Dorset care homes thank local community for their support

Home news

Jul 10, 2020

Two care homes in Dorset have thanked those who have gone the extra mile to support residents throughout the coronavirus pandemic, from members of the community to its dedicated team. 

Care UK’s Ferndown Manor in Ferndown and The Potteries in Poole have expressed their gratitude for the consideration and generosity shown by the people of Dorset over the past couple of months.

From volunteering, to delivering messages and artwork to brighten everyone’s day, individuals and organisations have pulled together to support the older members of the community, and Care UK homes across the country have been overwhelmed by the kind gestures of local people.

Ferndown Manor has been inundated with support, receiving thoughtful flower-inspired artwork from pupils at Worcester Park School, in London. Residents tapped their feet to several special outdoor performances from professional musician James Richards, a resident’s grandson. Sue, Ferndown Manor’s lifestyle lead, also went the extra mile for residents and team members alike, by organising socially distanced Tai Chi practices and 1940s musical entertainment in the garden. 

At The Potteries, residents were delighted to receive fortnightly virtual calls, as well as cards, t-shirts and hampers filled with treats from First Steps Nursery. Thoughtful gifts for team members, including headbands, mask extenders, chocolates, scrub bags, goodie bags and hampers, were also received from Poundland, Tesco’s community team, Hannah’s Headbands Dorset and members of the local community. 

Whether it’s baking for a resident’s birthday, or keeping the morale up through creative activities, team members at Ferndown Manor and The Potteries have also been praised for their unwavering dedication and relentless efforts over the past few months.

Zita Turner, home manager at The Potteries, said: “We were touched by all the support we have received and the acts of kindness we have witnessed, whether they came from outside or inside the home.

“The whole team has worked hard to make sure residents continue living fulfilling lives throughout the pandemic, from our lifestyle team constantly coming up with creative ideas for fun activities, to team members helping residents with their hair on their days off. I couldn’t ask for a better team, and I am so grateful for everything they have been doing during these unprecedented times. 

“Thank you everyone, and thank you to everyone in the community for your support and your generosity.”

Jan Cresdee, home manager at Ferndown Manor, added: “Everyone at Ferndown Manor would like to thank local people for their kind gestures, however big or small, from providing headbands for the team to brightening the residents’ day by sending them thoughtful letters, cards and gifts. Your consideration and generosity has helped us through this challenging time, by bringing a smile to residents missing their families, and a morale boost to our extremely hardworking team who have kept us all safe. We are proud to have remained a green Coronavirus-free home.

“We’d like to say a big thank you to all our team members. The lifestyle team in particular has been wonderful over the past few months, keeping the residents happy and entertained and I couldn’t be prouder of the team work across the home. Everybody has pitched in to help make the residents’ days special, while also maintaining a normal routine. I heard a resident say to her family on a video call that the community spirit in the home was “warming her heart when she was missing her loved ones and we have all had such fun together”. We are truly lucky to be part of such a wonderful, caring community, and we look forward to seeing everyone again soon!”

Ferndown Manor, which features 75 ensuite bedrooms, is a state-of-the-art home which provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable the residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema, hairdressing salon and café, and there is plenty of space both in and outdoors for relaxation and recreation.

The Potteries is a state-of-the-art care home with 80 ensuite bedrooms, which provides full-time residential, nursing 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 cinema, hairdressers and café, and there is plenty of space both indoors and out for relaxation and recreation. The home has a comprehensive activity programme, offering a mix of themed events, group activities and days out.

For more information on Ferndown Manor, email customer relations manager, Robin Hill on Robin.hill@careuk.com or call 01202 06 9371.

For further information on The Potteries, please contact customer relations manager, Caroline Hearne, by emailing caroline.hearne@careuk.com, or call 01202 069 835.

For more general information please visit: careuk.com/ferndown-manor or  careuk.com/the-potteries