Twelve Months of Care So Good, It’s Unexpected at Chartwell House

Chartwell House Care Home is delighted to commemorate its first anniversary. Since warmly welcoming its first residents on January 30, 2023, Chartwell House has been dedicated to providing care that goes beyond the ordinary, leaving residents feeling truly valued and empowered, and their loved ones at ease and content.

At Chartwell House, we believe that care is more than just a service; it's a profound feeling of comfort, security, and genuine connection. We strive to create an atmosphere where residents feel truly valued, cherished, and at home, surrounded by a caring community that supports their unique needs and aspirations.

Over the past 12 months, Chartwell House has achieved remarkable milestones, including welcoming over 70 residents to the home and employing over 65 exceptionally talented team members. Leanne General, Head of Housekeeping, comments, "I love the feel that it is a home away from home, and seeing everyone’s smiling faces every day." Echoing this sentiment, Helen Orry, Receptionist at Chartwell House, said, “I am totally fulfilled in my role at Chartwell House; it is like being with family every day. It is such a lovely environment to work in, and I feel so lucky to have such a wonderful job! I am looking forward to many more happy years at the home.“

In such a short space of time, Chartwell House has set the standard for exceptional service, providing care so good that it’s unexpected. This unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality care resulted in Chartwell House Care Home being finalists at both the National Care Awards and Leaders in Care Awards for its exceptional design. The home also clinched 'Care Home Group (Small) of the Year' as part of the Boutique Care Homes Group at the 25th National Care Awards 2023.

One of the pillars behind Chartwell House’s success is their Life Enrichment Programme, which encompasses the six principles of well-being. Involving their team, residents, family, friends, and the community, this program supports wellness, emotional, social, spiritual, physical, and educational elements of living a fulfilled, personalized life within the home.

The success of this program complementing exceptional residential, dementia and short stay care, is illustrated by achieving the astonishing accolade of scoring 10 out of 10 on the independent customer review website, carehome.co.uk. Barbara Wallace, niece of Chartwell House resident Teresa, writes; “Wow! My aunt is since she moved into this wonderful care home. She is engaging with all the fun activities and has a new lease of life. Everything is done with love and laughter. She is and energized in a way we haven't seen for a long time.”

Over the past year, Chartwell House has given opportunities to residents to truly connect and contribute to the wider community. One such example was a heartening and intellectually stimulating friendship that has blossomed between 89-year-old resident, Gerald Gold, and a 10-year-old local prodigy, Laurence Cross. United by the ancient game of chess, the duo has been engaged in captivating weekly battles since September 2023, forging a unique connection that defies age barriers.

As Chartwell House celebrates its first anniversary, Home Manager, Diane Collins, shares her reflections on a year of success and expresses her deep pride in the dedicated team that has made Chartwell House a place where quality care and genuine connections thrive. "Reflecting on the success of the past year fills me with immense pride. Chartwell House has become a place where quality care and genuine connections thrive. Our dedicated team has worked tirelessly, and I couldn't be prouder of their commitment to making every resident feel valued and at home."

Chartwell House, also has given residents the opportunity to be a part of the wider community, from trips out to local places of interest to residents having the opportunity to take part in radio broadcasts through their partnership with 107.8 Academy FM. In the summer of 2023, Chartwell House residents took part in a groundbreaking event during Folk Week. The first-ever 'Dementia Friendly Folk' concert, a collaborative initiative between Chartwell House and Broadstairs Folk Week 2023.

The event took place on Thursday, August 17, at the Sarah Thorne Theatre on Fordoun Road. With a focus on inclusivity and the transformative power of music, the event's success showcased the positive impact it had on those living with dementia. Under the spotlight were the talented Krista Bubble & The Ceilidh Shapes, who took the stage with their enchanting folk melodies and lively rhythms. The event's atmosphere was electric, resonating with attendees of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. The energy was contagious, and the sense of togetherness was palpable.

Chartwell House has also had a profound impact on the wider community over the past year. Key highlights have included intergenerational initiatives with local primary schools, fostering genuine connections between residents and young minds. Dementia Friends Information Sessions in local schools and colleges, educating children on dementia and community support, and launching community events such as Refresh and Respond for emergency service workers, the Nostalgia Café for dementia support, and the Festive Food Pantry to support those living in food poverty at Christmas.

Chartwell House is not just providing care but shaping a supportive community that extends its positive influence beyond its doors. Jude Coveney, Admissions Manager at Chartwell House, reflects on the profound community impact the care home has had in its first year. "Our community impact at Chartwell House has been profound and heartening. The intergenerational initiatives, educational sessions, and community events have created a ripple effect of positive connections. We're not just providing care; we're shaping a supportive community that extends beyond our doors, touching lives and making a lasting impact."

To celebrate the success of the last 12 months and to mark this special anniversary, Chartwell House hosted a Black Tie Gala celebration on Friday, February 2nd, 2024. The day commenced with a performance for residents and their families from Harry Kersley, a highly sought-after classical singer across the UK, who has had the opportunity to perform at arena venues and to VIP guests, including members of the British, Saudi, and Bahraini royal family.

Following this exceptional performance, residents enjoyed a silver service lunch, hosted by the hospitality students of Broadstairs College, followed by a relaxing afternoon of cocktails and great company.

The celebrations then finished in a climax of joy and festivity with a special black-tie gala featuring live music, dancing, canapes, and prosecco. In true Chartwell House style, the event was not without its charitable focus, and a special fundraiser took place during the evening in the form of the Chartwell Casino, raising money for a community defibrillator.

Commenting after the celebrations, Ameet Kotecha, Founder and Managing Director of Boutique Care Homes, commends Chartwell House for fully embracing the ethos of being 'a warm and loving family where everyone feels at home. "Chartwell House has truly embraced our ethos of being 'a warm and loving family where everyone feels at home.' Witnessing the team's dedication to creating an environment that goes beyond care to foster a genuine sense of belonging is truly heartwarming. It exemplifies the spirit of our vision for Boutique care homes." His reflections highlight the dedication of the team in creating an environment that goes beyond care, fostering a genuine sense of belonging.

As we look to the future, Chartwell House wants to thank everyone who has supported the growth of their incredible community during the past 12 months.