Godalming care home celebrates TWO awards nominations

Home news

Oct 31, 2019

A care home in Godalming is celebrating being nominated for two accolades in two different national awards.

Care UK’s Broadwater Lodge on Summers Road, has been nominated in the Caring Awards and the National Care Awards.

The Caring UK awards celebrate and reward excellence and team effort in care home, as do the National Care Awards, which is organised by social care’s leading publication, Caring Times.

The home is a finalist in the ‘Best Outdoor Environment’ category at the Caring UK Awards, and ‘Best Dementia Garden’ at the National Care Awards, thanks to the farm in the care home’s converted garden area.

Fondly named ‘Codgers’ Farm’, by the residents, it has expanded since 2018 to now look after three pigs, two goats, three rabbits, two guinea pigs, a flock of chickens, and Cookie the miniature pony. The care home farm is a first not just for the UK, but for the world.

The gardens also inspire the residents, and one carer is creating a fairy garden complete with toadstools and fairy houses, which will allow residents to reminisce about their younger years, as well as creating a magical experience for local children who often visit the home.

The farm and garden are open to the community, and the team regularly hosts schools, local Scout and Guide groups and nurseries. Residents will often be hand on in the farm and freely wander the dementia-friendly winding paths, spending time with the children.

Angela Bookham, home manager at Broadwater Lodge, said of the farm: “The animals provide therapeutic benefits to the residents as well as encouraging them to enjoy the fresh air and be more active. What’s more, the farm sparks memories for lots of the residents, especially for one whose dad was a pig farmer.

“At Broadwater Lodge, we place great emphasis on individuals to ensure that everything they do or experience is meaningful and life enhancing for them. Our farm allows them to make incredible memories, with their families, friends, and the local community. I’m very proud to have been nominated for two awards, and am keeping my fingers crossed that we win!”

Broadwater Lodge provides full time residential and dementia care, as well as short term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own hairdressers, and there is plenty of space both indoors and out for relaxation and recreation.

For more information about Broadwater Lodge contact home manager, Angela Bookham by emailing Angela.Bookham@careuk.com or call 01483 331 220.

For more information please visit careuk.com/broadwater-lodge