16 hours ago
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admin
Sometimes the smallest gestures can have the biggest impact.
At Spring Grove Care Home in Hampstead, North London, residents and team members recently came together to celebrate National High Five Day, creating a day filled with smiles, laughter and meaningful moments of connection.
A simple high five can communicate encouragement, friendship, celebration and belonging. Throughout the day, residents, relatives, visitors and staff shared countless high fives, reminding us all that human connection is at the heart of everything we do at Springdene Care Homes.
Celebrating Connection Through Simple Moments
National High Five Day may seem like a light-hearted occasion, but it perfectly reflects the values we cherish at Spring Grove.
Across the home, residents and team members took part in a fun activity centred around sharing high fives and spreading positivity. The atmosphere was filled with laughter as everyone joined in, creating spontaneous moments of joy and interaction.
These shared experiences help build relationships, encourage social engagement and create a strong sense of community throughout the home.
Why Connection Matters in Later Life
At Spring Grove, we understand that wellbeing is about much more than physical care.
Meaningful social interactions can help residents feel valued, included and connected to those around them. Something as simple as a smile, a conversation or a high five can brighten someone’s day and strengthen relationships.
Activities like National High Five Day support:
- Social connection and communication
- Emotional wellbeing
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Positive relationships between residents and staff
- A sense of belonging within the community
These everyday moments often become the memories that matter most.
Bringing Residents, Families and Staff Together
One of the most rewarding aspects of National High Five Day was seeing residents and team members sharing genuine moments of happiness together.
At Springdene, we believe that care is built on relationships. Whether through organised activities, family visits, celebrations or spontaneous interactions, creating opportunities for connection remains central to our person-centred approach.
The simple act of a high five became a symbol of friendship, encouragement and mutual respect across the home.
Life at Spring Grove in Hampstead, North London
Located in Hampstead, North London, Spring Grove Care Home provides a welcoming and vibrant environment where residents can continue to enjoy meaningful experiences every day.
Our activities programme is designed to support physical, emotional and social wellbeing, offering opportunities for residents to connect, learn, create and have fun.
From themed celebrations and creative activities to music, reminiscence sessions and community events, we strive to ensure every day offers moments of joy and engagement.
Small Gestures, Lasting Impact
National High Five Day was a wonderful reminder that meaningful care often comes from the simplest interactions.
A high five may last only a second, but the smile it creates can last much longer.
At Spring Grove, we are proud to create an environment where kindness, friendship and human connection are celebrated every day.
Watch our Instagram video to see some of the smiles, laughter and high fives shared during our National High Five Day celebrations.
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6 days ago
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admin
Words have a wonderful way of bringing people together, sparking memories and celebrating the stories that make us who we are. At Spring Grove Care Home in Hampstead, residents recently enjoyed a special celebration for World Scrabble Day, combining creativity, conversation and meaningful engagement.
The day was filled with laughter, reminiscence and plenty of wordplay as residents explored language, shared memories and created personalised Scrabble-inspired artwork that celebrated their identities and life stories.
Celebrating the Power of Words
At Spring Grove, we know that even a single word can hold a lifetime of meaning.
To mark World Scrabble Day, residents took part in a range of activities inspired by the popular word game. From building words together and sharing favourite sayings to discussing names, places and treasured memories, every activity encouraged communication and connection.
The event created countless opportunities for residents to engage with one another, share stories from their lives and enjoy the simple pleasure of conversation.
Creativity Meets Connection
This year’s celebration also linked beautifully with World Art Day, giving residents the opportunity to create personalised Scrabble-inspired artwork using letter tiles and meaningful words.
Residents proudly displayed their names and special words, creating unique keepsakes that reflected their individuality, personalities and life experiences.
These creative activities encouraged self-expression while celebrating what makes each resident unique.
Supporting Wellbeing Through Meaningful Activities
Activities such as Scrabble-themed games and creative word projects offer many benefits for older adults, including those living with dementia.
At Spring Grove, these activities help support:
- Cognitive stimulation and memory recall
- Communication and social interaction
- Confidence and self-expression
- Emotional wellbeing
- A strong sense of identity and belonging
By focusing on person-centred activities that reflect residents’ interests and experiences, we continue to create opportunities for meaningful engagement every day.
Community Life at Spring Grove in North London
Located in Hampstead, close to Finchley Road and Swiss Cottage, Spring Grove Care Home is proud to provide a welcoming environment where residents can enjoy enriching experiences, build friendships and remain actively involved in daily life.
Whether through creative arts, music, reminiscence activities or themed celebrations such as World Scrabble Day, our team is committed to helping residents stay connected, engaged and inspired.
Families often tell us how much they value seeing their loved ones participating in activities that celebrate individuality while fostering a genuine sense of community.
Every Voice Matters
World Scrabble Day reminded us that words are far more than letters on a board. They represent memories, friendships, achievements, loved ones and life experiences.
At Spring Grove, every resident has a story worth sharing, and activities like these help ensure every voice is heard and celebrated.
Watch our Instagram video to see some of the wonderful creations, smiles and special moments from our World Scrabble Day celebrations.
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2 months ago
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admin
At Springdene Care Homes, where life is for living, we are passionate about creating meaningful connections that bring people together. At Spring Grove Care Home in North London, we were delighted to celebrate Global Intergenerational Week 2026 with a special moment of storytelling shared across generations.
Bringing Generations Together Through Storytelling
Global Intergenerational Week is all about creating opportunities for younger and older generations to connect, share experiences and build meaningful relationships.
At Spring Grove, residents took part in a beautiful reading of “Man Gave Names to All the Animals” by Bob Dylan, a story that sparked imagination, conversation and joy.
👉 Watch the full reading here and experience this special intergenerational moment: https://youtube.com/watch?v=1wZqk7NaFMM
This simple yet powerful activity created a shared experience that could be enjoyed by families, children and the wider community.
The Power of Intergenerational Connection in Care Homes
At our North London care home, we understand how important it is to nurture connections between generations.
Reducing Loneliness and Building Relationships
Activities like this help to:
- Reduce feelings of loneliness
- Encourage meaningful interaction
- Strengthen bonds between residents, families and the community
By creating shared experiences, we help residents feel more connected to the world around them.
Supporting Wellbeing Through Shared Experiences
Storytelling is a powerful tool in care settings. It supports:
- Cognitive engagement
- Emotional wellbeing
- Communication and self-expression
At Springdene, we design activities that are not only enjoyable, but also enrich daily life in a meaningful way.
A Community That Feels Like Family
At Spring Grove Care Home, we pride ourselves on creating a warm, welcoming environment where residents feel part of a close-knit community.
Events like Global Intergenerational Week bring families, visitors and residents together, reinforcing the sense that Springdene is not just a care home — but a place where relationships thrive.
Discover Life at Springdene Care Homes in North London
If you are looking for a care home in North London that values connection, community and person-centred care, Springdene Care Homes offers a supportive and engaging environment for every resident.
Get in touch to learn more about life at Springdene and how we create meaningful experiences every day.
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4 months ago
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admin
Spring Grove Care Home in Hampstead proudly kicked off the 2026 Employee Appreciation Awards season with a wonderful celebration of our dedicated team.
Located on Finchley Road near Swiss Cottage in North London, Spring Grove is built on the strength of its people. This year’s awards event was a joyful reminder that exceptional care begins with exceptional staff.
Celebrating the Heart of Our Care Home Community
At Spring Grove, we believe that great care is rooted in kindness, consistency and community. The 2026 Employee Appreciation Awards brought residents, colleagues and leadership together to celebrate the compassion and commitment shown by our team every single day.
The event was filled with warmth, laughter and pride as certificates were presented and achievements recognised. These awards reflect the core values that shape life at Springdene Care Homes across North London.
A Day of Family, Fun and Festivities

The celebration had everything you would expect from a Spring Grove gathering:
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Beautifully decorated spaces
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Gold-themed celebration backdrops
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Delicious cakes and sweet treats
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Smiles from residents and staff alike
Our talented team enjoyed a well-deserved moment in the spotlight, with entertainment, music and plenty of cake to mark the occasion.
At Spring Grove in Hampstead, we don’t just talk about family, we live it! Staff, residents and relatives form a close-knit community, and events like this strengthen those bonds.
Recognising Excellence in Care in North London
Providing high-quality residential and dementia care in Hampstead and the surrounding North London area requires dedication, patience and professionalism.
The 2026 Employee Appreciation Awards recognised team members who consistently demonstrate:
Whether supporting engaging activities, assisting families, or providing daily reassurance, our team makes a meaningful difference.

Why Staff Recognition Matters in a Care Home
In a care home environment, relationships are everything.
When staff feel valued, supported and celebrated, it directly impacts the wellbeing of residents. Recognition days like this reinforce our commitment to maintaining a positive, supportive workplace culture at Spring Grove.
This culture is what allows us to deliver trusted care for families in:
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Hampstead
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Swiss Cottage
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Finchley Road
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Wider North London

Life at Spring Grove Care Home, Hampstead
Spring Grove is part of the Springdene Care Homes family, providing a safe, welcoming and engaging environment for older people in North London.
From daily activities and celebrations to meaningful one-to-one care, our focus remains on creating a home where residents feel secure, valued and part of a vibrant community.
Events like our Employee Appreciation Awards are just one example of how we nurture both our staff and our residents.
If you would like to learn more about life at Spring Grove Care Home in Hampstead, please get in touch with our friendly team or arrange a visit.
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7 months ago
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admin
Mitzvah Day is always a highlight in our North London community, and this year’s celebration at Spring Grove Care Home was filled with joy, creativity and plenty of meaningful moments. Residents, volunteers and guests came together to take part in uplifting activities that truly embodied the spirit of giving back.

A Warm Community Gathering in North London
The home was full of smiles from the moment our special guests arrived. We were delighted to welcome Mitzvah Day founder Laura Marks CBE, along with her daughter Sally Patterson and Laura’s husband Dan, whose wonderful musical performance brought the room to life. Guitar-led singalongs had residents clapping, dancing and sharing memories.
Mitzvah Day creates a sense of connection, and it was lovely to see residents chatting with volunteers and staff, enjoying the lively atmosphere and the shared sense of purpose.
Biscuit Baking for a Cause

One of the day’s most loved activities was our biscuit-making session. Residents rolled dough, pressed cookie cutters into shapes, and helped prepare trays of treats that will be sent to JW3 London and distributed to local homeless shelters.
It was a lovely way to bring people together. The kitchen filled with conversation and laughter as residents teamed up with volunteers to create something that would bring comfort to others in the community.
In the days leading up to Mitzvah Day, our Spring Grove family also collected an amazing selection of items for the JW3 foodbank. We are so grateful to everyone who donated. Your kindness truly makes a difference.
Music, Movement and Meaningful Moments
As the guitars played, many residents couldn’t resist getting up for a dance. Staff and volunteers joined in, helping create a warm, family-like atmosphere. These small moments of connection are at the heart of life at Spring Grove, and Mitzvah Day gave us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate them.

A Celebration of Community and Care
Mitzvah Day at Spring Grove Care Home was more than an activity; it was a reminder of what makes our North London community so special. The day was filled with kindness, togetherness and shared purpose — values that sit right at the heart of Springdene’s approach to care.
We want to say a heartfelt thank you to Laura, Sally, Dan, and everyone who joined us, donated items or supported the day. Your contribution helps make Spring Grove a vibrant and welcoming home.
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7 months ago
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admin
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, was a wonderfully warm celebration across Springdene’s care homes in North London – from Muswell Hill and Hampstead to Enfield. Residents and staff came together to enjoy a colourful afternoon filled with music, storytelling, and delicious Indian treats.
This year’s event captured everything that makes Springdene special: community spirit, cultural celebration and activities that bring joy and connection to daily life.
Lighting Up Our Homes with Colour and Culture
At Spring Lane, Spring Grove and Springview Care Homes, residents joined in a vibrant Diwali celebration featuring:
- Traditional Diwali music
- Colourful rangoli and mandala art
- A tasting session of popular Indian snacks and sweets
- Warm, shared conversations and laughter
The room was filled with colour, creativity and the welcoming glow of Diwali lights – a beautiful reminder that celebration and community belong to everyone, at every age.
A Mouth-Watering Diwali Tasting Experience
Our residents enjoyed a delicious selection of Indian favourites, including:
Poppadoms and crackers
- Bombay mix
- Chutneys and pickles
- Gulab jamun (a resident favourite!)
- Chai masala tea
The tasting session brought back memories, sparked new conversations and created a shared moment of discovery between residents and staff.
Creativity and Calm with Rangoli Art
Many residents chose to take part in colourful rangoli and mandala artwork. These beautiful patterns, traditionally used during Diwali to welcome goodness and good fortune, gave residents a chance to relax, focus and enjoy gentle creativity.
The finished pieces were proudly displayed – and so were the smiles.
Celebrations That Bring People Together
At Springdene, events like Diwali aren’t just activities. They are moments that:
Encourage connection and conversation
- Help residents share traditions and stories
- Celebrate cultures and communities represented in North London
- Bring joy, music and warmth into every care home
Families, staff and residents enjoyed the chance to learn something new and celebrate side by side.
Watch Our Diwali Celebration
🎥 View our Diwali highlights video here:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DQocqQsFcZ8/?img_index=2
Care with Heart in North London
Springdene Care Homes are based in North London, with homes in Muswell Hill (Spring Lane), Hampstead (Spring Grove) and Enfield (Springview). Each home runs a full calendar of events and cultural celebrations throughout the year, helping residents enjoy meaningful, social and uplifting experiences.
To learn more about life at our homes or to arrange a visit, please get in touch with our friendly team.
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1 year ago
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admin
Opening our doors this Valentine’s Day
On 14 February 2025, we welcomed families, friends and local professionals to our latest Open Day at Spring Grove Care Home in Hampstead, North London. Our doors on Finchley Road were open for tours, conversations and plenty of warm hospitality, giving visitors a real feel for life in our long-established, family-run home.
Guests were able to meet residents and team members, see our beautifully furnished lounges and cinema room, and explore our peaceful garden spaces. Most importantly, they could experience the friendly atmosphere that makes Springdene one of the most trusted North London care homes.

Throughout the afternoon, our team were on hand to answer questions about residential care, dementia care and short-term respite stays. Whether people were considering a move now or simply planning ahead, the Open Day offered a relaxed way to see what day-to-day life is like at Spring Grove and how we support every resident to feel at home.

Part of the Springdene family of North London care homes
Spring Grove is part of Springdene Care Homes, a small group of family-run homes that have been caring for older people in North London for many years. Alongside our Hampstead home, families looking for a care home in Enfield or surrounding areas can also explore our sister homes, all offering person-centred care, meaningful activities and a commitment to residents’ wellbeing.

If you were unable to join us on Valentine’s Day, you are very welcome to arrange a personal visit at a time that suits you. Our team will be delighted to show you around, introduce you to residents and answer any questions about finding the right care home in North London for yourself or a loved one.
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2 years ago
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admin
The leaves are drifting down from the trees, memories of summer are fading and there’s a chill in the air. But all was warm and cheerful as we celebrated the Grand Reopening of Spring Lane to mark the culmination of major enhancement works. There was a multiplicity of activities, including a raffle and a tombola and a sumptuous choice of food and drink. The local fire brigade came along to give a demonstration.
Folk gathered in the smart new lounge and dining room to hear a jazz band play favourite melodies and to tuck into delicious food. Residents and guests queued up to peer into the future in the fortune-teller’s tent. Meanwhile the cake-stand, with some superb home-made goodies, was doing brisk business.
One of the high points was the Springdene Dog Show (pictured), where well-preened pooches put their best paw forward to parade for a prize in various doggy categories. There was much amusement when Alfie, an eight-year-old Bedlington Terrier was judged to be winner in the waggiest tail category!
The day ended with folk taking to the dance floor, with some of the sprightliest steps coming from the residents themselves. We were delighted that so many of our neighbours in Muswell Hill took the trouble to pop in to inspect the high quality of the new works.
Now the builders at Spring Lane are concluding, the attention of our refurbishment teams is turning to Spring Grove, where a whole floor is being refurbished to install brand new wet-rooms. The work is expected to take six or seven months, but we are excited that we will eventually have a state-of-the-art home for our discerning Hampstead residents.
As well as looking forward to the modernisation of our estates, we have been delighted to welcome new staff – in particular Grace Ramalho who has joined us as manager of Springview. Grace has a wealth of experience in care, with over 30 years as a registered home manager and a degree in healthcare management. She is already settling in nicely and is proving popular with residents and staff.
We’re also pleased to announce a new role for our award-winning in-house artist Odile Kidd, who has been inspiring Spring Grove residents with her creative vision for many years. Many will recall the exhibition at Camden Arts Centre which she helped to curate, involving some of our residents. Odile brings her experience as an in-house artist at the Natural History Museum.
Now Odile is to become “Engagement Wellbeing Coordinator Art Specialist” and will in future support all three homes on a part-time basis. Art creation is at the heart of care-home life and Odile’s energy will ensure it continues to thrive at Springdene.
Sadly, though, it’s goodbye to one of the great stalwarts of Springdene – Sue Gilks, our resident services manager. Nothing escapes Sue’s eagle-eye, and she has been responsible over a dozen years for the exceptionally high standards in the homes. We wish Sue all the very best in her retirement. Good wishes, too, to our catering manager Mark Gates, who is off to pastures new.
There is no finer aspect to Springdene than our work for charity, and on this front, we are pleased to announce we are channelling our fund-raising efforts towards a new organisation – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. The charity is celebrating its bicentenary this year and is an essential part of our emergency services, even though receiving no funds from the government. Did you know that the RNLI saved 355 lives last year?
Meanwhile our existing charity, Medical Detection Dogs, goes from strength to strength. Springdene families and residents have raised an astonishing £40,000 to sponsor the amazing dogs that can sniff out a range of illnesses, including Covid and diabetes. We hear that dogs are now being trained to detect prostate cancer – one of the biggest killers of men in Britain. This pioneering work could not have been done without your donations.
As the year draws to an end, we are taking stock of recent political changes and how they affect the care sector. We had hoped that the incoming government might have got to grips with developing a long-needed coherent strategy for care. But so far this has not materialised, while the NHS is receiving a major boost in funds and is to be the subject of substantial reform.
However, like other care-home operators, we are facing a sizeable hike in employee National Insurance contributions, announced in the Budget. We are just doing our sums to assess how this will affect us when it is introduced in the spring.
On a cheerier note, the Springdene Christmas party season is about to begin – joyously as always. Over at Springview, the big day is on November 28, when the Christmas lights are switched on. Kathy Dunn, who organises it brilliantly each year, tells us the occasion will be bigger and better than ever.
A new troupe of illuminated elves has been acquired, and once again the snow machine will be cranking into action. “We’ve got so many lights,” reckons Kathy, “that you’ll be able to see us from space.”
Meanwhile, over the coming weeks, all our homes will be getting out the decorations, installing the Christmas firs and honing up delicious festive menus. There are few things as cosy and warm as Christmas at Springdene. We can’t wait!
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2 years ago
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admin
It’s been a great summer for Springdene as we celebrate the 55th anniversary of our foundation. We had a splendid party at Springview to mark the occasion, which we all enjoyed, including our Enfield neighbours, who joined in enthusiastically.
There was a multiplicity of activities, including a raffle and a tombola and a sumptuous choice of food and drink. The local fire brigade came along to give a demonstration.
But the high point was an exhibition of vintage cars and commercial vehicles, which sparked lots of golden memories among our residents. These were laid on by the neighbouring Whitewebbs transport museum, which is one of the hidden jewels of Enfield. Thanks to them – and we strongly recommend a visit.
One of the joys of the party was raising the magnificent sum of £1,700 for our favourite charity, Medical Detection Dogs. The charity does marvellous work with its animals which are trained to “sniff out” the early signs of serious illnesses, such as cancer and diabetes. Our very own sponsored dog Spring, whom we have adopted since he was a puppy, is busy saving saves, thanks to your input.
The cheque was presented at a special ceremony by Mrs June Powell, joint founder of Springdene Care Homes (right, in the picture). “Our residents and families are proud to play their part in funding the good work of this excellent charity,” said Mrs Powell.
With the recent summer weather, the gardens of the homes are looking splendid. There are colourful blooms everywhere thanks to our green-fingered director, Stacey-Louise Balcombe.
At Spring Lane, the patio garden has been re-planned and is looking lovely. At Springview we are keeping our fingers crossed for the results of the Enfield in Bloom competition – and, indeed, one of their inspectors was spotted the other day sussing out our gardens.
Our residents have not only been enjoying the gardens in the summer weather, but they have been getting out and about, too. Fraser, our dynamic new wellbeing coordinator at Spring Lane, has been busy organising visits, with two memorable outings – to the RAF Museum at Hendon and London Zoo in Regents Park.
So it’s welcome to Fraser, and also to Erika, our new clinical lead who has joined us to support our group operations supremo, Mark Clements. Mark will now have the time to focus on strategic issues for the future. We are also looking forward to the arrival in the autumn of a new manager at Springview to replace Iva Petrova, who has moved on to a new job.
At Spring Lane, Alex Codrescu continues to hold the fort while manager Lori Vela enjoys maternity leave with her beautiful new baby.
Also at Spring Lane, we are excited with the countdown to the completion of the modernisation programme in the upstairs bedrooms. We’re also getting a lovely new lounge and entrance area, which will enhance everyone’s lives. Over at Spring Grove the new cinema room is in operation, with enhanced viewing for everyone.
As always, live music continues to flourish in all our homes. Our old favourite Roddy Skeaping continues to entertain with his much-loved singalongs while the Dance Well team keep everyone on their toes.
This involves exploring various movements to music using all sorts of props. The staff join in, and everyone has a good laugh. And we mustn’t forget Lost Chord, who do such good work among those with memory issues.
For us in the management team, the arrival of a new government means some change on the care landscape. The Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, has declared dissatisfaction with the Care Quality Commission, the care home regulator, and undoubtedly there will be some changes. At the same time Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, has abandoned the idea of a cap on care costs, although there is talk of a Royal Commission on the subject.
Meanwhile prepare your diaries for a party in the early autumn to celebrate the completion of the works at Spring Lane. It promises to be a great occasion. Until then, enjoy your summer!
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2 years ago
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admin
HAPPY New Year to all, wherever you may be, and we hope you are looking forward to 2024, following a fantastic festive season at Springdene. By general agreement, our celebrations in the homes were among the best for many years.
Our party season kicked off at the end of November with the official switch-on of the Christmas lights at Springview by Councillor Suna Hurman, Mayor of Enfield. Councillor Hurman chatted to the residents and congratulated Springdene on more than 50 years of service to the community.
The local paper, the Enfield Independent, ran a full-page feature about the occasion, featuring pictures of our residents enjoying mince pies and roasted marshmallows, including our snow machine in action!
The decorations across all the homes looked fantastic. And there were splendid repasts every day, prepared by our new catering manager Mark Gates and his team
High point was Christmas Day lunch in the homes with all the trimmings. Afterwards the directors served a roast turkey and Christmas pudding lunch to the hard-working staff, a ritual which is very popular every year.
“It was a pleasure to give our folk a chance to put their feet up for a short time,“ said CEO Michael Williams. “They are lovely people who work so hard for us. Wonderful for them to have a bit of relaxation and enjoyment for themselves on Christmas Day.
After a hearty New Year celebration, the festive season was still going strong this week with a coach visit by the residents of Spring Grove to the Wallace Collection art gallery near Oxford Street, where everyone marvelled at the lights and were treated to a special show-round by the curators.
One resident went on the record to say, “I believe I speak for everybody in saying we’ve all had a lovely time. If I’d been at home on my own, Christmas would have been nothing like this. I’m so grateful to be looked after at Springdene.”
Hard on the heels of the Festive Season came the Annual Employee Appreciation Awards – the “Oscars” of the Springdene year – in which staff nominated their colleagues for 10 special prizes in various categories.
The first of three ceremonies took place at Spring Lane on Wednesday, where care assistant Monika Sas-Jaworska won Carer of the Year. She was praised for being “polite, kind and caring about everyone – residents and staff alike, – and going the extra mile on every shift”. Well done, Monika!
Afterwards there was a wonderful singer, great food and dancing into the late afternoon, while winners lined up for the cameras to display their awards (see picture above). It brought a tear to the eye to observe residents waltzing with carers!
Quite separately our talented artist in residence, Odile Kidd and her team of residents, won a “highly-commended” honour in the North Central London Care System art awards. Her paper wreaths, everyone agreed, were quite delightful!
On another note, 2024 will bring some important management changes. Michael Williams, the present CEO is stepping down from his post in March. He took the helm three years ago after the indisposition of the previous incumbent Jeremy Balcombe, and is returning to his previous occupation as best-selling author and senior journalist in the national media.
However, Michael will not be severing his connection with Springdene entirely – he will continue as Chairman of the Board as well as authoring this acclaimed newsletter and will welcome staying in touch with residents and their families.
The new CEO will be Theodore Powell, currently facilities director with responsibility for project management. A graduate of Nottingham University, Theodore is a grandson of Dr Arnold and Mrs June Powell, founders of the company – cementing the Springdene tradition as a family business. He takes up his new job on March 14.
One thing he will be supervising is our new process of charging residents according to their care needs, which began this week. To explain: each resident will have a six-monthly assessment of their care needs according to a set scale, with their fees adjusted appropriately. Fees may rise or fall, depending on circumstances but it will be a much more equitable means of charging.
However, don’t worry, there is a built-in safeguard against excessive jumps in fees. If you are concerned, don’t hesitate to contact our CEO, Michael Williams on mwilliams@springdene.co.uk
Meanwhile we continue the process of modernising the homes. The programme of upgrading the rooms on the fourth floor of Spring Lane is more than halfway through and we are getting on with transforming the reception area. Apologies and thanks for forbearance in putting up with the noise and dust.
Next, we’re turning our attention to Spring Grove, where new wetrooms will be created and the lounge areas will get a makeover, establishing a new cinema room in the process.
We are delighted to report that we continue to receive a stream of praise from our residents and their families. Gill, the cousin of one of our Spring Lane residents, recently wrote:
“As a trained carer myself, I can honestly say that I have never seen a better care home than Spring Lane. The rooms and common areas are spotlessly clean, well-appointed, and extremely comfortable. Ongoing activities and entertainment are plentiful. Residents are encouraged, but not forced, to participate. Visiting is unrestricted.
“Each and every member of staff seems totally engaged in ensuring that each individual resident is clean, safe, happy, and living life to their utmost potential. The ratio of carers to residents seems higher than most and there’s a happy atmosphere – lots of smiles!”
Do you have a similar message of praise for us? We’re about to submit our excellent record of care to the judges of the annual National Care Awards and you could help us win a prize. It’s simple. Just go to www.carehome.co.uk or fill in a simple form in one of our homes’ reception areas. But don’t delay – nominations close on January 11. We’ll be grateful for your support!
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