Planning the Move: A Practical Guide for Families Starting the Care Home Journey

The decision to move a loved one into a care home is never easy. It’s a journey that raises questions, emotions, and logistical issues.

At Shipston Lodge, we’re here to support families every step of the way, and this guide outlines key considerations to help make the process a little smoother.

Start with an Honest Conversation

If possible, it’s essential to involve your loved one in the discussion early on. Listen to their thoughts, preferences, and concerns—it helps guide the transition with compassion.

Understand the Level of Care Needed

Assess whether residential, respite, nursing or dementia care is most appropriate. Speak with your GP and book a care assessment to ensure you’re exploring the right options.

Visit Potential Homes

Nothing compares to seeing a home for yourself. We always encourage families to book a tour at Shipston Lodge to experience the environment, meet the team, and see how residents spend their day.

Consider the Location

Proximity to family, local services, and familiarity with the area can make a big difference for someone settling into a new home.

Think About Practicalities

Understand costs, funding options, and what’s included in the fee. At Shipston Lodge, our all-inclusive pricing gives families peace of mind with no unexpected charges.

Make It Personal

When the time comes, help your loved one personalise their space. Familiar photos, books, and keepsakes help create a sense of home and ease the transition.

Remember, moving into care is a big step—but with the proper support, it can be a positive new chapter. At Shipston Lodge, we’re always ready to talk, guide and help you navigate this critical journey.

Listening, Learning and Leading: How Resident Feedback Shapes Life at Shipston Lodge

At Shipston Lodge, we believe the best way to provide exceptional care is to listen to our residents.

That’s why feedback isn’t just welcomed; it’s actively sought and central to how we evolve and improve our home.

From one-to-one conversations to informal chats over tea, our team creates countless opportunities for residents to share their feelings and what could be improved.

Whether it’s a suggestion for the weekly menu, a new activity idea, or a comment about the décor—every voice matters.

We also hold regular resident meetings where feedback is gathered and reviewed by the wider team.

Our most successful initiatives—like themed afternoon teas, bespoke birthday cakes, or activity room enhancements—have come from resident ideas.

Family input plays an important role, too. Our open-door policy and regular family engagement events help us meet expectations and provide a truly personalised experience.

Resident-led improvements are not just about service quality—they empower individuals to feel heard, respected, and part of the community.

That sense of agency is vital in maintaining dignity and wellbeing.

At Shipston Lodge, the people who live here shape life.

Their stories, preferences, and feedback are the blueprint for how we continue to grow as a home that truly puts residents first.

Designing for Dementia: How Thoughtful Environments Support Memory Care

At Shipston Lodge, we understand that a dementia diagnosis can be life-changing—not only for the individual but also for their family.

We’ve designed spaces beyond comfort to support cognition, independence, and emotional well-being.

Designing for dementia is more than aesthetics—it’s about creating an enabling environment.

Our Memory Care community incorporates soft furnishings, gentle lighting, calming colour palettes, and clearly defined areas to reduce confusion and promote ease of movement.

We use themed ‘imagination stations’ such as a nostalgic nursery corner, a holiday-themed retreat, and a sensory reading room.

These zones stimulate memory, spark joy, and give residents meaningful ways to engage. A jungle-themed lounge and a cheerful rock and roll hangout provide fun, familiarity, and sensory input that enhance the quality of life.

Each feature is intentional: contrasting colours for visual clarity, memory boxes outside rooms to help residents identify their space, and communal areas that encourage social interaction while still feeling safe and structured.

Family members often remark on the warmth and comfort they feel when they visit—a testament to how the environment affects emotional well-being.

Our “Continue Being Me” ethos ensures that spaces reflect and support each resident’s past identity, helping them feel known and valued daily.

Dementia-friendly design is about empathy in action, and at Shipston Lodge, it’s at the heart of how we care.

The Role of Pets and Animal Therapy in Enhancing Resident Well-being

At Shipston Lodge, we know that some of the greatest joys in life come from our four-legged friends.

That’s why we regularly welcome therapy animals into our home, offering residents the chance to experience the proven benefits of animal companionship.

Interacting with animals can profoundly affect emotional health, particularly in a care home environment.

Studies have shown that pet therapy can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost mood. For our residents, visits from therapy dogs and other animals bring comfort, laughter, and fond memories of beloved pets.

Our regular visits from Veronica, the therapy dog, are a highlight of the month. Residents love stroking her soft fur, watching her friendly antics, and reminiscing about their own pets. These moments spark conversation, reduce feelings of loneliness, and create smiles all around.

Beyond therapy animals, we also embrace animal-themed activities, such as crafting bird feeders for the garden or visits to local farms and butterfly parks.

These experiences allow our residents to stay connected to the natural world, nurturing a sense of purpose and joy.

At Shipston Lodge, the simple act of cuddling a dog or feeding the birds reminds us all that the smallest moments can bring the biggest happiness.

How Shipston Lodge Supports Couples Moving into Care Together

At Shipston Lodge, we understand how important it is for couples to stay together, especially when entering residential care.

We proudly offer a compassionate and flexible approach to supporting couples who wish to continue their shared journey under our roof.

Moving into a care home can be an emotional transition, especially for couples who have spent a lifetime together.

At Shipston Lodge, we offer options for couples to live together in spacious, beautifully appointed suites. This ensures they maintain their companionship and routines while receiving personalised support.

Sometimes one partner may require more complex care, such as dementia or nursing care, while the other remains relatively independent.

Our skilled care team tailors support to meet each person’s needs without compromising their bond. Whether through shared meal times, private sitting rooms, or simply enjoying the garden hand-in-hand, we help couples continue living life together.

Our aim is to minimise disruption and provide reassurance that both partners will receive the highest standard of care in a loving and supportive environment.

After all, we believe love should always find a way—and at Shipston Lodge, it certainly does.

The Power of Reminiscence Therapy: Keeping Memories Alive at Shipston Lodge

At Shipston Lodge, we believe that memories are a treasure chest of life’s most precious moments.

Reminiscence therapy is vital in supporting our residents’ emotional well-being. It helps them connect with their past, strengthen their sense of identity, and enjoy meaningful conversations with others.

Reminiscence therapy involves using prompts such as photographs, music, treasured objects, or themed activities to encourage residents to recall and share memories.

At Shipston Lodge, our team uses specially curated memory boxes, themed days like ‘1940s Week’, and even personal life story work to stimulate these precious recollections.

The benefits are far-reaching: not only does reminiscence spark joy and nostalgia, but it can also enhance cognitive function, reduce feelings of isolation, and build stronger social connections among residents.

It can be particularly effective for those living with dementia, where familiar memories may remain clearer than recent ones.

Our activities team is passionate about tailoring reminiscence activities to our residents’ individual interests and life stories.

Whether it’s singing along to songs from their youth, sharing stories over afternoon tea, or flipping through a photo album, we celebrate the unique histories of everyone who calls Shipston Lodge home.

Reminiscence therapy is a beautiful reminder that every story deserves to be heard, honoured, and cherished.

How Technology is Enhancing Elderly Care at Shipston Lodge

Technology is transforming the way care homes operate, bringing exciting innovations that enhance the quality of life for residents. At Shipston Lodge, we embrace modern technology to improve care, communication, and engagement, ensuring that our residents feel connected, supported, and empowered.

The Role of Technology in Elderly Care

As technology continues to evolve, its impact on elderly care has become more profound. From digital care planning to virtual reality experiences and video calls, these advancements not only improve efficiency but also enhance the overall well-being of residents.

Key Technological Advancements at Shipston Lodge

1. Digital Care Planning for Personalised Support
Gone are the days of paper-based records. Digital care planning systems allow our team to provide real-time, personalised care by tracking health updates, medication schedules, and residents’ preferences more efficiently. This ensures seamless communication among staff and a higher standard of care.

2. Video Calls to Stay Connected with Loved Ones
One of the most significant technological benefits is the ability to stay connected through video calls. Residents can chat with family members, see their grandchildren, and maintain relationships, even if they live far away. Our staff support residents in using tablets and smartphones to make connecting as easy as possible.

3. Interactive Tablets for Games and Learning
Large-screen, user-friendly tablets allow residents to play memory-enhancing games, read e-books, or engage in puzzles that stimulate cognitive health. These devices provide entertainment while supporting mental agility.

5. Smart Sensors for Safety and Well-being
Advanced safety features, such as motion sensors and fall detection systems, help ensure residents’ well-being. These discreet technologies alert staff to any unusual activity, allowing for quick responses and enhanced peace of mind.

How Technology Enriches Daily Life

Technology at Shipston Lodge is not just about efficiency—it’s about enriching lives. With interactive tools, engaging experiences, and innovative care solutions, our residents enjoy a more stimulating, independent, and connected lifestyle.

As we continue to embrace new advancements, we remain committed to providing the highest standard of care while ensuring that technology enhances—not replaces—the human touch.

Would you like to learn more about how Shipston Lodge integrates technology into daily life? Get in touch with us today!

The Importance of Intergenerational Activities in Care Homes

At Shipston Lodge, we believe that care is about more than just meeting physical needs—it’s about enriching lives and fostering connections. One of the most impactful ways to do this is through intergenerational activities, where younger generations engage with care home residents. From school visits to community events, these interactions provide meaningful benefits for both the elderly and the young, creating moments of joy, learning, and shared experiences.

The Benefits of Intergenerational Activities

1. Reducing Loneliness and Isolation
Many care home residents experience feelings of loneliness, particularly if they have fewer opportunities to socialise with family or friends. Regular interactions with children and young adults can bring warmth and companionship, creating bonds that brighten their days.

2. Boosting Mental and Emotional Well-being
Engaging with younger generations can evoke fond memories, spark conversations, and keep residents mentally active. These interactions help improve mood, reduce anxiety, and create a greater sense of purpose.

3. Promoting Learning and Exchange
Intergenerational activities are a two-way street. While children benefit from hearing residents’ life stories and gaining insight into history, older adults enjoy learning about modern trends, technology, and youthful perspectives. This creates a beautiful exchange of knowledge and experiences.

4. Encouraging Physical Activity
Some intergenerational programs involve light exercise, such as dance, gardening, or simple games, which encourage residents to stay active in a fun and engaging way.

Intergenerational Activities at Shipston Lodge

At Shipston Lodge, we are proud to facilitate various intergenerational programs that foster meaningful connections:

• School Visits – Local schoolchildren visit to read stories, sing songs, and spend time chatting with residents. These visits bring joy, laughter, and energy into our home.
• Community Events – Special events, such as our Christmas carol singing or Easter celebrations, bring multiple generations together for a shared experience filled with joy.
• Technology Learning Sessions – Younger visitors help residents learn to use digital devices, teaching them how to send messages, make video calls, and explore the internet.

A Future of Connection and Joy

Intergenerational activities have proven to be a wonderful way to keep residents engaged, emotionally fulfilled, and socially active. At Shipston Lodge, we look forward to expanding these opportunities to create even more connections between generations.

If you’d like to get involved in our intergenerational programs or learn more about life at Shipston Lodge, we’d love to hear from you!