Day of remembrance for award-winning care home

Company news

Sep 14, 2011

A service of remembrance, conducted by the Reverend Franny Long, was held in the Surrey home’s landscaped grounds and celebrated the lives of the people who had lived there since it opened in 1999.

Home manager Betty Couch said: "Often people think that when someone moves into a home, it is the end of their active and social life. In our homes, the truth is very different. Residents make new friendships over the years with staff and with other residents and their families, as well as maintaining their own relationships.

"It was lovely for all of those who had known someone here to come back and share happy memories of that person’s life with staff and residents who also remember them with great fondness."

Following the prayers and hymns, a buffet was held in the residents’ dining room which current residents had helped staff to decorate.

Amberley Lodge has been awarded the prestigious Gold Standard Framework Care Homes Accreditation and the Quality Hallmark Award at Beacon status for its work with people at the end of their life.

Betty said: "End-of-life care is an incredibly sensitive time. Some people are less anxious if they talk about it, and others do not want to talk. Our staff are very good at judging people’s needs and supporting each individual and those who are close to them.

"This memorial service helped carers, friends and relatives to remember and celebrate the person they cared for."