Residents and relatives request a memory tree at Handford House

An impressive hand-painted memory tree has been created at the request of the residents at Handford House which will be decorated with personalised wooden hearts to remember those who have lived at the Ipswich care home.

The idea first came about during the Covid pandemic  as a way to remember residents when getting together in groups was difficult.

Deputy Manager Naomi Bender explained, “We care for many people in the final stages of their lives here at Handford House so remembering is part of our routine and something that residents value. During the pandemic it was difficult to get together with families or to attend funerals so the idea of making the personalised hearts came up as an activity which everyone could get involved in.”

“The tree came next and was created in our Lark unit by our Activity co-ordinator Becky with a lot of help from anyone who could paint! It looks amazing, covering the wall and ceiling and has had quite a lot of comments from our visitors.”

Handford House in Ipswich provides care and support for residents with nursing, dementia, and palliative care needs. The home is part of the Healthcare Homes family of 48 care homes and 11 home care branches. It is rated Good overall by the Care Quality Commission. Healthcare Homes is rated as one of the Top 20 care home providers in the UK by residents and relatives voting on the independent review website carehome.co.uk

Handford House has a 9 out of 10 score with carehome.co.uk and is rated Good by the Care Quality Commission.

For more about Healthcare Homes and Handford House see our website www.healthcarehomes.co.uk

Pip Rich