Godalming care homes nominated for national awards

Home news

Apr 12, 2019

Broadwater Lodge and Jubilee House are celebrating being nominated in the ‘Best for Garden and Outdoor Space’ category and ‘Best for Nursing Care’ category in a national care award. 

The Care Home Awards recognise and reward excellence and innovation for UK care home management, operation and delivery. 

Broadwater Lodge is a finalist in the Best for Garden and Outdoor Space category at the Care Home Awards, thanks to the farm in the care home’s converted garden area.

In August 2018, the home created ‘Codgers’ Farm’, which was named by the residents. It has two pigs, two goats, a rabbit, two guinea pigs, a flock of chickens, and a new miniature pony. It’s a first not just for the UK, but for the world.

Since the farm opened in 2018, the home has become a magnet for local schools, nurseries, Guides and Brownies, and a host of other community groups. This has meant that Broadwater Lodge has been able to build strong community connections and as a result, residents have regular interaction with children and animals in a way no other homes can match.  

Angela Bookham, home manager at Broadwater Lodge, said: “We are over the moon to be nominated in the Best for Garden and Outdoor Space category.

“At Broadwater Lodge, we place great emphasis on individuals to ensure that everything they do or experience is meaningful and life enhancing for them. Our farm really is a talking point amongst everyone who has contact with the care home.”

Alongside Broadwater Lodge, Jubilee House is a finalist in the Best for Nursing Carecategory at the Care Home Awards, thanks to the impressive nursing dementia care it offers to residents with complex care needs.

The team at the home were commended for their pride in delivering personalised care, and sensitive support to residents’ families. By understanding and knowing residents well, the team can anticipate their care needs, and make changes without delay or distress to the resident.

The care home also operates a wishing tree, whereby residents can submit their written wishes and suggestions for activities. Team members are then able to help arrange for these wishes to come true for residents, whether it be inside or outside the home. 

Jubilee House is currently working awards gaining the Gold Standards Framework, which is an accreditation for End of Life Care. The framework gives outstanding training to all those providing the care, to ensure recognised standards and better lives for people.

Totka Zhelyazkova, home manager at Jubilee House, said: “We are thrilled to have been nominated in the Best for Nursing Carecategory at this year’s Care Home Awards.

“At Jubilee House, we place great emphasis on individuals to ensure that everything they do or experience is meaningful and life enhancing for them. The nursing team here never waste an opportunity to engage with people and as such they routinely stop to talk with people in corridors, hold residents hand and just generally make sure they feel supported and cared for.”