A residential home at the heart of the community

We consider ourselves blessed to be located in the Essex village of Fingringhoe, with all its advantages of a friendly and active community.

As readers will know, our commitment to high standards means that we shop locally for all the fresh fruit, vegetables and meat for our residents’ meals.

But, as a family-run business now into its second generation, Aveley Lodge is proud of the active links that it has had with the village and its residents, many of whom play an active role in our residents’ lives.

The majority of our staff are local to the village and many of them say that they work here because they enjoy it but also because they know we recognise the value of our staff and their commitment, and of course we pay more than the minimum wage for their dedication.

The local church plays an active role in our residents’ lives and holds a service for them on site once a month on a weekday. Residents are encouraged to get involved and have the opportunity to choose their favourite hymns for a service.

The Christmas carol entertainment provided each year by the local primary school is also always anticipated with joy and we are also exploring the possibility of the children being able to come in more regularly throughout the year to participate in activities with our residents.

Another possibility we are exploring is to set up a pen pal network with another care home.

Our links with people in the local sheltered accommodation not only allows people to become familiar with the facilities they may one day wish to use, but it has also provided opportunities for interaction such as the Knit and Natter group.

Once a month, the travelling library pays us a visit and we also regularly run coffee mornings that are open to the public so that they can meet and get to know our residents. We also welcome visiting entertainment from magicians to music, not to mention all the local volunteers who come in to run workshops, provide hairdressing, manicure and other services.

The annual highlight is the Summer Garden Party, where, again we invite locals and neighbours to join us. Then there is the Christmas party, which is combined with a craft fair where local crafts people bring their work to sell, enabling our residents to do their Christmas gift shopping.

Mental stimulation is extra-important for people who are perhaps physically frail and less mobile and it is the active involvement and warmth of so many in our local community that makes this possible.