A Remarkable Milestone: Margaret’s 103rd Birthday at Kenyon Lodge

This August, we had the absolute privilege of celebrating a truly incredible milestone — our wonderful resident Margaret’s 103rd birthday!

It’s hard to believe, as Margaret certainly doesn’t look a day over 80. When asked about the secret to her long and happy life, she smiled and shared her own special recipe for longevity — a reminder to us all that joy, kindness, and laughter go a long way.

A Day to Remember

Margaret’s birthday was filled with love, laughter, and celebration. She enjoyed a beautiful afternoon surrounded by her family, friends, and fellow residents. Together, we hosted a garden dinner party, where everyone came together to mark her special day.

Adding to the joy, our residents joined in the preparations by helping to bake a delicious cake for Margaret — a true labour of love.

In the evening, the celebrations continued with live entertainment. Margaret’s favourite singer joined us for a fun-filled performance, treating everyone to a medley of her chosen songs. It was a magical atmosphere, filled with music, smiles, and dancing.

A Celebration of Life and Community

The day was a wonderful reminder of the strong sense of family and community at Kenyon Lodge. Seeing Margaret beam with happiness while surrounded by her loved ones and friends was the perfect highlight of the month for us all.

We are so grateful to have been able to make her 103rd birthday one to remember. Here’s to many more happy and healthy years ahead, Margaret! 💐

A Precious Diamond Wedding Celebration at Farnworth Care Home

At Farnworth Care Home, we feel privileged to share in some of the most important milestones in our residents’ lives. Recently, we were honoured to help one of our much-loved couples celebrate their Diamond Wedding Anniversary – 60 wonderful years together.

Planning a Special Afternoon

The family had reached out to us a few weeks prior, hoping to use our quiet lounge for a small gathering. They thoughtfully planned an afternoon filled with personal touches – bringing along Mum and Dad’s treasured wedding tea set, old photographs, and even a projector to show precious slides and cini film from their wedding day.

To complement their sweet treats of scones, cakes, and desserts, our kitchen team prepared a selection of savoury sandwiches, ensuring everyone had plenty to enjoy. A table was arranged in the quiet lounge so food could be beautifully set out, creating a warm and homely atmosphere for the celebration.

A Heartfelt Gathering

The family arrived in the early afternoon and spent time reminiscing over old photographs and cherished memories. Later, they enjoyed a relaxed afternoon tea together, before concluding the occasion with a short thanksgiving service led by the family’s minister.

Every detail came together to make the afternoon both meaningful and memorable – a true celebration of love and commitment spanning six decades.

Words of Thanks from the Family

Following the event, we were deeply touched to receive such kind words of gratitude from the family:

“We had a lovely afternoon and it was very precious to be able to be with them both, looking at old photos and the cini film of their wedding day. The food went down very well with everyone, and absolutely everything was so very tasty. When you prepare food like this for families, do not underestimate the help and support this is. Not having to busy ourselves with food prep took the pressure off and meant we could enjoy more of the time we had when we were all together.”

Celebrating Together

It was a joy for our team, particularly our catering staff, to play a part in this important day. These are the moments that matter most – helping families spend quality time together, creating precious memories, and ensuring milestones are celebrated with warmth and dignity.

From all of us at Farnworth Care Home, we send our warmest congratulations to this very special couple on their 60th Wedding Anniversary.

Spreading Joy Through Pet Therapy: Luna Visits Kendal Care Home 🐾

At Kendal Care Home, we believe that happiness comes in many forms – and sometimes, it comes with four paws and a wagging tail! Today, our residents were treated to a truly heartwarming visit from Luna, a beautiful German Shepherd, who spent the day bringing joy, comfort, and companionship to everyone she met.

From the moment she trotted in, Luna captured the hearts of our residents. Hands reached out to stroke her soft fur, laughter echoed through the lounges, and smiles lit up the room as she moved from person to person, offering cuddles and companionship. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and connection – proof of the special bond between humans and animals.

The Power of Pet Therapy in Care Homes

Pet therapy has been widely recognised for its incredible benefits in care home settings. Interacting with animals like Luna can:

• 🐶 Reduce stress and anxiety – Stroking a dog can lower blood pressure and create a sense of calm.

• 🌟 Boost mood and wellbeing – The presence of pets often sparks smiles, laughter, and a feeling of joy.

• 💬 Encourage social interaction – Residents often share stories of their own pets, sparking conversation and connection with others.

• 🧠 Stimulate memory – For residents living with dementia, time with animals can bring back fond memories and strengthen emotional wellbeing.

• 💪 Promote physical activity – Even simple gestures like reaching out to pet or walk alongside a dog can help with mobility and coordination.

Luna’s Lasting Impression

Luna’s visit didn’t just brighten the day – it created special moments that our residents and staff will cherish. One resident reminisced about their own beloved German Shepherd, sharing stories from years gone by, while another couldn’t stop smiling as Luna curled up at their feet. These seemingly small interactions leave a lasting impact, reminding us all of the joy and comfort pets can bring.

At Kendal Care Home, we are committed to creating opportunities for our residents to experience happiness, companionship, and meaningful engagement – and Luna’s visit was a wonderful reminder of how simple acts of love can make the biggest difference.

A big thank you to Luna (and her wonderful handler) for filling our home with so much love, laughter, and paw-sitive energy today! 🐕💛

Visit Kendal Care Home’s Facebook Page to learn more on what our residents do. 

🌸 Bloomin’ Together at Kenyon Lodge

Got it 🌸 You’d like me to create a full blog post focusing only on the “Bloomin’ Together” event at Kenyon Lodge. Here’s a polished version that captures the spirit of the day, celebrates everyone’s contribution, and frames it as a joyful community story:

Bloomin’ Together at Kenyon Lodge 🌸🌞

At Kenyon Lodge, we believe that a home should be more than just a place to live – it should be a space full of colour, joy, and community spirit. This July, we were delighted to bring this vision to life through our wonderful event: “Bloomin’ Together at Kenyon Lodge.”

In partnership with the fantastic charity Walkden in Bloom, our gardens were transformed into vibrant, flower-filled spaces that residents, families, staff, and the wider community can all enjoy.

A True Community Effort 🌿

The day was about much more than planting – it was about people coming together. We were joined by:

• Residents, who loved rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands in the soil.
• Families and friends, who supported their loved ones and shared in the fun.
• Our Local Authority Quality Assurance Officer, who didn’t just watch – they mucked in and planted alongside us!

The atmosphere was full of laughter, teamwork, and pride as we created something beautiful together.

Walkden in Bloom – Our Wonderful Partners 🌼

We owe a huge thank you to Paul and the team from Walkden in Bloom, who generously provided all the plants and materials. Their support brought a splash of summer colour to Kenyon Lodge and made a visible difference to our home’s outdoor spaces.

This collaboration truly showed what can be achieved when local organisations and care homes work hand in hand.

A Special Thank You 💜

While every staff member who attended deserves recognition for supporting our residents, we’d like to give an extra special mention to our maintenance man, Gary. He went above and beyond by handcrafting stunning wooden planters for the project. His skill, dedication, and care gave our gardens a personal touch that everyone admires.

Planting Seeds of Joy 🌷

The best part of the day was seeing the smiles on our residents’ faces as they helped create the garden. Gardening has so many benefits – from reducing stress to encouraging gentle physical activity – but above all, it brought happiness and a sense of achievement.

Now, as our flowers bloom, so too does the joy of knowing we created them together. Every time our residents, staff, or visitors step outside, they’ll be greeted with a garden that tells a story of teamwork, kindness, and community.

Looking Ahead 🌞

“Bloomin’ Together at Kenyon Lodge” was a huge success, and it won’t be the last time we roll up our sleeves for a project like this. At Kenyon Lodge, we’re committed to keeping our home and community spaces full of life, colour, and opportunities to connect.

Thank you again to everyone who made this day possible – residents, families, staff, Walkden in Bloom, and of course, Gary. Together, we’ve planted more than flowers – we’ve planted joy, memories, and pride in our community. 🌸

For more stories from Kenyon Lodge care home, please visit our Facebook Page Here

A Day to Remember: Kendal Care Home Residents Enjoy a Scenic Boat Trip on Lake Windermere 🚤☀️

At Kendal Care Home, we know that meaningful activities and days out are essential to our residents’ wellbeing. Recently, our wonderful Wellbeing Team organised a truly special outing: a scenic boat ride on Lake Windermere, right in the heart of the Lake District.

Residents set sail from Bowness-on-Windermere, cruising down to Fell Foot and back again, surrounded by stunning scenery, fresh air, and the gentle sound of the water. The experience was nothing short of magical – a perfect opportunity for relaxation, laughter, and making cherished memories together.

The Joy of Days Out for Care Home Residents

Days like this highlight the importance of wellbeing activities in care homes. Beyond the fun and adventure, outings like boat trips can provide:

• 🌊 Connection with nature – Being outdoors on the water helps residents feel refreshed and uplifted.

• 😄 Improved mood and mental health – Shared laughter and new experiences promote joy and positivity.

• 💬 Social interaction – Residents enjoy chatting with each other, sharing stories, and connecting over the experience.

• 🧠 Stimulation and memory recall – Scenic surroundings can spark reminiscence, encouraging residents to share past travel memories.

• 💛 A sense of freedom and adventure – Days out remind residents that life in a care home can still be full of excitement and discovery.

Creating Special Moments on Windermere

During the trip, our residents enjoyed watching ducks gliding across the water, waving at fellow boaters, and taking in the breathtaking views of the Lake District National Park. The smiles on their faces told the whole story – this was more than just a boat ride; it was a moment of joy, friendship, and connection.

One resident remarked how the day reminded them of past holidays by the lakes, while another simply said it was “the best day ever.” These little moments mean the world to us, and we are proud to make them happen.

Our Commitment to Wellbeing

At Kendal Care Home, we believe that life should always be filled with new experiences, laughter, and adventure. Thanks to the dedication of our Wellbeing Team, and the stunning beauty of Windermere, this boat trip was a shining example of how we create lasting memories for our residents.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made the day possible – and, of course, to Lake Windermere itself for showing off its sparkling best! 🌟⛵

Bringing Art to Life: A Special Mural in Our Garden at Aaron Court Care Home

At Aaron Court Care Home, we always say our home is not just a place to live—it’s a community filled with heart, creativity, and connection. That spirit recently came to life in the most beautiful way, thanks to the incredible talent and generosity of one of our residents’ daughters.

We are absolutely thrilled to share that a stunning mural has been painted on one of our garden walls, completely transforming the space into a colourful haven of joy and inspiration. The artwork, lovingly created by the daughter of one of our residents, brings warmth and vibrancy to our outdoor area, where residents, families, and staff can relax and enjoy the fresh air.

The mural beautifully reflects themes of nature, care, and community—an extension of the love we see every day within our home. It’s more than just a painting; it’s a heartfelt gift that brightens the lives of everyone who sees it.

Our residents have already expressed how much they enjoy the new view. Many have shared that the mural brings back fond memories and has even inspired some to take part in more creative activities themselves.

We’re incredibly grateful for this thoughtful gesture and proud to celebrate the wonderful bonds between our residents and their families. It’s these acts of kindness and creativity that truly make Aaron Court a special place to be.

Next time you visit, be sure to take a moment in the garden and see the mural for yourself—it’s a piece of art with a story that belongs to all of us.

Sunshine & Smiles: Outdoor Exercise at Aarandale Manor

There’s nothing quite like a dose of sunshine and fresh air to lift the spirits—and that’s exactly what our residents at Aarandale Manor enjoyed this week as they stepped outside for some gentle exercise in the garden.

With the sun shining and the flowers in full bloom, our care team led a cheerful and energising outdoor session, encouraging residents to stretch, move, and most importantly—have fun!

Hydration station

💪 The Power of Movement

Regular physical activity is so important, especially in later life. It helps improve balance, maintain strength, support joint mobility, and boost overall mood. At Aarandale Manor, we’re passionate about creating opportunities for our residents to stay active in ways that feel enjoyable and accessible to all.

Being outdoors adds another layer of benefit—exposure to sunlight helps the body produce essential Vitamin D, which supports bone health and the immune system.

🌼 A Boost for the Mind and Soul

It wasn’t just the exercise that brought joy—it was the laughter, the light breeze, and the sense of togetherness. Sitting or standing, everyone got involved in some way, and the smiles said it all.

“It’s lovely to be out in the sunshine. Moving your arms and legs while hearing the birds sing—what could be better?” – Margaret, resident

“I enjoy seeing everyone having a laugh. It doesn’t feel like exercise when you’re outside with your friends.” – James, resident

👟 Wellbeing at the Heart of What We Do at Aarandale Manor

At Aarandale Manor, we believe wellbeing isn’t just about care—it’s about quality of life. Activities like this are woven into our everyday routines, ensuring residents have regular opportunities to engage, socialise, and enjoy the world around them.

We’re already looking forward to more sunny-day sessions in the garden, and with summer in full swing, there’ll be no shortage of chances to enjoy the outdoors.

Stay tuned for more heartwarming moments from Aarandale Manor!

Special shoutout to James Lewis Fitness for doing these amazing sessions with our residents.

Celebrating Father’s Day At Abbey Healthcare Homes

Father’s Day is a special occasion to honour and celebrate the wonderful fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, and father figures who have shaped our lives with love, strength, and guidance. Across our care homes, we marked this cherished day with heartfelt celebrations, laughter, and a whole lot of fun.

Here’s a glimpse into how our homes celebrated:

Kenyon Lodge Care Home
It was an absolutely brilliant afternoon at Kenyon Lodge as we welcomed a very special guest—none other than Marilyn Monroe! 🥰💙 Our residents were mesmerised by the performance, enjoying music and glamour that brought smiles and happy memories to life. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and made the afternoon even more special, and a big round of applause to our well-being team and staff for bringing it all together so perfectly.

Elmcroft Care Home
What a great Father’s Day we had at Elmcroft! Residents were delighted by a visit from our lovable therapy dog, Nancy, who did the rounds sharing chocolate treats (and of course, her tummy for plenty of strokes and fuss!). The afternoon was made complete with a classic combination of pie, mash, and a pint—simple pleasures, perfectly enjoyed. 🥰

Watch our Facebook video here

Wrottesley Park Care Home
At Wrottesley Park, we dedicated the weekend to celebrating the amazing dads, grandads, and father figures in our home 💙. The activity room was alive with decorations, photo props, and themed activities like word searches, puzzles, and colouring pages. One of the most treasured moments was sharing childhood stories and fond memories of fathers and family life—nostalgia and laughter filled the air.
The beautiful weather encouraged us outdoors for garden games, bubbles, and fresh air, before settling in to enjoy the Movie of the Day: Harry Potter, complete with popcorn and pool games. A truly magical Father’s Day celebration! ✨🎬

Farnworth Care Home
A relaxed and heartfelt afternoon unfolded at Farnworth, where all the dads were treated to a cup of tea, delicious cakes, and thoughtful gifts. Banners with “Dad” adorned the rooms, spreading smiles and appreciation throughout the home.

Heron Hill Care Home
At Heron Hill, our gentlemen were each treated to a little gift bag filled with chocolates—a sweet gesture to celebrate the day in a simple, thoughtful way.

Aaron Court Care Home
Father’s Day at Aaron Court was marked with a specially curated menu to celebrate all the incredible father figures in our community. From comforting cheese & broccoli soup to succulent 12-hour braised beef short ribs, and ending with a coconut & lime cheesecake with jalapeño gel, every dish was carefully crafted to bring joy to all, regardless of dietary needs.
Because food isn’t just about nourishment — it’s about sharing moments, sparking smiles, and showing love.

Thank You to All Our Teams
These beautiful celebrations wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our activity teams, catering teams, and all staff who work tirelessly to create joyful moments for our residents. Thank you for making Father’s Day so special.

Here’s to the incredible fathers and father figures in our lives — past and present — who continue to inspire, love, and guide us every day. 💙

Abbey Healthcare Wins Prestigious National Catering Award

“My chefs and I are beyond proud to win this prestigious National Accolade of Group Care Home Caterer of the Year 2025.

It is with great dedication, teamwork, and effort that we have achieved this result in a very demanding catering sector.

Over the last 8 years since I took on the role of Group Catering Manager for Abbey Healthcare UK—and with 44 years’ experience as a fully qualified chef, including **35 years dedicated to health and social care catering—we’ve come immensely far.

From menu compliance to specialist diets, from ongoing chef skill training to maintaining 5-star EHO ratings, we’ve worked relentlessly to raise our standards year after year.

It’s taken 24/7 commitment—but the results speak for themselves.

A lot of compliance goes into getting this far, from nutrition traceability to sustainable, healthy seasonal menus, and our Healthy Eating Award with EHO has been maintained throughout.

Our Dignity in Dining Manual—which I personally created for the group—and our regular Group Catering News magazines have also been key to this achievement.

Every aspect of catering, from budget control to equipment, training, and certifications, has contributed to us winning this award.

I am immensely proud of our chefs for the continuous hard work they put in every single day to make sure our wonderful residents receive the highest standard of food care possible—including participating in national food days and celebrations throughout the year.

Catering is always a team effort—whether you’re one of our chefs, a manager, or the one who brews the tea. This win belongs to all of us.”

“Absolutely buzzing with pride! 🏆 To be part of the team that’s just won Group Care Home Caterer of the Year UK 2025 is a massive achievement for all of us at Abbey Healthcare.

This win isn’t just about the food—it’s about teamwork, consistency, passion, and raising the standard across every home we serve.

A huge thank you to our incredible Group Catering Manager, Joanne Ankers—your belief in us, your push for excellence, and your relentless support made this possible. We couldn’t have done it without you.”

“We are all proud of what you have achieved for Abbey Healthcare, Jo. It was going nowhere before you came. Well done from the whole team at Kendal.”

“Jo, you deserve this award. You’ve supported all of the chefs within Abbey Healthcare. You’re always available whenever one of us needs advice and support throughout the year.”

“I feel that winning the Group Care Home Caterer of the Year award in the UK is a great achievement for all of the chefs in the group. We deal with some great challenges every day, but we put our residents first and foremost in everything we do. Thank you, Jo, for your help and support.”

Honouring a Nation’s Resilience with a Taste of the Past – VE Day 80th Anniversary at Abbey Health Care

On Thursday, 8th May 2025, we are coming together at Abbey Health Care, across all our care homes to commemorate a truly momentous occasion — the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. VE Day marked the end of World War II in Europe in 1945, and with it came a wave of relief, gratitude, and joyous celebration across the United Kingdom. Despite the hardships of wartime rationing, communities gathered with what little they had, sharing laughter, stories, and simple but heartfelt meals.

As we honour the spirit of that historic day, what better way to pay tribute than by recreating the very foods that graced the tables of those who lived through it?

Wartime-Inspired Menu Ideas for VE Day

During the war, food was rationed and creativity in the kitchen was a necessity. Despite limited ingredients, families found ways to enjoy comforting meals together. For this anniversary, we are inviting everyone to explore dishes that reflect the resilience and inventiveness of the era.

Savoury Selections

• Egg and Cress Sandwiches A nostalgic favourite, these sandwiches offered a fresh bite during rationing and remain a timeless treat.
• Potted Meat and Fish Using preserved meats and fish, these were practical yet flavourful spreads for bread and crackers.
• Mock Banana Sandwiches Made with mashed parsnips and banana essence — a clever substitute when real bananas were scarce.
• Egg Sandwiches Scrambled eggs mixed with mayonnaise and crisp lettuce or watercress for a satisfying filler.
• Lord Woolton’s Pie A wholesome vegetarian dish invented during wartime, featuring chopped root vegetables, oatmeal, and topped with mashed potato.

Recipe Highlight: Lord Woolton’s Pie This classic dish makes use of cauliflower, parsnips, carrots, potatoes, and spring onions, cooked with yeast extract and parsley, and topped with a crust of mashed potato mixed into wholemeal flour. A hearty and nutritious option that showcases wartime ingenuity.

Sweet Treats and Desserts

• Eggless Sponge Cake Made with flour, sugar, baking powder, and yogurt — a soft and fluffy dessert without using eggs.
• Carrot Biscuits Carrots, a natural sweetener during the war, were used in baking to replace sugar, resulting in moist, chewy cookies.
• War Cake An eggless, milkless, butterless cake rich with brown sugar, raisins, and warming spices like cinnamon and clove.

Recipe Highlight: War Cake This cake is a wartime triumph. Boiled raisins, brown sugar, and spices form the base, which is then mixed with flour and walnuts before being baked to perfection — ideal for those seeking a budget-friendly dessert with historical roots.

• Honey Ice Cream Sugar was rationed, but honey was used to sweeten this simple frozen dessert.
• Simple Biscuits With honey and ginger, these rustic biscuits were easy to make and a treat to share at any street party.

Extra Touches for Celebration

• Fresh Strawberries and Cream A symbol of luxury at the time — if available, this was a celebration dish loved by many.
• Saved-Up Beer Many households saved beer or ale to mark this celebratory moment, enjoying a toast with neighbours.

Recreating the Atmosphere

Food was just part of the joy on VE Day. Homes and streets were decked with bunting, Union Jacks flew proudly, and communities sang together in unity. We are recreating this atmosphere by involving

• Playing 1940s music and singing old favourites.
• Dressing in period attire or red, white, and blue.
• Hosting a “ration-style” tea party or picnic.
• Sharing stories or photos from 1945 (especially for care home residents).

Bringing History to the Table

This 80th anniversary isn’t just about looking back — it’s about remembering the resilience, creativity, and community spirit that saw us through the darkest times. By cooking and sharing these recipes, we honour those who endured the war and celebrate the peace that followed.

So, whether you’re baking carrot biscuits with grandchildren, making a hearty Woolton Pie, or sipping tea with eggless sponge, you’re part of a legacy that spans generations.

Let’s eat, remember, and rejoice — just like they did on VE Day 1945.

Thanks to our wonderful chefs and Jo Ankers for helping recreate and reminisce.