YOUR CHOICE
Abbeyfield Care Home chairman of trustees Janet Taylor tells Sarah Varley about the exciting plans that signify a new chapter for both Abbeyfield and its residents. Photography: Kirsten Platt
These are exciting times at Clitheroe-based Abbeyfield Care Home with significant changes and improvements planned.
Tell us about the new garden plans for Abbeyfield
We’re really excited to be planning a large new garden for the home. This is already a warm and caring place with a really homely feel – the new garden will add a further dimension of enjoyment and calm for residents. Spending time outdoors, a little exercise in the fresh air and the pleasure of the sights and smells of the different flowers and plants can all enhance your day and demonstrate the whole ethos at Abbeyfield.
The new garden will be freely accessible for our dementia residents to go out and explore unaccompanied, providing that important sense of freedom as well as therapeutic tranquillity in a safe, secure and carefully planned space.
Our aim at Abbeyfield is to provide the little things that make a difference to everyday life so that residents are happy and relatives are reassured that moving their loved ones to Abbeyfield can be a positive step. Our managers Lesley and Gail and all our staff are all so dedicated – we provide all the excellent care needed but also extra additions that make days enjoyable.
Is the existent garden already an important part of life at Abbeyfield?
Absolutely. We already have a lovely garden space which is well used by our residents. It is tended by our gardener assisted by some of our residents and this summer we have enjoyed all the delicious cherry tomatoes and peas grown, picked and shared by them. Little satisfying activities like this can really brighten the day and we’ve certainly made the most of the wonderful summer weather. Looking out on the garden from the warmth of the conservatory is very relaxing too.
What about other activities at Abbeyfield?
We are delighted to have Vicky on board as our new activities co-ordinator. She has so many lovely ideas and really puts her heart into lifting our residents’ days. She has been leading residents in gentle exercises and new crafts and plans to take a little group for drinks at the local social club. She really brings a bit of extra fun to Abbeyfield. If a resident would rather just have a quiet little chat in their room, Vicky is great at that too.
You have a new in-house catering team too?
Yes, having all the catering in-house is a really positive addition. As well as the lovely food, the team, led by our head chef, Rich, really listen to what the residents want, including requests for favourite birthday teas as well as the birthday cakes we always have. We encourage residents to join in meals in the dining room but as always it is personal choice and meals can be taken in their room. It’s nice that breakfast is at residents’ leisure too – whether they are early birds who like a social breakfast or want a lie in with a later breakfast in their rooms, like everything at Abbeyfield, it is the residents’ choice.
Abbeyfield Care Home
Union Street, Low Moor
Clitheroe BB7 2NH
01200 442550
www.abbeyfieldcarehomeclitheroe.org
