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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, 13
2024
Bartletts, Merryfield, Outings, Stone House

Christmas Activities

 

A wonderful array of activities across our homes in November and December

Merryfield Christmas activities:

27th Decoration Making
1st Fiona’s Magical Christmas Show
4th Christmas Crafting
9th Kings School Christmas Show
14th Mince Pie Making
16th Christmas ukulele Show
18th Residents Christmas Party
11th 19th 23rd Wheelchair Ice Skating at Blenheim
24th Christmas Eve Bingo
25th Christmas Day
26th Boxing Day Games And Egg Nogg
30th Visiting Owls

Bartlett’s Christmas activities:

20th Nov – Waddesdon Manor Christmas lights and house
26th Nov – Wheelchair Ice Skating in Aylesbury
2nd Dec – Gingerbread House making
3rd Dec – Elfs visit and wreath making
4th Dec – Baking Christmas Treats
6th Dec – Penguins visit Bartlett’s
11th Dec – Carols and festive afternoon tea
12th Dec – Stone House village choir come to sing
17th Dec – Visiting the best Christmas lights in town
18th Dec – Residents Christmas party and gift exchange
25th Dec – Christmas Day celebrations
26h Dec – A sherry, a port, a film and a rest!

Stone House Christmas activities:

4th – Waddesdon Manor Christmas lights and house
6th – Penguins visit Stone House
7th – Christmas themed Bingo
9th – Lunch and making Christmas cards with our loved ones
10th – Sandra and her Saxophone – Christmas special
12th – Creating Christmas charity boxes
13th – Christmas origami by resident request
17th – Winter Wonderland show from Tickled Pink
19th – John Session – Christmas songs
22nd – Musicality Christmas special
24th – Sherry, port and a Christmas film
25th – Christmas day celebration!

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.

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.

Mar, 21
2024
Bartletts, Care Awards, Merryfield, Stone House

Recognition for our wonderful staff

 

Our dedicated staff are at the heart of what makes our care homes vibrant places to live and work. Read on to find out more about our latest awards and our appreciation and celebration events for our staff teams.

 

We are fortunate at Peverel Court Care Homes to have fantastic staff teams, with numerous team members who’ve been with us for many years, all of whom contribute to making Bartlett’s, Stone House and Merryfield happy, supportive and joyous homes to live and work in.

The dedication and attention to detail from our staff provides our residents with outstanding care and the highest quality of life, so we were thrilled to see their fantastic efforts recognised nationally again.

 

Peverel Court Care have been awarded the Carehome.co.uk Top 20 Small Care Home Group Award 2024 for the 9th consecutive year, whilst both Bartlett’s and Merryfield have been individually awarded Top 20 Awards for South East England. 

 

 

These are hugely significant awards for our care homes, and we are very proud to be in the running for the number one care home in Buckinghamshire and the number one care home in Oxfordshire. We pride ourselves on providing excellent care and always strive to run the best care homes in Aylesbury, Witney and their wider communities. Winning this award for nine consecutive years is a testament to our staff team’s depth of experience and continuous commitment to providing excellent care. You can see us on the winner’s lists here.

 

A message from our Associate Director, Preet Shergill, for our staff:

Well done to all of the Peverel Court Care team for your outstanding work. The exceptional levels of care provided were captured in numerous excellent reviews from those who matter most; our residents and their relatives. Those excellent reviews have been recognised with this award. Well done to an outstanding team on winning this award for nine consecutive years!

 

What carehome.co.uk reviews say about our care at Bartlett’s:

Review from G M (Sister of Resident)

Bartlett’s Residential Care Home is exceptional! The care, consideration and kindness given to my brother was marvellous. All the staff throughout his three year stay at Bartlett’s Residential Care Home were so generous with their time. As close members of his family we were always welcome and knowing that my brother was in such safe hands was so comforting. We owe them a debt of gratitude.

Review from Hugh G (Son of Resident)

In the three years, my father spent at Bartlett’s, the care he received was nothing short of incredible. I don’t think I can overstate the impact it has knowing that there is such a dedicated and caring team of people on hand to look after a loved one, indeed “team” seems like the wrong word to use because the atmosphere they create and the care they give is more like that of a family. I am left with a profound sense of gratitude and respect for everybody there.

Review from Timothy G (Son of Resident)

Superb care, fantastic staff, excellent facility. I’m so glad we chose Bartletts. The staff are extremely well trained and professional. Always kind, friendly and approachable. They pay close attention to every resident’s needs 24 hours a day and show empathy and respect. They are very good at communicating with family, very accommodating and a delight to deal with. The facility is tremendous: Everything is modern, clean and in perfect working order. Dad was very comfortable. The meals are excellent, and tea/coffee/juice/snacks are always available. The entertainment, activities and companionship are good. The common areas are cheerful and calm. The grounds are beautiful. Thank you for all you have done for my father.

 

What carehome.co.uk reviews say about our care at Merryfield:

Review from Stephanie Z (Daughter of Resident)

Merryfield is a very welcoming and friendly home. It is only small but all the better for it, because it retains the feel and atmosphere of a real home from home. The staff are brilliant, very caring and professional. I would recommend it without reservation.

Review from Amanda S (Son of Resident)

My family and I have been very impressed by the care and dedication given to my mum over the past year. She loves it here and enjoys a lot of the activities offered including meeting the pets and therapy dog.

Review from Mark R (Son of Resident)

Although I live a bit further away from my parents than my sister, I am never in any doubt at all that ‘the folks’ are in very good hands which is very reassuring indeed. The staff are all real characters and so kind.

Review from Kate S (Daughter of Resident)

The home that looks and feels like a real family home. As soon as I stepped inside I knew it was where I wanted my parents to live. Their happiness shows that I made the right decision. Beautiful surroundings, excellent staff and fantastic experiences and activities.

 

What carehome.co.uk reviews say about our care at Stone House:

Review from Sarah L (Daughter of Resident)

All the staff have been welcoming and helpful from the first time we came to view the home to my father and all the friends and family who have come to see him. My father found his time in the hospital very difficult, and it has been so good to see him relax and settle since he moved to the home. We appreciate the level of everyday care that he is now experiencing.

Review from Anne S (Daughter of Resident)

I have always found the staff to be helpful, genuinely caring and friendly. My mother has been a resident at Stone House for 18 months, and in that time, has enjoyed a wide variety of activities. The food is very good, and once a month, we have lunch together in the dining room. The gardens are lovely, and with the improvements that are currently being made, they will be even better in 2024.

Review from F B (Daughter of Resident)

I’m so pleased my mum is in Stone House. I think everything about it is top-notch – the staff, the rooms, the food and especially the activities – couldn’t ask for better. It’s the sort of home I hope my boys find me.

Review from A G (Son of Resident)

Very caring establishment with wonderful staff. Good accommodation and facilities with a full programme of activities for those able to participate. Nice grounds available for fresh air – weather permitting.

You can read more about Peverel Court Care on carehome.co.uk here:

 

Our latest Employee Appreciation Day – 1st March 2024

 

 

Employee Appreciation Day is observed on the first Friday of March every year. It is an occasion dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the efforts of employees towards the success of Peverel Court Care. 

To commemorate this day, Deluxe Golden Tower hampers full of sweet treats were delivered to each of our homes.

 

 

We also shared recent thank-you’s, five-star reviews, and comments from residents and relatives for the team to read. Some of the lovely feedback we shared included:

 

From Bartlett’s families:

  • To everyone at Bartlett’s. thank you very much for looking after mum so well.
  • Thank you all very much, my grandmother has never been happier since moving here.
  • You are all superstars! Thank you for the care with a smile for my father.
  • We think you’re all pretty special people and have huge admiration for all the lovely care you give.

 

From Merryfield families:

  • Both grandparents reside at Merryfield Nursing home, and they have been treated better than we could have ever hoped. We are so impressed with the level of care they have received and love the selection of activities offered each week. They seem to have a new hobby every time we visit. Thank you to all the staff and support team that makes their experience so special.
  • I would just like to say how impressed we have been with the staff there. They became her extended family and although she was offered a bed in a local hospice in her last few weeks, she was adamant she wished to stay at Merryfield. You have some excellent employees!

 

From Stone House families:

  • Thank you again for all your support and care. We were very lucky to have found Stone House for our father.
  • A big thank you for making yesterday such an enjoyable time with Mum for her 90th. The dining room was a lovely venue, and the catering was ideal for the occasion. Mum was looking well, and someone had taken some trouble to do Mum’s hair so nicely. So again, a big thank you to all concerned, it’s very comforting to know that Mum is being cared for by such a great team of people.
  • Thank you all so much for the effort you make in looking after Mum and all the residents. It’s comforting to know you care.
  • Everyone was part of our lives for nearly four years. It was a home from home for us both. You offered him peace, love, gentleness, and medical care throughout the years. I could not wish for a better place than to be cared for by those at Stone Nursing Home.

 

Are you interested in working for us?

We are always looking for values-driven staff who are dedicated to making the lives of our ladies and gentlemen the very best they can be. There are many different roles within our care homes, and investing in our teams – in terms of both their personal and professional development – is at the heart of Peverel Court Care.

We know happy staff provide outstanding support for our residents, and we offer:

  • Excellent remuneration packages
  • Paid e-learning
  • 24/7 access to an online GP
  • Access to qualified therapists through an Employee Assistance Programme
  • Team-building social events and experiences
  • Monthly off-site massage
  • Referral scheme – earn up to £500 per successful referral
  • Company sponsorship for professional and academic qualifications
  • Complimentary fresh fruits and snacks
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Rewards and recognition schemes
  • Automatic enrolment to workplace pension
  • On-site parking

Find out more here. 

 

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.

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!”

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]

Feb, 09
2023
Stone House, Uncategorized, Wellbeing

The benefits of Flower Arranging in Care Homes

Stone House Nursing Home – January 2023

Who?

Bishopstone Blooms – formally Hearts and Flowers Interiors. Established in the beautiful village of Bishopstone, Deborah and her team have over 29 years of floristry and horticulture experience. (locally community business – care for our community)

www.hearts-interiors.co.uk

Why?

Making invaluable connections and partnerships with organisations, such as Bishopstone Blooms, helps to enrich the lives of those residing with us, many of those living with dementia. Activities such as flower arranging engages the senses, provides cognitive and sensory simulation, improves motor skills, and instils a sense of independence and accomplishment. It is an excellent way to preserve quality of life for a population that may struggle with finding such.

When visiting our homes, Bishopstone Blooms 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.

Outcome

Using a variety of beautiful flowers, residents enjoyed a sunny afternoon creating their own personalised flower displays in the home’s conservatory.

Getting creative with their flowers and foliage, the residents created a number of striking displays, whilst listening to music and chatting with one another over tea and biscuits.

Research has proven that there are many benefits of flower arranging for older people. As well as enabling residents to be creative and use their imagination, it also encourages use of fingers and hands and is a great stress reliever, promoting a calm atmosphere.

Our flower arranging activities provide the perfect opportunity for some of our residents to create floral displays around the home.

Testimonials

Resident – Sheila:
What did you think of the experience? “I enjoyed it, I have put the flowers with the ones my family gave me! I have a lot of them now!” [laughing] Would you like to experience it again? “Yes, thank you, I enjoy flower arranging!”

Resident – Stuart:
What did you think of the experience? “It was good thank you, I just watched, but the nice lady made flowers I could give to my wife when she visits!”
Would you like to experience it again? “Yes, I would, it was nice!”

Resident – Valerie:
What did you think of the experience? “I like flowers, so it was fun to do!”
Would you like to experience it again? “Yes, thank you, I enjoyed it! I got help doing it as well.”

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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