever, as long as I had some books. I don’t, if you like, crave company. Sometimes I don’t, I wish there wasn’t company. You know, I’m probably not alone in that respect. Well, I don’t think it’s for if you don’t wish to do something, you’re not made to do it. You’re always invited to do the activities, aren’t you?

Apr, 14
2021
Bartletts, Best Care Practices, Business, Care & Technology, Care Home Maintenance, Care Home Recruitment, Care Management, Dementia, Design, Future of Care, Landscaping and Dementia, Leadership & Management, Merryfield, Property Development, Real life, Social Care & Society, Social Care Strategy, Stone House, Tech, Wellbeing

To succeed care providers must focus on service, employees and the environment

To succeed care providers must focus on service, employees and the environment - Peverel Court Care

 

We wanted to consider the fundamental pillars on which the success of our group is based. Service, employees and the environment are at the heart of Peverel Court Care’s mission to consistently deliver exceptional care for our residents.

At Peverel Court Care we believe that in order for us to be successful in ensuring a level of service which constantly meets and exceeds the expectations of our residents and their loved ones, we can never allow ourselves to take our eye off the three critical foundations that underpin our business. Therefore, we decided to explore some of the elements which contribute to maintaining success in each of these areas throughout our award-winning care homes in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

Exceptional service in our care homes

There are a multitude of elements that contribute to the exceptional levels of service that we provide for the residents of our homes, however some of the key ones include:

  • To make sure that our residents eat a varied and balanced diet, we employ full-time long standing chefs who produce seasonal menus using high quality local produce. Some care homes opt to outsource catering, but we prefer to manage this in-house so that we can provide the food that our residents love. We also offer private dining to our residents, if and when required, so as to best serve their wishes.
  • Peverel Court Care employ full-time hospitality employees, to look after our residents and to make sure that all of their requirements are met.
  • We also maintain a bespoke mini-bus at each of our homes for community outings. This makes it simpler for our hospitality employees to organise trips and visits for residents who wish to attend or require the service.
  • In addition, we have dedicated Activities teams in our care homes, who are responsible for organising entertainment to ensure that our residents can live happy and fulfilling lives while in our care.

 

Exceptional employees in our care homes

Delivering exceptional service requires an exceptional team. Some of the factors which contribute to the recruitment and retention of the brilliant people who work in our business include:

  • We utilise Values Based Recruitment to ensure that anyone that we’re recruiting into the business shares our values and ethos about care. Understanding whether a person has the correct attitudes and mindset to deliver exceptional service is fundamental to our decision making process.
  • Once we’ve brought good people into the homes, we want to make sure that they want to stay. One of the ways in which we do this is through the development of career pathways, which provide opportunities for ongoing learning and development, allowing staff to grow within the organisation.
  • In addition to helping our employees to progress their careers, we also provide reward & recognition schemes. These programmes are aimed at celebrating success and demonstrating how valued and appreciated their hard work is in delivering exceptional service for our residents.
  • Peverel Court Care, along with each of our homes – Bartlett’s Residential Care Home and Stone House Nursing Home in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire and Merryfield House Nursing Home in Witney, Oxfordshire – all benefit from having a long-standing management team. The expertise and experience of our leadership helps to maintain our exceptional levels of service, but also allows us to get to know all of our employees personally, which creates loyalty and better understanding between the parties.
  • As a business, we always aim to be exceptional. This has been recognised during independent inspections, as we have been awarded the rating of “Outstanding” in CQC ‘Well-led’ categories.

 

Exceptional environment at our care homes

We want our care homes to truly feel like home for our residents. Therefore, maintaining exceptionally high standards across our homes and their grounds is intrinsic to the way that we operate. This includes:

  • All of our homes have beautiful landscaped and dementia-friendly gardens. These spaces offer our residents access to safe, stimulating grounds and provide them with exercise and natural light.
  • It’s not just outside where our attention to detail helps to set us apart. We have also utilised dementia-friendly interior designs to make life as simple and comfortable as possible for our residents.
  • Community involvement and interactions for social stimulation are also a key part of our homes. We would never want residents to feel like they were disconnected from the outside world or each other, so this plays a key role in maintaining mental wellbeing.
  • We also believe that the use of, and access to, technology improves the lives of the residents who live in our care homes immeasurably. This includes the provision of super fast Wi-Fi and iPads for keeping in touch with loved ones, which has proved especially valuable over the past year with visitation having to be restricted. We have also implemented the use of electronic care plans. to further improve the way in which we’re able to personalise and maintain exceptional care for our residents.

 

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.

Apr, 30
2019
Bartletts, Care Home Maintenance, Care Management, Dementia, Landscaping and Dementia, Merryfield, Real life, Stone House, Wellbeing

Spring has sprung

Enjoying the gardens during spring 2019 at Peverel Court Care

 

The arrival of spring and the benefits to our residents

 

With the recent spell of lovely warm weather, our residents have been taking the opportunity to get outside and explore the newly landscaped gardens of our homes.

At Peverel Court Care, we understand that creating and delivering individual care plans and maintaining a focus on resident well-being is a key part of the service we deliver, and providing time outdoors forms an intrinsic part of that.

Therefore, with the arrival of spring, it has been the perfect time for our residents to get outside to enjoy the warmth of the spring sunshine, to take in the fresh air, and to explore the new sights and smells of the plants and flowers in our idyllic grounds.

Even for those residents who aren’t so keen to get outside exploring, the natural light that pours into the rooms on our new wing provides them with similar benefits.

 

Benefits to resident health

 

But there’s more to getting our residents to spend time outdoors than meets the eye. In fact, there have been numerous rigorous scientific studies conducted, which have all concluded that there are a multitude of benefits for elderly care home residents when they get to enjoy time in an outdoor space.

Spending time out in the grounds allows them to get exercise in the fresh air. And particularly for elderly residents, research has shown that those who enjoyed as little as 10 or 15 minutes of activity a day, saw a significant improvement in their health. Furthermore, walking outdoors has been shown to reduce levels of stress, and to increase sociability, communication and self esteem, while there is also evidence that it can help to reduce cognitive decline.

Exposure to both daylight and sunlight while outdoors is also important; as sunlight provides us with Vitamin D, which is essential for building strong bones and muscle, while sunlight helps with regulating our body clock. So our residents don’t need to get too adventurous; even just having a cup of tea and a natter out in the garden has added benefits.

 

Enjoying spring flowers in the gardens at Peverel Court Care

 

Peverel Court Care – our idyllic settings

 

Part of what makes the experience of living at one of Peverel Court Care’s three care homes in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire so special for our residents is the unique setting and location of each home. A perfect example is that of Bartlett’s, our Residential Care Home, which is set in over 18 acres of private tranquil parkland with exceptional views of The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

As our homes are all set within such charming grounds, and because spending time outdoors offers such proven benefits to our residents, it’s not surprising that the arrival of spring this year has once again been greeted with smiles by our residents.

 

Taking a walk outdoors to enjoy spring sunshine at Peverel Court Care

Nov, 03
2017
Dementia, Personalisation, Training & Development, Workforce Development

The Importance Of Friendship At Peverel Court Care

After family, friends are usually the most important people in our lives. Modern family life can often mean our loved ones are geographically spread across the country. When we are older our children will likely have their own very busy lives to run. All of this may mean that they can’t see us as often as they would like and this is when our friendships become even more important. Friends are the family we choose for ourselves. They support us in times of need. Often just knowing that they are there for us is enough to make us feel better.

Think about some of the best times you have ever had in your life. Undoubtedly some of those times will have taken place in the presence of friends.

They’re there for us in the best and worst of times. That’s why we foster and value friendships between our residents and carers at Peverel Court Care. Here are some of the reasons we think friendships here are so incredibly important.

Friendship helps our staff do their jobs better…

The main purpose of any staff member here at Peverel Court Care is to provide high-quality care to the elderly people who live here. Friendships help our staff to do that.

“I do consider myself to be a friend to them because I feel it from my own heart.  I could not do the job that I do, which is quite solitary at times in the lounges, without having those genuine emotional feelings towards our residents.” – Peverel Court Care Carer

When you offer the kind of comprehensive care we offer, it helps greatly if you have a genuine relationship with the people you are caring for. If you feel as though the person you’re taking care of is your friend, you are much more likely to give the best care you can at all times.

Some of our residents here are uncomfortable in social situations…

Some of our residents just can’t bring themselves to join in with the group activities we offer here. Some of them just don’t want to. For these individuals, the carers visiting their rooms are the only people they see all day. Those interactions need to be friendly otherwise those people are going to feel incredibly isolated.

Some of our residents don’t have anyone else…

Our job is to make sure that those who live with us have a high quality of life. For residents without family or friends of their own left, it is important that they feel as though they have valuable and important relationships with our carers. We don’t just want them to feel cared for; we also want them to feel cared about. We can’t give our residents the high-quality care we are striving for unless people really do care about them as individuals.

It’s important for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients…

We can’t sum this up any better than one of our carers did when we asked her about genuine friendships at work.

“There have been many times when a resident has literally poured their heart out to me with real visual emotion in their expression or body language or chatted away to me ten to the dozen smiling and laughing. Sometimes I have not been able to understand what they are saying. It is so important to maintain an interest, give direct eye contact, verbalise laughter and support, handhold if appropriate and show a keen interest in what they are saying. That is friendship. That is caring. No matter how severe the level of dementia or Alzheimer’s may be, they will know if we are not responding to their needs at that time. As human beings, we would offer this support to our own friends. If we didn’t then they would not share their problems with us again. To give great care, we need to offer this level of support and friendship.”

It’s in our nature and good for our mental health….

The Mental Health Foundation says that friendship is vital for mental health.

“Friendship is a crucial element in protecting our mental health. We need to talk to our friends and we want to listen when our friends want to talk to us. Our friends can keep us grounded and can help us get things in perspective. It is worth putting effort into maintaining our friendships and making new friends. Friends form one of the foundations of our ability to cope with the problems that life throws at us.”

For the mental health of our residents, it is vitally important that we foster meaningful and fulfilling friendships with our residents.

We’re all about friendship

Being around strong, meaningful friendships makes Peverel Court Care a happy place to be. There is an atmosphere of genuine care here because our carers really do hold our residents’ dear and they want to make sure they are doing the best for them. Sometimes when we are faced with difficult situations or sadness, those friendships can make our jobs more difficult, but still, we wouldn’t have it any other way. Friendship in care is the way forward. As they say; “When it hurts to look back and you’re scared to look ahead, you can look beside you and your friends will be there.”

Oct, 13
2017
Care Management, Dementia

Dementia Care – The Peverel Court Care Commitment

Some of the brightest scientific minds have dedicated almost 100 years to researching Alzheimer’s. Billions of pounds has been spent, but little has changed for patients since Alois Alzheimer first began investigating in 1901. Alzheimer’s and dementia are more prevalent now than ever before because of modern medicine and resulting ageing population.

There are advantages and disadvantages to this. The disadvantage is that modern medicine and the resulting aging population means that more people need to face living with this terrible illness. The advantage is that the increase in cases means the microscope is honing in on a cure, preventative methods and ways to make life easier for those who are affected. Though it seems as though the illness has come from nowhere, scientists have actually been fighting to cure it for a century.

At the moment it’s making life easier we are interested in at Peverel Court Care. This is our way of battling dementia. We are committed to do everything we can to make sure our resident’s with dementia have the best quality of life available.

We recently invested in a dementia simulation tour bus to visit all three of our homes. It’s already visited Bartlett’s and next month it will make its way to Stone House and Merryfield. The bus was with us all day and could be experienced by three people at a time. Participants wear headphones, special glasses, special gloves and footwear and asked to complete simple tasks in a darkened room. The bus helps our staff and relatives to feel what it’s like to have dementia. We believe that this will help our staff to understand what it’s like to have dementia. We want them to remember this experience whenever they’re giving someone with dementia care and support.  We have also invited relatives and the local community to attend.

We are dedicated to making sure that dementia does not define the lives of our residents. We want them to be able to do everything everyone else can do. That’s why we designed our new Hambledon Wing in a manner that means residents with dementia can come in and out of the building easily, something that they struggle with if special elements are not in place, such as fluidity between the inside and outside and flowing paths without dead ends.

We are also committed to the training of our staff. We stay on top of developments regarding dementia and make sure our staff are up-to-date and fully trained.

Dementia does not mean the end of a life it’s just the beginning of a new phase. By fully training our teams and raising awareness we are focusing on making life easier for those struggling with this disease every single day.

1 2
©2026 Peverel Court Care
Privacy Policy | Site by cuecare.co.uk
all rights reserved