Here at Rose Lodge Care Home on Carer's Way, Cobblers Lane, Newton Aycliffe we have always prided ourselves on being part of the local community and we were delighted to support our NHS for the 8pm clap for the NHS on Thursday 26th March at 8pm.  

Our residents asked if we could have a sign outside the home so that the NHS workers knew how much they meant to us and how much we appreciated all they are doing for the community and our loved ones and a sign was created.  

During these uncertain times the community spirit in Sedgefield is certainly alive and well and at it’s best.  Residents of Willowdene Care Home on Lizards Lane, Sedgefield were delighted to receive a very special package from the children of Sedgefield Primary School. The gorgeous pictures and letters sent from the school really cheered up our residents when they received their letter in the morning post.

Reverend Shackleton from Gawthorpe’s local community church, who works very closely with the home donated 60 bunches of bright yellow daffodils tied with gold ribbon on Friday 20th March for all our lovely residents at Croft House Care Home.

We put them into vases and gave them out around the home. We put some in residents bedrooms to brighten up their rooms and the rest in communal lounges and dining rooms for everyone to see and enjoy. Our ladies were so pleased with them, one of them said "they make the home look very spring like."

Hope Green Care Home celebrated National Wear a Hat Day last week. 

A great fun day to cheer everyone up. 

At Hope Green we asked all residents what advice they would give to the younger generation.

We received some lovely advice and also got a lot of funny ones which really did lift the mood at this awful time.

Here at Yohden Care Complex based on Hesleden Road in Blackhall we have always prided ourselves on being part of the Blackhall Colliery community.  Our staff thought it would be a great idea to all donate £1 or an item to set up food and toiletry parcels for the community who had to either self-isolate or have to look after elderly residents or children to help with supplies during the current situation.

Elizabeth, resident at Cavendish Court celebrated her golden wedding anniversary with her husband Ray on Saturday, due to limited visitors to the home, Ray arranged with care staff to skype Elizabeth and he sent flowers to the home. Staff surprised Elizabeth with a huge bouquet of flowers and Ray on skype.

Everyone enjoyed a slice of cake and Ray enjoyed a large piece at home. 

Congratulations to you both on your golden wedding anniversary. 

Although we are going through a difficult time you cant fail to be lifted by the kind thoughts of people, especially young people. We were delighted when we received a number of cards from the children of Barnsfield Primary School who were so worried about our residents and staff at Appletree they sent us beautiful cards and letters to cheer us up.

River View chef Antonio Carvalho prepared a delicious traditional Irish menu for our St Patrick's Day celebrations that was really enjoyed by all of our residents. 

STARTER:

LEEK AND POTATO SOUP SERVED WITH SODA BREAD

MAIN:

IRISH STEW – SERVED WITH CHAMP POTATO AND CABBAGE

OR

VEGETABLE STEW

SERVED WITH CHAMP POTATO

DESSERT:

TRADITIONAL APPLE TART WITH WARM CUSTARD

OR

ICE CREAM / YOGURT

FINISH: TEA/COFFEE

Residents and staff celebrated St Patrick's Day in style by dressing up in the national colours and enjoying a special Irish lunch menu. 

In addition, our activity team served a selection of Guinness and Irish Cream drinks along with a selection of non alcoholic cocktails. Everyone had fantastic time, finishing with an afternoon tea of themed cup cakes. Well done to all our staff for making our residents so happy as they really enjoyed the day.