Recently I visited Tandridge Heights Care Home (owned by Barchester Homes) in Oxted, Surrey and met with their General Manager Victoria Oladosu and Customer Relationship Manager, Stacey Gardiner. The establishment has capacity for 75 residents and is currently welcoming new residents too.
We sat (socially distanced) in their beautiful garden and I was intrigued to find out about their incredible, unique and novel events which are carried out weekly for the residents.
It was extremely obvious that the team are dedicated to ensuring that the residents mental health is maintained positively and that their interests and ideas are listened to and made a reality. Later on in the year I hope to be able to have a tour of the home but for now it was great to be able to sit in the garden.
I was extremely impressed by the thought and effort that Victoria, Stacey and her team put into the planning of the events for their residents. Their ideas are innovative and their activities tie in well with both local and national events. It was intriguing to listen to their achievements in recent months.
The start of Wimbledon was marked with a tennis themed party. The residents dressed in white linen in line with the theme and were offered Pimms. There was the option of watching some of Wimbledons finest matches while a trolley filled with champagne, home made scones and strawberries and cream served them.
In particular I was extremely impressed by their ‘Royal Ascot Day’. Residents dressed to impress and together with their best hats the residents were able to watch Races and enjoy Afternoon Tea. ‘Ladies Day’ brought more excitement when horses arrived from ‘Tandridge Priory Riding Centre’ and paraded in the safety of the homes very own car park.
Armchair Travel is a clever concept which the home have adopted. The idea of virtual travel while sitting in the comfort of their own armchair has proven to conjure emotions as well as help residents reminisce of past fond times. It evokes the sensory part of their brains as they begin to taste, smell and remember past holidays.
Other events have ranged from Cupcakes Day, Cheese and Wine Evenings, Arts and Craft Days, Pop up Shops, an Elemis Hair Salon and in recent months zoom parties!
Thank you to Stacey and Victoria for your hospitality and (subject to government guidelines) I would love to be able to attend your next event!
