Stanley care home shortlisted for a national award

A care home in Stanley is celebrating after being named a finalist in the Care Home Awards 2022.

Care UK’s Stanley Park, on Wear Road, has been shortlisted in the ‘Best for Indoor/Outdoor Communal Spaces’ category, which recognises outstanding gardens and interior design.

 

The Care Home Awards recognise and reward excellence and innovation in UK care home management, operation and delivery. The winners will be announced at the annual awards ceremony in July. 

Stanley Park’s layout – suites featuring their own lounges and dining rooms – have been designed to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities within the home. There are also a number of interest points residents can visit when it suits them, promoting independence and giving them the opportunity to continue doing things they enjoyed in their younger years. This includes a traditional pub, the Open Arms, as well as a beautifully decorated tearoom, perfect to catch up with families or friends in a special setting. 

It's the outdoors spaces, however, which truly make Stanley Park stand out. The home was recently named as one of the winners of Stanley in Bloom for its stunning garden creations made by residents and team members – including impressive flower displays, including a rowing sailor surrounded by flower beds and a mock train station in the home’s garden – and will now go on to compete on a regional level by entering Northumbria in Bloom.

Residents and team members also create seasonal-themed displays, which never fail to impress the community, such as their annual Christmas lights decorations. The home is also planning on creating a special jubilee area to mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee celebration, set to feature a crown as well as an array of red, white and blue flowers. There will also be a ‘tulips from Amsterdam’-themed display in a separate area, complete with a central windmill, which is currently being built, as well as water features and a quiet seating area.

Valerie Bayles, a resident at Stanley Park, said: “I have always found gardening a relaxing job, and it’s nice that I can be involved in making it better for everyone. We all get very proud when people make nice comments about our garden.”

Home Manager at Stanley Park, Christine Gibson, said: “We are thrilled to have been shortlisted in the ‘Best for Indoor/Outdoor Communal Spaces’ in this year’s Care Home Awards.

“Gardening itself has many therapeutic benefits for older people, especially those living with dementia, encouraging physical activity and also time spent outdoors, which can help to lower stress and anxiety levels. Winning Stanley in Bloom earlier this year and having the opportunity to enter Northumbria in Bloom is definitely the cherry on the cake – you could see the pride in residents’ eyes, it was great to see everyone’s hard work being recognised.

“We’re looking forward to the award ceremony – and will keep our fingers crossed we come out as the winners.”

Stanley Park 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 and nursing care, as well as short-term respite. 

To find out more about Stanley Park, please contact Home Manager, Christine Gibson, on 01207 668587 or email christine.gibson@careuk.com.

For more general information, visit careuk.com/stanley-park.