By Alice Middleton, Malhotra Group PLC
AT Prestwick Care we firmly believe that our homes should be at the heart of their communities.
We welcome every opportunity to engage with individuals groups and organisations around us – and that is why we were delighted to take part in Care Home Open Week in June.
With care homes located throughout the North East, from Sunderland to Alnwick, we’re committed to enriching our residents’ lives with a varied programme of activities and entertainment.
And, of course, we always welcome visitors, whether they are friends and family members of residents or just those within the community who want to engage with the homes and show their support.
So, unsurprisingly, we threw ourselves into this special week and were delighted, not only to be able to showcase the warm and vibrant culture of our homes, but to celebrate the dedication of our staff.
They routinely go above and beyond to deliver exceptional events and meaningful experiences for all residents … and they certainly pushed the boat out for this week-long event.
At Belle Vue House, Sunderland, the emphasis was very much on fun and entertainment – not surprisingly, for a home which is absolutely at the heart of its community and has built superb links with a vast number of people and organisations.
They started the week by showcasing the benefits of pet therapy with a visit from therapy dog Harry and his human, Anita.
Both are regular visitors to Belle Vue and, as one resident put it, “dogs have a way of finding people who need them and filling an emptiness we didn’t even know we had.”
The afternoon brought a singalong in the sunshine, with residents and staff alike dancing and reminiscing to the music of local entertainer Kevin Finnegan, while also enjoying a tipple from the home’s outdoor bar.
Tuesday brought pampering, courtesy of a visit form a hairdresser, followed by afternoon tea, served outdoors and thanks to glorious weather, Wednesday’s Music for the Mind session – music therapy for residents and their grandchildren – also took place outside.
Thursday brought a pie and pea lunch followed by a musical quiz and the home rounded off the week with a bar afternoon – the chance to enjoy a selection of beers, wines, gin, brandy and snacks while dancing to music from a juke box.
“All the residents joined in and laughed the whole week long,” said home manager, Alison Oliver. “It was also lovely for families to come and join in and spend some good, quality time with them, making memories. That’s what it’s all about.”
Of course, our marvellous staff are at the heart of all our homes, one of which decided to pay a special tribute to them during Care Home Open Week.
Heatherfield Care Home, at Annitsford, Cramlington, counts nurses, carers, kitchen and domestic staff from 10 different countries including India, Africa, Poland and Romania among its staff.
And, to show them how much they mean to us and how grateful we are for all they do, Heatherfield held a five-day Celebration of Cultures, with food, entertainment, storytelling and song to reflect those four different countries – with a celebration of all things Geordie on the fifth day.
Staff wore traditional costume where possible and each day the home was dressed to reflect each country, with the 71 residents, their friends and family invited along to join in the fun.
“These lovely people work very hard and with absolute commitment and care to look after the most vulnerable people here in the North East,” said manager Fiona Payne, “and this was our way of showing them how much we value them.”
Heatherfield provides general nursing and residential care and also has a special unit for young, physically disabled people.
And senior care assistant Juliet Ofuani, said: “This job has taught me that true strength lies in kindness and patience. Working at Heatherfield isn’t just my career—it’s where I fulfil my purpose.
“As a senior carer, I treat every resident as I would my own family—with care, respect and love. It’s a privilege to be trusted with their well-being.
“Every day I walk into Heatherfield, I know I’m part of something meaningful. We’re not just carers—we’re companions, protectors and a source of comfort.
“Being a senior carer is not just about helping others—it’s about giving dignity, love, and respect to those who need it most. It’s a role I carry with pride every day.”
