Month: April 2023

We couldn’t be prouder to announce that our Ashton Manor care home in Lancaster has been named one of the top-rated care homes in the Northwest, having been named in the Carehome.co.uk Top 20 Care Home Awards for 2023. We’re beyond excited, after having won this award back in 2021.

If you’re not familiar with the award, the Top 20 Care Home awards are run annually run by the UK’s most popular and respected care home listings website. The prestigious award names the top 20 most recommended care homes in each region across the UK. The care homes in the running are reviewed on a range of criteria including care and support, facilities, cleanliness, activities, food and drink, safety and security and value for money.

Our fantastic Home Manager Joanne says “Ashton Manor’s unique atmosphere is a testament to the pride and dedication of the staff members, who are committed to providing the best possible care to each resident. A person-centred approach to care is the foundation of the home’s success. This approach starts from the initial engagement with potential residents and their families, ensuring they feel welcome and understood.”

Director Syd Coombes is thrilled by the news, “Firstly, I’d like to say a massive thank you to the people that make achievements like this possible, our wonderful team. Their passion and commitment to caring for our residents is unmatched. I feel extremely lucky to have a strong team at the heart of Evermore Care Homes, from our dedicated staff, to our brilliant leadership team.”

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our exciting journey. We’re still growing and thriving, with big plans on the horizon, especially with the opening of our new home in Chorley. We can’t wait to see what’s next for us!

The journey of living with dementia can be challenging, not just for the individuals affected but also for their loved ones. As we explore various ways to enhance the quality of life for people living with dementia, one simple yet powerful activity has emerged as a beneficial pastime – cross-stitch. This traditional form of needlework has proven to be more than just a hobby; it offers numerous advantages for those battling dementia.

Cognitive Stimulation:
Cross-stitch requires concentration, attention to detail, and pattern recognition, making it an excellent activity for cognitive stimulation. By engaging the mind, cross-stitching can help to slow down cognitive decline and maintain mental sharpness.

Fine Motor Skills:
As dementia progresses, maintaining fine motor skills becomes increasingly important. Cross-stitching involves intricate hand movements and can help individuals preserve dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

Relaxation and Stress Relief:
Engaging in a repetitive, creative activity like cross-stitching can calm the mind. The rhythmic nature of the craft can provide a sense of relaxation and help to reduce anxiety, which is particularly beneficial for people living with dementia.

Social Engagement:
Cross-stitch can be a social activity, allowing individuals with dementia to connect with others who share their interests. Cross-stitch can foster conversation, bonding, and a sense of community, whether in a group setting or with caregivers and loved ones.

Sense of Accomplishment:
Completing a cross-stitch project provides a tangible result, allowing individuals with dementia to feel a sense of accomplishment and purpose. This boost in self-esteem can be precious for those whose daily activities have become limited due to cognitive decline.

Creativity and Self-Expression:
Cross-stitch allows individuals to express themselves creatively, regardless of their cognitive abilities. Choosing patterns, colours, and designs can provide a unique outlet for self-expression and personal fulfilment.

To support our community of caregivers, loved ones, and individuals living with dementia, we have created a collection of cross-stitch patterns featuring the picturesque landscapes of Chorley. These delicate and quite complex designs will not only offer a challenging cross-stitch experience but also serve as a connection to the beauty of the outdoors.

To access these free Chorley-inspired cross-stitch patterns, please click here:

Evermore 4 free Cross Stitch Patterns

Incorporating cross-stitch into the daily routine of people living with dementia can profoundly impact their overall well-being. Individuals can experience cognitive stimulation, relaxation, and a sense of accomplishment by engaging their minds and hands in a creative and meaningful activity. Moreover, cross-stitch offers opportunities for social engagement and self-expression, fostering a sense of connection and personal fulfilment. Let’s embrace this traditional craft as a valuable tool for enhancing the lives of those affected by dementia and rediscover the joy and therapeutic power of cross-stitch and check out our girl guides pages