The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT) has been praised for its dedication to personalised care and Edwardstow Court Care Centre is its newest venture; a 48 bedroom home, divided into small households, so that it feels more like a traditional house, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
It boasts modern facilities, with each bedroom fitted with an en-suite, lovely communal areas, including a hair salon and private landscaped gardens. Edwardstow Court will welcome residents on its opening day, 26 March 2018.
Edwardstow Court is built from local Cotswold stone, and took 15 months to construct. Situated on the edge of Stow with direct access off the historic Fosse Way, a Roman road that links Exeter with Lincoln, the home has stunning views over the Evenload Valley. The internal layout is based on the trust’s dementia household design and really does feel like a home from home.
On arrival residents and visitors can walk the ‘street’ with a café, hairdressers and local shop stocking essential items, gift cards and more. Outside the landscaped gardens include raised beds so everyone can enjoy a spot of gardening.
Immediately adjoining Edwardstow Court is a scheme of retirement apartments being developed by McCarthy and Stone.
Edwardstow Court is very fortunate to have an experienced team of nursing, caring and dementia employees, led by newly appointed general manager, Marion Flett. Marion brings more than 30 years’ experience in the care industry. She began her career working as a care assistant when she fell in love with the job; helping people and vulnerable adults, providing the much needed care they require and supporting their loved ones. After completing her NVQ awards, she moved into home management, then business management, regional and quality roles. Marion has a Registered Managers Award, an NVQ level 4 in care, an NVQ level 4 in training and development, and a City & Guilds in Business Management.
Marion is supported by deputy manager, Sian Howse and head of dementia care, Cheryl Freeman. Sian has been with the trust for eight years and started as a housekeeper. During her time with the trust, Sian has worked at several homes. Most recently she was a unit lead at Jubilee House before moving to Edwardstow Court in January to assist with the opening.
Cheryl started as a care assistant, before finding her passion in dementia care. She has completed many training courses relating to dementia and now takes on the role of head of dementia care at Edwardstow Court. She will work with the team, guiding them and looking for the best way to care for residents who are living with dementia.
Recruitment is complete for phase one, with a team made up of nurses, carers, administration support and marketing. A majority of recruits have included colleagues transitioning from other OSJCT homes and who understand the values of the trust so Edwardstow will open with the culture of an older home.
Along with opening in March, there is already a host of activities in the pipeline to keep residents engaged and occupied, including an Easter egg hunt during Easter weekend to welcome residents into the home. The local community will also be invited to join in the fun.
