Outstanding in their field – Dorset care home shortlisted for national award

A care home in Dorset is celebrating after being shortlisted in the Care Home Awards 2023.

Care UK’s Anning House, on Cross Road in Weymouth, has been shortlisted in the ‘Best for Indoor/Outdoor Communal Spaces’ category, which recognises individual homes which have areas within them that can help residents to live active and fulfilling lives 

The Care Home Awards reward excellence and innovation in UK care home management, operation and delivery. The winners will be announced at the annual awards ceremony in June.

Judges applauded the gardens at Anning House and the range of animals they have living there. Chickens and guinea pigs give residents a sense of purpose, especially those who had kept animals before moving into the care home. 

One resident said: “It brings back lovely memories of helping [my] father with their chickens when [I] was a young girl.” 

They also noted bird feeders, bug hotels and wildlife-friendly planting mean that no matter what the weather is, there is wildlife to spot – from a wide variety of birds to squirrels, butterflies and dragonflies.

The home was also praised for its gardening club which operates in spring and summer. Raised beds and planters mean that residents with limited mobility can still benefit from gardening. The club grows herbs, cherry tomatoes, salad leaves, mini carrots and strawberries for use in fresh home-cooked meals in the home’s kitchen.

Head Chef at Anning House, Benjamin Simmonds said: “I have been Head Chef at Anning House for seven years and the garden has always been an important asset to the kitchen team. We have raised planters with fresh herbs which we use daily in producing fresh home cooked meals for the residents. The garden is also the perfect place to host parties for the residents, their family members.”

Clare Hughes, Lifestyle Lead at Anning House, added: “The gardens at Anning House have always been very important to residents. For many residents, gardening has been a long standing and enjoyable part of their lives  and we strive to continue this. 

“The residents also enjoy helping care for the chickens, collecting fresh eggs and watching their antics around the garden.”

The judges were impressed that the gardens have been used for many events and regular activities, including hosting bands, visits from the Salvation Army, events to mark royal occasions, summer fetes, dog shows, garden games, family visits, afternoon teas, birdwatching, butterfly spotting, scavenger hunts, barbecues, visits from the ice cream van – even Santa’s grotto.

One resident said: “I love sitting in the garden during the summer months – it’s such a beautiful and peaceful garden.” 

While another added: “I was lucky enough to receive some wildflowers for my birthday and Adam [the gardener] is going to help me plant these to create a wild garden. Not only are these beautiful, but they will help encourage bees and butterflies. 

“We are really lucky with the wildlife that visit us, it’s fantastic. We have a pair of blackbirds who are outside my door each morning and a wren often visits too. Not to mention the butterflies and bees.”

The home was also recognised for its regular outdoor walks which are timetabled all year round and adapted according to residents’ abilities. 

General Manager at Anning House Heidi Williams said: “We are thrilled to have been shortlisted in the ‘Best for Indoor/Outdoor Communal Spaces’ category at this year’s Care Home Awards.

“Here at Anning House, we are very proud of the spaces we have created. Supporting residents to lead fulfilling lives is part of our ethos, and our wonderful gardens certainly do just that – from taking care of the guinea pigs and chickens, to getting involved with the gardening club or taking a simple walk with friends. 

“I couldn’t be prouder of all we have achieved – if we win, I know we’d feel the pick of the bunch!” 

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Anning House, which remains open to potential residents, incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The home provides full-time residential care, nursing care, dementia care and respite care. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.

To find out more about Anning House, please call Home Admissions Advisor, Paul Bartliff on 01305 896744, email paul.bartliff@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/anning-house