Hampshire-based charity The Brendoncare Foundation is celebrating its 40th anniversary with events across its care homes and community clubs.
To launch the charity’s 40th year, a time capsule will be filled with photographs, stories, and poems that will show the many different ways in which the charity improves the quality of life for older people. At the end of the anniversary year, the time capsule will be buried in the grounds of Brendoncare Otterbourne Hill in Winchester.
In addition, parties will be held at Brendoncare’s care homes and network of community clubs to mark the anniversary, which falls on Valentine’s Day.
The Brendoncare Foundation was established on 14 February 1984. Its founder, Winchester GP Sir Ronald Gibson, chaired the British Medical Association. Convinced that older people were often let down by the institutions caring for them, he believed they should never have to move into a different care facility should their health fail or mobility deteriorate.
Sir Ronald pioneered the idea of tailoring a full range of care to fit the changing needs of people, always offering care with discretion, respect, and dignity. These principles continue to guide Brendoncare’s work today at its seven care homes across the south of England.
Brendoncare chief executive Marianne Wanstall said: “This is a significant milestone in Brendoncare’s continuing work in providing care homes and a community services that enhance the quality of older people’s lives. This includes constantly finding new, innovative ways to meet their ever-changing needs.
“Our anniversary gives us the perfect opportunity to celebrate with all the wonderful people – our residents and mews residents and their relatives, community members, our colleagues and volunteers, who make Brendoncare the vibrant, forward-thinking organisation it is today.
“Our status as a charitable organisation means we measure success by the impact on people’s lives. We also continue to ensure that the principles on which Brendoncare were founded are still central to our work today and in the future.
“This includes our Care for Life promise that ensures that when we welcome a permanent resident into one of our care homes, they will never be asked to leave due to lack of funds.”
