Avery Life Issue 2

TALKING TO YOU NOT ABOUT YOU

PLAYLIST FOR LIFE KEEPING THE

FAITH

HEALING

BY INTERACTION

MOTHER NATURE’S

RIGHT HAND MAN

SIR DAVID

ATTENBOROUGH

CELEBRATING

COUPLES

IN CARE

A DV I C E | HEA LT H & WE LL NESS | ENTERTA I NM ENT | N E WS

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Looking forwards to a bright future Avery Healthcare is a premium care provider in the senior living sector in the UK, with a current portfolio of 59 care homes with several new developments in build. Avery has a longstanding reputation for innovation in the design and development of care homes, attracting global market investment into its assets, and creating a benchmark that many other care providers covet. The

company has established a reputation for delivering high-quality homes with imaginative, design-led solutions and richly furnished interiors, resulting in a strong foothold in the private market.

Besides luxury buildings and professional staff, Avery also pays attention to all the other factors that make for the best in retirement living and care, so that residents live a fulfilled and as normal a life as possible. Each care home has restaurant-quality dining rooms on each floor, with service to the table by uniformed staff; and a team of professionally trained chefs in commercial standard kitchens ensuring the best at these important social times of the day.

A daily well-being programme of activities is also at the heart of day-to-day life, with content-rich and engaging things to do that stretch across most genres one can think of.

It is safe to say that the last year has put luxury surroundings and impressive activities into a firm second place for families considering care for their loved one. The question everyone wants to know now is how robust Avery’s response and protocols to the Covid-19 pandemic are and just how safe is safe within the homes.

As with the entire social care sector, Avery has worked hard to adapt to daily changing government guidelines. Staff have been working together to not only adhere to but passionately provide as safe an environment as possible for its residents and staff.

More than ever, the two accolades of being awarded Health Investors’ Residential Care Provider of the Year 2020 Award and a Healthcare Hero Award 2020 for Avery’s Chief Operating Officer, Sharon Winfield, could not be a better testament to the company’s work during the challenging year.

As our country looks positively into 2021, each day seems brighter with the vaccine roll-out for all Avery staff and residents continuing at a good pace.

Covid-19 testing and temperature checks are still very much part of daily life and play an important step towards getting family visiting back to as normal as they can be at this stage. The homes keep working towards the bright future, which feels like it could be just around the corner.

Keeping You Safe. Keeping You Smiling. averyhealthcare.co.uk Avery Healthcare Group | 3 Cygnet Drive | Swan Valley | Northampton | NN4 9BS

n In Care It invests over £1m annually in staff training (in statutory, mandatory, clinical, training and leadership skills) to enhance care and service delivery, attract quality employees, and reduce turnover, with career pathways for all with internal and external courses.

Avery has developed greater value for employees within its AveryOne® Programme, based upon staff feedback, to enhance work experience and career opportunity. Through a phone App it provides weekly pay access, vouchers and coupons at leading retailers supermarkets and entertainment providers, proactive on-line lifestyle and health advice, plus healthcare, optical and hospital plans.

Avery invests in its people and its services to ensure that the resident experience in care delivers as fulfilling and active a lifestyle as possible, one that extends health and is a positive place to be for both resident and employee. In recent times it has trained all of its staff in new hygiene regimes and sanitisation protocols, to ensure that its services are some of the safest places to live.

Ambassador’s Letter

A Positive New Start I could not wait for 2021 to open its doors and bring us all a fresh new start and I hope that this year is certainly going to be better than last.

I am sure it will be. More than anything, I hope, soon, to be able to visit Avery’s care homes and see the residents and staff, all of whom I have missed so much. I am so proud of the way everyone has pulled together with so many stories to share.

We touch on some of those stories in this issue of AveryLife including the secret to a long life from our residents and why they are ‘better together’, A Chat with Pat – Avery’s Resident Ambassador and how she

is the voice of families, and the impact well-being activities make to day-to-day life in the homes.

We also feature a fascinating read from the ‘worldlywise’ Sir Richard Attenborough, along with muchneeded stories to lift our mood including bathing in nature, the art of yoga and the importance of our mental health.

Grab a warming cuppa and settle down with me for a good read and heart-warming hope that spring is just around the corner.

Sherrie Hewson Brand Ambassador

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WE SALUTE YOU CAPTAIN TOM MOORE 1920 -2021

You walked in to our hearts and will stay in them forever.

CONTENTS 12

| Sir David Attenborough

Pulling no punches

26

| Modern Day Dames

Iconic females still going strong over 70

34

| Yin Yoga

You are never too old to reap the rewards of Yin Yoga

38

| Let’s Dance!

How dancing can boost your brain and general health

42

34

50

| The Power of Music

| Tale of the Century

with Playlist for Life

Celebrating our residents’ 100th birthdays

55

70 | The Healing Power of Human Connection

| Better Together

Keeping couples together in residential care

76 | ReConnect

Dementia Care Model

Overcoming the ever-growing loneliness epidemic

78 | Look who’s Teching Technology for seniors

is produced by:

84 | A New Dawn for Morgan Motor Company ®Care Home Publications Limited

FOR ALL ADVERTISING AND EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT: andy.clark@carehomepublications.com

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Hospitality Assured is the national quality standard specifically for customer-facing businesses with a focus on hospitality. With support from the institute, becoming accredited encourages businesses to look at their service through the customer’s eyes and identify the highlights of their service and areas of improvement.

When an organisation is rated as Hospitality Assured, it demonstrates they have a sustainable service culture that benefits the customer. The institute only awards if there is clear evidence that the service demonstrates excellence, has world-class processes and provides best practice throughout all areas of their hospitality.

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- SIR -

Wise

orldly

“It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.”

At age 93, Sir David Attenborough is more in demand than ever.

By Christie Holland

Born on May 8th, 1926 in London, David Attenborough, grew up in Leicester where his father was the Principal of the local university. The middle of three sons, his elder brother Richard, a famous actor and director who was known for producing films such as Ghandi, for which he won two Academy Awards, sadly passed away in 2014.

His younger brother, John, who died in 2012 after a battle with progressive supranuclear palsy, was an executive at car manufacturer Alfa Romeo. During the Second World War, his parents also fostered two Jewish refugee girls from Germany. He was educated at Clare College, Cambridge studying Natural Sciences and graduated in 1946, the same year he began his two-year National Service in the Royal Navy. Following this he began work at an education publishing house in 1949.

In 1950 David married Jane Elizabeth Ebsworth Oriel, with whom he had two children, Robert and Susan. His son Robert now lives in Australia and is a senior lecturer in bio anthropology for the School of Archaeology and Anthropology at the Australian National University in Canberra.

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The natural world, of which we are a part, is incredibly complex and it has connections all over the place. If you damage one, you can never tell where the damage is going to end up, because of all the broken connections. And if you break all of them, then suddenly the whole fabric collapses and you get eco-disaster.

In 1952 David decided to undergo a training program at the British Broadcasting Corporation and became a television producer for the BBC. Alongside Jack Lester he launched the series, Zoo Quest, in which live animals were filmed in the wild and in zoos. The show was hugely successful offering an advance in the education programmes offered by the BBC. During the launch Attenborough was the producer, director, sound man and animal-wrangler. He only ended up being the presenter because Lester became ill after the first episode, a chance incident that changed his career forever.

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I just wish the world was twice as big and half of it was still unexplored.

In 1965 Attenborough became controller of BBC Two, despite a bit of controversy. “Everybody forgot I wasn’t just a naturalist – I was always a trained TV man,” he told the paper in 1965. “Hell, I love it. I watch everything. Straight home from the office – switch to BBC Two – see all my babies.”

He was responsible for the introduction of colour television into Britain as well as initiating Match of the Day, live Snooker and also for bringing Monty Python´s Flying Circus to our screens.

Over the years, Attenborough’s achievements at the BBC made him a prime candidate for directorgeneral, but he was tired of his executive life.

He yearned to be more creative and therefore persuaded the BBC to let him create a program showcasing the evolution of plants and animals.

The series took three years to make, and the budget was so big that Attenborough had to pitch to US networks for funding. Life on Earth was broadcast for 55 minutes on 13 consecutive Sunday evenings in 1979. By the end there were 14 million people watching. The Living Planet and The Trials of Life followed in 1984 and 1990 consecutively. His dedication was recognised in 1985 when he was knighted and became, Sir David Attenborough.

In 2017 for Blue Planet II, David narrated the case of 700 plastic ducks lost at sea in 1992. This played a major role in highlighting the influence of plastic pollution in the world, spurring a global change in attitudes to plastic.

His most recent series, Our Planet, became Netflix’s most-watched original documentary, seen by 33 million people in its first month. These days he spends most of his time appealing for radical action to tackle the climate crisis and biodiversity loss.

Over the years he has spoken out and advocated for numerous issues that affect the health of our environment, such as over-population and global warming, as well as contributed to the cause of many charities. So, what´s next for the world-renowned naturalist, broadcaster and conservationist? The BBC want him to narrate Planet Earth III, but he will be 96 when the time comes.

One thing is for sure, whether he is chilling with chimps or freezing with polar bears, Attenborough is the closest the world has to a universally beloved public figure. With warmth and intelligence, David brought the world to our screens. His work changed people’s perception and understanding of the world we live in. So, let’s all do our bit and help to protect our planet, as Attenborough once said, ‘the future of life on earth depends on our ability to take action.’

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We are delighted to have been involved in the completion of the recent project, Avery Park as well as major refurbishments to South Lodge, Miramar and many more within the Avery family. In addition to these refurbishments, we also take care of the general day to day replacements within the care homes.

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We work directly with our selected manufacturers to offer the best flooring at the best prices and opt for sustainable companies wherever possible. Some of our preferred suppliers include Ted Todd Wood Flooring, Jacaranda Carpets, Westex Carpets, Kahrs Flooring, Cormar Carpets, Amtico, Karndean, Crucial Trading and many more.

We are proud to have an excellent reputation with building firms, architects and private customers throughout the UK and Channel Islands, supplying and installing top-quality flooring products with a strong focus on friendly and efficient customer service.

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Avery Healthcare

Sharon Winfield takes home Healthcare Hero Award 2020 Avery’s Chief Operating Officer, Sharon Winfield, has been recognised for her continuous hard work, particularly throughout the coronavirus pandemic, and has received a Healthcare Hero Award, presented by Knight Frank.

The coronavirus “Everything we pandemic has been both a challenging and do in Avery is a emotional journey for team effort and all operators. All too often in the early days, what a great care home providers team we have!” were left to develop their own guidance to support staff and - Sharon Winfield, protect their residents.

Avery Chief Avery Healthcare was Operating Officer fortunate to be led during this challenging period by Sharon; she has been inspirational in leading the operations team through this pandemic, developing, and leading a Covid-19 Strategy Group within the company.

The awards, presented by Knight Frank, honour those working in the care sector who have gone above and beyond throughout the Covid-19

pandemic. Julian Evans, Head of Healthcare at Knight Frank, commented, “We are thrilled to acknowledge the amazing people that work within the social care sector, this year more than ever.”

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Avery Healthcare

Changes for Good It is safe to say that technology and practical solutions to the pandemic’s challenges could be classed as actual physical and mental lifesavers, worthy of a permanent place within Avery care homes.

TOPAZ MACHINES All Avery care homes are now equipped with Topaz Machines ready for when normal visiting resumes. This clever and space-age bit of kit stands in each Reception area and dispenses hand sanitiser to visitors upon arrival and exit and takes a thermal temperature check on-screen to help determine if safe visiting is allowed.

TABLETS ON WHEELS These large, interactive touchscreens – with an all-electric hi-lo trolley and electric tilt – offer a multitude of benefits for Avery residents such as creating new communication opportunities, breaking down language barriers, creating greater inclusion and engagement, providing new opportunities in supporting residents through sensory activity, reminiscence and life story work, and allowing residents to keep in touch with friends and families through Skype and FaceTime.

GARDEN PODS Popping up across the Avery portfolio are outdoor garden visiting pods specifically designed to facilitate safe faceto-face contact with relatives and visitors. Each pod contains a floor to ceiling partition screen and a hands-free intercom so that communication is clear and safe for use. They are fitted with internal electrics and two, lowsurface temperature electric panel heaters – suitable for the colder months.

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Section Name

Nothing beats a

GOOD BOOK 2020 saw us spend more time indoors than ever; one perk of being housebound means more opportunities to dive into our reading lists. Whether your New Year’s resolution is to read more, or you simply want to escape the world’s craziness for a short time, we’ve got you covered.

2021 is set to be a solid year for books, so if you are a total bookworm or have only recently rediscovered the power of a brilliant story there is something for everyone here. So, sit back, relax and get stuck in.

Open your eyes to new possibilities

Planetary visions we all need to read

In A Life on our Planet, our cover star, Sir David Attenborough discusses the decline in wildlife and rising carbon emissions as well as his career as a presenter and natural historian. In the pages, Attenborough warns of the effects that climate change and biodiversity loss will have in the near future offering advice on what can be done to prevent natural disaster. An urgent call to action, the words showcase Attenborough’s unparalleled ability to boil down complex processes into grand sentences and guides us to how we can put the world right.

In 2020 the world faced the biggest crisis of our generation, a global pandemic. COVID-19 shed a shocking light on the problems that plague the UK and here Piers Morgan urges the nation to come to its senses and hold the Government accountable for its handling of the crisis. But it’s not all doom and gloom, the presenter reminds us that just as coronavirus exposed our flaws, it also showcased our strength. We saw selfless bravery in the heroic acts of the healthcare staff and a return to community spirit. Wake Up is Piers’ rallying cry for a united future, a plea for the return of true liberalism where freedom of speech is king. It’s a powerful account of how the world started to wake up and why it mustn’t go back to sleep.

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T: 01761 422198 M: 07393 765864 W: www.halsall.co.uk E: adam.davies@halsall.co.uk

TRUSTWORTHY, INNOVATIVE, FAMILY-OWNED CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT GROUP Halsall is an established South West construction and development business with over 40 years of experience delivering quality projects in the care and retirement living sector

As an approachable and dynamic construction partner,

WE ARE COMMITTED TO BUILDING STRONG COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS AND PRODUCING TOP QUALITY, AWARD WINNING PROJECTS. Our focus on customer satisfaction throughout the lifecycle of a project, ensures customers trust us to deliver time and time again.

WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON OUR FLEXIBLE AND COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TO BUSINESS.

We have had repeat business within the care and retirement living sector due to our strong, long lasting reputation and relationship with our valued customers.

Halsall Construction is a regional contractor trusted to deliver high quality construction solutions.

The care homes we have constructed don’t feel like care homes. They provide a luxury and high level environment. The design and layouts are created to ensure that the residents still feel like they retain an element of independence within a controlled environment.

GREAT CONSTRUCTION & GREAT RELATIONSHIPS!

We have successfully completed a number of care and retirement living projects throughout the region, of which we are extremely proud and look forward to building on our already excellent reputation in this sector.

Section Name

A true love story From Wham! To Spandau Ballet, from success to chaos, It’s a Love Story, tells the tale of two ordinary people who have been on an extraordinary adventure together. From the moment they set their eyes on each other, to their careers and raising a family together, the Kemp’s incredible journey was held together by their unbreakable bond. 40 years of amazing highs and the most horrifying of lows, this book follows Britain’s favourite couple and how their commitment to each other is what has always mattered the most.

A life revisited She was one of the most famous actresses in the world, until a massive stroke cost her not only her health, but also her career, family, fortune, and global fame. This story, a journey of healing, love and purpose, chronicles Sharon’s efforts to rebuild her life, and the slow journey back to health and happiness.

In an industry that doesn’t accept failure, in a world where too many voices are silenced, Stone found the power to return, the courage to speak up, and the will to make a difference in the lives of women and children around the globe.

Back to the old country Full of love, melancholy and magic, this new story collection from the Goldsmiths Prize and IMPAC award-winning author of the wildly acclaimed Night Boat to Tangier, Kevin Barry, is some of the most gorgeous prose being written today. Shot through with dark humour and the uncanny power of the primal and unchanging Irish landscape, these playful and beautifully crafted stories follow an array of characters many on the cusp between love and catastrophe, heartbreak and epiphany, resignation and hope.

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Safe working load 155kg / 24st / 400lbs Compact and lightweight, folding design Lift cycle counter and service reminder Interchangeable cradle option for clip slings Angled legs for easier access around furniture Ergonomic design considerations PA

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THE BATTLE of the BINGE The entertainment industry may have ground to a halt in 2020 but 2021 is set to make up for lost time as new projects settle into their upcoming time slots. It appears the new year is wasting no time in serving up must-watch television so here are our top picks for the most anticipated TV shows of 2021.

3. The Pembrokeshire Murders 1. The Great A modern love story loosely based on the life of Catherine The Great, this 10-part series tells the tale of an idealistic young woman who arrives in Russia for an arranged marriage charting her rise from outsider to the longest reigning female ruler in Russian history.

Starring Elle Fanning as Catherine and Nicholas Hoult as her husband Peter III.

2. The Serpent Doctor Who’s Jenna Coleman stars in this true crime drama about mass murderer Charles Sobhraj, also known as ‘The Bikini Killer’. The show follows his journey as he was finally captured and put on trial in 1976. Sobhraj was the main suspect in the unsolved murders of at least 12 people travelling through India, Thailand and Nepal in the mid-seventies. Once described as, “quite possibly the most disarming serial killer in criminal history”, Sobhraj is played by Tahar Rahim, best known for his role in the award-winning French movie, ‘A Prophet’.

A three-part series following in the footsteps of ITV´s White House Farm, A Confession and Des, The Pembrokeshire Murders tells the story of the double Pembrokeshire murders carried out by convicted killer, John Cooper. Critically acclaimed actor, Luke Evans leads the cast as Steve Wilkins, the Detective Superintendent of Dyfed Powys police, who led the investigation solving the 1985 double murder of siblings Richard and Helen Thomas and the 1989 double murder of Peter and Gwenda Dixon.

4. Ridley Road This new four-part thriller from BBC, which has been adapted from the novel of the same name written by Jo Bloom, is based on the story of a Jewish hairdresser who goes undercover in a neo-Nazi organisation. The story is set in the East End of London in the 1960s at a time when far right fascism was on the rise and was inspired by the struggle of the 62 group, a coalition of Jewish men and women who stood up against rising neo-Nazism in postwar Britain. A story of anti-racism and the ordinary people with an extraordinary will to fight the good fight is more relevant than ever. The thriller also casts a light on the darker side of the glamorous swinging sixties.

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MODERN DAY

DAMES

Iconic females still going strong

over 70 years of age

Gone are the days of retirement at 65 for us females if these incredible women are anything to go by.

With careers spanning over five decades, we take a look at some of Britain’s most famous Dames, by order of the British Empire, and their unsurmountable achievements over the years.

By Victoria Wood

Dame Helen Mirren elen Mirren is an extremely successful British actress who is still most well-known for her role as Detective Jane Tennison in the long running TV series Prime Suspect for which she won three BAFTA awards and two Emmys. London born Helen began her acting career at the National Youth Theatre and a year later was accepted into the Royal Shakespeare Company with whom she developed her stage career spanning fifteen years, in roles such as Cleopatra from Antony and Cleopatra.

“The theatre became my religion, and I wanted to serve it.”

Her film career began in the late sixties and still she landed Shakespearian roles until 1980 when she branched out into a gangster movie The Long Good Friday. From here her filmography varied extensively from love stories to royal portrayals, twisted thrillers and comedy. She was nominated for the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role as Queen Charlotte in The Madness of King George (1994), then a second nomination came when she played a housekeeper in Gosford Park (2001). She went on to win an Academy Award as 26

well as best actress BAFTA for her delicate portrayal of Elizabeth II in The Queen (2006). She also starred in Calendar Girls (2003), Hollywood film National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007) alongside Nicholas Cage, and thriller State of Play (2009).

“You only have two options in life: Die young or get old. There is nothing else.”

More recently her versatile career continued to flourish as she gained a fourth Oscar nomination as Tolstoy’s wife in The Last Station (2009), back to her Shakespearean roots in Julie Taymor’s film adaptation of The Tempest (2010), and on to becoming a former CIA assassin in an all-star cast for the movie Red (2010). Brit-flick Brighton Rock gave Mirren a chance to shine as did her portrayal as a tough-cookie nanny in Arthur (2011). She also starred in The Debt (2011), Hitchcock (2012), Monsters University (2013), Red 2 (2013), The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014), Woman in Gold (2015), Eye in the Sky (2015), Collateral Beauty (2016), The Leisure Seeker (2017), Winchester (2018), The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018), Anna (2019), The Good Liar (2019).

“The best thing about being over 70 is being over 70.”

As well as her extensive film career Helen Mirren has dipped back into appearing on stage on both Broadway and the West End, receiving multiple awards for her performances.

In 2003 Mirren was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her outstanding contribution to the arts.

“Terrifying — tribalism, nationalism and self-protection.” ~Helen Mirren on Brexit As well as her acting career, Helen has appeared on countless glossy magazine covers and has become something of a sex symbol, age-defier and inspiration to women all over the globe. She has a big personality and is not one for sitting still and being complacent; in one interview she claimed that she has learned over the years to make her own rules and then to break them on a regular basis! In an article written about a two day interview by Robert Love for AARP The Magazine, he wrote that “Helen seems to be the kind of dame you’d want next to you in the foxhole or at the bar, knocking back a cold one, walking the dog, one of the guys and one of the girls, unafraid to speak the truth, f-bombs included, about even the grittiest details of life”. Dame Mirren, we salute you and your 50 plus years in the business.

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Dame Vivienne Westwood

@gettyimages

ivienne Westwood is one of the most famous fashion designers to come out of the British Isles, and is still in full force. She will turn 80 this year and her label, name and outlandish designs are going from strength to strength. Derbyshire-born née Vivienne Swire’s initial concept was to extend the influence of the punk era that was sweeping the nation into the fashion of the time. Prior to this, and her relationship with Malcolm McLaren, she was a school teacher and taught herself to design clothing.

In 1965 she began to pursue her fashion career and, alongside now partner McLaren, opened a second hand stall selling vintage rock and roll clothing and records. This progressed into the customisation of t-shirts following their anti-establishment feelings, with their provocative clothing ranges becoming massively popular and resulting in them opening various retail outlets in London. Theirs was an extremely non-right wing statement with various outrageous slogans, pictures defacing the Queen and many more ‘out there’ fashion designs becoming all the rage amongst the youth culture. A few years later, Westwood branched off on her own to focus on her high fashion designing which led her in a historical direction. From classical British paintings to 19th century fashion inspiration, her lines were, and still are nothing short of original, unique and eccentric.

They are not just clothes, they are a story.

“My clothes have a story. They have an identity. They have a character and a purpose. That’s why they become classics.

Because they keep on telling a story, they are still telling it.”

Her fame shot higher and higher in the fashion industry and she went on to dress some of the most famous women, and men, in the world, has produced lines for fashion weeks all over the world every single year, and has graced the catwalks with her incredulous designs for over 50 years. Lately, her rebellious

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nature has steered further from making loud shocking statements on the streets to trying to find solutions to the world’s environmental situation. “Punk was a protest,” Westwood says. “[The clothes] said, ‘We don’t accept your taboos, we don’t accept your hypocritical life.’ I’ve always been a rebel.” She does not believe in the consumer lifestyle we have created since she was a young girl, “We need to get back to having fewer things, and treasuring what we have” she says. And her belief is that high fashion supports this.

“Buy less. Choose well. Make it last.

Quality, not quantity. Everybody’s buying far too many clothes.”

One of the most unique things about Westwood and her career is that she holds one of the few remaining independent fashion houses, or fashion empires if you like, and at very nearly 80 years old her passion for her trade as well as for the global environmental crisis is an inspiration in the working world.

“We have got to change our ethics and our financial system and our whole way of understanding the world.”

The dedicated designer was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1992 and advanced to Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2006. In 2004, the largest ever exhibition of a British designer was opened at the V&A in London in homage to her 34 years in fashion. As well as her fashion house and iconic pieces, Westwood has managed to operate numerous boutiques, produce two menswear and three women’s wear collections annually as well as bridal clothes, shoes, hosiery, eyewear, scarves, ties, knitwear, cosmetics, and perfumes. A career that defies the ordinary and continues to flourish alongside her quirks and strong beliefs.

“I’ve lived all my life as if I’m young.”

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Dame Maggie Smith aggie Smith w a s born in Essex in 1934, her career has now spanned almost seventy years. Her stage career began at the Oxford Playhouse School, she appeared on stage in Oxford and London at around 18 years old and then on to Broadway in 1956 aged 20 in comedy revue New Faces and Share my Lettuce in London.

“You can find a funny side to practically anything.”

From then on, she continued to appear in plays moving on to more serious roles including Shakespeare. Her screen debut came in Nowhere to Go in 1958 and she went on to achieve international recognition when she played the title role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1969 which won her Best Actress at the Academy Awards. At this point, she remained true to the stage and went on to appear in many more roles with the National Theatre in London, New York and Ontario. In 1978 Smith earned herself another Academy Award for best supporting actress in California Suite and nominations for A Room With a View (1985) and Gosford Park (2001).

Smith’s powerful wit has added to her screen and stage presence, despite her moving on to more serious roles as her career developed you can always denote a little ‘tongue in cheek’ essence to her characters. She brings grace and elegance to every part, yet maintains a little ‘Essex’ bringing grit, wit and substance to her portrayals. She knows how to work every room and has proved this by playing such a varied scope of roles and characters over her incredibly long career.

“Speak your mind even if your voice shakes.”

Other films Smith has starred in include; the title role in The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne (1987), Sister Act (1992) alongside Whoopi Goldberg, The Secret Garden (1993), with our beloved Judi Dench - Ladies in Lavender (2004), Becoming Jane (2007).

Going back to her comedic roots with The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011) and its 2015 sequel, and Quartet (2012) she embraced the roles with ease. And if all that wasn’t fame-worthy enough, she then went on to become a star in the film adaptations of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series as Professor McGonagall which brought her newfound popularity amongst a whole new generation of children, teens, and young adults.

“It seems to me there’s a change in what audiences want to see, I hope that’s correct because there’s an awful lot of people my age around now and we outnumber the others!”

Maggie has provided voice overs for cartoons delivering her distinctive tones to perfection and also continued to appear on stage in the West End and Broadway as well as television in multiple productions throughout the years.

“I like the ephemeral thing about theatre, every performance is like a ghost - it’s there and then it’s gone.”

Who could possibly deny the fierce prowess she brought to the screen in Downton Abbey as the dowager countess of Grantham? The role was resurrected in the feature-length film in 2019, and for playing Violet so impeccably during her five year TV run, Maggie Smith won three Emmy awards.

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“I have never insulted anyone. I just describe them, accurately.” ~Violet Crawley dowager Countess of Grantham (Maggie Smith)

For her incredible onscreen and on-stage presence and lifetime of delivering entertainment to the masses, Smith was made Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 1990, and was named a Companion of Honour (CH) in 2014.

An epic career to be celebrated.

“People see you differently once you’ve been in their home. They think they own you because they watched you while they were eating dinner, or turned you up or down, or even froze you.”

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Y

in oga

You are never too old to reap the rewards of Yin Yoga.

Carliann (Peace Love Yoga) teaches classes that are beneficial and accessible for all, her classes will often have a 22 year old athlete next to a 72 year old retiree, one wonderful community.

As a 900+ hour certified teacher, Carliann has trained with many highly regarded institutes including, Sivananda, British Wheel of Yoga, Traditional Yoga, Insight Yoga and is a Sarah Powers level 2 Yin and Mindfulness trained teacher. Carliann teaches from a place of knowledge and authenticity, truly from the heart. She specialises in Yin Yoga, a practice she wholeheartedly believes is all inclusive and benefits mind, body and soul. There is a sincere love and passion ingrained throughout Carliann’s classes and she feels it is her regular Yin and Meditation practice that enables her to guide her students authentically, with a very down to earth, accommodating teaching style.

Carliann teaches in Formby, U.K and also online classes: www.peaceloveyogauk.com To find a local teacher visit the international directory of Yin Yoga teachers here: www.yinyoga.com 34

Yoga is something you learn and benefit from by doing, getting on your yoga mat, having a stretch, taking some mindful breaths and learning how to relax. It’s not a magic potion that will fix all your ailments, however it most certainly is a powerful medicine for your body, mind and heart.

Yoga is becoming increasingly popular amongst seniors. A recent study showed that nearly 14 million Americans over the age of 50 practiced yoga. But as we head to our golden years, why Yin Yoga?

Yin Yoga is a simple practice that offers improved physical and emotional health, healing and wellbeing and a sense of calm and relaxation to even the busiest of minds and tightest of bodies. The postures are very simple, mostly floor based and are held for a few minutes at a time. A non-striving mind-set is encouraged.

Thirty-year-old bodies mostly have very different needs and abilities than sixty-year-old bodies. In youth, we are in our active yang years which means we need to push and strive a little, while at the gym we focus on getting stronger and building bigger muscles. On our yoga mat we focus on “advanced complex challenging postures”, while at the office we are striving to achieve more, and also in our sporting activities and lives generally. It’s a whole lot of pushing which is okay, but there comes a time when the TESTIMONIAL body needs to slow down, when I have been going to Carli’s Yin the nervous system and mind crave a little more balance, and that’s classes for several years and where Yin comes in.

absolutely endorse the benefits I gain from them. I am 71 and having had several injuries and not being very flexible, I found the classes make a tremendous difference. I also love her teaching methods and meditation sessions.

- Lynne (71 years young) 35

We actually hit our Yin years younger than is typically expected, at around the age of thirty five. This is the ideal time when we should start integrating a Yin Yoga practice in to our life, although that being said it’s no bad thing for those in their teens and 20s to take up some Yin too. The world is fast paced for everyone these days, and sadly anxiety is also a lot more common and wide spread so slowing down is beneficial.

Yin Yoga is often described as the fountain of youth and if you wish to potentially slow down the ageing process, a regular Yin Yoga practice (when taught by a specialist qualified teacher) could be just what you need.

all shapes can be modified for the individual. The safer you feel during the practice, the more you’ll relax and feel calm. The yang striving, pushing mind-set is not needed in Yin, so allow yourself to slow down, enjoy some stillness, focus on your breath and RELAX.

As we age we feel things getting a TESTIMONIAL little stiffer and tighter, maybe we The effect on your body just don’t feel so fluid or mobile as Yin Yoga has helped me to live in to slowing your breath is we used to. Like a curling leaf on the present rather than dwell on the remarkable. There is a definite a crisp autumn morning we feel past.

Also, practicing breath control physiological effect on your a sense of drying and it’s here body as your breath slows. You where Yin Yoga can help, not in stressful situations is really will immediately feel calmer, and only does it nourish and hydrate helpful, and people around you are your body will go to its ‘rest and the physical tissues, it also helps keep our internal energy not even aware that you are doing it. digest’ mode as your breaths lengthen, providing you with an system free from stagnation. Put Warning! It’s very addictive:) opportunity to relax, renew and simply, that makes us feel good. restore your body and mind.

Although the poses are simple, - Geoff (Age 68 and a bit) you may not find some of them All this being said, just because comfortable and at times it can as a senior you are in your Yin years, doesn’t mean you be a challenging practice, albeit in a very quiet way. don’t need some yang. Remember, balance is the key, Safety is very important in your yoga practice so letting so a little cycling, walking, gardening, whatever keeps the teacher know any ailments or injuries you may you happy is good. After all, health and happiness of have is paramount. The teacher will have alternative mind is paramount over anything else. postures and ways to support you in your practice, and

Benefits of Yin

ealth and joint h y it il ib x e es fl * Improv tion es respira re * Improv od pressu lo b h ig h s * Reduce s anxiety * Reduce stress * Lowers lness es mindfu g ra u o c n * E er sleep appiness rages bett u o c n ing and h E e -b ll * e w f o ter sense * A grea

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Let 's Dance!

Bella Magdalen was born in South London and works as a Features Editor; she lives with her son Xavier and dog Maverick. She began writing poetry as a young girl and was always highly interested in all areas of literature and the arts. After studying Art and Graphic Design in London, she began working in the education sector building websites for professionals worldwide. Bella continued her career, working alongside various directors in interior design, construction, architecture and realestate. She spends each day admiring natural beauty, kindness and generous behaviour wherever that moment may take place.

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Dancing has been an empowering form of expression since ancient times and an important part of the development of our civilisation. Archeologists have discovered ancient Egyptian tomb paintings, dating back 3,300BC and cave paintings of our dances stretching beyond recorded time itself.

those who were exercising, to others who engaged in dance. Only the dancing had provided an increase in positive behaviour. It had improved functionality of the heart, lungs, muscles and joints whilst triggering memory improvement. Nerve communication, balance and coordination were also strengthened, lowering an adult’s risk of suffering a fall.

Scientists, through recent studies have shown that dance can genuinely help slow the ageing process.

Kathrin Rehfeld, the leader of one such study, worked with a group of adults aged 65 and older during an 18-month period. Half of the group were directed to participate in regular exercise classes, while the other practiced and learnt a dance routine. Each member of the group received MRI scans at the beginning, six months in and 18 months after the study began.

The results provided a clear comparison between

In addition, a controlled study from the Journal of Applied Gerontology demonstrated that partner dance can also help relieve stress. According to The Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition, weekly dancing improves not only physical performance but helps increase our energy levels also.

Dance has been proven to boost memory in several ways. According to a study in The Dancing has been a personal outlet New England Journal of Medicine, Dancing provided an for my well-being ever since I was it prevents adults from developing increase in positive a young girl when I started ballet dementia over time. Science has behaviour. Improving classes at the age of 4. My love and shown aerobic exercise reverses the addiction for movement encouraged functionality of the heart, volume loss in the hippocampus, this me more and more and I began is where memory is controlled by the lungs, muscles and joints classes in other areas including tap, whilst triggering memory brain. As we age, the hippocampus jazz, cha cha, the charleston, salsa shrinks over time, this is where health improvement. and ballroom. The dance school issues such as Dementia can begin to would rent theatres, where we occur. Other regions of the brain which would perform for a large audience with a variety of are critical for cognitive health include the motor choreography, which had slowly begun to haunt us in cortex and the basal ganglia. The motor cortex plans our sleep! Little did I know this was key for my health and controls your moves while the basal ganglia in later years. coordinates fluid movement.

The Frontiers in Human Neuroscience are a leading journal in the field of medical science and

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functionality of the human body. It publishes research that helps advance our understanding of brain mechanisms, which support social and cognitive behaviour.

The mental challenges that are paired with the art of dancing include:

1. Remembering the routine 2. Holding a partner correctly 3. Controlling turns 4. Finding a beat 5. Matching movement with music 6. Moving as a pair or just

Rehfeld said. “I think dancing is a powerful tool to set new challenges for body and mind, especially in older age.” So, to everybody out there please accept my invitation to you, lets dance! Close those curtains, find YOUR right music, dim those lights, turn the volume up and “boogie right to the limit, boogie child” as the Bee Gee’s would say.

With no one watching, just let go, feel the rhythm and let your body do the rest.

feeling the rhythm

These various activities are called “sensorimotor demands” which relate to human movement generated by motor and sensory impulses. Dance has shown to help alleviate these motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s, even when a patient is suffering from severe gait.

During lockdown in 2020, dancing was my survival mechanism! It helped ease the burden of homeschooling, working from home, walking the dog, cleaning the house and tending to the garden.

Several times a week I would play a variation of jazz, classical or some popular greatest hits. After so many years, I would surprise myself at how much of my choreography from a child I could still remember. I was suddenly bursting out into my original tap routine performed to Queen’s notorious “Don’t Stop Me Now” where I was lifted in the air by my group during the words “that’s why they call me Mister fahrenheit”.

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Avery Healthcare

THE POWER OF

M U S I C with Playlist for Life The positive benefits of music for people living with dementia is well known throughout the care sector. In previous decades, mood-altering drugs were prescribed to reduce feelings of agitation and distress in people living with dementia. The sector now recognises that music’s therapeutic benefits can provide a virtual side-effect free alternative.

At Avery, the team long recognised the importance of utilising music in this way to support residents with dementia to continue to live well. Thanks to media coverage including the recent BBC ‘Our Dementia Choir’ series, this message is now spreading more widely.

Playlist for Life is a central element of Avery’s ReConnect strategy that supports excellent personcentred dementia care delivery. It is well documented that for many residents with dementia, music plays a meaningful role in supporting well-being. Playlist for Life helps residents, families, and staff come together in positive ways through personalised music, drawing on songs that have special significance.

and general well-being.

Playlist for Life is already having a real impact on residents’ well-being, with family members also commenting that they feel a reconnection with their loved ones again.

Heather Perkins, Avery’s Dementia Support Advisor, attended training to become an accredited Playlist for Life Trainer, enabling the teams to receive training more flexibly. Explaining how Playlist for Life fits with ReConnect, Heather comments, “Rather than it being a separate project, our aim is for Playlist for Life to become part of the day to day experiences of a resident with dementia. It enhances the way we support residents and is proven to ease levels of anxiety and distress without the need for medication.” The training rollout continues across the country.

“Residents with dementia have often struggled to communicate with their families via virtual platforms this year.

What has particularly struck me is how staff have used residents’ individual playlists successfully to make virtual visits positive for everyone. Just wonderful.”

Several homes have received training from the charity Playlist for Life to help support residents with dementia.

By identifying songs and music pieces that have personal significance to an individual, it is possible to use positive memories associated with each piece of music to relieve distress and promote feelings of calm

- Jo Crossland, Head of Dementia Care, Avery Healthcare

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Avery Healthcare

Playlist for Life is a charity founded in 2013 by writer and broadcaster Sally Magnusson after the death of her mother, Mamie Baird Magnusson. When Mamie developed dementia, Sally and her sisters nursed and cared for her at home until she passed away. During that time, the family discovered that no matter how lost their Mum became in the disease, they could still reach her with the music that had been part of her life and their family life together.

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H

MI D LI FE

ealth appiness

Midlife has the potential to be the best part of our lives, and indeed with the appliance of science, we can empower ourselves to embrace this time of our lives with renewed confidence and vigour.

We have the beauty of the wisdom of age, and physically we’re able to re-energise and future proof our bodies using research based methodologies. Couple this with stress management and mindset tools and it’s entirely possible to develop an increased sense of confidence and optimism.

Build a routine Plan your goals for the month, break them down into smaller achievable tasks which you plan in weekly. Include personal goals and include fun things as well as work, finances etc. Once you have your week by week plan, start to build a routine into each day that optimises your energy, gets you off to a flying start each day and gives you a sense of achievement.

Get moving!

Exercise isn’t called nature’s antidepressant for no reason. Working out not only builds strength, fitness and confidence but the feel good endorphin rush will power you through your day.

We all have to start somewhere. Don’t be put off by your lack of fitness at the beginning - simply focus on the health benefits - such as a better quality of life and more fulfilling memories with loved ones.

Midlife isn’t the beginning of the end. In fact we should view it as an exciting second bite of life.

Of course there are aspects of midlife that can be challenging. There is a natural ageing process at work as our bodies undergo hormonal and physiological changes, but research has shown us that there is so much we can do to off-set these changes and stay fit and healthy into older age.

Firstly, we need to understand what’s happening with our midlife bodies. As we age our levels of human growth hormone declines, our testosterone levels decline and for females, there’s the perimenopause and menopause. The symptoms of these changes include decreased muscle mass, weaker bones, disturbed sleep, lower energy, a slowing metabolism and greater likelihood to store fat.

However, the good news is that we can do something about both the physical and psychological factors to improve our quality of life, in mind, body and soul for years to come.

Here are just 7 of our own midlife health and happiness secrets: Claire and James Davis are the husband and wife team behind multi-award winning coaching and fitness company 38 Degrees North. The couple have a successful midlife health podcast The Midlife Mentors and run The Midlife Method 8 week transformational programme. themidlifementors.com team@themidlifementors.com 44

Section Name

Include resistance training in your schedule As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass and bone density. Lower muscle mass means less strength, and a lower metabolism, which means more fat. Resistance training will not only boost your calorie burn and have you looking better, but it will preserve your strength and bone density into older age. Not only that, when you train and fuel in certain ways, you can help boost hormone levels of testosterone and Human Growth Hormone (HGH) to keep your baselines higher - which is good news! And no, you don’t need a gym. Body weight, water bottles or light dumb bells or kettle bells are perfect for home based routines.

Clean up your diet Emphasise on natural whole foods.

Research has shown that given identical amounts of calories, eaters who consume more ultra processed foods still put on more body fat. Yo yo diets are out. Not only do they not work - they make you miserable and lower metabolic rate. So when you eat ‘normally’ again - your body isn’t as effective at burning energy. It’s a nasty, viscous cycle that will negatively impact your midlife body.

Eat your protein and fats first Protein and fat trigger the release of the hormone leptin which sends an “I’m full” signal to the brain. By prioritising these on your plate, you’re more likely to feel fuller earlier and eat less overall.

Set your intention and start your day right So many of us get up and let the outside world in before we have centred ourselves… the news, TV, radio, emails, social media…

Sadly - all you’re doing is giving your power away. This will have you feeling ungrounded, stressed and frazzled all day. So instead, assign yourself a 5 minute block each morning when you first wake up as time for you. Do this exercise each morning: - Write down 3 great things from yesterday - Write down 3 things you’re grateful for in your life - Write down 1 thing you’d love to get from the day That’s it! What you’re doing in those five minutes is being present. You’re also reflecting on what you have now, rather than what you don’t have and finally, you’re taking time to connect and be grateful. This alone is a complete game changer for your mental and emotional well-being.

Work on your self-identity and beliefs This is a big one! We need to look at our goals and consider what beliefs we need to have in order to achieve them. Often, our current beliefs won’t be aligned with who we want to be. This means when we start acting on our new behaviours, our old beliefs drag us back.

Because our beliefs and behaviours must be aligned (in psychology known as congruence theory), rather than letting your old beliefs sabotage your progress, model new beliefs by affirming them daily and reinforcing them with action in the direction of your goal.

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Avery Healthcare

Dieticians in Care With meal times being such an important part of care home life and our residents’ days, the Avery hospitality team is constantly seeking to improve the ways in which menus contain the right amount of balanced nutrition and variety. To extend capabilities in this area of resident services, the team has welcomed expert dietician Helen Simpson. She will help develop sets of seasonal menus that incorporate good balance and variety and also advise on nutrition, texture, flavours, and carbohydrate and fibre content.

Graduating from Kings College London in 1991, Helen moved to the Royal Naval Hospital in Gosport, becoming the Head of Dietetic Service. After bringing up two daughters, she qualified as a teacher and spent six years at a residential school for physically and mentally disabled children, followed by the Portsmouth NHS Trust in the paediatric department.

Helen then worked for North Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) as part of their Enhanced Care Home Project.

“I am excited to have joined Avery, as my work with chefs and kitchen staff within the care environment has been very rewarding. Providing food to meet the needs of all residents in a care home is not an easy task, and I have learnt a great deal working with the Avery team over the last few months. The role of a dietician is to ensure that the provision of food and the dining experience is maximised. Firstly, to meet the nutritional needs of the resident, and secondly to ensure that the social and emotional aspects of eating

are recognised and provided. We have been able to combine skills to achieve a menu cycle and a standard of food provision which allows for adaptation for the most nutritionally vulnerable residents but also a wideranging and exciting dining experience for all.”

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Avery Healthcare

Time to

VEG OUT Vegetarian for Life (VfL) was established in 2008 to promote dietary preferences in later life and care settings.

Avery is proud to be a member of VfL’s directory, a 1,300 strong list of veggie-friendly organisations in the UK and even scooped awards in VfL’s Vegetarian for Life 2020 Awards for Excellence in Vegetarian and Vegan Care. Grant Burton, Head Chef at The Hawthorns Braintree was crowned ‘Veggie Care Chef of the Year’, and the Avery Healthcare Culinary Team was runner-up in the ‘Beulah Charity Trust Special Recognition Award’, which recognises organisations who work hard to make the UK a better place for older vegetarians or vegans. Dorin Matei, Head Chef at Scholars Mews Care Home in Stratford Upon Avon, was also shortlisted in the Most Innovative Veggie Dish for his Vegan Cauliflower Roulade.

Led by Head of Culinary and Hospitality, Simon Lawrence, Avery chefs provide a first-class vegetarian and vegan menu at all homes, with some homes even having dedicated vegetarian kitchens due to resident demand. The veggie focus also takes into account religious and cultural dietary needs as well as resident dining preferences and awareness; many find it a lighter option to eat vegetarian, while others see the current topic around whether we should reduce our dependence upon meat and move towards a more vegetarian diet to support planet resource sustainability. It’s a good option for all, so veg out!

“Approaching half a million people over 65 now live in UK care homes, and although a small percentage of the overall, the number of vegetarians and vegans has trebled in the last five years. They and their families have understandable concerns that their dietary needs and preferences can be met, with food prepared separately to meat products, with a variety of meals every day from chefs who take the time to understand their needs. Vegetarian for Life are working to ensure that quality care providers such as Avery are leading the way in inclusivity for older vegetarians and vegans and have the answers to these questions.”

- Amanda Woodvine, VfL Chief Executive

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Tale of the Century

years young Avery care homes are proud to take care of over 50 centenarians across the country. Not a month goes by without a personalised three-figure birthday card arriving from Queen Elizabeth II into one of them. We’ve caught up with a few to find out about their lives and their secrets to reaching such a significant milestone.

108 Vera Adams

, resides at

year-old

Hinckley House Care Home in Leicestershire. Vera, who grew up in Beeston, is the youngest of four siblings.

After her school years, Vera worked as a typist and by her mid-thirties, was married to her husband, Harry.

Together, they enjoyed getting dressed up, ballroom dancing and going out to the pictures. As an avid dancer for most of her younger life, one of Vera’s most favourable memories of growing up is going to dances with her friends, and she confesses that her favourite Christmas gift as a child was, “Proper dancing shoes.”

Her advice on reaching her incredible age is simply, “Enjoy life.”, with copious cups of tea along the way.

She says it is the care and friendship found within Hinckley House, which helps keep her young and energetic.

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Tale of the Century

107 year-old

Barbara Richards

at Derby Heights

Care Home says, “The secret to a long life is working hard.” One of her most memorable experiences was going to Australia to visit family at the age of 94 because she’d never flown before. While there, Barbara’s second great-grandchild, Maia was born.

A lot of things changed during Barbara’s lifetime, but there is one thing, in particular, that was a big help, “Getting a washing machine! It was much better and timesaving than the dolly tub, dolly stick and plunger, although we did have a mangle.”

101 year-old

Amy Oliver

at Loxley

Park Assisted Living met husband Joe, whom she describes as, “a lovely Christian man” in church. After the war, she worked in a hospital in Rivelin, South Yorkshire before moving on to Jessops Hospital in Sheffield, to work as a darkroom technician in the x-ray department. “I’ve no real secrets to a long life, I just think God has been good to me,” she says. “I only have the odd glass of wine on special occasions, and if I could live my life over again, I wouldn’t change a thing.” If Amy could give the youth of today any advice, it would be to, “Be kind and helpful to everyone you meet.”

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Tale of the Century

100 year-old

Dorothy Chapman & Joan Varney

, residents

at Milton Court Care Home, recently turned 100 at the end of last year. Dorothy Chapman was born on 30th November 1920. As a child, Dorothy enjoyed dance lessons, playing the piano and violin. In 1945, Dorothy married Edward Chapman, a pilot for the Military Aircraft Production during the Second World War. Dorothy has four grandchildren, Thomas, twelve, Louie, eight, Jessica, eleven and William, seven.

Kathleen Joan Varney, known as Joan, was born on the 17th of November 1920. Joan loves to knit, and complete puzzles and crosswords in her spare time.

Joan was married to Ronald Charles Varney until he died on the 25th of June 2018, the day before their 75th Wedding Anniversary. In her later years, Joan loved to travel, particularly to Devon and Cornwall for her holidays. On reaching her 100th year, Joan shared that her secret to longevity is owed to good friends, family, and a gin and tonic every day at 11:30 am.

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Tale of the Century

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Anne was put in charge of the Long Gallery and helped Lady Spencer in her jewellery shop situated in the courtyard every Saturday when the house was open.

year-old

Anne Morris

at

Cliftonville Care Home grew up in Olney, Buckinghamshire, where her father and grandfather owned a shoe and boot factory. Anne spent most of her childhood with her grandparents in their beautiful home, Orchard House, situated on the High Street in the Buckinghamshire town of Olney.

In that era, Anne’s grandparents were well known in the town as both the most prominent employer at their shoe factory and generous philanthropy towards the local community. During the war years, Anne worked for the W.V.S in the war nurseries, looking after young children. Not all work, though, as there was a fair amount of socialising with Americans, which helped alleviate the boredom of war. In 1942, she met and married her husband Vaughn; they have two daughters together. After Vaughn passed away, Anne moved into the Old School House and worked at Althorp House for many years where she remembers being caught up in the excitement of the royal courtship of Prince Charles and Lady Diana. In the early eighties, one of Anne’s daughters worked there as head chef to Lord and Lady Spencer, before Prince Charles and Lady Diana’s wedding. She mentioned her mother Anne to her Ladyship, who immediately offered her a house position, which gave her a new purpose in life and many happy memories.

She was put in charge of the Long Gallery and helped Lady Spencer in her jewellery shop situated in the courtyard every Saturday when the house was open. Anne was particularly fond of Barbara Cartland, who visited her daughter on several occasions. Now enjoying life at Cliftonville, Anne loves a Baileys or a sherry, and her cups of tea, “Must have two sugars, darling!”

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Avery Healthcare

Avery Healthcare is thrilled to announce they have taken home the Residential Care Provider of the Year award at the Health Investors Awards 2020.

Each year, the Health Investors Awards seeks to recognise organisations that have made an exceptional contribution to the healthcare industry, and it comes as no surprise that Avery has done just that. In particular, Avery was recognised for its outstanding delivery on financial performance, expansion and repositioning for 2020, developing investor base and its exceptional residential care services.

The awards ceremony, which was hosted virtually and included a ‘main stage’, a virtual bar and many networking opportunities, accumulated over 250 submissions from leading individuals and organisations to be considered by a high-profile panel of judges.

A judge representative from the ceremony commented: “Avery firmly positions itself as a high-end residential care provider, and 2019 saw the introduction of further innovative approaches heavily focused on enhancing the experiences not only of residents but also its staff, thereby cementing its enviable position as one of the pre-eminent UK care home operators”.

Avery Healthcare

As couples get married they make a lifetime commitment to stay together, but that can be interrupted if one person needs to go into hospital or care. One partner may try and care for the other at home, which can be a strain on an elderly and potentially frail person, but after a lifetime at each other’s side, the devotion and responsibility means that many persevere, often to the health detriment of both.

Avery provides a range of options for couples wishing to stay together in care, whatever their difference in needs, so that their life can continue to be shared.

Couples get the best in medical care, a quality diet, daily housekeeping and laundry, and most importantly, the independence and space to live their lives together. Adjoining rooms or suites can either be maintained as two bedrooms, or one can be used as a lounge, whatever the couple prefer.

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Celebrating with our Couples in Care

Pat & Shaun Pat and Shaun met and fell in love when they worked at a hospital in Dublin where Pat was a nurse, and Shaun, a doctor. They continued to live in Dublin after they were married and have been blessed with three children, ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The couple recently celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary at Grove Park Care Home in Leeds where they now reside, with staff delighted to help them celebrate their wonderful anniversary together with a beautiful cake and treats. Their family, unable to join them in person due to Covid-19 restrictions, arranged a virtual celebration via Zoom and thoughtfully organised a mass to be said at the Church of St. Thérèse, Mount Merrion where they were married on 11th October 1960.

Speaking of his wife lovingly, Shaun said, “Pat is marvellous and has looked after me.” To which, Pat replied with a smile, “I used to beat him up occasionally to keep him in line!”

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Avery Healthcare

Betty & Kenneth The stars of the show, Betty and Ken at Bourn View Care Home, wowed the world in November with a video of them reuniting after several weeks apart. Such was their love, that Betty could not bear to be apart from Ken who needed to be in the home, so she secretly joined the home and self isolated on a different floor to adhere to the Covid-19 restrictions. Once her selfisolation period and testing were complete, the amazing team at the home organised the beautiful reunion and the video went viral and worldwide overnight.

Better Together they certainly are!

es a range Avery provid r couples of options fo ay together wishing to st tever their in care, wha needs, difference in life can so that their e shared. continue to b 57

Humans have only been building permanent structures for around 10,000 years. Originally thrown up to keep the rain, snow and odd sabretooth tiger out, the first proper domiciles were extremely basic by today’s standards.

Waitrose online home delivery was yet a long ways off (we didn’t even have Ceefax!) so the first home-bodies still had to hunt, forest and farm to survive.

We therefore continued to spend a great deal of our time outside, mastering or being mastered by nature.

We travelled large distances most days in search of sustenance and hospitable terrain. We had a near encyclopaedic knowledge of plants, flowers, fruits,

Ian Greenland is a freelance photographer and writer who lives in Brighton with his partner Gemma and son Rafa. He took up photography because he thought the whole “picture says a thousand words” thing would cut corners on written assignments but it turns out that’s just a phrase. Nevertheless, he’s gone on to shoot for Microsoft, Ford and Red Bull, despite owning a Mac, driving a Honda and despising Red Bull. When he was 8, he put a live woodlouse up his nose but there’s no proof he’s done it since. He enjoys writing more than people enjoy reading what he writes... ...he wrote this. www.iangreenland.uk 58

nuts and seeds, collectively learned Even when not accounting for Ultimately, by losing through more than a few tummy aches lockdown, research indicates the ourselves in nature and the odd fatal poisoning. We struck average American today spends 90% a relatively nuanced balance with of their time indoors, which means (ideally not literally) our ecosystem, scarcely polluting just 8% of their time outdoors... the we can seek balance for other 2% they’re kind of wedged in or irreparably depleting its natural resources and only occasionally going the doorframe, attempting to wriggle body and soul completely bonkers and chasing off a free and regretting supersizing their cliff more mammoths than you could McDonalds. shake a pointy stick at (which, incidentally, appears to be the method by which we accomplished that).

We’ve lost our way. Enter Shinrin-yoku, the Japanese practise whose name literally translates to “Forest Estimates put the global population at the time of these bath”. More than just a brisk walk through woods with early homes somewhere between 1 and 15 million - the family dog, Shinrin-yoku encourages us to slow given that the Earth was roughly exactly just as big as down, immersing ourselves in our natural surroundings it is now, the evidence suggests we had much more and activating all five senses as we take time to room to roam, and so roam we did..... Cut to today and experience nature in a more mindful fashion than Ceefax has come and gone, Waitrose are delivering to society’s prescribed pace would otherwise dictate. homes (but only the big ones with nice cars), and the Instead of scoffing at tree huggers, we’re encouraged majority of us are fortunate enough to have roofs over to hug trees. To stare at the trembling leaves. Smell our heads. That doesn’t mean we seem particularly the moss. Taste the air. Listen to the wind. In return, pleased about it. Anxiety, stress and depression are at you may just decrease your risk of cancer, strokes, record highs and whilst this absolute debacle of a car- stomach ulcers, depression and anxiety. crash of a train-wreck of a cup-of-tea-getting-spilledon-a-laptop of a 2020 deserves some of the blame, Trees and plants release a chemical called increasing unhappiness seems to be a symptom of the phytoncides, found to boost the immune system. modern world. It’s no wonder. There are now just shy of Time spent in nature has been shown to reduce eight BILLION of us jostling for position on this rock. It’s blood pressure, lower cortisol levels (and noisy, busy, expensive and polluted. Just as well we consequently stress), improve concentration, chased all the mammoths off cliffs because honestly, memory and sleep quality. where the hell would we fit them now?! We’ve barely got room for the mobile phones.

Since the practise gained widespread recognition in Japan in the 1980’s, the government have integrated it As a species, we’ve completely lost touch with the into the country’s health programme and the western natural world. It’s unsurprising since nearly everything world is beginning to take notice. A 2018 study at King’s is available at the touch of a button - staying in has College London found that exposure to trees, the sky become the new going out. and birdsong by people in cities improved their mental

59

wellbeing, with the benefits still evident several hours later. Living as I do in Brighton, “birdsong” tends to be the attack cry of a pterodactyl-sized seagull, moments before it rips an entire sandwich/bag of chips/small dog from your hands - a scenario not generally linked to mental wellbeing - but then Brighton’s always enjoyed being different.

Going forward, experts are expecting to see more and more GP’s prescribing forest bathing as a non medical therapy to boost patients’ wellbeing.

Ultimately, by losing ourselves in nature (ideally not literally), we can seek balance for body and soul; a buffer against the rigours of modern life. Japan’s average life expectancy of 85 (outstripping the states by a full six years) certainly suggests a good return on any time spent smelling the roses.

Though they’re far from the most demanding companions, the simple act of caring for them can bring enormous satisfaction and peace; a comforting, rooted constant in an ever-changing world.

And for those of us unable to get to the great outdoors, don’t underestimate the benefit of bringing a little greenery indoors. Studies Exposure to trees, the sky show houseplants don’t just look Avian muggings notwithstanding, and birdsong by people good; they’re good for your health. urban residents are increasingly in cities improved their They regulate humidity and purify their surroundings, removing toxins encouraged to combat their greater mental wellbeing, with from the air (Up to 87% in 24hrs, exposure to stressors by forest bathing where possible. Guided the benefits still evident according to NASA no less). They sessions, such as those provided in aid concentration and productivity, several hours later. lower cortisol and boost our immune the UK by The Forest Bathing Institute systems and mood. Research shows typically last around three hours, though proponents say any amount of time passed “at they can even reduce dust and mould in a room (they’ll be helping with the washing up next). one”-ing oneself with Mother Earth is beneficial.

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Avery Healthcare

Patricia Partington is Avery’s Resident Ambassador, with real first-hand experience of placing relatives into care. Highly articulate, approachable, and popular with staff, we were delighted when Pat accepted the post to bring to life the view of a family member. We see this as an essential aspect in our continual journey to improve resident and relatives’ experiences of care in our homes.

Pat’s husband, John, was a resident at Derby Heights Care Home, having suffered a brain haemorrhage that led to vascular dementia. Before that, Pat had also selected a care home for her mother.

She is therefore able to provide valuable feedback and guidance to our staff from a relative perspective and be part of supporting the very best care for our residents. A vital part of this is for the care home team and family members to work together, with regular and effective communications, to ensure the best

outcomes and experiences for resident and relative alike.

In her informal talks with staff, Pat shares her experience of having a parent in care, compared to a spouse. It is important for staff to know that relatives have differing needs depending on how they are related to the resident. She speaks about the requirements of residents and relatives when they come to view a care home, and how staff can make the best impression at these times. She also discusses the admissions process and shares her belief that ‘moving in day’ is a key moment that requires full support.

To close her sessions, Pat talks about how relatives deal with their loved one passing away. She explains aspects of her husband’s situation, how she and her family felt during this time and stresses the importance of how staff could respond, providing examples of good practice she experienced at Derby Heights. Although not part of any formal training, this wellpresented insight gives staff a valuable perspective on how they can meet and exceed the needs of a resident and their relatives.

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Avery Healthcare

Leadership & Management in dementia care To ensure the very best care for residents living with dementia, Avery has partnered with Leeds Beckett University, a leading body in the field of dementia research and education, to create a bespoke Leadership and Management Programme for its Care Home and Regional Managers.

Providing practical, up-to-date and relevant skills and knowledge for the staff is a priority at Avery.

Its ReConnect Dementia Care Strategy includes a bespoke five-stage learning pathway, created to make sure that all of its staff, regardless of their role or job title, can have access to the knowledge and skills that they require, to provide the best possible standards of dementia care to the residents.

From basic dementia awareness when members of staff initially join Avery, through to leadership learning for managers, each level of the dementia training pathway has been carefully designed using a variety of learning methods, to provide staff with increasing levels of evidence-based knowledge and skills.

Although much of the dementia training pathway is delivered by expert practitioners within the organisation, Avery recognised that to ensure that its home managers are equipped with the most contemporary knowledge in advanced dementia leadership, it needed to draw on further expertise.

The School of Health and Community Studies at Leeds Beckett University has a wealth of practitioner, educator and researcher experience and expertise, and are working closely with Jo Crossland, Avery’s Head of Dementia Care, to develop a customised parttime programme of learning.

The programme will draw on evidence-based knowledge to ensure that all Avery materials are upto-date and relevant to practice. It will use a blended learning approach: a combination of face-to-face study days led by the university team, which may be accessed by video conference platforms to reflect social distancing requirements. Further in-house workshops and individual support for managers will also be available from the Avery dementia team.

64

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Avery Healthcare

Resident well-being is central to everything at Avery. Its Well-being Model provides opportunities for engagement for every resident to enhance their individual experience, regardless of age, health status or social background.

This is achieved by focusing on the three major aspects: physical, social and psychological needs.

The staff take the time to engage in Life Story Work with each resident, learning about their past interests, routines, and hobbies, creating opportunities for positive engagement every day. Maintaining resident safety has been vital, and Avery has continually adapted ways to work within government guidance to deliver activity and engagement safely.

It has become even more important to support resident well-being during the pandemic, so the well-being teams in Avery homes have been working creatively to involve all residents; whether that be a smaller socially distanced group activity, outings to ensure residents stay safely connected to the community, or just being able to socialise safely with friends, it all contributes positively. There have been doorstep drinks, quizzes, corridor exercises, and hallway

66

Avery Healthcare

bingo, where residents can still enjoy the company of others with shared interests whilst safely socially distanced from each other.

The Resilience of All has been Astounding

Keeping residents connected to the world outside is Some of the residents also key for their mental well-being, whether with have been giving back family, friends or groups and organisations. Despite to the community the lockdown, it has still been possible to maintain and showing their contact virtually with faith groups, schools and appreciation through the other community links through pictures, letters, painting and displaying photos and music opportunities. Families have of NHS ‘Thank You’ been able to stay in touch using video calls and rainbows and banners. phone calls, writing letters and postcards to each other, and sending messages through the homes’ Facebook pages. In some instances, the staff have become the ‘family in the Milton Court Care home’, spending time chatting with residents, looking Home in Milton through old photos or sharing stories. Staff also used Keynes existing or learnt new skills to support resident well- The residents knitted a rainbow being, through beauty and pampering, hairdressing, coloured scarf and even playing musical instruments. It has had the that measured an unexpected benefit of the staff feeling more valued in amazing 160 feet these challenging times and has positively contributed in length! This has now been draped to their own well-being. around the railings at the front of the building for all passers-by to see.

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Avery Healthcare

Keeping Faith at Clare Court Care Home

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence stipulates that ‘Older people in care homes are offered opportunities to participate in meaningful activity that promotes their health and mental wellbeing’ (NICE 2013). The Avery Well-Being & Activity Model endorses this good care with meaningful activity in residents’ daily lives and guides carers to take a person-centred approach, to listen, respect and provide personal choice.

Clare Court Care Home in Birmingham is just one Avery home which meets residents’ needs by putting all at the heart of care planning. Using the Avery Well-Being Measure to identify residents’ needs, they have avoided generalisations and assumptions, to consider how these needs can best be met.

“Well-being is not merely a range of activities with physical benefits, it is fulfilling occupational needs, including accomplishment, affirmation, friendship and personal preference through culture and faith.”

- Manager Clare Court Care

runs cultural workshops for the care team, including how to tie a turban and meet dietary requirements.

Following this success, WellBeing and Activity Co-ordinator, Aroosa Khan, is now working with a resident’s relative to deliver Punjabi language workshops for the staff to learn and aid in daily communications.

For example, the local Guru Nanak For residents of other faiths, the Home, Kim Young Gurdwara Smethwick (a Sikh home has also developed excellent Temple) is regularly invited into relationships with the local Seventh Day Adventist Church whose choir visits every three the home to pray and share in culturally significant interests and conversations after five residents weeks to sing hymns during non Covid time. The local Baptist Church also holds monthly services at Clare Court. expressed their interest in the religion. The temple

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Avery Healthcare

CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS Several Avery homes celebrated Jamaican Independence Day last summer, with spectacular events held at Ashurst Mews and Albion Court. This public holiday is the National Day of Jamaica, celebrating independence from the UK in 1962.

At Ashurst Mews, the staff team and residents celebrated in the glorious sunshine with traditional cuisine, cocktails and punch. The home and garden were festooned with garlands and bunting and the staff team even made a human cruise ship.

Albion Court was decorated in Jamaican bunting and flags. “We played Jamaican music, our chefs served up superb traditional cuisine and we danced with residents. We talked about cultural heritage and shared some wonderful memories. A beautiful day enjoyed by all.” said Sharmaine Bell, Wellbeing and Activities Co-ordinator.

Hinduism is one of the oldest religions and the third largest, with a billion followers. With many Hindus at

Birchwood Grange, there are always opportunities to celebrate this wonderful religion in the home’s own Hindu Temple. In August, the home celebrated the Hindu Festival of Janmashtami, Lord Krishna’s day of birth, one of the most widely-marked festivals in India, with an emphasis on being together with family and friends.

“We were unable to open the home to visitors but that did not dampen the spirit to celebrate this special event. Offerings were made to the Gods in the form of fruit, the grinding of herbs, spices, leaves and petals anointed in oils; all were then placed into an ornate swinging cradle and offered to the Gods.” Helen Abbot, Well-being and Activities Co-ordinator

“It is important to me to still follow my faith, to attend temple daily, and celebrate such important events. This has settled me during the pandemic and supported me whilst being separated from my family.”

- Resident Mrs Hansaben Amin

“A lovely afternoon cruising to Jamaica!

Residents listened to an audio tour of the country, learning about Jamaican traditions, its famous people and its music.”

- Well-being and Activities Co-ordinator ,

Millie Kent

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THE HEALING POWER OF

Human Conn Con n ection As we age, communities and social interaction are more important than ever.

Nicola McGeorge examines just how important “human connectedness” is to our overall mental, emotional, and physical well-being. With increasing numbers of seniors feeling they have been cast adrift in modern Britain, Nicola looks into different solutions to overcome this evergrowing loneliness epidemic.

Fraying of social bonds Isolation and loneliness are serious problems for older adults. They become less mobile, their friends and relatives pass on, hearing loss makes it more difficult to communicate with others, and they are often loath to try to make new friends. We were dealing with a deep well of loneliness before Covid-19 arrived, the pandemic has simply acted as a catalyst for what was already a very serious problem in our society.

I witnessed the healing power of human connection firsthand during lockdown. I was part of a team delivering daily meals to those in need. On my initial meeting with 93-year-old Jack, even though he was partially deaf, underweight and suffered with a multitude of medical conditions, I was taken aback by how much he wanted to engage with me. We sat for over half an hour chatting about his past, laughing as he took me through many of his mischievous antics over the years and basically putting the world to rights. As the weeks went by and

our friendship grew, I noticed the colour come back to his face, he gained weight and became more mobile.

At first, I thought it was simply the homemade meals making the difference, but Jack actually had little appetite and would often tell me he would be happy with just a banana. It was only when he turned to me one day and said, ‘You really don’t need to bring me food anymore, I can sort myself out. It’s your company that I look forward to.’ Before lockdown he would spend days without seeing anyone, and having that daily human interaction had given him a reason to get out of bed and get dressed. All he wanted was someone to listen to his stories and I truly believe that was the reason behind his health improvement.

A study by UCLA Professor of Medicine Dr. Steve Cole showed that “feeling connected” to others strengthens immunity, while other studies have cited lower levels of anxiety and depression, higher self-esteem and

Nicola McGeorge has specialised in health and beauty journalism for over a decade. With a keen interest in the wellness movement, Nicola works hard to spread awareness about the benefits of healthy, mindful living.

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Social isolation or living alone can be more harmful to a person’s health than obesity. Loneliness isn’t just an undesirable way to live. It can kill you. empathy.

Loneliness, he wrote, is associated “with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, depression and anxiety.”

‘Service is a form of human connection that reminds us of our value and purpose in life,’ said Barack Obama’s former Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, ‘Giving and receiving both strengthen our social bonds, so checking on a neighbour, seeking advice, even just offering a smile to a stranger six feet away can all make us stronger.’

A groundbreaking 2010 study from Brigham Young University found that weak social connections can shorten a person’s life by 15 years, roughly the same impact as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. A related report, which analysed 70 other studies representing some 3.4 million individuals in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, found that social isolation or living alone can be more harmful to a person’s health than obesity. Loneliness isn’t just an undesirable way to live.

It can kill you.

Volunteering has been shown to decrease loneliness. The more volunteer associations to which a senior belongs, the lower their collective loneliness.

Volunteering can give you a sense of purpose and is possible to partake even without social contact.

Intergenerational programmes allow seniors to help young children with reading over the phone or via pen pal letters.

Tools of the trade

I would love to live in a world where no one felt they were ever too old to make friends and enjoy social interaction. At times the cause of isolation is one that is out of the individual’s control, but on many occasions the individual can take their power back by making the first step to meet new people and alleviate the problem themselves.

If you’re feeling isolated, sad and lonely, remember you’re not alone. Here are a number of strategies to help you connect with others and combat loneliness:

Help and be helped

Retirement is a great time to pick up old hobbies again, or even take up new ones. Activities in SHEDS vary greatly, but you can usually find woodworking, metalworking, repairing and restoring, electronics, model buildings or even car building in a typical shed.

Whatever the activity, the essence of a shed is not a building, but the connections and relationships between its members. They are about having fun, sharing skills and knowledge with like-minded people and gaining a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. https://menssheds.org.uk 71

Generations of kindness

A wonderful initiative is co-housing, where older adults and younger adults share homes. Homeshare matches an older person who has a spare room with a younger adult who is in need of low-cost accommodation, in return for household tasks and company.

Florence, 95 and Alexandra, 27 are homesharers living in South London.

Florence said: ‘Sharing your home is a marvelous idea.

Loneliness is horrible. You can get bored to tears being by yourself. Having someone else in the home makes a big difference. You don’t have to worry about falling over or hurting yourself. Some people might feel a bit concerned about having a younger person living in their home, but Alexandra is lovely. I would call her a close friend. We talk about everything, just as I would with my other friends.’

Alexandra said: ‘People sometimes look slightly strangely at you when you first explain you live with someone who is 95 and not a relative, but it’s like being with an old family friend. It gives me somewhere really homely to come back to in the evening, which is great.

Rent in London is also really high but living with Flo makes being here more affordable.’ https://homeshareuk.org/

A higher purpose Faith communities can be a natural way to link frail homebound seniors to their fellow congregants. Just providing a ride to a religious service or a community meal can be a lifesaver for an older adult. But that doesn’t mean you have to convert to a new faith. Spirituality, or faith-based events can simply be the starting point for meeting a whole new group of people.

Paws for thought

Most people don’t feel so alone in the company of a pet. Why? Pets love unconditionally. Caring for a pet can renew meaning and purpose in your life. If you’re not sure whether owning a pet will work for you, look into fostering. When you foster an animal, you look after it until the pet finds a permanent home. Fostering can help you decide whether your lifestyle, health, and living conditions can handle a pet.

The best is yet to come

Senior villages are a growing model for older adults to build supporting communities for one another.

The Hawthorns retirement villages are a retirement community of people where friendships flourish in an atmosphere that is more like a ‘club house’.

Whether it is trips out for Sunday roast, enjoying with other residents a three course lunch with wine in their restaurant, a group walk in the countryside or one of their many social engagements, there is much to immerse yourself in. hawthornsretirement.co.uk 72

What’s that?

It’s good to talk

Hearing problems can lead to increased loneliness.

In fact, the University of British Columbia study found that a 10-decibel decrease in hearing ability led to a 53 percent higher risk of social isolation.

Sometimes, seniors are reluctant to talk about hearing problems with their doctors or other caregivers. But don’t hesitate to bring up concerns about your hearing as a physician might not notice that you’re having issues unless you tell them.

Founded by Dame Esther Rantzen, Silver Line is a free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Over 3,000 volunteer Silver Line Friends are making regular weekly friendship calls to older people, and their Silver Circles offer friendship for older people with shared interests through the chance to socialise by phone in a small group. Some callers ring late at night just because they want someone to say ´Good Night´ to. This service really is a lifeline for many.

0800 4 70 80 90

Sporting life

Learn something new u3a is a UK-wide movement of locally run interest groups that provide a wide range of opportunities to come together to learn for fun.

Members explore new ideas, skills and activities together. It’s all voluntary; a typical u3a will be home to many activity groups covering hundreds of different subjects - from art to zoology and everything inbetween.

Sports are a great way to make friends, because you meet up with the same people on a regular basis.

There are many different sports available enabling you to find something you enjoy that suits your level of fitness. Team sports that aren’t too strenuous include boules, bowling, walking football, snooker and table tennis. Did you know that Tai Chi was named the perfect exercise for seniors by The Telegraph?

The combination of increased muscular power and improvement of heart function makes it a gentle exercise for seniors to maintain good health.

Formed over 35 years ago, there are now over 1,050 u3a´s across the UK, with thousands of interest groups between them and more than 450,000 members nationally.

This is a wonderful opportunity for peer-to-peer learning. Each week you will virtually meet u3a members from across the movement and learn together. There are nine courses ranging from four to six weeks in length. Each course is designed to be as interactive as possible, with the opportunity to ask questions. https://sources.u3a.org.uk

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Sing it loud Choirs are all the rage right now. There are lots of community choirs that are looking for people to join.

Just like regular exercise, there are physical health benefits too. Singing improves blood circulation and boosts oxygen levels in the blood. That increases energy, alertness, helps memory and is even a workout for some of your upper body muscles. Singing also has positive psychological effects, it encourages the release of endorphins which are the ‘happy’ chemicals in your brain!

Movie night Wouldn’t it be fun to have a virtual movie night with a loved one who lives in a different country?

Netflix Party allows you to do just that. It syncs the video you’re watching and opens a group chat so you can virtually watch with your family or friends. What movie would you want to watch with your loved ones? A classic, action, drama, or newly released film? Whatever you choose, don’t forget to prepare your snacks; they’re still essential for virtual movie nights.

Keep it local MeetUpMondays aims to strengthen communities by running free, weekly coffee mornings at cafes and pubs across the UK. Anyone can come along and enjoy other people’s company with complimentary tea, coffee, biscuits and plenty of natter. http://www.meetupmondays.org.uk/ Nextdoor connects neighbours to each other and to everything nearby. It’s where communities come together to share neighbourhood events, local restaurant recommendations, ask to borrow a ladder, or organise a walking group. It’s a great way to exchange information and build connections with people in your neighbourhood. https://nextdoor.co.uk/

‘While loneliness engenders despair and ever more isolation, togetherness raises optimism and creativity. When people feel they belong to one another, their lives are stronger, richer and more joyful.´ - Former Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, 74

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To save lives tomorrow, we need your help today COVID-19 has slowed us down, but we will never stop.

We need your donations now more than ever to help continue our life-saving research.

Donate now at cruk.org/donate Together we will still beat cancer

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Avery Healthcare

ReConnect Dementia is often regarded as an ‘umbrella term’ used to describe a syndrome or collection of symptoms where there is an ongoing and usually irreversible decline of brain function and its abilities. There are over 100 different types of dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common. Depending on where the brain’s damage is will influence how a person is affected on a dayto-day basis. However, dementia is commonly associated with a decline in memory and other cognitive skills.

The Alzheimer’s Society estimates that there are currently 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK. This is predicted to rise to over 1 million by 2025 and to over 2,000,000 by 2051. An estimated 311,730 of those living with dementia in the UK are living in care homes.

The Avery Healthcare ReConnect Programme is a comprehensive programme designed to ensure that staff can support residents with dementia and their

families in the very best way possible. ReConnect reflects the very best evidence-based guidance available, drawing on the work of leaders in the field of dementia care, including the late Professor Tom Kitwood, universally regarded as one of the pioneers of contemporary person-centred dementia care. The ReConnect strategy involves several key elements which come together to provide the foundation on which excellent person-centred dementia care is built.

“At Avery, we aim to continuously meet and exceed the expectations of our residents, their families, visiting professionals and our regulators and in order to do this we must have a clear and consistent approach to delivering modern dementia care services. We recognise that a person living with dementia can become quickly disconnected from everything that was once familiar without skilled and individualised care. We have therefore named our comprehensive dementia strategy ‘ReConnect’.”

Jo Crossland, Head of Dementia Care, Avery Healthcare

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Avery Healthcare

The ReConnect Care Model Building Relationships

Supporting Families

Relationships are a key factor in the delivery of highquality, person-centred dementia care. ReConnect focuses on all staff being able to develop trusting and supportive relationships with residents and their families and members of the wider dementia care team. Life Story Work is used in all Avery memory care settings to help others understand more about a person and is a central part of the way we build relationships.

Family members are a vital part of ensuring residents can receive the most person-centred care possible as relationships between residents and their loved ones remain crucial. ReConnect also ensures that families and friends receive clear information and compassionate support when and how they need it and as often as required.

Skilled Staff Teams ReConnect ensures that all staff working at Avery Healthcare homes have the right level of dementia knowledge and training that they need to best support our residents and their families. The bespoke ReConnect training pathway offers a range of learning approaches for staff teams from basic in-house dementia awareness to University-based advanced dementia leadership learning for senior staff.

Evidence-based Care ReConnect reflects the most contemporary and robust dementia research and best practice guidance available to ensure that residents are supported to live well and maintain the highest quality of life possible.

Measuring Outcomes

A tailored audit system has been developed, which complements Avery’s existing quality assurance systems. This enables the team to continually monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of ReConnect and the quality of care being experienced by residents.

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Look who’s TECHING

By Ian Greenland

I bought my father a digital camera about three year ago to photograph the model vehicles he builds and paints in his retirement. We ran through the basic controls together when we unboxed it and he quickly mastered the basic settings for taking pics. Transferring them to the computer though?... not so much. He’s never

liked computers. Despite tutoring him in this relatively straightforward operation (plug in, double click on the folder that pops up, drag the photos onto the desktop, unplug.... give or take), I received a call days later asking once more how it was done. Attempting to guide him through the operation this time from 80 miles away, you’d have thought I was talking a terrified passenger through emergency landing a 747. Let’s just say tension ran high (mostly on his end of the line). We gave up before this mild-mannered septuagenarian put a keyboard through a monitor or a monitor through a window (trying to think of a joke about computers and Windows crashing here but it was an Apple Mac so that would be disingenuous....)

With my father now highly agitated, I promised to demonstrate it again next time I visited. A few weeks later, I did just that with apparent (though fleeting) success. Days later, the call came in once again...

Once again, I tried to talk him through the process and once again, the neighbours must’ve thought my lovely stepmum was having vile abuse hurled at her when really it was Steve Jobs (RIP... and equally blameless).

This scenario Groundhog Day’d itself for several months until we finally came up with a simple, elegant solution. I filmed myself completing the exact procedure, accompanying my actions with a deliberately calm, concise and not remotely patronising narration. Inside I admit I was screaming, but there’s an inheritance at play here ;-) I emailed the short clip to him and told him if he ever forgot again, to just rewatch this video and copy the steps. THIS. WAS. BULLETPROOF.

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The 65+ age bracket will constitute roughly a third of the European population within 50 years, it’s become apparent there’s a vast, increasingly tech-savvy, financially solvent demographic the tech industry has all but ignored.

It took a 160 mile round trip to teach him how to locate and play the video file.

He’s only had books as presents since.

My father, it seems is at odds not just with modern tech but also an increasing number of his generational peers. Not only is the 65-and-older population growing (U.S. Census Bureau data released this summer shows it’s increased by more than a third since 2010), but according to the AARP’s (American Association of Retired Persons) 2020 tech survey, it appears over 50s are adopting new devices such as smart home tech (TVs, speakers, thermostats, utility meters...), wearables and smartphones at a similar pace to those cheeky wee, don’t-even-know-they’re-born rascals, the 18-49s.

During the pandemic, many older folk have further embraced new technologies and software as a means to stay connected with friends and family. Skype, Zoom and WhatsApp have been instrumentally important in combatting marginalisation and isolation.

With statistics showing that the 65+ age bracket will constitute roughly a third of the European population within 50 years, it’s become apparent there’s a vast, increasingly tech-savvy, financially solvent demographic the tech industry has all but ignored.

With 83% of US wealth now held by people over 50, it’s not a market which was going to stay ignored forever.

The pandemic has further accelerated the uptake of online services and new tech amongst the older generation, and on-the-ball startups have begun to recognise the increased demand for what’s now referred to as “silver tech”. Improved transportation and mobility solutions, virtual connectivity, tailored entertainment and online financial services are all hot tickets right now but the “jackpot” may just be telehealth – Valued at over USD 21 million globally last year and set to reach USD 71 million by 2027, telehealth refers to the provision of healthcare services to users by remote providers. Through ICT (Information and

Communication Technology), users can periodically key their vitals into a smart hub or allow devices such as blood pressure readers, pulse oximeters, and blood glucose monitors to automatically sync their findings and transmit them for ongoing analysis, with alerts sent and further action taken where necessary. As with so much of life today, we look for solutions to problems through the aggregation of data and its computation by sophisticated computer algorithms.

Whilst we might find ourselves existentially resistant to healthcare provision by faceless electronic devices, telehealth systems aim to support us in self-managing long term conditions, increasing user independence, reducing the frequency and duration of hospital stays and lowering patient dependency on already-stretched primary health and GP services. Like any break from convention, the emerging system has its naysayers and holdouts, but the colossal financial projections for the industry and the strangely restrictive new world we currently find ourselves in suggest telehealth will (must?) be widely embraced.

Research conducted by the McKinsey Global Institute indicates the percentage of consumers interested in telehealth jumped from just 11% in 2019 to 76% postpandemic. Ultimately, as those statistically greatest affected by health issues, it’s the older generation who stand to gain most from any advantages new tech might offer over traditional healthcare provisions.

Whether it’s drone parcel delivery, health and wellbeing monitoring apps and devices or autonomous (driverless) vehicles, as seniors increasingly embrace forms of silver tech (regardless of what they think of the name!) and the stock market takes note, their growing participation in the digital and electronic realm catalyses ever more investment in the types of innovations which could ultimately change the world for people of all ages.

In short, respect your elders!

I’m still only getting him books though...

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SUPER

Senior Gadgets

New technology can be intimidating. It has progressed so rapidly over the past decade that even the younger generations struggle to keep up. However, behind the buzzwords and marketing hype, there are some genuinely useful gadgets that make everyday life easier, safer, and more entertaining.

We have rounded up six of the top techy gadgets for 2021 that are highly rated for older adults and easy to use. Even if you’re not a ‘techy’ person, you may love these useful inventions.

Trackers

GrandPad

This tablet is specifically designed for older adults. With larger icons and easy-to-use screen, the GrandPad makes it simpler for seniors to video chat with loved ones, share photos, and stay connected. Family members can even adjust the settings for the GrandPad user through the free GrandPad Companion app. To charge it, just pop it into the charging cradle any way up and it charges, wire-free.

The cradle also acts like a convenient stand for the tablet when receiving video calls, so your hand doesn’t ache trying to hold it up.

Always losing your keys? Now you can stick a tracker to it and never lose items again. The Tile Pro is a durable tracker that makes easy work of finding your valuable items like keys, bags, phones, hearing aids, glasses, or even the TV remote. It has a 400ft bluetooth range and works with your smartphone so you can open the app and tap ‘find’ to locate your items. They come in different shapes and styles so you can find the perfect tile for just about anything.

Smart watch

If we would have said to you 20 years ago that you could monitor your heart rate, activity, and sleep patterns through a little watch, it would have sounded crazy. Now it’s a reality and smart watches like the Fitbit Versa 2 have gone a step further, adding built-in Amazon Alexa to get quick access to news, weather, and music and more just by speaking to your watch. This is great for seniors to stay connected easily and with a 4+ day battery life, there’s no need to worry about charging it every day.

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Alexa Echo Show 8

The Alexa Echo Show 8 is one of the most useful, multitasking gadgets available. The ‘drop in’ feature is especially useful, as it lets you check in on vulnerable seniors without them having to pick up the phone to answer your call.

Amazon’s Alexa has also partnered with digital health company, Sharecare, so it can answer over 80,000 questions related to healthcare. The list of things that the Alexa Echo Show can do is endless, from reading your eBooks to you, to playing a specific piece of music, or even telling a few jokes.

Electronic photo frame

We all love to see precious memories around us, and sometimes there is not enough space to have them all on display. An electronic photo frame like this one from Feelcare, solves this problem by displaying your photos digitally.

Every few minutes the photo changes to another treasured moment in high resolution. It can be mounted on the wall or placed on a side, with an easyto-use touch screen to adjust settings and connect to Wi-Fi. Simply download the free app to add and share photos. Family members with the app can also send photos directly to your Feelcare frame.

Noise canceling headphones

Maybe you love complete peace and quiet when you read, or perhaps you love to listen to your favorite music and TV without disturbing anyone else. Either way, these wireless headphones by Artiste are rated best for seniors. They can be used with your smartphone, tablet, and TV to give you crisp, clear sound up to 100ft distance. We also love that these headphones give the ability to adjust the volume on each headphone separately which is excellent for those who have different hearing capabilities in each ear.

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Stay in touch Throughout the recent pandemic we have strived to keep in close contact with all our customers and made sure we are here to support you with anything you need.

speeds or have no broadband at all, giving them the benefit of 4G speeds. We currently offer short term contracts for these 4G dongles to give businesses the flexibility as we are all unsure when normality will return.

It is so important to stick together during these strange times and we work to ensure your comms are as streamlined as possible to allow for flexible remote working.

In addition, we can also advise, supply and install advanced video and audio-conferencing facilities to enable you to host and partake in Teams and Zoom meetings and conferences from the comfort of your home. Chandler Comms cover everything from mobiles, broadband and VOIP to handsfree, vehicle asset tracking and CCTV as well as fully managed and competitive business-only gas and electricity rates offering customers access to extensive UK energy suppliers whilst encompassing award-winning customer service and support.

Chandler Communications is one of the longest established telecommunications companies in the UK. We offer a wide range of services to help businesses stay connected including our VOIP telephone systems to allow users to ‘plug and play’ with their desk phone to remain part of the office phone system as well as assisting with remote changes and configurations of phone systems to enable you to work at home. Our MiFi dongles help users who either suffer from slow broadband

Chandler Comms are here to help us all stick together at a time where we need it most.

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The Morgan Motor Company has introduced the next iteration of its core model, with the launch of the all-new Morgan Plus Four.

The car represents a revolutionary successor to the original 4 cylinder model which formed the backbone of Morgan production since its debut in 1950. Now, 70 years after the first Plus 4 rolled off the production line at Morgan’s Pickersleigh Road factory in Malvern, UK, a new chapter begins.

A new dawn for

MORGAN MOTOR COMPANY

Design & Dynamics The Plus Four is based on the bonded aluminium CX-Generation platform, so called because it made its debut in Morgan’s 110th year (2019). Exponentially more rigid than the outgoing steel ladder chassis, yet astonishingly lightweight at just 97 kg, this advanced platform transforms the car’s ride and handling capabilities, making it truly competitive against its 21st-century competition. However, the famed Morgan driving experience of the model hasn’t been forgotten – its agility, response and balance will be instantly familiar to anyone who has driven a Morgan sports car, past or present.

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Despite sharing the CX-Generation platform with the Morgan Plus Six, the design of the Plus Four is markedly different. Fourcylinder Morgan cars have always featured a narrower body than the larger-engined models in the range, and the new Plus Four is no exception. Compared to the Plus Six, the Plus Four is 104mm narrower in the central body, 78mm narrower overall, and features uniquely profiled wings.

The Plus Four retains a similar footprint to the model it replaces but, thanks to the advanced packaging of the CX-Generation platform, brings increased interior passenger and luggage space. Furthermore, ingress and egress have been dramatically improved. Together, these advancements enhance the day-today usability of the car, and make it available to an even greater number of customers.

The all-new Plus Four boasts a number of ‘firsts’ for a CXGeneration Morgan, not least of which is the availability of new 15” wire wheels. The addition of this wheel design, which represents a core part of the company’s design language, required extensive development work, including redesigned wishbones, suspension uprights and braking components. A newly designed alloy wheel style, which references sports cars of the 1960s and 70s as well as Morgan wheel designs of old, is also available.

Powertrain, Performance & Emissions Morgan has built on its long-standing relationship with BMW, choosing to use its 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo engine. It marks the first time a four-cylinder turbocharged engine has featured in a Morgan car, and produces 255 bhp (190 kW) along with, in the automatic variant, 295 lb ft (400Nm) of torque.

In combination with a dry weight of just 1009 kg, it provides effortless performance: 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) takes just 4.8 seconds; top speed is 149 mph (240 kph). The manual variant develops 258 lb ft (350 Nm) of torque, which combined with a dry weight of 1013 kg, results in a 0-62 mph (100 kph) time of 5.2 seconds. Power and top speed match the automatic model.

While headline power and torque figures remain consistent with BMW applications, the engine mapping has been specifically calibrated to allow optimum driveability and response in the Plus Four.

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using either the gear selector or the steering-column-mounted paddles.

While power and torque levels have risen by more than 65% compared to the outgoing Plus 4, the cuttingedge drivetrain technology provides the Plus Four with a similar fuel economy of 40 mpg (7.0l/100km), and a reduction in CO2 to just 159g/ km for the automatic variant (manual car: 39 mpg (7.3 l/100km); 165 g/km CO2). The lower emissions ratings, representing a 30% decrease versus the outgoing Morgan Roadster, make the car more accessible in overseas markets where taxation is linked to CO2 output.

Craftsmanship, Specification & Pricing As with the Morgan Plus Six, a sport plus mode is available, engaged using a button on the centre column.

It sharpens the throttle response, releasing a whole new dynamic character from the car. Overall, engine output is comparable with the outgoing, steel-chassis Morgan Roadster, however, real-world performance and dynamics have been taken to a completely new level.

“The all-new Morgan Plus Four represents a fouryear development programme, carried out by our worldclass design and engineering team.

The all-new Plus Four also marks the introduction of a manual gearbox for the first time in a CX-Generation platform Morgan. The six-speed gearbox has been optimised to provide a perfectly weighted movement which, combined with its carefully chosen ratios, delivers an engaging driving experience. The gearbox pairs beautifully with the 2.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo engine and offers further choice to the customer.

For the first time in the model, an automatic gearbox is also available from the factory. The eight-speed automatic features paddle shift, and has already proven to be a perfect match to both the CX-Generation platform and a BMW engine in the acclaimed Plus Six. Moving the gear selector away from you puts the Plus Four into sport mode, which changes shift patterns and response, resulting in a more dynamic driving experience. Ratios can also be chosen manually,

Traditional Morgan values remain crucial to the production of the all-new Plus Four. Every Morgan sports car is built at the company’s Malvern home, and uses time-proven production methods: a hand-made ash frame, hand-beaten aluminium panels and hand-trimmed leather interior. Craftsmanship is, and continues to be, at the very core of Morgan production, where the ethos of 21st-century coachbuilding is practiced daily.

The Plus Four has an extensive standard specification, which includes features new to the model such as automatic LED front and rear lighting, remote central locking and ABS, as well previously optional items such as power steering, a mohair hood, sun visors and door check straps. All-new optional equipment includes puddle lighting and an in-car audio system with bluetooth connectivity. In total, one trillion combinations of options are available, allowing the individual desires of every customer to be fulfilled.

The all-new Plus Four is available to order now with customer deliveries currently ongoing. Prices start at £62,995 inc. VAT in the UK. From launch, the car is available to build to your exact specification on the Morgan Car Configurator at: configure.morgan-motor.com/plusfour/

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The all-new Morgan Plus Four represents the very best of the Morgan Motor Company. It features rare craftsmanship, the instantly recognisable Morgan silhouette, and now, industry-leading technology thanks to our CX-Generation aluminium platform and BMW powertrains.

Morgan Motor Company Chairman and CEO, Steve Morris

Show car drive-back Morgan is a company that thrives when presented with a challenge, and just days before the planned unveiling of the Plus Four at the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show, it was presented with one, when the show was cancelled following the coronavirus outbreak.

An alternative event was planned, to take place at the Morgan factory in Malvern, UK, but the showstand car needed to be brought back. With only the weekend to spare, and car transporters unable to be driven on Sunday in continental Europe, Morgan Head of Design, Jon Wells, and Lead Digital Designer, Michael Smith, were dispatched with immediate effect to drive the car home.

Taking the first available flight to Europe, and armed only with a set of number plates and their overnight bags, the pair tracked down the car, which had just arrived by transporter in Geneva. Battling a variety of weather conditions, and with just enough time in hand to visit some iconic locations along the way, they covered more than 1000 miles as they made their way back to Malvern. The journey was not just an early indication of the car’s long-distance touring ability, but a valuable proving of its durability.

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• A strategy to combat airborne bacteria • A focus on single use products where possible.

• Antimicrobial surfaces to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses from hard surfaces.

DDC Dolphin can help you ensure that your sluice room has the most appropriate machinery and consumables to protect your patients and clinicians.

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Find your Care Home

Abbey Court

Acacia Lodge

Acacia Mews

1 Heath Way, Heath Hayes, Cannock, WS11 7AD T. 01543 277358

90A Broadway, New Moston, Manchester, M40 3WQ T. 0161 688 1890

St Albans Road East, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 0FJ T. 01707 278160

Acer Court

Acer House

Acorn Lodge

172 Nottingham Road, Nuthall, Nottinghamshire, NG8 6AX T. 0115 977 7370

141B Milton Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS22 8AA T. 01934 637350

132 Coventry Road, Nuneaton, CV10 7AD T. 02476 642680

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Albion Court

35 West Street, Bexleyheath, Kent, DA7 4BE T. 020 83043303

29 Broad Lane, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3ED T. 0113 388 5440

Clinton Street, Winson Green, Birmingham, B18 4BJ T. 0121 554 7261

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172A Nottingham Road, Nuthall, Nottingham, NG8 6AX T. 0115 975 8110

2 Heath Way, Heath Hayes, Cannock, WS11 7AD T. 01543 273860

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Astbury Manor

Braymoor Road, Tile Cross, Birmingham, B33 0LT T. 0121 770 4322

Northampton Lane North, Moulton, Northamptonshire, NN3 7RQ T. 01604 493233

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Avonmere

Avalon Court

Avery Park

1 Glendale Way, Tile Hill, Coventry, CV4 9YQ T. 02476 470246

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Birchmere Mews

Tenniscourt Road, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 4JW T. 0117 428 8800

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Birchwood Grange

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Clare Court

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Wissage Road, Lichfield, WS13 6SP T. 01543 250824

Rykneld Road, Littleover, Derby, DE23 4BU T. 01332 540060

Mulberry Tree Hill, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, WR9 8QS T. 01905 958716

averyhealthcare.co.uk

385A Stone Road, Stafford, ST16 1LD T. 01785 785900

Find your Care Home

Dukes Court

Elvy Court

Edenbridge Manor

159 Northampton Road, Wellingborough, NN8 3PN T. 01933 445690

200 London Road, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 1QA T. 01795 437449

Mont St Aignan Way, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 5EG T. 01732 927469

Glenmoor House

Grove Park

Hanford Court

25 Rockingham Road, Corby, Northamptonshire, NN17 1AD T. 01536 205255

100 Grove Lane, Headingley, Leeds, Yorkshire, LS6 2BG T. 01132 789612

Bankhouse Road, Hanford, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 8EN T. 01782 645140

Hawthorns Aldridge

Hempstalls Hall

Highcliffe

Erdington Road, Aldridge, West Midlands, WS9 8UH T. 01922 452087

Hempstalls Lane, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 9NR T. 01782 349320

Whitchurch Road, Witherwack, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, SR5 5SX T. 0191 516 0606

Hinckley House

Horse Fair

Knowle Gate

Lavender Lodge

Tudor Road, Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 0EH T. 01455 639710

Horse Fair, Rugeley, Staffordshire, WS15 2EJ T. 01889 571980

1331 Warwick Road, Knowle, B93 9LW T. 01564 332233

10 Bruntile Close, Reading Road, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 6P T. 01252 517569

Milton Court

Miramar

Tunbridge Grove, Kents Hill, Milton Keynes, MK7 6JD T. 01908 699555

165 Reculver Road, Beltinge, Herne Bay, Kent, CT6 6PX T. 01227 374488

Loxley Park Assisted Living Merlin Court Loxley Road, Sheffield, S6 4TF T. 0114 2321583

The Common, Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 1JR T. 01672 512454

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Newcross 378 Prestwood Road, Wolverhampton, WV11 1RH T. 01902 866890

Pemberley

Poets Mews

Priory Court

Grove Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG21 3HL T. 01256 632000

2 Cherry Avenue, Clevedon, Somerset, BS21 6DY T. 01275 404840

Rivermere

Rowan Court

Scholars Mews

Seagrave House

64-70 Westerham Road, Chipstead, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 2PZ T. 01732 748400

Silverdale Road, Newcastleunder-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 2TA T. 01782 622144

23-34 Scholars Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6HE T. 01789 297589

Occupation Road, Corby, Northamptonshire, NN17 1EH T. 01536 270400

Silvermere

South Lodge

Spencer House

St Giles

Redhill Road, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 1EF T. 01932 576650

307 London Road Leicester, LE2 3ND T. 0116 2748000

Cliftonville Road, Northampton, NN1 5BU T. 01604 619960

122 Tile Cross Road, Birmingham, B33 0LT T. 0121 770 8531

The Hawthorns Braintree Meadow Park, Tortoiseshell Way, Braintree, Essex, CM7 1TD T. 01376 335500

Priory Road, Stamford, South Lincolnshire, PE9 2EU T. 01780 766130

The Hawthorns Clevedon 18-21 Elton Road, Clevedon, North Somerset, BS21 7EH T. 01275 790060

The Hawthorns Eastbourne

The Hawthorns Northampton

4 Carew Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 2BF T. 01323 644111

Weedon Road, Upton, Northampton NN5 4WR T. 01604 684920

hawthornsretirement.co.uk

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