Our philosophy

When Dr Arnold Powell started the Springdene Goup in 1970, he did so as a result of his experience as a north London GP. He says "My eyes were opened as a doctor when visiting nursing homes and seeing what appalling standards there were. The homes were Dickensian and I felt that something better was not only necessary but that it was possible - and so we set about it."

Through the years of caring for his patients he developed a conviction that the right balance of psychological, physical and environmental stimulation combined with a professional approach to care could prolong a happy and fulfilling life.

We all have parents

Dr Powell's original guiding principles are still followed today in each of the three London homes and are shared by his family who still run the homes today. "We have parents, we have elderly relatives, we see the problems and have experienced them ourselves. We understand the needs families have faced with an elderly relative who is frail or who can no longer be looked after at home."

It is this understanding that informs the Springdene approach. As Dr Powell says: "When people to move their relative into one of our homes, it's almost as if there's a magical transformation. It's quite remarkable to see people flower when they come into a home, to see how they participate in activities and it's very rewarding for us to see it happening and to see their families so happy to see it taking place."

Daily activities

The activities that take place on a daily basis in all three homes represent an integral part of the Springdene Group's culture and are, in Dr Powell's words, "one of the strongest points we have." Every day there are activities and entertainments and groups of young people - many of whom are part of the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, visiting for a chat with residents.

There is plenty to do. "People are encouraged to exercise their right to choose - from rooms and room sizes, furnishings, colours and meals."

Family involvement in providing activities, choices and a caring environment  gives a sense of heritage and helps sustain a simple recipe for making older people valued and loved:
"We are helping people to enjoy life - a quality of life - as they grow older."