Elm Bank Care Home - Barchester Healthcare

10/10/2025

🎉 Awel-Y-Mor Celebrates Excellent Ratings 🎉

Awel-Y-Mor Care Home in , Swansea passed a recent Care Inspectorate Wales inspection with ‘Excellent’ ratings - the best possible ratings – across the board, after being praised for operating a safe, well-maintained, caring and well-led service.

The CIW report stated that there was a strong sense of belonging and teamwork in the home, nurtured by a very well-respected management team that encourages a positive culture.

Highlighted in the report was that the care staff knew residents well and were dedicated and driven to offering them the best possible care, going above and beyond to do so.

A relative commented: “I can’t speak highly enough about the place, they are so good at the little things, all the residents come first here. My loved one has a good life here.”

Our CEO, Dr Pete Calveley, visited Awel-Y-Mor to congratulate Rachael, General Manager, and her team on the home’s Excellent ratings and award every member of staff a £500 voucher to celebrate their achievement.

Huge congratulations to everyone at Awel-Y-Mor – what a fantastic achievement! 👏

Here are some of the highlights from the day.

08/10/2025

⭐ We’re Finalists for the National Care Awards ⭐

We’re delighted to share that Barchester Healthcare has been shortlisted in the Large Care Home Group category for this year’s National Care Awards.

The National Care Awards are the largest awards recognising excellence in the UK care sector, celebrating the very best people and companies across the sector.

A huge congratulations to Aila Evangelista from Atfield House Care Home in , London, a finalist in the Care Registered Nurse of the Year category, and to the entire team at Atfield House Care Home - Barchester Healthcare, also shortlisted for Dignity and Respect Care Home of the Year. 👏

We’re so proud of all our teams who work tirelessly to provide the very best care for residents, patients and their families every single day.

The winners will be announced on 7th November at Park Plaza London – good luck to all the finalists!

07/10/2025

🖌️ Pinetree Residents Get Creative with Mosaic-Making 🎨

As part of their first home anniversary celebrations, and together with volunteers from partner company CBRE UK, colleagues and residents at Pinetree Care Home in set to work on a joint project to commemorate the occasion.

Residents were asked what they would like to do to celebrate and decided to create a beautiful mosaic sign for the home.

The project was a wonderful collaboration that everyone at the home could join in with. The end result is a fitting tribute to the home, which now hangs in reception for all the staff, residents and visitors to enjoy.

A resident commented: “It is so wonderful to try new hobbies, I had never made a mosaic before but I absolutely loved it and have been bitten by the bug! I can’t wait to have another go and see what else we can make. I really enjoyed sitting down with everyone else and working on something together, it gave us all a fantastic sense of achievement.”

What a beautiful mosaic! Well done to all involved. 👏

06/10/2025

💖🍪💖 What a wonderful afternoon we had here at the home as the residents got to work in creating their very own biscuits. It was an afternoon of pure joy and team work as everyone got together to help one another and create their lovely biscuits.
Activities like these truly offer numerous therapeutic benefits for all, from sensory experiences, with handling the dough, smelling the ingredients that engages multiple senses, it also helps maintain cognitive function and particularly soothing and memory provoking for residents living with dementia. Our residents loved the afternoon and it certainly got everyone talking about their favourite biscuits as children and how things were done back in the day. The biscuits were all baked and enjoyed by the residents the following day, and what delight that was for them.

The lovely photos of our residents creating their biscuits highlights what a great activity this was for all.

To receive a copy of our weekly/monthly calendars please email Tina and the Activities Team; ElmBank.Activities@barchester.com

For more information on living the good life at Elm Bank Care Home please visit our website to start your enquiry today; https://www.barchester.com/home/elm-bank-care-home or call the dedicated team on 01536 313520 to arrange a tour.

03/10/2025

♥️ The Power of Music: a heart-warming moment at Ochil Care Home ♥️

Colleagues and residents at Ochil Care Home in were over the moon to uncover a beautiful piece of history when they heard an original recording by one of their much-loved residents, Wilma, who used to be a professional singer years ago.

Wilma’s husband, Donald, had lovingly kept the original master copy of Wilma’s debut album which was recorded in 1996. Staff at the home helped Donald transfer the precious recording onto a CD to preserve it.

Everyone at the home watched the heart-warming moment when Wilma, who is living with dementia, realised the recording being played was her voice from almost thirty years ago. Her reaction was absolutely magical as her memory of that time in her life came flooding back.

What’s more, the video of that extraordinary moment showing the power of music to connect, has now been viewed over 65,000 times.

Such a beautiful moment! ✨

Ochil Care Home - Barchester Healthcare

03/10/2025

💖🎤🎶💖Recently we had an amazing afternoon of music with a new act here at the home, Baz and Dave, and what a hit they were with our lovely residents. Baz and Dave performed many songs that had everyone singing and tapping along, they captivated all with their vocals and talent. The residents are eagerly awaiting their return for another afternoon of music from the past that bought back wonderful memories for all. Music is a wonderful therapy for all and this afternoon truly highlighted this to it's fullest.

The wonderful photos and short video clips below have captured a few precious moments from the absolutely sensational afternoon from Baz and Dave.

To receive a copy of our weekly/monthly calendars please email Tina and the Activities Team; ElmBank.Activities@barchester.com

For more information on living the good life at Elm Bank Care Home please visit our website to start your enquiry today; https://www.barchester.com/home/elm-bank-care-home or call the dedicated team on 01536 313520 to arrange a tour.

02/10/2025

🎃🍂🎃October is here and what a wonderful packed month we have, with a whole host of activities planned. We would love for you to join us, or if you know of anyone that is alone or caring for a loved one and would like to attend please call and book yourself in.

A few key dates, we have our homes open day on the 25th October, simply call our reception to book a show round. A great opportunity to meet our homes new manager Larisa Bledea can be done so on the 9th of October during the Friends and Family Meeting being held at 4pm.

Below are just a handful of the wonderful events and activities planned for October that we truly would like to invite you all to, if you are alone at home. All our events are free of charge, simply call 01536 313520 and let us know that you would like to reserve a space.

To receive a copy of our weekly/monthly calendars please email Tina and the Activities Team; ElmBank.Activities@barchester.com
For more information on living the good life at Elm Bank Care Home please visit our website to start your enquiry today; https://www.barchester.com/home/elm-bank-care-home or call the dedicated team on 01536 313520 to arrange a tour.

01/10/2025

🥨🍻 Oktoberfest Celebrations 🥨🍻

Oktoberfest was a huge hit with residents, patients, families and visitors this year.

Our care homes and hospitals joined in the celebrations with themed decorations, live entertainment, community events and plenty of fun.

Our talented chefs and hospitality colleagues prepared a selection of pretzels and Bavarian dishes, all complemented by some refreshing cold beers.

It was a day to remember - here are some of our favourite moments.

01/10/2025

💖🎂🎈🎂💖 Another two lovely birthdays celebrated, each resident with their delicious birthday cake created with their favourite toppings and fillings just as they wished for. The smiles and joy on both residents faces is a delight for all.

To receive a copy of our weekly/monthly calendars please email Tina and the Activities Team; ElmBank.Activities@barchester.com

For more information on living the good life at Elm Bank Care Home please visit our website to start your enquiry today; https://www.barchester.com/home/elm-bank-care-home or call the dedicated team on 01536 313520 to arrange a tour.

01/10/2025

🧩🃏💖Every Friday here at the home on our Blossom Trail Community we run our homes weekly Social Club. This club is a favourite among our residents who eagerly await the arrival of Stone Lodge Therapeutic School to join them for a morning of fun and games.
These vibrant intergenerational sessions are more than just a social call; they are a powerful example of the mutual benefit that comes from connecting different age groups. Last Friday was a perfect demonstration, as the room buzzed with laughter and focus over jigsaws and card games.

To receive a copy of our weekly/monthly calendars please email Tina and the Activities Team; ElmBank.Activities@barchester.com

For more information on living the good life at Elm Bank Care Home please visit our website to start your enquiry today; https://www.barchester.com/home/elm-bank-care-home or call the dedicated team on 01536 313520 to arrange a tour.

30/09/2025

☕💚 World’s Biggest Coffee Morning ☕💚

Colleagues, residents, patients, families and friends across the country came together to enjoy charity coffee mornings and bake sales, raising funds and awareness for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Our care homes and hospitals hosted a variety of community events, inviting everyone to catch up over a cuppa and a slice of something delicious, all for a great cause.

Residents and patients enjoyed spending time with friends and relatives, and members of the local community. Our talented chefs baked plenty of cakes, biscuits and pastries for everyone to sample.

The events were a great success – thank you to everyone who took part and helped support this important cause.

Here are some of our favourite moments. ✨

29/09/2025

🧁💖🍰What a sweet success as we raised money for Macmillan Cancer Support with our Macmillan Coffee Morning that was hosted on Friday. Our residents, staff, and the wider community came together to support this wonderful cause, proving that a little bit of cake and a lot of kindness can make a big difference. We would as home like to say a huge thank you to everyone who bought a sweet treat, we raised a fantastic £65.95 in cash and had so many more online donations which will bring the final total for the house even higher.

To receive a copy of our weekly/monthly calendars please email Tina and the Activities Team; ElmBank.Activities@barchester.com

For more information on living the good life at Elm Bank Care Home please visit our website to start your enquiry today; https://www.barchester.com/home/elm-bank-care-home or call the dedicated team on 01536 313520 to arrange a tour.

26/09/2025

🎈🎂💖 We truly have had a busy week with birthdays this week. Another birthday celebration at the home with our lovely resident enjoying her day surrounded by family in the morning and lots of love and laughter from all. Our talented chefs got to work to create a delicious birthday cake just how our resident likes, with a carefully selected filling and topping. Below our lovely resident on our Bluebell Walk Community celebrated her birthday full of smiles and the photos below captured the day beautifully.

To receive a copy of our weekly/monthly calendars please email Tina and the Activities Team; ElmBank.Activities@barchester.com

For more information on living the good life at Elm Bank Care Home please visit our website to start your enquiry today; https://www.barchester.com/home/elm-bank-care-home or call the dedicated team on 01536 313520 to arrange a tour.

26/09/2025

It has been a busy and wonderful week here at the home! The residents enjoyed their monthly Harvest Church Service, which reminds us all the importance of faith. The service was beautiful, delivered by St Peters and St Pauls Church. Once again residents who are unable to attend the service in person had blessings and prayers in the comfort of their rooms.

We also welcomed Tom G's Fitness who led and an afternoon session to emphasize the importance of keeping fit for our residents. tom attends the home every fortnight and ensures everyone has a good old workout adapted to their needs, with exercises that truly work the body.

The lovely photos of our residents below enjoying both the Harvest Church Service and Tom G's Fitness will bring a smile to all.

To receive a copy of our weekly/monthly calendars please email Tina and the Activities Team; ElmBank.Activities@barchester.com

For more information on living the good life at Elm Bank Care Home please visit our website to start your enquiry today; https://www.barchester.com/home/elm-bank-care-home or call the dedicated team on 01536 313520 to arrange a tour.

25/09/2025

🎈🎂💖🎂💖 Another birthday celebration at the home with our lovely resident enjoying her day surrounded by family and lots of love and laughter from all. Our talented chefs got to work to create a delicious birthday cake just how our resident likes, with a carefully selected filling and topping. Below our lovely resident on our Daisy Lane Community celebrated her birthday full of smile and the photos below captured the day.

To receive a copy of our weekly/monthly calendars please email Tina and the Activities Team; ElmBank.Activities@barchester.com

For more information on living the good life at Elm Bank Care Home please visit our website to start your enquiry today; https://www.barchester.com/home/elm-bank-care-home or call the dedicated team on 01536 313520 to arrange a tour.

25/09/2025

💖🎶🎤💖 How quick the month comes to an end before we are hosting yet another incredibly successful Community Dementia Café. The room was filled with a air of pure joy and infectious laughter, and fantastic music. The afternoon was a testament to the power of unique, engaging activities in bringing light and connection to those living with dementia and their loved ones.

During the afternoon the wonderful café also celebrated two birthdays, and it was simply amazing.

The wonderful photos and short videos below have captured a few precious moments from the absolutely amazing afternoon.

To receive a copy of our weekly/monthly calendars please email Tina and the Activities Team; ElmBank.Activities@barchester.com

For more information on living the good life at Elm Bank Care Home please visit our website to start your enquiry today; https://www.barchester.com/home/elm-bank-care-home or call the dedicated team on 01536 313520 to arrange a tour.

24/09/2025

🖌️ Virtual V&A Make-along 🎨

In celebration of National Day of Arts in Care Homes, residents and patients across the country enjoyed a wonderful V&A Virtual Make-along experience with Holly from the V&A Learning team and designer-artist Rafin Jannat.

Taking inspiration from the South Asia Gallery at the museum, everyone had the chance to experiment with paints and pigments made from everyday ingredients, creating their own unique artworks.

It was a calming, creative experience that everyone truly enjoyed. A big thank you to the Victoria and Albert Museum team for leading such an inspiring session!

Here are some of our favourite highlights. ✨

National Activity Providers Association

22/09/2025

⭐ We’re Finalists in the UK Customer Experience Awards ⭐

It’s awards season and we’re thrilled to share that our talented Customer Experience Team has been shortlisted in not one, but two categories in the prestigious UK Customer Experience Awards:

💡 Best Use of Customer Insight
💻 Best Use of Technology

We’re proud that Barchester Healthcare is the only company from the health sector to be recognised in either of these categories. The winners will be announced at Wembley in October – wish us luck!

Our nomination for Best Use of Customer Insight comes from our Tell Barchester survey, which gathers invaluable feedback each year from more than 13,500 residents, patients and their families. Every single piece of feedback helps us shape and improve the care and services we provide.

In the Best Use of Technology category, our new Connex CRM system, powered by Salesforce, has been recognised for transforming how we manage every customer interaction – making the care journey seamless.

We’re so proud of our team and grateful to everyone who shared their feedback with us.

22/09/2025

🎈🎂💖🎂💖 We truly love to celebrate birthdays here at the home and for all our residents we like to make them special. Our talented chefs get to work to create a delicious birthday cake just how the resident likes, with carefully selected filling and toppings. Below our lovely resident on our Daisy Lane Community celebrated her birthday full of smiles surrounded by residents and staff singing happy birthday and the photos below captured the moment.

To receive a copy of our weekly/monthly calendars please email Tina and the Activities Team; ElmBank.Activities@barchester.com

For more information on living the good life at Elm Bank Care Home please visit our website to start your enquiry today; https://www.barchester.com/home/elm-bank-care-home or call the dedicated team on 01536 313520 to arrange a tour.

22/09/2025

It’s not too late to share your feedback.

Our annual customer satisfaction survey, Tell Barchester is still open!

There’s still time to provide feedback on the care and service received by residents, patients, their friends and family. We love listening to your feedback, and use this to improve and provide the best experience possible.

If you’ve not received your email invitation, please check your junk/spam folder or speak to our team. You can also complete the survey at anytime in our homes and hospitals by using QR codes on display.

All the team really appreciate your time sharing how you feel about life at Barchester.

21/09/2025

World Alzheimer’s Day 2025 – Why It Matters More Than Ever 💜

World Alzheimer’s Day, observed annually on 21st September, is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

With nearly 1 million people in the UK living with dementia, understanding, support and research have never been more important.

Alzheimer’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by individuals and families living with Alzheimer’s, and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention.

At Barchester, our commitment to dementia care goes beyond World Alzheimer’s Day. We strive to make a difference every day, providing compassionate support, innovative programmes, and expert care for residents, patients and families.

To find out more, please see our latest blog here: https://www.barchester.com/help-and-advice/world-alzheimers-day-2025-why-it-matters-more-ever-barchester

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16/09/2025

⭐ Happy National Housekeeping Week ⭐

This week we’re celebrating the fantastic housekeeping teams across our care homes and hospitals.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to recognise their dedication to keeping everything spotless and creating a welcoming environment for residents, patients, families and visitors.

Thank you to all our colleagues for their continuous hard work and support – you truly make a difference every day.

12/09/2025

🎉 Lotus Manor is Now Open 🎉

We’re excited to share that Lotus Manor Care Home in has opened its doors in style, with a Grand Opening performed by the Deputy Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Jane Tyson, in front of invited guests from the local community.

Our CEO, Dr Pete Calveley, and General Manager, Candy Guo, hosted the event and invited guests to view the stunning new 64-bed care home.

Designed with residents’ comfort in mind, Lotus Manor Care Home will offer residential support, respite stays and specialist dementia care, all delivered by a dedicated and passionate team of trained professionals.

Take a look at some of our favourite moments from the event. ✨

11/09/2025

🚑 Celebrating Emergency Services Day 🚒👏

Residents, patients, colleagues and visitors marked this year’s Emergency Services Day in style, recognising the contribution of local emergency services, volunteers and heroes.

Our homes and hospitals hosted a variety of community events, from coffee mornings to afternoon garden parties, inviting emergency services personnel to join for hot drinks and delicious home-made cakes.

Everyone had a wonderful time, visiting local emergency services sites, engaging in conversations and sharing inspirational stories of emergency services heroes, both past and present.