Evermore Care are delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted as a finalist in the 2024 LaingBuisson Awards which celebrate the brightest and best in the care sector.

The judges selected Evermore in the ‘Excellence in Small Residential Care’ category highlighting organisations that excel in residential and nursing care for older people, with a focus on innovation and engagement with service users. Now in their 19th year, the awards will be presented at a high-profile ceremony which takes place on 21st November at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London.

Evermore Care Managing Director, Syd Coombes, said:
“Evermore Care are very proud to be nominated for this prestigious award which is well deserved recognition for the talent, skill and commitment of our colleagues working across all areas of the organisation. The LaingBuisson Awards honour businesses that establish new benchmarks of excellence in their sector and the competition was very strong this year, with an exceptionally high standard of entries, so it’s a wonderful achievement to be shortlisted as a finalist. Driving innovation and engaging with our residents and their families are at the heart of Evermore’s care model, made possible by outstanding service teams and purpose-built residential environments designed to help elderly, mobility-compromised and vulnerable adults to enjoy more independence, comfort and social inclusion.”

Evermore Care’s current services include two state-of-the-art luxury care homes: Ashton Manor in Lancaster, comprising 67 en-suite bedrooms, and Astley View in Chorley, comprising 90 en-suite bedrooms. Both services provide market-leading standards in personal, dementia, convalescent and respite care. Ashton Manor opened in 2020 and Astley View opened in 2023.
Evermore Care have received multiple industry awards in the last two years. Ashton Manor was named a Top 20 Care Home (North West of England) by carehome.co.uk in the 2023 and 2024 Care Home Awards, and won Best Architectural Design at the 2024 Healthcare Design Awards.

Evermore Care’s Ashton Manor care home is celebrating its third industry award in the past two years after winning Best Architectural Design at the 2024 Healthcare Design Awards.

Ashton Manor scooped the national award at the annual ceremony which recognises innovation and excellence in the design of care facilities. Featuring 67 en-suite bedrooms, the state-of-the-art luxury care home on Scotforth Road was purpose-built to provide market-leading standards in personal, dementia, convalescent and respite care. The award is the latest in a growing list of accolades after Ashton Manor received a Top 20 Care Home Award (North West of England) for the second year running in the recent Care Home Awards organised by carehome.co.uk.

Joanne Tyson, Registered Manager of Ashton Manor, said:

“We are delighted to win this award in recognition of the work put in by Evermore Care and our design and construction team. The needs of our residents have been built into the very fabric of Ashton Manor, with meticulous attention to every detail and key features recommended by leading research groups to help elderly, mobility-compromised and vulnerable adults to maintain independence.

“The home includes a first floor dedicated to residents living with dementia, with bespoke design features to promote memory recall and avoid or alleviate causes of distress related to dementia. Communal spaces, although spacious and airy, have also been organised into what we call smaller households to encourage residents to socialise in smaller numbers and gain confidence. The interior design has a fully contemporary specification while incorporating décor and furniture reminiscent of the 1960s and 1970s, with cool and calming colour palettes, as this period is particularly important for the dementia environment where residents may revert to memories from a time when they were in their thirties.”

Ashton Manor utilises a wide range of digital technology including silent nurse calls and electronic care planning and medication management on the latest hand-held technology. High-speed WIFI enabled broadband is included throughout to encourage residents to maintain contact with loved ones via video calling. Other features include ergonomically designed furniture and door handles, specialist LED lighting used to increase wayfinding and statement décor within certain areas including a train carriage room and a ‘clouds’ skylight. Communal amenities include lounges, dining rooms, an in-house hair and beauty salon, tearoom, cinema room, and a courtyard garden.

Syd Coombes, Managing Director at Evermore Care, said:

“The design of Ashton Manor was led by a range of key objectives. We wanted to create a home that reflects individuality and not the reason for ones’ stay. We wanted living spaces that promote relaxation, confidence and social engagement, with digital connectivity and easy access to outdoor space. The Healthcare Design Awards reward projects that don’t just demonstrate good design but have made a real impact on people’s lives. The design and construction of Ashton Manor has certainly helped to achieve that in support of the outstanding day-to-day work of the care team led by registered manager, Joanne.”

Ashton Manor wins Top 20 award for 2nd year in a row

Evermore’s Ashton Manor care home in Lancaster has received a prestigious Top 20 Care Home Award for the second year running.

Ashton Manor was named in the top 20 of the North West of England by carehome.co.uk as part of the Care Home Awards 2024, which recognises the 20 highest-rated Care Homes in each region of the UK based on reviews from residents and their families or friends. The service at Scotforth Road provides short-stay and long-term residential, respite and dementia care for the elderly.

Registered Manager, Joanne Tyson, said:
“We are very proud to win this award for a second consecutive year. It’s testament to the high standard of care and support we provide for our residents, which is made possible by our amazing team here. We consider ourselves a vibrant part of the Lancaster community, with residents involved in a wide variety of activities and outings as well as making full use of our own facilities like the in-house hair and beauty salon, tearoom, and cinema room. We aim to provide a lively and stimulating social space and a peaceful, private place to live – the best of both worlds.”

Evermore Care Managing Director, Syd Coombes, said:
“Huge congratulations to Joanne and her outstanding team at Ashton Manor. There is no better reflection of a care home than the opinions of the residents and their loved ones, so this award means a lot to everyone at Evermore Care. Like all our services, Ashton Manor has a dedicated team and values-based culture which drives our standard of care.”

As well as winning a Top 20 Care Home Award in 2023 and 2024, Ashton Manor was a finalist in the 2024 Care Home Design of the Year Awards. Opened in 2020, the purpose-built facility has 67 en-suite bedrooms and a variety of communal spaces, including lounges, dining rooms, and a courtyard garden.

A Warm Welcome to Our First Resident at Astley View

In the heart of Chorley, a momentous occasion has unfolded at Astley View. We were delighted to this week announce the successful move-in of our very first resident. This marks a special chapter in the story of Astley View, embodying our commitment to providing not just a care home but a warm and vibrant community for our residents.

Allow us to introduce you to Diane Wallbank, a remarkable individual with a wealth of experiences and a heart full of warmth. Hailing from Chorley, Diane’s journey is a history of community engagement and a passion for people. From running a Brownie pack with 24 children to serving as a councillor for Euxton Parish for a decade, Diane’s life has been dedicated to connection and care.

Diane shared her excitement, saying, “I didn’t expect the reception I had today when I was welcomed to Astley View. I have never cut a ribbon in my life, and to cut the ribbon at Astley View and be the first Resident is amazing. There are already other residents moving in this week, so I can’t wait to meet them. The staff are all so friendly, and it’s an honour to move in, it’s so luxurious. They’ve pulled out all the stops for me, and I’m delighted.”

The community at Astley View is buzzing with excitement as we celebrate Diane’s arrival. Our team, dedicated to creating a nurturing environment, is eagerly anticipating the shared laughter, stories, and shared moments that will fill the corridors of Astley View.

Christina, our Home Manager, expressed her joy, “Welcoming Diane to Astley View is a moment of immense happiness for all of us. Her vibrant spirit and rich life experiences will undoubtedly add a unique charm to our community. We are committed to ensuring that Astley View is not just a residence but a place where each individual feels a sense of belonging and comfort.”

Astley View is not just a care home; it’s a haven designed to cater to the unique needs of each resident. Diane’s move-in reflects our commitment to personalised care. Christina added, “Astley View tailors care plans to each resident’s unique needs by completing a thorough preadmission assessment. Diane’s transition is a testament to our focus on not just meeting but exceeding the expectations of our residents.”

The ethos of choice permeates every aspect of life at Astley View. From communal dining experiences to tailor-made activities, residents actively participate in decision-making, fostering a sense of belonging and community. The community spaces, including galleried cafe/bistro and landscaped gardens, are designed to bring the outside in, creating an environment that promotes well-being and joy.

As we celebrate Diane’s successful move-in, we invite you to share in this moment of joy. Diane’s journey at Astley View has just begun, and we are so excited to start welcoming the rest of our residents to Astley View.

For more information on the unique and vibrant community at Astley View, press the ‘Enquire Now’ button to get in touch with our friendly. Join us as we embark on this journey of care, connection, and community at Astley View.

Blue Light Brunch

At Ashton Manor, we are in constant admiration of the tireless commitment and dedication our local healthcare and emergency service professionals exhibit every day. We understand the sacrifices they make, and we believe it’s high time their endeavours are recognized and appreciated. With this sentiment at heart, we’re excited to launch the “Blue Light Brunch” – a token of gratitude for our local heroes throughout the month of August.

 

Every Wednesday, between 9:30 AM and 11 AM, we invite paramedics, firefighters, police officers, doctors, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to join us for a complimentary breakfast roll and a cup of coffee. You can simply walk in – your uniform is your invite!

Our very own home manager, Joanne, shares, “This campaign is a small way of showing how deeply grateful we are for our local heroes. At Ashton Manor, we strongly believe in community support and unity. We also believe that recognition and appreciation are instrumental in uplifting spirits. We hope the ‘Blue Light Brunch’ brings a smile to our heroes’ faces and lets them know how valued they are.”

 

We at Ashton Manor are not just about providing excellent care to our residents; we are also committed to fostering strong community connections and upholding our values of respect, integrity, responsibility, and excellence. And this event is an extension of those values, a testament to our belief in celebrating those who ensure our safety and well-being.

We invite the local community to help us spread the word about this event. Let’s come together to show our unwavering support for our healthcare and emergency service professionals.

Join us in saluting our local heroes. We look forward to welcoming you every Wednesday in August for the “Blue Light Brunch.”

Let’s make this August a month of gratitude, appreciation, and community spirit!

 

Bridging the Generation Gap: A Campfire Sing-Along at Ashton Manor

There’s something uniquely timeless about the warm glow of a campfire, and the cadence of voices raised in song. It’s a universally cherished tradition, one that easily bridges divides, be it age, race, or creed.

At Ashton Manor, we recently had the opportunity to experience this time-honoured tradition within our walls, and the result was nothing short of magical. The home, already well-renowned as a ‘Carehome.co.uk Top 20 North West‘ care home, played host to an animated group of Guides from the 6th Morecambe pack. But this evening wasn’t just about nostalgia; it was about building connections, sparking conversations, and creating an unforgettable evening full of laughter, shared stories, and song.

At the helm of this unique event was Joanne Tyson, the manager of Ashton Manor, and a guiding force both literally and figuratively. As the Guide leader herself, she was perfectly positioned to facilitate this evening, using her knowledge of Guiding to break the ice and bridge the gap between the young and the old.

Joanne, a local to the area, is no stranger to community engagement. She takes immense pride in her community and is passionate about integrating Ashton Manor into the local fabric. This event was a testament to her commitment, highlighting the genuine compassion and dedication she brings to her dual roles.

Our residents at Ashton Manor, accustomed to high-quality care and a myriad of engaging activities, found this particular event truly special. As they sipped on hot chocolate, savoured marshmallows, and joined in the chorus of familiar songs, their faces lit up with the joy of reliving cherished memories. Their stories from their own Guiding and Scouting experiences, narrated with enthusiasm and vivid detail, were a source of awe and inspiration for the young Guides.

One of the visiting Guides, ten-year-old Layla Pearcy, expressed her joy at the opportunity to interact with our residents. For her, it was not only about giving back to the community but about the thrill of learning history from people who had lived it. Her excitement and the residents’ animated storytelling added to the vibrant atmosphere, making the evening a resounding success.

This intergenerational event wasn’t just about reminiscing; it embodied the person-centred philosophy that Ashton Manor upholds. Here, quality residential and dementia care goes hand in hand with fostering an environment that encourages connection, promotes wellbeing, and values community engagement. It’s what sets us apart, and it’s a core part of our mission as we prepare to expand our footprint with the opening of Astley View, our new care home in Chorley.

Ashton Manor is more than just a care home; it’s a thriving community that brings together residents, our team, families, and local communities in a rich tapestry of shared experiences and mutual support. The success of our campfire sing-along evening reaffirms our belief in the power of community engagement, in the magic that
happens when you bridge the generation gap, and in the
beautiful harmony that rings out when generations raise
their voices in song.

As we move forward, we’re excited about creating more such opportunities for interaction and engagement. We’re committed to crafting memorable moments that not only enhance the lives of our residents but also enrich our broader community. And most importantly, we’re dedicated to keeping the spirit of that magical sing-along evening alive, reminding us that at Ashton Manor, we’re all part of one big, harmonious family.

Meet Christina, Astley View’s home manager.

We’re excited to introduce Lancashire-born Christina, our newest addition to the Evermore family, who has taken on the role of home manager at Astley View. Her person-centred approach and passion for providing the best possible care is inspiring and perfectly mirrors our values at Evermore. With 20 years of experience in elderly and dementia care under her belt, she will be spearheading the management of Astley View, our new Chorley care home. We sat down with Christina to find out more about her values and vision for Astley View. Let’s see what she had to say!

How do you think you can make an impact at Astley View?

I’m looking forward to bringing my decades of experience and my passion for offering the highest quality care for our residents to my new role at Astley View. My real passion is working in the dementia care sector and this is where I believe I can make a real impact. Having managed dementia care homes for the past 10 years I’m excited to bring my wealth of experience and knowledge to Astley View in order to make a real difference to the residents I care for, their loved ones, and my team. I’m keen to bring the community into the home and ensure that our residents continue to be a valuable part of it.

What’s your favourite part of the job?

The best thing about my job is meeting the truly incredible and inspirational people that cross my path. It is an honour to play such a vital role in the lives of others and to learn about what makes them who they are. I love being part of a team who are on hand 24 hours a day to offer expert support for those in need. A lot of the people we care for have lived lives that some of us can only imagine, hearing their stories and memories is such a privilege and the reason that I do what I do.

What are you most looking forward to about the new home?

As a Chorley-born girl myself the introduction of a brand-new state-of-the-art care home in my hometown is even more special. I’m looking forward to watching the huge benefit Astley View will have on both residents and the wider community. The home brings a wealth of opportunity for both the people who are seeking outstanding care facilities in Lancashire and for those looking to work in a high-quality care home for an amazing company who value and support their team. We offer an excellent level of care, ensuring the residents have everything they need and more by working closely with their loved ones so they can rest easy knowing their family member is safe, comfortable and cared for. It’s exciting to see everything come together – our marketing suite is open now and we’re planning to start welcoming residents and families to the home early this Summer.

What’s your vision for Astley View?

My vision for Astley View is to create a home where each resident will receive individualised, bespoke care suited to their needs supported by compassionate staff who work autonomously and sensitively. I know that Astley View will be an outstanding place to work and live, where residents and staff will work together in partnership to create an atmosphere of warmth and respect. I am passionate about making every day a great day for both our residents and our team. I’m excited for the future of Astley View and know that as we move forward and grow, we will still offer the high-quality level of care that you can expect from Evermore.

What are the qualities you look for when recruiting for the Astley View team?

It’s important that new team members share Evermore’s values of well being, community and freedom and of course our passion for excellent person-centred care. I’m looking for people who understand their responsibilities in making residents feel safe, valued and part of a family. Education and qualifications are of course important but they’re not everything. We’re looking for warm, caring people who we can develop and nurture to be the best carers they can be. Our team provide comfort and dignity to people in their care so we’re looking for compassionate carers who want to make a difference. I’m passionate about supporting, developing, and championing my team, giving them every opportunity to learn and grow and encouraging them to be the best possible version of themselves. This allows us to work collaboratively to provide the very highest quality of care.

Why should others choose a career in care?

Working in care is an incredibly rewarding profession and is a vocation that will bring you a sense of pride, immense job satisfaction and the opportunity to make an impact on someone else’s life.  I’ve found that working with the elderly generation has opened my eyes to the lives and needs of others and has gone on to serve me well in both my working and personal life. I have learnt so much about work ethic and integrity and have also received a lot of comfort, care, and support from them. I believe it’s a true privilege to work in a role that supports people in maintaining their independence and improving their daily lifestyle and wellbeing.

Evermore make the care of their team a priority. I feel I am a valued member of the team and I know that they’re looking after me both professionally and personally. They nurture their team from within, ensuring everyone is offered opportunities to develop, specialised training possibilities, funding for care qualifications and they cover professional membership fees. There is a real family-feel to the culture where everyone’s voice is heard, respected and acted upon.

Head to our recruitment hub to find out more about joining the team

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

EVERMORE ART COMPETITION – TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Important terms and conditions about this competition

This bit may look a bit long and less interesting, but it’s really important to make sure you know all the rules, so you know what to expect. Ask an adult (your parent/guardian, teacher etc.) to explain anything you’re not sure about.

Make sure you tell your parents/guardians that you are joining in our art competition, show them this information and ask them to submit your entry on your behalf.

  1. Entry form must be submitted to cumming@active-pathways.com before 28/02/2023
  2. A photo of your completed artwork submitted by 03/03/2023
  3. Submitted artwork must be signed off by parent/guardian in order to ensure authenticity.
  4. No incomplete or late entries or those not in accordance with the entry instructions will be accepted. No responsibility can be taken for entries lost, damaged or delayed either by post or computer transmission error.
  5. Entrants must have the permission of their parent or guardian to enter. Evermore Care Homes requires the consent in writing of the parent or guardian of the author of a winning entry to publish that winning entry and the author’s name, age and town or city of residence. If Evermore does not receive written consent from the parent or guardian of the author of a winning entry Evermore reserves the right to select an alternative winner, as a result of reasonable efforts to contact the original winner being unsuccessful.
  6. The prize will include the winning artwork to be displayed in new luxury care home Astley View with first place receiving an Amazon voucher with the value of £100, second place receiving an Amazon voucher with the value of £50 and third place receiving an Amazon voucher with the value of £25.
  7. The winning entrant must be willing and able to assist with promotion of the care home including appearing on television and other media, social media and websites, including through video and image.
  8. The name, county and photograph of the winners may be used by Evermore its associated companies for publicity purposes. The winner agrees to comply with a reasonable request to provide a photo of themselves with their prize and to allow Evermore to use their name and likeness for advertising and publicity purposes without additional remuneration.
  9. Only one picture per entrant will be permitted. Designs will be considered by a judging panel. No entries submitted on behalf of a club can be accepted.
  10. Entries must be original and not a copied design.
  11. In consideration of our agreeing to allow you to enter the competition (the receipt and sufficiency of which is acknowledged by you) the piece of artwork remains the property of the care home, however the artwork can be requested back after a minimum period of 6 months and the author is responsible for collecting the piece in agreement with the care home manager.
  12. Shortlisted pieces of artwork will be displayed in the one of the new wings at Astley View for families and friends to view.
  13. Prize winners will be invited to a prize giving ceremony.
  14. The decision of Evermore in all matters shall be final and binding and no correspondence shall be entered into.
  15. Entry implies acceptance of every one of these terms and conditions.