Southlands Place

10/10/2025

On Wednesday we welcomed the reptiles for another visit. Caramel the royal python, cricket the bearded dragon and herc and leafy the snails came back to see us. They bought with them two new friends. Cookie the leopard gecko is a baby and came to get used to being around everyone. She did so well.
Mini the uromastyx is 4 years old and on her first visit very much enjoyed exploring and showing off. She fell asleep on the way home after her exciting day. The residents loved meeting and learning about all the animals. 🦎🦎🦎🐌🐌🐍🦎🦎🦎🐌🐌🐍

09/10/2025

How cute is Elvis. When he popped in the other day with our lovely Paige, we just needed to have some cuddles. 💖💖💖

09/10/2025

Huge congratulations to Sharon Streeter from Belmont House in Sutton for winning the Sustainability Award at the 2025 Love Laundry Awards!

Sharon has been recognised for her incredible commitment to greener laundry practices, supporting infection control and promoting resident wellbeing. Her efforts are helping us build a more sustainable future in care.

💬 James Clear, Hospitality Director at Aria Care, shared:
"We are absolutely thrilled that Sharon has received this well-deserved recognition. Sustainability is a core focus for Aria Care, and it’s thanks to team members like Sharon that we’re making meaningful progress. Sharon has also played a key role in our Blue Leaf Care n-kind plant-based cleaning solutions project. She leads by example and is a true ambassador for sustainable change in the care sector."

A truly well-deserved win and a shining example of care from the heart. We're so proud of you, Sharon!

08/10/2025

We think our pampas grass looks blooming marvellous.

08/10/2025

We have been enjoying good old fashioned fun with a film quiz and bingo this week.

08/10/2025

At Aria Care, Black History Month is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a time to recognise, reflect on, and celebrate the incredible richness of Black culture, history, and the contributions that have shaped our communities, both within our homes and beyond.

Throughout October, our communities are marking the month in meaningful ways, with storytelling, music, food, conversations and shared experiences that bring people together.

In this video, Catia Pereira, Home Manager at Huntercombe Hall, shares how her team and residents are celebrating Black History Month, embracing the diverse backgrounds of those who live and work in the home.

We’re incredibly proud of the diversity across our Aria Care teams, all united in delivering care from the heart every single day.

🎥 Tap to watch how Catia and her team are celebrating Black History Month with warmth, authenticity and respect.

07/10/2025

🌟 We’re so proud! 🌟

As we look ahead to the Love Laundry Awards tomorrow, we want to take a moment to recognise some of the unsung heroes in care – our amazing housekeeping and laundry teams.

These incredible individuals work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure our homes are clean, comfortable, and safe, playing a vital role in infection control, dignity in care, and the everyday wellbeing of our residents.

We’re absolutely thrilled that Sharon from Belmont House and Paul, our Group Hospitality Manager, have been named as finalists in this year’s awards!

✨ Sharon is shortlisted for the Environmental Sustainability Champion award for her commitment to greener laundry practices.

✨ Paul is recognised in the Laundry Leadership category for his vision, dedication, and impact across our homes.

These awards are all about celebrating the people who go above and beyond every single day, and we couldn’t be prouder of Sharon, Paul, and all our teams.

Good luck tomorrow, and thank you for everything you do. You are truly appreciated.

07/10/2025

On Saturday we celebrated autumn with our cosy craft harvest afternoon where we invited friends and family to join us.
We got crafty, enjoying painting and colouring our lovely woodland creatures and creations. We did activity booklets, chatted and drank hot drinks including hot chocolates with cream and ate yummy carrot cake muffins made by our kitchen staff.
We collected donations for a local food charity. We will keep this donation point in reception throughout October.
Thank you to all who joined us for this lovely afternoon.

06/10/2025

Hello Autumn. We have been enjoying cosy Autumn themed activities. Including our Harvest afternoon Saturday. Pictures to follow. 🍁🍂🍄🍁🍂🍄🍁🍂🍄

05/10/2025

Happy Grandparents Day!

We're celebrating the special moments that bring generations together — like this touching video call between a resident at our Southborough care home and their matched volunteer through the Adopt a Grandparent initiative.

At Aria Care, we know how powerful connection can be. Thanks to our partnership with Adopt a Grandparent, residents are carefully matched with volunteers who share similar interests, backgrounds, or languages — creating meaningful friendships that brighten lives.

A simple chat, a shared laugh, or even a smile over video can make a world of difference.

Looking for ways to connect with your own grandparents or loved ones in care? We've put together a helpful guide filled with conversation starters for all ages, especially useful for families visiting those living with dementia.

Read the guide here: https://orlo.uk/3plKB

04/10/2025

We’re celebrating a DOUBLE WIN at the NACC Awards 2025!

Two of our incredible hospitality team members have been nationally recognised for their passion, innovation, and dedication to making mealtimes truly special for our residents

- Janos Csavas, Head Chef at Oaken Holt Estate, has won the Bev Puxley Award for his outstanding work in dementia-friendly dining and person-centred care catering.

- Paul Wright, Group Hospitality Manager, has been named Catering Manager of the Year for transforming care hospitality across our homes, leading brilliant initiatives like Aqua Burst, Food is Medicine, and Wise Up on Waste.

These prestigious awards highlight Aria Care’s commitment to hospitality as a vital part of exceptional care.

Huge congratulations to Janos and Paul - we’re so proud of you both!

🔗 Read more about their amazing achievements:
https://orlo.uk/R9qFB

02/10/2025

🌟 It’s awards day! 🌟

We’re so proud to be cheering on our amazing Aria Care finalists at the NACC Awards 2025 today!

Our chefs have been shortlisted in three national categories, and deservedly so - a true reflection of the passion, creativity and love that goes into every dish served in our homes. Our teams really demonstrate that great food is at the heart of great care. Please join us in wishing a huge GOOD LUCK to our fantastic finalists:

- Aria Care Hospitality Team – Catering Team of the Year
- Paul Wright – Catering Manager of the Year
- Janos Csavas (Oaken Holt Estate) – The Bev Puxley Award

We couldn’t be prouder of the difference you make in the lives of our residents every single day.

01/10/2025

01/10/2025

Today is the International Day of Older Persons, a special moment to reflect on just how much older people bring to our lives: not only as individuals, but as the heart of our families, communities, and collective story.

At Aria Care, we’re honoured to care for incredible residents whose lives are filled with wisdom, laughter, and love. Their stories inspire us every single day.

Growing older isn’t just a chapter we go through - it’s one where we grow together. Through our approach to care – care from the heart - we’re proud to put people first, listen, and celebrate the journeys that have shaped who they are.

Their story becomes part of all of ours, creating a legacy that teaches, touches, and transforms.

Let’s take a moment today to thank the older people in our lives for everything they’ve given, and continue to give.

01/10/2025

This months coffee morning brings two solicitors from Gaby Hardwicke, kindly coming to discuss and answer any questions regarding power of attorney and Wills. Today from 10:30.

30/09/2025

It’s Hospitality Apprenticeship Week, and we’re celebrating the amazing people behind the food!

This year’s theme, “Powered by People,” is a perfect reminder that it’s the skills, stories and passion of individuals that truly shape the hospitality industry, and that’s especially in care.

At Aria Care, our hospitality teams do so much more than prepare meals; they create comfort, bring joy, and support wellbeing in every one of our homes. And our apprentices are a big part of that!

Whether they’re just starting out or training to become future head chefs, we’re proud to support them every step of the way, with hands-on experience, ongoing training, and real career opportunities.

To all our incredible apprentices: thank you, for everything you do. Your hard work, talent and dedication make a real impact every single day.

Find out more about working at Aria Care on our website: https://orlo.uk/UhObc

30/09/2025

Yesterday we enjoyed some outings. It was such a lovely sunny autumn day so we enjoyed hot drinks and cake in the De La Warr Pavilion looking out across the sea.
Then we did another trip out to Hilliers garden centre where we had a walk around looking at the plants and goodies. We enjoyed chatting over hot drinks and cake. The drive along the coast was a real treat.

30/09/2025

Last week we celebrated professional care workers week.
Thank you to our amazing staff. Our carers & seniors, our housekeeping, kitchen, and maintenance teams, our wellbeing/activities ladies and our admin team all work together to create a wonderful and caring environment that our residents can call home.
Fiona our manager gave out tokens of appreciation and we celebrated all our lovely care workers and departments across the home that work together to make team Southlands.
Thank you 💖💖💖

29/09/2025

🤗 Everyone enjoys an afternoon exercise class with Karen, mixing it up with fun games and music. Everyone enjoys it so much. It's on the planner every other week 💪

29/09/2025

Saturday we enjoyed Bingo.
Congratulations to our winners Keith, Peter, Kath, Mary, Joan, George and Alice. We do love a game of Bingo.

26/09/2025

As World Alzheimer’s Month comes to a close at the end of September, we’re reflecting on the importance of continuing open and honest conversations about dementia — something that affects millions of people around the world.
At Aria Care, everything we do is driven by “care from the heart.” We believe person-centred care is key, especially for those living with dementia. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, because every person’s journey is different.
Our Dementia Wellbeing Manager, Michele Saunders, explains how we support our residents and their families through connection, understanding, and meaningful activities, all grounded in love.
She spoke with B Radio earlier this month about how we approach dementia care at Aria Care. You can listen to the full conversation here:
🎧 https://www.bradio.co.uk/podcasts/alzheimers-awareness-month/episode/aria-care-michele-saunders/
Let’s keep the conversation going, not just this month, but every day. 💜

25/09/2025

At Aria Care, we believe that every person living with dementia deserves care that’s not only clinically safe and effective, but also compassionate, dignified, and truly person-centred.

That’s why we created our “Living with Heart, Loving with Care” dementia strategy.

Our goal is simple: to help every resident living with dementia lead the best life possible, filled with independence, meaning, and purpose for as long as possible.

Here’s how we’re making that happen:
✅ Welcoming and inclusive care across all our homes
✅ Stronger partnerships with our local communities
✅ Ongoing support for families and loved ones
✅ Training that empowers our teams and celebrates individuality
✅ Using creativity and technology to boost wellbeing

We know that when we celebrate diversity, work together, and care from the heart, we can make a real difference — not just in care, but in people’s lives.

Check out the infographic below to see the 7 key priorities that guide our dementia strategy.

24/09/2025

September is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month — a cause that’s especially close to our hearts here at Aria Care.

Did you know that around two-thirds of people living with dementia in the UK have Alzheimer’s? We know how challenging the journey can be, not just for those diagnosed, but for their loved ones too.

That’s why we’ve developed our dementia strategy: “Living with heart, loving with care.”

With the incredible leadership of our Dementia Manager, Michele Saunders, we’re bringing this strategy to life across all our homes — supporting our residents with compassion, and making sure families feel heard, understood, and never alone.

One of the most meaningful parts of this journey is becoming Dementia Friends through the Alzheimer’s Society. This means:
✅ Better awareness and understanding
✅ Practical support for families
✅ Dedicated Dementia Ambassadors in every Aria home

These ambassadors are here as friendly faces and listening ears — supporting our residents living with dementia, and building trusted relationships with families.

Michele’s goal is simple, but powerful: “To make sure no family has to navigate dementia alone.”

We’re proud of the difference our teams are making every day.

Find out more about how we support people living with dementia on our website here https://www.ariacare.co.uk/types-of-care/dementia-care/

21/09/2025

Today is World Alzheimer’s Day.

At Aria Care, supporting people living with Alzheimer’s is about so much more than meeting clinical needs; it’s about creating moments of connection, joy and respect. It's about care from the heart.

As Latoya, Home Manager at Wytham House, shares in this video, our approach includes:

🌸 Person-centred care
🎶 Activities, like music, arts and crafts, and time outdoors
🤝 Supporting families with workshops and one-to-one sessions

Because even the smallest gestures - a smile, a touch, a conversation - can make a big difference.

Join us in wearing purple today to show support for everyone living with Alzheimer’s and for the families and carers who stand beside them. 💜