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Springdene Newsletter May 9th 2023

“IT WAS absolutely magical!”  This was the verdict of our venerable residents at Springdene after all our homes enjoyed three days of celebration for the Coronation of their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the weekend.

The homes were splendidly decorated with bunting, union jacks and posters, as residents gathered round the screens to watch events as they unfolded, many with flags in hand.  Menus were royally themed, including such favourites as Coronation Chicken.  Cakes were decorated colourfully, and the food was delicious.

On Bank Holiday Monday there were street-party-style high teas in each home, with folk gathered around long tables to partake of a veritable feast (see above the jolly scene at Springview).  There was music and singing (with some wonderful renderings by Steve at Springview.)  The high point was a toast to the new King and Queen.  From all of us at Springdene, a hearty: “God bless their Majesties!”

Another high point of recent weeks has been a visit and a talk from the local constituency MPs for each home.  At Spring Grove we enjoyed greeting Tulip Siddiq, MP for Hampstead and Kilburn.  Tulip, who is shadow secretary to the Treasury, is a rising star in the Labour Party and gave a fascinating account of her parliamentary work, as well as letting us into the secrets of how she thrives as an MP and a mother of two young children.

Catherine West, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, paid a fascinating visit to Spring Lane.  Catherine is also a shadow minister, and answered questions on many local issues, from availability of dentistry to the problems for wheelchairs on pavements.

At Springview, we were joined by Feryal Clark, MP for Enfield North and shadow minister for primary care.  Among other subjects, she gave us an insight into her area of special responsibility, the NHS.  If the current polls are correct, all these three bright women will soon have positions in a new government.  It will be very good for Springdene to have friends in high places!

Now that Covid has receded, we are delighted to have been able to organise many more visits from outside entertainers.  These have included professional singers, musicians specialising in dementia and children from local schools.

But the biggest hit of all has been the introduction of young animals into the homes for the residents to pet and handle.  This has been hugely popular, with Samantha and Emily from our activities staff bringing in their cat and guinea pig respectively.

But there was a marvellous moment when two young goats were brought in by an organisation called Performing Pets.  One of our residents, who suffers from dementia and hasn’t been known to talk for years, suddenly started speaking to these sweet animals.  If you don’t believe in miracles, then you may have to now!

Meanwhile we have some new, exciting events on offer to renew our connection to the local communities around the homes.  We are beginning by organising Springdene open days at each home for the very first time, starting this Thursday at Springview.  This will be followed by summer fetes, quiz suppers, cocktail evenings, wine tastings and so on

The open days will be held at each home between 11am and 7pm as follows:

Springview    –  Thursday     11^th May

Spring Grove  –  Tuesday      16^th May

Spring Lane   –  Wednesday 24^th May

All the departments will be coming together on these days to show off the best of the homes.  This will include an activities programme, entertainment, hairdressing, chef demonstrations and more.

We urge you to come along with your friends and neighbours and have a great time with us.  Hopefully this will finally allow us to put Covid behind us and renew our great local reputation.

On a positive financial note, you may recall the government introduced the Energy Bills Support Scheme last year which saw every household receive £400 towards their electricity bill.  Households did not need to do anything to receive this £400 with the discount applied automatically by their energy supplier.

However, not everyone received this automatic discount, including those people who live in a care home.  For this reason, in February this year, the government announced an expanded scheme (“Energy Bills Support Scheme – Alternative Funding”) especially for those people who did not receive the discount automatically.

To be eligible, the person in care needs to pay some or part of their fees privately. (If all fees are paid by the local council or NHS then you are unable to apply).

In short, we encourage you to explore whether you are able to apply for this discount for your loved one.  The scheme closes on 31 May 2023. Please go to the following link: https://www.gov.uk/apply-energy-bill-support-if-not-automatic .  Hurry – don’t miss out on free money!

At the same time, if you are not already aware of it, we also encourage you to explore whether you or your loved ones are able to apply for an Attendance Allowance.  This is a benefit that you might be able to claim if you are over State Pension age and if you have a disability severe enough that you need someone to help look after you.

Care home residents who pay for all their care home costs on their own are eligible to apply.  There are two different rates of Attendance Allowance.  For 2023/24, the Higher rate is £101.75 per week and the Lower rate is £68.10 per week. For further information and to apply please visit: https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance .

Meanwhile, we’d like to thank you for all the notes of praise you send in appreciation of the quality of our care.  Here is an endorsement for Spring Grove, which is typical of many we receive.  Clare, the daughter of one of our residents, writes:

“In early 2021, my siblings and I were nervous about placing my 94-year-old mother in a care home.  Spring Grove was recommended.  She has been fortunate to receive two years of the highest level of care and attention.

“The staff are outstanding – they are interested, thoughtful and extremely competent.  Their dedication and commitment are very impressive.  If my mother had arrived earlier and been able to engage in the many lively and varied activities that are offered, I know she would have enjoyed them, especially the classical music and film screenings in the comfortable communal lounges.

“The well-kept gardens are lovely and the home is in a good state.  There are many personal touches from birthday cards and cakes to holding laptops for Zoom calls, to local schools visiting and creating special cards.

“We are very glad we chose Spring Grove for my mother’s last home.  I can only say ‘Thank you!’”

If you, too, would like to say “Thank You”, then please leave a post on the website carehome.co.uk which gives us nationwide visibility and helps promote our homes to the broadest audience.  And please put the word out about us in your local communities.

We’ll be very grateful if you can support us in these ways!  Finally, our Chairman and CEO Michael Williams is always available for your thoughts and comments.  You can contact him at mwilliams@springdene.co.uk .  He’ll be delighted to hear from you.