Watch out Kate Moss, there was some strong competition in Dorchester this week!

The dedicated team of carers at Somerleigh Court Nursing Home took a step back in time to model Forties-style fashions for a fun packed catwalk show, to entertain residents, in honour of Dignity Action Day, a national event which honours people in care.

Prior to the fashion show care staff and residents released40 helium balloons, equalling the number of nursing home residents, all with Dignity Day tags, inviting finders to post back to Somerleigh Court, so the carers can see how far the word has spread.  

This highly acclaimed nursing home, part of the Somerleigh Court Retirement Village, has just received the Gold Standards Framework’s Quality Hallmark Award at Beacon status, which is the highest level. This impressive accolade lasts for 3 years, and is largely due to the consistently high standards set and overseen by Village Manager Karen Pearson and Sharon Hill, Head of Care in the Nursing Home, supported by their professional team of staff. 

Karen Pearson comments, “This event will give us the chance to celebrate both winning the ‘Beacon’ and honouring our own residents, who particularly liked the idea of a Forties theme.”

Dignity Day, which is backed by Sir Michael Parkinson, encourages members of the public to get involved with care teams throughout the country to make a difference and to honour those in care. 

LifeCare Residences are creating London’s first luxury retirement village, Battersea Place, for people seeking an independent lifestyle, but with the added option of care available onsite. 

Just minutes from the iconic Albert Bridge spanning the Thames, and adjoining Battersea Park, the new village will come with a first-class range of amenities; perfect for the 60plus generation who fully intend to continue enjoying the delights of inner city living. 

Comprising 112 contemporary apartments with a price guide of £400,000 - £2.25m , and a boutique 30 studio/bedroom nursing home, Battersea Place will be offering superior amenities including a chef-run restaurant, café/bar, swimming pool and spa, library and cinema room.

Richard Davis, LifeCare’s CEO comments,

“In the UK we have a rapidly increasing ageing population, and in 20 years time one third of all households will be 65 years and over. Currently this mature market own £1 trillion of the UK’s housing assets. As they get older, they will require extensive ongoing care and support, so there is a genuine need for them to downsize, and realise their capital assets. This in turn will free up their sought after old family accommodation for younger generations to utilise.

Our first London retirement village is addressing the situation, particularly acute in the capital, where the number of 80 year olds will have increased by approximately 40% within the next 30 years. We will be offering new high quality  homes specifically designed to accommodate individuals who wish to continue living in the city, surrounded by like-minded people, in a caring and vibrant community.”  

LifeCare Residences, the internationally experienced retirement village specialists, are expert at creating lifestyles and environments to enrich the lives of their residents. They expect Battersea Place to appeal to sophisticated Londoners who wish to remain close to their favourite haunts, as well as their families and friends. 

The apartments, which include several large penthouses, will be comparable to other luxury developments with lifestyle benefits, already in place along the banks of the Thames; the only difference being, LifeCare’s will have 24 hour support from a professional in-house care team. In addition there will be a nursing home where the rooms are actually studio apartments, so still encouraging an element of independent living. 

LifeCare Residences will also instigate, encourage and support a thriving community amongst Battersea Place residents. Events, clubs and social gatherings will take place internally, along with options for residents to take shopping, theatre, gallery and concert excursions in small groups, using the Battersea Place mini-bus or pool cars. 

LifeCare Residences are a founding member of the Association of Retirement Village Operators UK (ARVOUK), which has established a Code of Practice to ensure the highest standards of services for all retirement village residents.  

Battersea Place Marketing Suite open daily 10.00-17.00 telephone 020 8939 9600 www.batterseaplace.co.uk

Somerleigh Court, a charming retirement village located in the centre of the historic town of Dorchester, is opening its doors for a special Open Day on 12 November. This will give individuals considering a move to a safe and caring community, a chance to view the small number of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments available. They can also find out about all the benefits of living out their retirement supported by a highly professional village management team.

Set within secluded landscaped grounds, Somerleigh Court appeals to people who wish to continue an independent lifestyle in the spacious surroundings of their own apartment, aware there is an on-site care team on call 24 hours if required.     

Somerleigh Court residents enjoy having the option of being in the hub of the town, with its excellent High Street, cafes, restaurants and pubs, or stretching their legs at nearby tree lined West Walks and Borough Gardens. But most of all they appreciate village life, with its supportive setting, surrounded by like-minded neighbours. 

Residents can choose to socialise in the resident’s hall and lounge, meet for lunch in the dining room, or browse and read in the well-stocked library. Then there are the many Somerleigh Court activities which range from weekly exercise class, cards and Scrabble sessions, excursions to nearby historic homes and gardens, or simply joining in the Village Manager’s regular coffee morning.

Geoffrey Howlett, Somerleigh Court resident comments,

“I have been here for over four years now, and am extraordinarily happy. I lead a full life, have a good circle of friends and family who live close by, and find my fellow residents companionable and supportive.”

Geoffrey, a married man with three children, was a member of the armed forces until he retired aged 59, During his military career Geoffrey, a paratrooper, rose to become a NATO Commander in Chief. Once retired he focused his energies on working as a volunteer for the Leonard Cheshire Homes, during which time he sadly lost his wife, and then suffered a small stroke. This accelerated Geoffrey’s plans to downsize from the former family home in near-by Shipton Gorge and move to Somerleigh Court. 

Although now fully recovered, Geoffrey has been left with restricted sight, preventing him for driving. However this has not deterred the ex ‘Para’ from plunging into new challenges and adventures, one of which is becoming the Chairman of the Somerleigh Court Residents Association. 

Geoffrey continues,

“My apartment, like most here, is light-filled and spacious, and I have help from the original family cleaner, who has loyally followed me here to look after me.  If she hadn’t moved across, it was good to know Somerleigh Court has a dedicated housekeeping team who provide a cleaning service.  

People who move here tend to be outward going and informal. We all call each other and the Village Managers by their Christian names, which immediately break down barriers.  If one of us feel in need of a little company, we know we can slip into the dining room for lunch and meet up with other residents there, or join one of the weekly Whist or Scrabble sessions, both of which are tremendous ice breakers. 

Equally important, if people prefer to spend more time in the sanctuary of their own apartment, that’s fine too; everyone here understands that at this stage in life, we all savour a little ‘me’ time.  

I love the fact I am so close to the town amenities. We are near to GP surgeries and the county hospital, and I can walk everywhere, barely noticing the loss of my car. If I need to get further afield there are excellent bus services running past our door, two train stations within walking distance, and three reliable taxi companies in the town.”

The apartments for sale range in price starting from £165,000 for a 1 bedroom to £215,000 for a 2 bedroom, all with generously-sized reception rooms, fully fitted kitchens and well designed bathrooms. The grounds, external and communal parts are impeccably maintained under the monthly service charge, along with a daily visit from the village team to check all’s well, and the 24 hour emergency response system. This leaves residents to enjoy their daily lives without all the usual worries they encumbered in their former homes. 

Other optional services include domiciliary and personal care, medication supervision, cleaning and laundry, all handled in-house by the village team. 

The Open Day on Saturday 12 November runs from 10.00am to 1.00pm, and all visitors are welcome. Call Somerleigh Court on 01305 211836 for more details and directions.