What's it like in a Springdene care home?

We appreciate that moving into residential care can be a daunting experience - it's a major step in life and something that takes a degree of getting used to. Yet our staff work wonders in making the environment in every home warm and friendly with a welcoming atmosphere that is obvious from the moment you walk in.

It is this commitment to the individual happiness of our residents, combined with top quality care that make our homes the very special places that that people love to live in. Every home is a bright, clean, warm and loving setting, where carers, staff and residents develop strong bonds together,

Quality of care

The quality of care could not be higher. Springdene care homes have been setting the standards for residential care for more than half a century. Right from when we were first established we recognised the importance of having the right people, not just in caring individually for our residents but in all the areas that give the homes their friendly atmosphere.

All our experienced managers and staff have specialised professional backgrounds while others have been caring for older people for years. Working as a close-knit team our people take pride in creating a bespoke programme of care for every individual resident. Personal needs are assessed and reassessed so a detailed care plan can be devised, and the plan is continually monitored and followed through so that whatever help is needed is always to hand.

But in a Springdene home, care amounts to even more than that. For everybody each of our homes is literally a home from home. As one of our managers says: "For residents, this is their home. They and their families come and go whenever they like, and I love the communication between them, welcoming them, making sure they're OK. It's a community here."

Another of our managers says: "Our residents have left home, left the environments they are used to - it's our job to put back some of the life they have left behind to provide a continuation into the future."

And so it is, with  a typical busy day starting at breakfast, with activities in the morning, perhaps a visit to the hairdresser, possibly taking in a quiz or some singing of favourite songs. A pre-lunch sherry presages some delicious food, possibly followed by a nap. But life is too busy to stay resting for long with perhaps a walk in the garden or some poetry reading in the afternoon. Maybe there will be a talk or a music recital. And there are  always the pleasures of a natter in the lounge before dinner time, with three freshly cooked courses to follow.

The attention to detail is everywhere, especially when it comes to the rooms themselves. Every room has full en-suite facilities, individually controlled central heating, wall-to wall carpets and double glazing. Bathrooms are especially designed for older people, with easy-use taps, grab handles and non-slip, edge-free floors. The rooms themselves are fully-furnished with high quality fitted wardrobes and vanity units and residents are welcome to bring any personal items that will help them feel at home - including their own pictures and wall decorations, rugs and ornaments.

Activities and care

Our philosophy is all about activity-based care, giving residents the freedom to continue doing activities they've always loved. [See section on activities].

There is a lively programme of entertainment, talks and concerts and not a day goes by without something on the schedule that will amuse, engross and entertain. Each day has a full timetable of activities and we pride ourselves in not having television in the lounges as there is always something going on. We support residents in spending quality time with family and friends and to play an active part in the life of the care home.

We also understand the importance of serving up tasty and nutritious food (see the page on our food). Our catering teams pride themselves in making mealtimes and menus enjoyable and fun, helping residents to explore new tastes from around the world or re-experience favourite foods from their childhood.

The Springdene Group first opened its doors in 1970 and currently offers a choice of three homes throughout north London - Springview in Enfield, a purpose-built home, established in 1987, which commands views over the local golf course and the green belt. Spring Grove in Hampstead, is built to luxury hotel standards and sits in the bustling environment of Finchley Road. Our most recent care home development, Spring Lane, was opened in 2006 in Muswell Hill and is one of the best appointed care homes for older people in north London.