West Abbey Care Centre - Barchester Healthcare

25/09/2025

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

23/09/2025

🎂🎉 Happy birthday 🎂🎉

Today was our lovely lady Hazel's birthday.

Staff and her friends sang Happy birthday to her, whilst the staff presented Hazel with her birthday cake.

Hazel had a lovely day 😀 and has been enjoying the singing from all the staff.

From all at West Abbey Happy birthday and enjoy the rest of your day .

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.

21/09/2025

🌟🌟Are You Considering Care for Yourself or a Loved One?
Then why not come and talk to the team at West Abbey to see how we can help you. There's always a warm welcome awaiting you from an outstanding team that delivers both long term or respite care options.

But don't just take our word for it - have a look at our latest review - wonderful words and 5 stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Please call ☎ us on 01935 574459 to book a meeting and enjoy a tour with our Management Team. You can also start your enquiry via our website, click here 👇to discover more https://www.barchester.com/home/west-abbey-care-centre

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

Breadcrumb Home / Help and Advice / World Alzheimer’s Day 2025 – Why It Matters More Than Ever At Barchester World Alzheimer’s Day 2025 – Why It Matters More Than Ever at Barchester Blog / Alzheimer's disease 16 September 2025 Share 7 minute read What Is World Alzheimer’s Day and Why ...

20/09/2025

🎶THE KINGS IF SWING🎵

This week, we were delighted to welcome Nick from Mini Concerts, who performed his Kings of Swing show for our residents. His wonderful set featuring classics from the golden era of swing, was greatly enjoyed by all.

The performance created a warm and uplifting atmosphere with many of our residents reminiscing and joining in with the familiar songs. We are grateful to Nick for sharing his talent and for bringing so much joy to our home.

17/09/2025

✨ 💫 Stars of the days ✨💫

Here we are with some of the stars this week .

✨Firstly is Shelly, who works in laundry and delivers laundry to all of our ladies and gents ✨.

✨Secondly we have Ben who works in our kitchen. Ben is always smiling away wherever he goes within the home .✨

✨We then have Dave, who is part of the house keeping team , ensuring that the home is clean and tidy for our residents.✨

✨Last but not least, Alfie. Alfie is a general all rounder, he works as a care assistant, kitchen assistant and sometimes activities. Always working with a huge smile and showing those dimples off. ✨

💫These wonderful people are always cheerful and always putting the needs of the residents first.

Well done to all of you . Keep up the fantastic work you do 💫

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.

15/09/2025

🎄✨ Calling All Stall Holders! ✨🎄

We’re excited to announce that West Abbey Care Centre will be hosting our Christmas Fayre on Saturday 6th December at 10.30 am-15.30pm – and we’d love you to be part of it! 🎁

We’re looking for local stall holders to join us and help create a festive day filled with shopping, cheer, and community spirit. Whether you sell handmade crafts, festive treats, gifts, or seasonal goodies, we’d love to hear from you.

✅ Great opportunity to showcase your products
✅ A chance to support our residents and community
✅ A fun-filled festive event for all ages

If you’d like to book a stall or find out more, please contact West Abbey reception on 01935 411136 Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out!

Let’s make this Christmas Fayre magical together 🌟

15/09/2025

Coffee Morning at West Abbey
Come along and meet new people while enjoying a chat over a hot drink and a selection of sweet treats including cakes and biscuits. We'll also have a variety of great activities to take part in!

Our dedicated team is always on hand to show you around our home, offering helpful advise if you ever need it.
https://www.barchester.com/home/west-abbey-care

15/09/2025

🍦 Sweet Treats & Smiles All Around! ☀️

What better way to enjoy a sunny afternoon than with a visit from the ice cream van? 🎉

Last Friday, residents and staff here at West Abbey were all smiles as they indulged in a delicious treat – from classic 99s to fruity lollies, there was something for everyone!

The sound of the ice cream van brought back sweet memories and created some new ones too. 💛

A big thank you to our wonderful team for organizing this surprise and here’s to more joyful moments like these! 🍨

13/09/2025

An Evening at the Opera🎶

Join us at West Abbey Care Centre for an evening at the opera on the 29th September at 6.30pm.
We invite you to put on your best attire and enjoy a live operatic performance from Gregory Steward.

A delicious selection an locally sourced cheese and wine will be available and everyone is welcome.

13/09/2025

This week we went for a stroll around town and meet with some of the local community. We came across some amazing things in Yeovil.

Thank to the teams we meet for your great hospitality. Particularly for the umbrella as it was raining a lot.

Bluebird Care Stuart Foster Funeral Services FHS24 Nursing+Care Agency

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. ✨

12/09/2025

What a delightful day out for our residents! 🧁☕️

This week, we took a trip down memory lane with a visit to the charming Pips Railway Carriage Café.

Set inside a beautifully restored railway carriage, the café brought smiles, stories, and plenty of nostalgia.

Residents enjoyed delicious cakes, a good cuppa, and the chance to soak up the unique atmosphere — all while sharing memories of train journeys past and enjoying each other’s company.

Thank you to the wonderful staff at Pips for your warm hospitality ❤️

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.

10/09/2025

Did you know some of our residents find emotional and physical comfort from holding empathy dolls? The experience takes them back to when they were parents and the positive feeling of comforting someone else.

Please visit our website: https://www.barchester.com/home/west-abbey-care-centre to find out more or get in touch with our friendly team on 01935 411136.

09/09/2025

Understanding Dementia: 5 Common Myths

There are still many misconceptions about dementia, which can make it more difficult for people to feel supported or properly understood.

As part of World Alzheimer's Month, which takes place every September, we're raising awareness by addressing some of the most common myths surrounding the condition.

You can read the full article here: https://www.barchester.com/help-and-advice/blog/common-myths-surrounding-dementia

08/09/2025

✨ Celebrating Veteran-friendly Status ✨

Staff and residents at Wimborne Care Home in are celebrating because the home has achieved veteran-friendly status!

Wimborne has strong links to the military and is home to several ex-servicemen and women. At the start of 2025, the home proudly pledged its support to the Veteran-Friendly Framework and has been working towards Veteran-Friendly Status ever since in order to best serve its military residents and their families.

The Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) was launched in October 2023, with the aim of tackling loneliness and isolation, and delivering improved health and wellbeing for over 25,000 veterans living in care homes across England.

Sarah Peach, General Manager at Wimborne Care Home, commented: “There are eight different standards to work through in order to achieve Veteran Friendly Status so you do need to be committed. But if like me and my team, you are passionate then it is a joy to complete and very informative. We have all loved doing it, meeting new people and taking part in charity events for veterans. We all thought it was an important step for a home like ours with so many links to the military and I know our team are delighted that we have been able to do this for our residents and their loved ones.”

What a fantastic achievement. Congratulations, Wimborne Care Home - Barchester Healthcare! 👏

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. ✨