Newbury care home launches initiative to support local community

Home news

Nov 16, 2020

A care home in Newbury has created launched a new initiative to help support older people living alone in the local community.

Care UK’s Winchcombe Place, on Maple Crescent, has launched ‘Winchcombe Wellness’ to provide support and a friendly face for those living alone during the pandemic. Creating tailored care packages and forming new relationships, the team aims to create a new support system for older people living in the area.

Each care package will include an activity kit based around the individual’s interests, as well as wellbeing folder, a handwritten letter, and practical resources for keeping well in older age. The team at Winchcombe Place have also joined forces with Mindset-Massage, who specialise in the wellbeing initiatives, to create a variety of gentle exercises and online resources for each individual.

Doorstep visits will see the packages, created and stored in line with infection control measures, and delivered at a social distance by a member of the Winchcombe Place team.

Local member of the community, Richard, who is known for his good sense of humour, was one of the first to receive a wellness pack. His tailored delivery included a joke book, as well as resistance bands and an exercise booklet to help strengthen his legs.

The team will also spend some socially distanced time with each person outdoors, as well as keeping in touch through regular phone calls.

Kerry Thompson, home manager at Winchcombe Place, said: “Here at Winchcombe Place, we know just how challenging the past few months have been for older members of the community, many of whom may have been shielding and unable to spend time with family and friends.

“We play in active role in the Newbury community, and are used to welcoming local people into the home for events and activities. Although current circumstances mean we are unable to do this, we want to ensure local people know we are still here to support them in any way that we can.”

Winchcombe Place is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia and short-term respite care. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.

Social prescribers, charities and support groups can refer members of the community to the Winchcombe Wellness initiative by getting in touch with customer relations manager, Vicki Lambourne, on 0333 321 1923, or email vicki.lambourne@careuk.com

For more general information about Winchcombe Place, please visit: careuk.com/winchcombe-place