We support residents to enjoy meaningful experiences and activities – whatever that means for them.

Heavers Court has a residents' committee, which is run by residents for residents. We meet monthly to talk about the activities we're planning and other things we'd like to try. Some of our regular activities include baking, arts and crafts, gentle exercise, quizzes and games, and visits from entertainers. We also do one-to-one activities with residents. That might mean having a chat, playing cards or going for a stroll together.

During COVID, we’ve done our best to keep life as normal as fulfilling for residents as we can. That’s included adapting activities, such as sports and exercise, so it’s socially distanced and safe, and using home tablets to bring entertainment into the home and stay connected by new means. Of course, when the weather’s good, we’ve also been able to enjoy relaxing and playing games outside in the home’s beautiful garden space.

Residents at the heart of activities

Our residents - like our colleagues - come from diverse backgrounds and cultures, so activities at Heavers Court reflect that. We've celebrated Black History Month and enjoyed a virtual world tour, where we visited a different country each month. When we learnt about India, we enjoyed tasting Indian foods and trying on Indian dress. 

If your loved one's first language isn't English, we will do our best to ensure that they're supported by a member of staff who speaks their language, or we will learn some of their language ourselves. We do whatever it takes to make your loved one feel included. 

Making moments meaningful

With residents' agreement, we've added 'speech bubble' stickers to their bedroom doors, which give some key facts about them. This helps all members of our home team to learn more about your loved one, and to enjoy meaningful interactions with them. 

Our Croydon care home has strong links with the local community. Pre-COVID the mayor has come along to help one resident celebrate their 106th birthday, and local schoolchildren regularly visit to do activities with residents. Residents also love getting out and about for a cream tea at a local café or a day trip to somewhere like Brighton.

During COVID, we’ve been able to continue these relationships as well as build new ones, using technology such as tablets as well as traditional methods to keep in touch with loved ones. We’ve even made some new friends in our wonderful community who have supported us during this time.