Ashbourne Lodge Care Home

11 hours ago

🌟 Meet Verna – A Resident at Ashbourne Lodge! 🌟

At Ashbourne Lodge, we are privileged to have so many wonderful residents who bring warmth and personality to our community. One of those special individuals is Verna, who has just celebrated an incredible milestone – her 100th birthday! 🎉💐

🎂 A Remarkable Life

Verna has been with us at Ashbourne Lodge since July 2024, after a stay in hospital. Before that, she lived in Alton for many years. During her working life, she was part of a narrow fabrics factory in Mayfield, creating materials for the armed forces. Her life has been filled with experiences, and she is looking forward to celebrating her centenary with a special family gathering. 🎈

🏡 Life at Ashbourne Lodge

Adjusting to life at Ashbourne Lodge has been a smooth transition for Verna. While she managed independently before moving in, an injury meant she needed a little more support. Now, she enjoys the peace of knowing that everything is taken care of—no cooking, cleaning, or washing to worry about! "It’s lovely that my family can visit whenever they want, and I don’t have to worry about managing things on my own anymore," she says.

🤗 Friendships & Community
For Verna, one of the best things about living at Ashbourne Lodge is the friendly and welcoming atmosphere. "Everyone here is lovely—there’s always someone to talk to if you feel like it," she shares. She has formed great friendships with fellow residents Josie and Bess, and they enjoy spending time together. The staff also play a big part in making her feel comfortable, always stopping for a chat and making sure she’s happy.

🌟 Kindness & Care That Makes a Difference
Verna speaks highly of the care she receives, describing the team as hardworking, dedicated, and always ready to brighten her day. "They do their very best, always rushing around, but never too busy to make me feel comfortable," she says. A moment that stands out to her is the way one of the carers sings with her while pushing her along the corridor, lifting her spirits every time. 🎶😊

📖 Making the Most of Each Day
Despite her vision and hearing making some activities difficult, Verna still enjoys her Kindle, as she can enlarge the text to continue her love of reading. More than anything, she appreciates the chance to sit and chat with different people, making connections and sharing stories.

🌿 Looking to the Future
Verna’s hopes for the future are simple yet meaningful—to stay as healthy as possible so she can continue spending time with her family and friends. With her positive outlook and the support of Ashbourne Lodge, we have no doubt she’ll continue making wonderful memories.
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Ashbourne Lodge Care Home

1 day ago

🌟 Meet Jim – Home Manager at Ashbourne Lodge! 🌟

At Ashbourne Lodge, we are fortunate to have a Home Manager who leads with dedication and a strong sense of responsibility for both the residents and the team. Jim, our Home Manager, plays a central role in making sure the home runs efficiently and that residents receive the highest standard of care.

Jim’s Role: Overseeing the Day-to-Day at Ashbourne Lodge

As the Home Manager, Jim is responsible for the smooth running of Ashbourne Lodge. His role involves making sure that residents’ needs are met, ensuring the home complies with all necessary regulations, and managing the various teams within the Lodge. “My role is to oversee the day-to-day operations of the home, from the care team to the kitchen, domestic, and activities staff. We all work together to ensure the best possible care for our residents,” Jim explains. "Each team plays a crucial part in supporting our residents, and my job is to make sure that everything fits together seamlessly." 🧩👨‍⚕️

Leading the Team and Fostering a Positive Work Environment

Jim leads by example, offering guidance and support to his team whenever needed. “I provide support and coaching, and I’m always available for the team if they need help or guidance,” says Jim. He is committed to ensuring his team continues to grow in their roles, offering regular training and supervision to ensure they stay up to date with their skills and knowledge. “A big part of my role is supporting my team and making sure they’re able to focus on the residents without worrying about anything else,” he adds. 👥💬

Challenges and Rewards of Being Home Manager

Every day brings new challenges for Jim. "There are always things to manage – from external referrals to making sure the home is compliant with regulations," he explains. However, he finds the most rewarding moments in the simple satisfaction of knowing that the residents are well looked after. “The best part of my job is knowing that we’ve made a positive impact on someone’s day, whether it’s through a smile, a thank you, or just knowing we’ve done our best for them," Jim shares. 🌟

Looking Ahead: Jim’s Vision for the Future
Jim’s goal is to continue improving Ashbourne Lodge and adapting to the ever-changing needs of the care sector. "I want to ensure we’re always moving forward, embracing new ideas and ways of working to ensure that our residents receive the best care possible," he says. Jim is committed to maintaining a home where the residents feel comfortable, and their needs are met in a way that promotes dignity and respect. “It’s about making sure the home remains a place where residents are looked after in the best possible way," he adds. 💭🏡

Ensuring Individualised Care

Jim works closely with the team to ensure that the care plans for each resident are tailored to their specific needs. "We start every shift with a handover meeting, so everyone is up to date on each resident’s care requirements," Jim explains. “We also work with the activities team to make sure we’re planning activities that suit the residents’ interests and abilities.” Whether it’s physical exercise or simply a conversation, Jim ensures that the team addresses both the physical and emotional needs of the residents. 📝💪

Supporting Research in Care

Jim is also involved in supporting research that can improve the quality of care in the elderly sector. “We work with professionals in health and social care to help them understand the needs of elderly residents and develop better approaches to care," Jim explains. "This includes ensuring that any research we participate in is always with the consent of the individual or their family." 🔬📚

Looking Forward: Goals for Ashbourne Lodge

Looking ahead, Jim has clear goals for the future of Ashbourne Lodge. "I want to make sure we continue to be at the forefront of care, embracing new ideas and ensuring that our team is well-prepared to meet the evolving needs of our residents," he says. “Our aim is to always provide the best care possible for every resident who calls Ashbourne Lodge home.” 🚀🌍

We’re grateful to have Jim leading Ashbourne Lodge. His commitment to high-quality care, leadership, and focus on resident welfare makes a real difference every day.
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