Great Oaks, a specialist residential, nursing and dementia care home in Bournemouth, has welcomed nursery and primary school children into the home, as part of its on-going ambition to strengthen its links with the local community.
Pupils from Kinson Primary School have visited Great Oaks on several occasions; learning about care homes and meeting the residents. Ian MacDonald, Home Manager of Great Oaks, said: ‘‘We feel it is essential that all our residents feel part of the local community and therefore many of our events encourage members of the public to come to the care home to meet the team and our residents. Feeling isolated has such a negative effect on people’s sense of belonging and self-esteem but we can see the joy that visits from local groups brings them just from the smile on our residents’ faces.”
Children from The Orchard Nursery in Bournemouth have also become regular visitors of Great Oaks. The 3 to 5 year olds have treated residents to
a sing-song and have since returned to spend time with residents; reading their favourite stories with them.
Sue Goktas commented: ‘‘We loved having the children visit and it showed by the beaming smiles on our residents’ faces. Activities help to sustain both physical and mental health, so it is important that our residents are able to maintain interests and also have the opportunity to develop new ones.”
Entertainers and other local groups are also regularly invited into the home for dance and music sessions. Great Oaks residents also enjoy pet therapy sessions.
Great Oaks is discreetly located within a private woodland setting on Poole Lane. The idyllic location of Great Oaks offers residents a restful atmosphere, which is enhanced by the landscaped garden. It features raised flower beds and a vegetable patch, which green-fingered residents are welcome to help maintain.
Great Oaks is the latest addition of an established family of care homes from Encore, which specialises in modern, purpose-built, private care homes.
The growing family of homes includes Fairmile Grange in Christchurch, in partnership with the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Hamble Heights in Fareham, which has since achieved several awards; including Best Activities in the Regional Great British Care Awards.
For more information about Great Oaks, or to make an appointment to view the home, call 01202 087444 to speak to a member of the team.
