Residents celebrate second anniversary of Oak House with VIP guests

Company news

Apr 21, 2011

Residents, friends and families were joined by the Worshipful Mayor of Slough Jagjit Grewal and local MP Fiona Mactaggart for a barbecue and entertainment provided by the staff and local people.

To mark the occasion, 79 year-old resident Lillian Kirk had written a poem that she read out on the day. Home manager Violet Kotu said: ”Lillian is a wonderful lady - kind, charming and funny. She regularly plays one of our two pianos and she is very creative, so we were delighted when she wrote the poem for the day.

“She has two daughters and a son who visit her regularly in the home and, although she has a diagnosis of dementia, she still makes all of the decisions about her day-to-day care and her choices are encouraged and respected.”

Oak House provides nursing and residential care for older people with dementia and for those who are physically frail. Many of them were busy over the last few weeks helping to spruce up the garden and make decorations in preparation for the party.

Activities co-ordinator Rachel Cresdee said: “Quite a few of the residents love gardening and we have been making the best of the good weather - planting out shrubs, creating very colourful hanging baskets and sweeping the paths, which is a particular favourite of one gentleman.

“Everyone needs to feel needed and engaged, whatever their age. We use Activities Based Care to ensure that all our residents are able to do those things they love, which encourages them to stay mentally and physically active.”

Violet added: “Our staff are very hard-working, dedicated and committed to providing a home-from-home for our 120 residents. We have wonderful facilities including a hairdressers, beauticians, coffee shop and cinema, and the atmosphere is very welcoming to families and visitors alike.

We have enjoyed many summer garden parties in our lovely garden and residents have also managed to produce some wonderful vegetables that our chefs then cook.”