From Care Home Resident to Managing Director

Growing up on The Huntington and Langham Estate, where his mother Marylin created our two specialist care homes in Surrey, gave Charlie a unique upbringing. Charlie now runs the family business and describes how his special upbringing has shaped his career.

As MD of Huntington House which offers Residential Nursing Care and Langham Court a Specialist Dementia Care Home, Charlie shares his journey from being a young care home resident to Managing Director and why he is so passionate about the holistic care they offer residents of both homes.

Located in Hindhead these family focused care homes are accredited Dragonfly and Butterfly homes and rated Good by the Quality Care Commission.

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Preparations are underway for decorating the homes ready for Christmas.  With a number of visits to the local garden centre’s and potteries this month.

Bill and Alex went on a recce trip to scout out the lights and tinsel options, as well as a little gift shopping.Christmas Decorating

Mrs Lumley, Miss Wilmott, Veronica and Alex then took a trip to Grayshott Pottery to stock up with more new decorations and of course made time for some tea and cake!

Christmas Decorations

A visit to the Forest Lodge Garden Centre by Elizabeth, June, Veronica and Alex, means we now have a bumper selection of ideas and decorations ready to get the homes into the festive spirit.

Christmas decorations

Watch this space for pictures of how our wonderful homemakers transform the homes into the festive spirit.

Children in Need 2022

For BBC Children in Need this year, the team at Langham Court had a fabulous day in fancy dress costumes of their favourite characters, with delicious biscuits baked by our lovely homemaker Niki.

Everyone made a huge effort and we were all amazed at the transformation into character, with the lovely Natasha and Amanda as Alice in Wonderland characters, Elaine as a buzzy Bee, Paula as Mary Poppins and Bente as a Nun.

Children In Need 2022

Wendy brightened the day as a cheery Pineapple, whilst Abbey was showing off her flexibility in her Spiderman suite – all great fun!

Children In Need 2022 (1)

From the lovely Natasha and Amanda as Alice in Wonderland characters, Elaine as a buzzy Bee, Paula as Mary Poppins.  When Charlie arrived on The Firebolt, from wizarding world the resemblance to harry potter was uncanny!

Raising money for Children in Need was just the icing on the biscuit for the team who entertained the residents throughout the day.

Langham Court team for Children in Need

 

How we lead the way as a Dragonfly Care Home

Why we believe meaningful care matters

Huntington House continues to lead the way in the provision of residential care and as the first accredited Level One Dragonfly Home, achieving an Excellent rating from Meaningful Care Matters, for the delivery of the Dragonfly Approach in 2022.

Offering a highly engaged service with a high value on meaningful moments and a true person-centred philosophy. People’s individuality and expression is evident and people can express that freedom and be themselves.

“I don’t think you could find many Huntington’s. It’s extremely well run. Different people get different things. I love it! I came for two weeks and have stayed for months.

It’s the attitude you just couldn’t fault. They have been very understanding to me as a smoker as so many places don’t these days. AND they’ve let me have my dog Woolly – they had a vote on it and then Maggie said “Woolly is welcome!” Resident of Huntington House

Molly and Christine

A leading Dragonfly care home

Meaningful Care Matters conducted the audit during June 2022, accrediting the home with flying colours, recognising the hugely impressive achievement of the whole team at the Huntington & Langham Estate after the challenges of the last two years from managing Covid-19.

On receiving the news Charlie Hoare, Managing Director of The Huntington and Langham Estate said:

“I’m so very proud of our team, and completely overwhelmed with the outcome, especially having managed to maintain such a high standard of true person-centred care when Covid-19 has presented so many challenges along the way.

 

Reading the report made me incredibly emotional, having needed to navigate the government Covid-19 guidance over the last 2 years, whilst maintaining our family ethos and the Dragonfly Approach at Huntington House.  Knowing that the effort to balance it all, has had a positive impact on people’s lives makes it all worthwhile.

 

There is something so fundamental about looking after each other; it is why we exist as humans. Life in care homes should reflect life in general, and while the care industry still has a way to go to achieve a truly holistic approach, being the first accredited Level One Dragonfly Home is arguably the best evidence that we are leading the way.

 

For me, both professionally and personally, it’s the positive comments from the people that live and work here that are so important, as well as feedback from family members.

Having an independent audit by Meaningful Care Matters, ensures that we remain focused on the most important part of running a care home; the people and their freedom to be themselves.

 

The expert insights provided in this years report, into how to embrace people’s individuality, and the impact of the environment on their experience of life in a care home, will become our care encyclopaedia for the next year, until the next audit!”

Working with Meaningful Care Matters

Established in 2019, Meaningful Care Matters (MCM) focuses on the development of resilient relationship-centred cultures of care shaped by the people living and working within them. MCM believe that caregiving is meaningful for everyone involved when cultures of care express the personhood of people within them. In these person-centred services both “caregivers” and recipients of care can flourish.

The Dragonfly approach is about the ‘whole person’. While traditional care focuses primarily around clinical needs, the Dragonfly approach gives control back to the person who is being cared for and values the person on an emotional and social level, meaning each person is “free to be me”.

 

“There is a real feeling of home here. It is informal relaxed and family like. We always ask “How would I want my loved one to be treated?” That’s the starting point. With the Estate, you can feel the love – everyone truly does care and people have fun!

 

Even during the pandemic, we managed to have outdoor parties and we could use the buggies to go round the beautiful gardens”. Team Member at Huntington House

 

Huntington House Team

There is lots more information about The Huntington and Langham Estate available on our website. https://huntingtonlangham.estate/

We love to show people around the Estate and our two wonderful homes so please do send us an Email to huntington@hlestate.co.uk or call us 01428 604600 to arrange a visit.

Random Acts of Kindness Day at the Estate

How we’ve been spreading cheer this Randon Acts of Kindness Day

Here at the estate, we’re passionate about embracing any opportunity to spread joy within our home, and throughout the community.

The past year has been a rollercoaster ride – and so, we think it’s more important than ever that we clutch to little nuggets of happiness whenever they arise.

So, sit back, relax and enjoy reading all about the random acts of kindness we’ve been exhibiting throughout February.

Surprising Our Care Team

To celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day, we’ve taken the opportunity to show our gratitude to our care team for all the hard work they do each day.

So, we surprised each member of the H&L team with either a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates. It’s safe to say that they were delighted with their gifts!

Surprising care staff at H&L Estate for Random Acts of Kindness Day

Spreading the Love on Valentine’s Day

Last Sunday, we donned our creative hats to celebrate the day of love.

Three members of our wonderful team clubbed together to create mini hand-made Valentine’s cards for the H&L family. A small act of kindness really does go a long way; our residents were overjoyed with the gesture!

H&L Estate getting crafty for Random Acts of Kindness Day

Getting Crafty

It’s not just our staff that love getting creative; it turns out that our residents do, too!

We were delighted to see their enthusiasm for making Valentine’s cards and sending love to their nearest and dearest.

Doing arts and crafts at H&L Estate for Random Acts of Kindness Day

Baking Sweet Treats

At the estate, we think there’s little better than a tray of warm, freshly baked goodies.

We were delighted to discover that one of our residents had decided to treat us with a delicious array of shortbread, moulded into heart shapes in celebration of Valentine’s Day.

Baking sweet treats at H&L Estate for Random Acts of Kindness Day

We Have a Secret Hairdresser Among Us…

This may come as a surprise to some of you… Bess, one of our team leaders, has a special talent (aside from her wonderful caring nature!); she’s actually a qualified hairdresser!

Hairdressing at H&L Estate for Random Acts of Kindness Day

During lockdown, Bess has very kindly been putting her skills into practice, making our residents feel special with a fresh haircut.

Thank you to all our staff and residents for continuing to spread kindness and joy at our home, and throughout the community. It truly does make all the difference at a time that’s so difficult for us all.

How did you celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day? Let us know via our social media channels.

Meet the team: Bente

This week, we spoke to Bente, one of our team leaders at the estate, all about her day-to-day role.

 

What’s your name and role at Huntington and Langham Estate?

I’m Bente Dover, one of the team leaders here at the estate.

 

How long have you been working here?

I’ve been working with the Huntington team for 6 and a half years now, which also spans the time before Langham Court opened. I was initially employed to work at Langham, but started at Huntington House for three months.

 

Tell us more about your day-to-day role.

On an average day at the estate, I spend a lot of time speaking to the relatives of our residents, answering their questions and having reassuring conversations. My role also involves ensuring residents are as happy as possible and well looked after, with an eye kept on them at all times.

I’ll spend my time attending and preparing for funding meetings, organising ‘Resident of the Day’ and updating care plans as regularly as possible. My day will also involve taking phone calls from relatives or medical staff, and to call the doctor if necessary. It’s also my responsibility to give medication during the day.

I’ll always ensure staff are organised, have completed their care plans and filled in the relevant paperwork.

At the end of the day, it’s my job to make sure everything is done, and that the most calm and special experience possible is provided. Ultimately, it’s my aim to make sure residents are happy and well looked after!

 

What’s your favourite part of your job?

I love talking and spending time with the residents, knowing that I’m helping to improve their lives in so many ways.

 

What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had with our people?

The most memorable experience I’ve had was at a party one summer, when the residents were dancing with the staff and singing together – everyone was so happy, it was a truly magical experience!

 

What makes Huntington and Langham Estate unique?

Most definitely the fact that it’s so personal, and relatively relaxed. The people also make the estate unique, as everyone cares for each other.

 

What’s the most interesting/funny experience you’ve had in your role?

I would say the funniest experience I’ve had is when one of our residents was watching Prince Harry and Meghan’s royal wedding, and she started talking about her three husbands and relaying naughty jokes… it was so funny!

 

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

The way the residents smile and acknowledge you when they see you and hear your voice is priceless.

 

Describe Huntington and Langham Estate in three words.

I would describe the estate as unique, special and individual.

Another award recognising Langham’s exceptional care

Remember, remember the 8th November…as that’s the night when the high-profile Gala night for the National Dementia Care Awards was held at the Hilton Brighton Metropole, hosted by Labour politician, Hazel Blears.

Over 450 guests were in attendance, and we’re proud to say that one of our own was in attendance as she had been nominated for an award – Maggie Cain. For those of you who know Maggie, this will come as no surprise! And for those of you who don’t, you’re more than welcome to visit us at Langham Court anytime and see the positive impact Maggie has on our residents’ lives.

We’re delighted to say that on the night, Maggie was presented with the award for Dementia Care Inspiring Leader 2018, which is an absolutely incredible achievement! This is what the two judges had to say: “Maggie has such a big heart and huge compassion. She inspires the staff by simply being herself – she is a lovely human being. Maggie’s greatest joy is seeing others blossom in a culture of kindness, love and respect…family.”

A bit about the awards

Once a year, the National Dementia Care Awards are held, organised by the Journal of Dementia Care, which is a multidisciplinary journal for all professional staff working with people who are living with dementia. This includes those working in hospitals, nursing and residential care homes, day units and the community.

Created to recognise the very best individuals working within the dementia care sector, the awards are highly coveted, identifying those people whose exceptional work and contributions make better, person-centred care a reality. This year, there were 16 categories, with four or five finalists within each of those categories, and two independent judges carefully choosing the winners.

Maggie’s great achievement

Maggie was nominated for the Dementia Care Inspiring Leader 2018 award by Julie Drake, who is the manager here at Langham Court, and notably the 2017/8 National Dementia Manager of the Year.

In Julie’s words, “Maggie is an inspiration to the whole Langham Court care team. She has the gift of befriending everyone she meets and is a cornerstone of the success of Langham Court. Maggie has been one of the team for over five years and continually works to enrich of the lives of the people living at Langham Court and those of their families.”

As her name was announced at the Gala as the winner, Maggie was completely overwhelmed, mentioning in her acceptance speech how she felt extremely humbled, thanking her wonderful team for their backing. Maggie admitted that she is not very good at self-promotion, preferring to spend her time quietly working behind the scenes and making sure that everyone who lives and works at Langham Court always feel like they are ‘at home’. Maggie’s commitment, energy and passion truly reflect the home’s ethos and we couldn’t be prouder of what she has achieved.

To experience Langham Court for yourself, please do get in touch – we would love to hear from you and are always happy to help.

An alternative style of care home living

Before Langham Court opened in 2013, we spent a lot of time researching which model of care to follow, and one approach stood out above the rest. This was the ‘Butterfly’ model, which we saw as the most intuitive approach. It reflected our family ethos here at the Huntington & Langham Estate too, so we decided to follow it from day one.

A Butterfly Home

At the time, there were only a handful of ‘Butterfly’ homes, but now with more homes on board and to positive impact of this model of care so clear to see, we’re so pleased we made the decision back in 2013 – the impact it has on our residents’ lives is evident. We’re proud to be part of the top 1% of UK care homes, with a CQC rating of ‘Outstanding’, but things are about to get even better.

We’re delighted to announce that here at the Huntington & Langham Estate, we’re pioneering a brand-new model of care in both our homes on behalf of Dementia Care Matters, who developed the ‘Butterfly’ model. We’re piloting this new, ground-breaking project to challenge the traditional nursing home model that exists in most care homes across the UK by breaking down barriers that often exist between staff and residents and doing away with service-led routines and language.

Where did the model come from?

For over 20 years, the team at Dementia Care Matters have been paving the way for modern dementia care with their ‘Feelings Matter Most’ approach. Dr David Sheard, who founded it all, said: “We applaud Huntington House for being pioneers. Implementing the best ideas from Butterfly Homes across the whole care sector is the next transformation needed in the UK. All Care Matters.”

This unique model is a huge success in Canada already, and has appeared on front pages of newspapers and on national TV. What emerged from the success of the Butterfly Model was how obvious it was that its core values aren’t just relevant to dementia care, but all care. That’s why, with a potentially revolutionary impact on the care industry, Dr Sheard is adapting the original Butterfly Model to do just that.

Dr Sheard commented, “Feelings Matter Most in life whether you have dementia or not. Emotional care should be at the heart of all care. Butterfly Homes have proven quality of life in dementia care is a basic human right. The mission of Dementia Care Matters is to be a disruptor of all poor care. The essence of great dementia care can now be a model of care for everyone. Culture change across a whole care home enables everyone to flourish.”

Dementia Care Matters at the Huntington & Langham Estate

We have seen first-hand on our Estate how the Dementia Care Matters model works, and we have even won awards for it. Julie Drake, our dedicated Home Manager, won the Best Manager Award at the National Dementia Care Awards 2018 for all that she has done here.

We are also finalists at the 2018 National Dementia Care Awards for Best Activities. And it’s all thanks to how we have changed our approach by following Dr Sheard’s advice. You really can see the difference in our residents’ lives, and that’s what it’s all about. We’re so pleased that this approach can now be adopted in Huntington as well as Langham.

A bit more about the ‘Meaningful Care Matters’ model

The ‘Meaningful Care Matters’ model essentially aims to truly put the ‘home’ into nursing homes and give the people who live in them a voice.

When the residents were consulted about their feelings towards taking part in this pioneering project, one person said: “You’re not going to change the marmalade, are you?” Charlie replied, “You will be able to have whatever marmalade you would like.”

While the topic of marmalade may seem trivial to some, the ‘Meaningful Care Matters’ model appreciates that the little things in life are important and are a huge factor in making a place feel like home. While one person might have thick-cut marmalade, another might have thin, and someone else might choose to make their own. There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’, and in the extreme, each person might have a completely personalised menu for each meal that reminds them of their cherished childhood memories.

What we hope to achieve

Much of the stigma attached to nursing homes is fear of losing that all-important independence and having decisions made for you. As a minimum, the ‘All Care Matters’ model will enable residents to be more independent again by re-engaging people in their own decision-making. As a maximum, it could mean an even more fulfilling life for those living in a nursing home than living in their own homes!

To find out more, please do come and see us here at the Huntington & Langham Estate, where we can show you around and answer any questions you may have about the Butterfly approach and how it has the power to transform residents’ lives.