Austen House Care Home - Barchester Healthcare

24/09/2025

🎨🎶🎲 We’re currently looking for a passionate Activities Coordinator to help devise imaginative, fun and motivational activities that suit every interest and ability of our residents.

We guarantee you will feel valued and part of a great team in your career here at Austen House. Paying up to £15.10 per hour for this extremely rewarding role, you will also receive one of the best rewards packages in the care sector 🌟.

✨ This is your chance to make a difference every day.

Find out more and apply 👇

https://jobs.barchester.com/job/barchester/activities-coordinator-care-home-in-berkshire-81321

22/09/2025

🌸 A Lovely Walk in the Fresh Air! 🌻
Our residents enjoyed a refreshing walk together, making the most of the beautiful weather. ☀️🍃 It was wonderful to stretch our legs, chat along the way, and soak in the sights and sounds of nature. 🌳🕊️

Moments like these remind us how important it is to enjoy the little things in life. 💛


To find out more about life at Austen House, please give us a call or visit our website:
☎️ 0118 926 6100
🌎 Barchester.com/home/austen-house-care-home

21/09/2025

Yesterday we celebrated our annual Residents and Families Party at Austen House! 🎉 Everyone enjoyed a delicious buffet, tempting desserts, refreshing drinks, and plenty of dancing. 💃🕺 Our residents had a fantastic time, and we hope all our families did too!

To find out more about life at Austen House, please give us a call or visit our website:
☎️ 0118 926 6100
🌎 Barchester.com/home/austen-house-care-home

18/09/2025

Happy birthday!🎂🙂

Donald celebrated his birthday today. He enjoyed receiving well wishes from his family, residents and team. His favourite part was cutting and sharing the cake with everyone!!

Wishing Donald a happy and health year ahead!!

To find out more about life at Austen House, please contact us on 0118 911 3018 or visit our website: https://www.barchester.com/home/austen-house-care-home

17/09/2025

A Celebration of Indian Culture: Unity in Diversity!❤️🙂

Yesterday was a vibrant and fun-filled afternoon as our residents explored the rich tapestry of Indian culture. We focused on the concept of "Unity in Diversity," showcasing how India's many languages, religions, and traditions come together to form a strong national identity.

Residents were captivated by a dazzling display of traditional Indian attire, including elegant sarees, intricate lehengas, and stylish Punjabi suits. They also admired beautiful jewelry, colorful bangles, and delicate bindis, learning how to create rangoli and intricate henna patterns often seen during festivals. The atmosphere was electric, and we all enjoyed dancing to lively Indian music. It was so much fun that some residents even asked if they could buy the jewelry and bangles for their loved ones!

The afternoon concluded with a delicious "Taste of India," featuring a spread of sweet, savory, and biscuit treats. Everyone agreed that it was wonderful to experience another culture, and we all left with a feeling of warmth and a desire to hold more of these cultural afternoons in the future.

To find out more about life at Austen House, please contact us on 0118 911 3018 or visit our website: https://www.barchester.com/home/austen-house-care-home

14/09/2025

We had a beautiful moment today that we wanted to share! Our lovely receptionist, Tulika, was given a beautiful flowers by a resident. The gift was a thoughtful expression of thanks for her unwavering kindness and helpful nature that makes a difference in everyone's day.

To find out more about life at Austen House, please contact us on 0118 911 3018 or visit our website: https://www.barchester.com/home/austen-house-care-home

11/09/2025

🌿🚜 Day Trip to The Museum of English Rural Life! 🚜🌿

Today we explored the fascinating world of England’s countryside at The MERL in Reading! 🏡✨

From historic farming tools and vintage tractors 🚜 to stories of rural crafts, food, and traditions, the museum gave us a wonderful glimpse into how rural life shaped the nation. 🌾👩‍🌾

Highlights of the visit:
✅ Discovering over 25,000 objects from rural history
✅ Interactive galleries bringing “Our Country Lives” to life
✅ Learning about crafts, food, and farming through the ages
✅ A walk through the beautiful gardens 🍃🌸

It was not just a trip to the past, but also a chance to reflect on how the countryside continues to influence our lives today. 💚

📍 Located in Reading, The MERL is a treasure trove of stories about people, places, plants, and the land we live on.

A truly inspiring and educational day! 🙌


To find out more about life at Austen House, please give us a call or visit our website:
☎️ 0118 926 6100
🌎 Barchester.com/home/austen-house-care-home

10/09/2025

🌟 Celebrating Success! August's Employee of the Month 🌟

Please join us in congratulating our wonderful Hostess, Nicola Day, for being chosen as Employee of the Month for August here at Austen House!

Nicola was awarded employee of the month for being "an outstanding hostess whose politeness, kindness, and dedication shine through in everything she does. She consistently puts 100% effort into her role, working hard to ensure residents feel cared for and valued. Nicola knows each resident’s preferences and IDDSI levels, making mealtimes smooth, personalised, and enjoyable. Always helpful, responsive, and attentive, she goes above and beyond to keep dining areas beautifully prepared and residents happy."

Congratulations, Nicola! We're so lucky to have you with us!



To find out more about life at Austen House, please give us a call or visit our website:
☎️ 0118 926 6100
🌎 Barchester.com/home/austen-house-care-home

09/09/2025

🍂 Nothing says hello to autumn like wellies and fallen leaves! 🍂
Our residents had a wonderful morning getting creative in an arts and crafts workshop with Cheryl and Johnny from Creative Mojo! 🎨✨

To find out more about life at Austen House, please give us a call or visit our website:
☎️ 0118 926 6100
🌎 Barchester.com/home/austen-house-care-home

08/09/2025

Our Tell Barchester Annual Survey is LIVE!

For the 5th consecutive year, our annual customer satisfaction survey Tell Barchester is OPEN!

The survey gives our residents, patients, their friends and family the opportunity to tell us how they feel about their experience, helping us learn, improve and celebrate what people love about life at Barchester.

Residents and patients are able to complete the survey with our teams, invitations to take part are emailed to all friends & family members we have contact details for – have you received yours? It’s also possible to take part in our homes and hospitals using the QR posters on display.

Tell Barchester is quick and simple to complete, your time is much appreciated and this feedback shapes the care and service received across Barchester.

In the meantime, if you have feedback you would like to share you can talk to us at any point, our door is always open.

08/09/2025

✨ Monday throwback cheer! ✨
We always love when our wonderful therapy dog Fraser comes to visit – he never fails to bring smiles, cuddles, and a little extra joy to our home. 🐾💛
To find out more about life at Austen House, please give us a call or visit our website:
☎️ 0118 926 6100
🌎 Barchester.com/home/austen-house-care-home

07/09/2025

Attention all quizzers and music fans! 🎵 📝

Join us on Wednesday, 10th September, at 2.30pm for a fun-filled virtual music quiz.✍️

We’ll link up with Barchester care homes and hospitals across the country for Barchester’s ‘Now That’s What I Call Music’ Quiz. 🤩
Our residents will go head-to-head with our sister homes, putting their music knowledge to the test to see who will claim the title of ultimate quiz champion. 👑

The event will be available to watch via YouTube live, please contact the home for more information.



To find out more about life at Austen House, please give us a call or visit our website:
☎️ 0118 926 6100
🌎 Barchester.com/home/austen-house-care-home

04/09/2025

⭐ LaingBuisson 2025 Award Finalist ⭐

We’re delighted to announce that we’ve been shortlisted for the ‘Care Home Group of the Year’ category at the prestigious LaingBuisson Awards.

Now in their 20th year, the awards recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements in the UK health and social care industry.

With more than 400 entries submitted across each category, being named a finalist is a real honour.

This recognition is a true reflection of the dedication, hard work and compassion of all our teams and colleagues across Barchester – a big thank you for everything they do each day! 👏

The winners will be announced on the 20th November 2025 at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London.

LaingBuisson LaingBuisson News

03/09/2025

✨🎭 Bringing the Fringe to Strachan House ✨🎵

Residents, families and visitors at Strachan House Care Home in enjoyed an afternoon of fantastic performances as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Care Fest.

Now in its third year, the Fringe Care Fest brings the magic of the Fringe directly to care home residents who can no longer visit the festival venues.

Talented singer and pianist Jacqui Randa warmed up the crowd with her excellent keyboard skills and cheeky anecdotes. After a short break for more prosecco in the sun, everyone relaxed to the wonderful voice of Duane Forrest.

It was an amazing experience, complete with a special party menu from the home’s kitchen team, plenty of drinks – and of course, lots of dancing.

A big thank you to all involved in making this event such a success. 👏

02/09/2025

⭐ A Perfect 10! ⭐

We’re thrilled to share that Iverley View Care Home in has received a 10 out of 10 score on the independent care home reviews site, carehome.co.uk, after a series of glowing reviews.

This fantastic achievement places Iverley View 7th out of 7,238 care homes across England and 1st in their county.

A big thank you to the team who work incredibly hard to provide the highest standard of care and support to residents and their families. Truly well deserved. 👏

.co.uk

29/08/2025

🐾 Residents Welcome Furry Friends 🐾

Our care homes and hospitals recently marked National Dog Day in style by hosting a range of activities for all to enjoy, including dog shows, pet therapy sessions and community events.

From four-legged companions to wagging tails and friendly competitions, it was a wonderful day that brought joy and smiles to everyone.

Take a look at some of our favourite moments. ✨

27/08/2025

⭐ Champions of Care: The Care Quality Leaders Network ⭐

We’re delighted to share that Sue Sheath, our Director of Regulation and Quality Improvement, has been featured in this month’s Caring Times magazine for her work founding the Care Quality Leaders Network.

In June, the network held its first face-to-face conference entitled ‘Innovating Care Quality: Leadership in Action’ in London, bringing together colleagues from across the adult social care sector.

What began as a small group of providers meeting informally before the pandemic has grown under Sue’s leadership into a thriving network of over 90 organisations – from large operators to mid-sized and smaller providers nationwide – all united by a shared commitment to champion high-quality care.

Sue commented: “I am so proud of how this group has grown over the last five years into an incredible supportive network with real influence. I was keen to create an opportunity for the group to meet face to face to hear from some of the biggest names in the sector about the challenges and opportunities we face and share ideas and best practice. I would like to thank all our generous partners such as Radar Healthcare, Care Launch and Nourish Care, who made this event possible.”

We’re so proud of Sue for her hard work in creating this fantastic network and for running such a successful event that brought together so many excellent minds! 👏

26/08/2025

📸 World Photography Day 🌟

Recently, residents and patients up and down the country celebrated World Photography Day with flair and creativity.

Throughout the day, everyone enjoyed a range of themed activities and art sessions, from crafting photo books and collages to participating in professional photoshoots and capturing images of their favourite objects and subjects.

It was also a wonderful opportunity for all to reflect on past experiences by looking at treasured photographs and sharing happy memories.

Take a look at some of our favourite moments.

22/08/2025

✨🏍️ Speedway Wish Granted 🏍️✨

This week, the team at Hickathrift House Care Home in was delighted to grant another special wish through their ‘Post a Wish’ initiative – a visit to the King's Lynn Speedway - the Home of the Stars.

It was a fantastic experience, with riders kindly taking time to chat and reminisce with a resident about past races and bikes. The Speedway team ensured the evening was special, welcoming everyone on arrival and making the visit unforgettable.

Residents truly enjoyed sitting in the front row, cheering on the riders and sharing stories of speedway events gone by.

A big thank you to all involved in making this trip possible. 👏

King's Lynn Stars

21/08/2025

🤩 Adventure Day Out for Mortain Place Residents 🤩

Residents at Mortain Place Care Home in enjoyed an unforgettable day at Knockhatch Adventure Park.

From speeding around the go-kart track and meeting extraordinary animals to splashing down the water slides, it was a day full of fun.

To make the trip even more special, residents and colleagues were joined by Malcolm from ITV News Meridian, who captured the excitement on camera and spoke to the residents about their experiences.

The team at Mortain Place believe days like this are an important way to enrich the lives of residents, creating lasting memories for all involved.

Take a look at the fantastic broadcast coverage below! 👇

Watch the latest from ITV News - Barchester Mortain Place in Eastbourne takes its residents on day trips to an adventure park with activities such as go-karting and water slides

19/08/2025

🦆📚 A Quacking Good Story from Atfield House 📚🦆

We’re excited to share that Atfield House Care Home in , London has launched their very own children’s storybook, inspired by a much-loved tradition and their nature-loving residents.

Each year, a duck named Hope visits the home’s garden to lay her eggs – a heart-warming event that has been taking place for many years. The experience sparks engagement, evokes memories and offers meaningful comfort to residents, supporting emotional and cognitive wellbeing with every quiet waddle.

After speaking with residents, families and colleagues, the team decided to capture the tale in a beautifully illustrated book.
The home looks forward to sharing the storybook with visitors and children from local schools – a great opportunity to spread the joy of this charming tradition.

You can explore their delightful storybook here 👇https://online.flippingbook.com/view/503801204/

18/08/2025

🏃‍♂️🏅 Great North Run - Marathon Effort for Charity 🏃‍♀️🏅

On Sunday, 7th September, five brave Barchester colleagues will take on the gruelling Great North Run to raise money for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation.

The Foundation supports older people and adults living with a disability by helping them connect or re-connect with others in their local communities.

Our amazing runners are:
• Becky Dearing, Health and Safety Coordinator
• Kirsty Taylor, Activities Lead at Chalfont Lodge Care Centre - Barchester Healthcare
• Zsuszanna Bodog, Care Assistant from Red Oaks Care Home - Barchester Healthcare
• Tom Hodges, Dementia Nurse Specialist for the North West and Midlands
• Yvonne Hand, General Manager at Glenroyd Care Home - Barchester Healthcare

They will lace-up their trainers and use grit and determination to complete the 13-mile half marathon course that starts in Newcastle upon Tyne and takes thousands of runners over the iconic Tyne Bridge in order to raise funds for Barchester's Charitable Foundation.

Wishing the very best of luck to the runners! 👏

13/08/2025

🎤🎵 Come Sing! To Feel Good 🎤🎵

Residents and patients across the country had a fantastic time joining Dan Cooper, Vocal Coach from Biiah, for a lively summer virtual sing-along.

With the uplifting ‘Que Sera Sera’ by Doris Day and ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ by The Beach Boys, there was plenty of singing and dancing all around.

The session was a great success, bringing benefits for the mind, body and soul, and leaving everyone with a dose of summer cheer.

A big thank you to Dan Cooper for the wonderful experience. 👏

Take a look at some of our favourite moments in the photos below.

🔗 www.barchester.com

11/08/2025

✨A Roaring 1920s Summer Fête at Ashlar House ✨

Ashlar House Care Home in turned back the clock for a spectacular Summer Fete inspired by the glamour of the 1920s.

Residents, families, colleagues and guests dressed to impress, bringing the glamour and spirit of the Jazz Age to life.

From Charleston dancing and live entertainment to delicious food, sweet treats and a much-loved raffle. There was something for everyone to enjoy.

It was a fantastic experience for all involved. 👏