An apple a day - Eye care home receives special donation

Home news

Apr 23, 2021

An Eye care home was delighted to receive a very special gift from a resident who lives there.

Lady Julia Henniker, from Care UK’s Hartismere Place, on Castleton Way, was delighted to donate and plant one of her family’s very own apple trees in the home’s garden.

Cultivated in the 19^th century, the Royal Horticultural Society certified apple, aptly named the Lady Henniker, was named after Lord Henniker, of Suffolk’s Thornham Hall. The first tree was raised by Head Gardener to the Lord, John Perkins, from a cider pip.

Keen to continue her family tradition, and keep her own apple tree at Hartismere Place, Lady Henniker was delighted to take part in a very special tree planting at the home, located in perfect view from her bedroom window.

Marie Reeve, Home Manager at Hartismere Place, said: “Everyone at the home knows how proud Lady Julia Henniker is of her family history, and we were honoured to be gifted an apple tree of our very own for our garden

“Here at Hartismere Place, we are always looking for new and creative ways to support residents to lead active and fulfilling lives. Taking part in activities and conversations connected to a person’s identity can be incredibly beneficial for older people, as it can prompt memory sharing and the associated emotions. It’s certainly a great talking point for Lady Julia with other residents and team members!

“Residents also love taking part in gardening activities, and we are all looking forward to picking the first apples from our new tree.”

Rated by the Care Quality Commission as ‘Outstanding’, Hartismere Place has been praised for providing a high level of person-centred care and for the positive and caring relationships team members have established with residents. The home also has strong connections with the local community, playing an active role in initiatives such as the Eye Sculpture Trail and Eye Twinning Association.

Hartismere Place has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home provides full-time residential, residential dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite.

To find out more about Hartismere Place, please contact Home Manager, Marie Reeve, on 01379 888276, or Marie.reeve@careuk.com

For more general information visit careuk.com/hartismere-place