Member Article

In Bloom entry remembers former resident

A Hedon care home is benefitting from a new sensory garden thanks to a garden in bloom entry and a kind donation.

Jim Turner, aged 84, donated equipment and garden accessories to the Albemarle Care Home, which is operated by not-for-profit organisation Hica Group, in memory of his late wife Muriel, who died in February of this year aged 91.

As a thank-you to the home where Muriel was a resident for two years, and as a permanent memorial, Jim donated the items to help with the home’s Hica in Bloom entry. The garden now includes brightly coloured, touch and sound objects which are used to calm those with the symptoms of dementia. A bench was also donated a bench in Muriel’s memory for use by residents and visitors.

The new sensory garden at Albemarle was chosen as a finalist in the Hica in Bloom competition, which is used to support residents who are older people, those suffering from dementia and those with learning difficulties. This is done by involving them in active projects, encouraging them to voice their opinion, make decisions, be creative, and enjoy the outdoors while also encouraging new achievements.

Penni Brown, chief executive of Hica Group said: “We would like to thank Jim for his kind donation, as well as the staff, residents and local communities who support the homes in creating their Hica in Bloom entries. The competition is always a fantastic event. Each home really shows their enthusiasm and creativity and staff do their very best to design and develop an enjoyable space for residents.

“The Hica in Bloom competition is one of our main events every year. It lasts all summer and there is always a tremendous amount of effort that is put into the entries.

“The calibre of entries this year has been fantastic, creating not only beautiful gardens but also sensory areas and interactive activities which support the needs of our residents.”

The Hica Group, which runs 19 care homes and two retirement villages, introduced the Hica in Bloom competition four years ago, and has seen the event grow each year. Participating homes are given a £250 donation from the organisations Shine Fund, and are encouraged to fundraise to collect more money to spend on their garden project.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by The Hica Group .