WINTER 2024/25
From the heart OF OUR COMMUNITIES
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
PAGE 03 Aria Care grows
PAGE 06 Funding Care Q & A
PAGE 10
PAGE 17 Recipe Corner
PAGE 18 Resident Well-being
Celebrating Milestones
Aria Care grows with Future Care Group acquisition
Contents
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Aria Care grows
On 4th July 2024, we expanded Aria Care Group with the acquisition of the Future Care Group, adding a further 18 homes to our portfolio. We were thrilled to welcome almost 1,300 colleagues and over 900 residents to the Aria family. Over the past few months, we have spent time getting to know our new colleagues, understanding the intricacies of the business and ways of working. Our goal was to fully understand the business whilst identifying opportunities that create improvements, efficiencies and create a plan for a united way of working. The ‘Summer Social’ held at Thames View was our first opportunity to welcome Home Managers and Support teams together to begin building those relationships – a successful event that was more than evident at our company conference in December where the genuine kindness, friendly atmosphere and a real sense of ‘one team’ was felt. Our commitment remains the same – to ensure those living in our communities receive excellent care and that our colleagues are recognised, rewarded and provided with opportunities to grow and develop. This has already be demonstrated with several colleagues within the Future Care Group taking up new roles within Aria. With any acquisition, change is inevitable, and we are grateful to all our new colleagues that have welcomed us into the homes and embraced the changes that have already been implemented. We look forward to 2025, where we can drive ahead with our common goals and strive to be both an Employer of Choice and Best Care Provider in the UK. Kelly Howell Chief People Officer
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Care team of the year
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Magna’s Chef wins top award
Welcome
Solent Grange achieves accreditation
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Funding care Q & A
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A century of memories
I’m thrilled to introduce our new seasonal magazine, From the heart. This exciting new publication provides a wonderful opportunity to highlight the incredible connections between our colleagues and residents. This has been a milestone year for Aria, as we’ve warmly welcomed new colleagues and residents from the Future Care Group. Our commitment to deliver exceptional care goes beyond words — it’s the foundation of our organisation and drives us as we continue to grow. From the heart offers a glimpse into the life of our communities, recognising the exceptional commitment of our teams and the relationships they form with residents and their families. This is our first publication, and we welcome contributions for future editions. Caroline Roberts Chief Executive Officer
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Celebrating milestones
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Christmas card competition
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A slice of festive fun
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A Christmas to remember
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Hospitality from the heart
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Recipe corner
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Resident Well-being
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Magna’s head chef celebrates prestigious award win
Belmont House Nursing Home has celebrated after being awarded Care Team of the Year at the highly regarded Caring UK Awards, recognising the outstanding dedication demonstrated by the Belmont House team in providing exceptional care to their residents. Arthur Tanare, Home Manager at Belmont House, expressed his pride and gratitude for this achievement, stating: “Winning the Care Team of the Year award is an incredible honour and a testament to the compassion and teamwork that our team bring to the home every single day. We’re so proud to see our efforts recognised, and this award belongs to every member of the team who goes above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of those we care for.” The Caring UK Awards, a prestigious event in the care sector, celebrates the best in the industry, recognising teams and individuals who demonstrate excellence and innovation in care. This award highlights how the team work together to provide the best care and resident experience as well as being able to demonstrate passion and commitment to the workplace. Care team of the year Belmont House wins prestigious title
In November, Head Chef Katie Smith from Magna Care Centre was crowned Chef of the Year at the National Care Awards. Katie is renowned for creating nutritious, tailored meals that cater to each resident’s requirements and preferences, and, through her inclusive initiatives, such as the ‘Cooking with Kate’ club, she recreates cherished recipes from residents’ pasts. Katie commented, “I felt truly grateful just to be nominated for this award, but to win is such an honour. I put my heart and soul into the food I prepare for the residents. I feel so blessed that I get to make such a positive difference to their lives with the food I cook.”
Solent Grange Nursing Home was proud to be awarded the Gold Standards Framework. GSF is a UK charity that is nationally recognised for its quality in end- of-life care. This remarkable accomplishment places Solent Grange among the best in the field. Home Manager Alison Gray commented, “Introducing GSF to Solent Grange has really helped shape the culture of the team and our approach to everyday living for our residents. We’re excited to continue striving for improvements and demonstrate that living in a care home can be a fulfilling experience for residents and their loved ones.” Going for gold Solent Grange awarded Gold Standards Framework
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How do you organise funding?
What is involved in being means tested?
The first step is for your local authority to assess your care needs. They will create a report about your needs and the type of care that would best suit you. Unlike healthcare in the NHS, adult social care isn’t free for everyone at the point of use. If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, and you have severe or complex health needs, NHS Continuing Healthcare may cover all of your care home fees. (Scotland has different care arrangements, called Hospital Based Complex Clinical Care, which is only available to people in hospital). However, if your health needs aren’t severe or complex, you will then need to have a financial assessment – or means test. This will show whether you qualify for local authority funding and if so, how much you are entitled to receive. If your capital is over the pre-set limits, you will be expected to fund all of your care yourself, which is called self-funding.
Your local authority will use nationally set guidelines to work out how much you should pay for your care based on the income and assets you have. These include savings, stocks and shares, Premium Bonds, National Savings accounts, pensions and property. It does not include the value of personal possessions or the income of a partner or family members. In reality, most people pay something towards their care, and you may find that your funding is a mix of local authority funds, personal savings and assets.
What happens if my money runs out?
If you are funding your own full-time residential care and your capital is falling towards the upper capital limit, ask your local authority for an assessment of your care needs as you may be eligible for funding. This can take some time to arrange, so be sure to discuss it with your care home and the local authority well in advance of your capital falling below the upper limit.
What are you entitled to?
To work out whether you qualify for state funding and how much you may be entitled to, the local authority financial assessment, or means test, will look at:
Funding Care Q & A
• Your regular income including pensions, benefits and earnings
Is there a way to prevent my money running out?
• Your capital including cash savings, investments, business assets, land, property (your home will not be included if your partner still lives there)
There is a financial product called a Care Fees Annuity which, once purchased with a one-off lump sum, will pay an income for the rest of your life to your chosen care home.
If affordable and set up correctly, you will always be able to self- fund your care home fees. Advice can be provided by an FCA regulated Care Funding Specialist. If you would like to know more about care homes and funding full-time residential care for yourself or a relative we’re here to help. Visit www.ariacare.co.uk to view our communities.
Finding a care home for yourself or a loved one can be an emotional process, with a lot of questions around how the care will be funded and what it will cost, so here we have answered the most frequently asked questions to support you in the process. How much does care cost? The cost of care can vary a great deal and depends on such factors as the type of support needed, location of the care home, as well as:
• Whether you are receiving permanent or temporary care • Whether the home is run by the local authority or an independent provider • Your county or region, for example, the personal care you receive in a care home in Scotland is free if you’re over 65 • Individual care home fees • Rising living costs
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A century of memo ries
Rita
and vegetables. She also shared a love for camping with her husband, John, an accomplished aeronautical engineer, who built much of their camping equipment. She made a lasting impact throughout her life, dedicating many years to caring for others as a burn unit nurse as well as supporting her church, devoted to helping the local community. Joan is known for her resilient “soldier on” attitude shaped by her wartime upbringing. Her friend, Susie, affectionately described her as a “lovely lady in every way and a real trooper!” She has become a beloved member of Rendlesham’s community, which was evident in the love shown for her on this momentous day.
Sundridge Court Nursing Home have celebrated a very special day for one of their residents, Rita, as she turned100! Rita has lived at Sundridge Court for two and a half years and is adored by the team and residents. She loves reading, watching sport on TV and is a lifelong fan of Crystal Palace Football Club who she loves to go and see play, having held a season ticket for many years.
Joan
Rendlesham Care Centre recently celebrated an incredible milestone: Resident Joan’s 100th birthday! Surrounded by loved ones, Joan marked a century of life with a day full of laughter and cherished memories. Joan, a lady of many talents, loves poetry, knitting, the outdoors, and gardening. When she lived in Carshalton Beeches, she took great care tending to a huge, sprawling garden of fruit trees
Born in Hucknall, Nottingham, Rita later moved to Richmond where she lived until
after the war. During the war, she was enlisted to work for the BBC to maintain secret radio transmitters in readiness for any invasion. After the war, Rita trained as a BBC studio manager where she met her future husband who was on the same training course. Rita went on to have two daughters and later worked as a librarian until she retired. She also is lucky enough to have four grandsons, three great- grandsons and one great-granddaughter. Her family and friends were so excited to come together for this huge milestone, and all gathered for a day of drinks, food and lots of laughs to celebrate Rita’s life, also joined by the Mayor of Bromley and his wife. She was thrilled to meet the mayor who congratulated her on turning 100 and wished her well in health. Home manager, Theresa, commented, “We are truly honoured to celebrate Rita’s incredible milestone of 100 years. Reaching a century is a remarkable achievement, and it brings us immense joy to be a part of this special day. Rita is an inspiration to all of us here at Sundridge Court Nursing Home, and we look forward to celebrating a life filled with memories, wisdom, and love.”
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5 Years
Celebrating milestones
Kaylee - Wellbeing Co-ordinator
Jennifer - Domestic Assistant
We’re proud to celebrate the outstanding dedication and passion of our team members through our Long Service Awards. These awards recognise the incredible commitment of colleagues who have not only remained with us for many years but have also made a lasting impact on the lives of our residents. Through their devotion, compassionate care, and teamwork, they have become pillars of our communities.
Shellon - Deputy Manager
Gabriel - Chef
Sharna-Louise - Care Assistant
20 Years Caroline - Administrator
25 Years Caroline - Care Assistant
10 Years Janice - Care Assistant
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Luke - Site Maintenance Officer
Cai - Wellbeing Co-ordinator
Christmas card Com
p e t i t ion
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In the run-up to Christmas, residents took part in our annual Christmas card competition to get into the festive spirit and put their creative skills to the test. After much deliberation, we finally had our winner! Resident Doreen Simon from Coppice Lea Care Home took the win for her stunning sparkly candle design, selected from 52 creative entries submitted by residents and colleagues. Doreen shared her delight in winning, saying: Maria Stancu, home manager at Coppice Lea, said: “We’re so proud of Doreen and her wonderful design. This competition is a lovely tradition that brings all our residents together, and Doreen’s success was the perfect start to our Christmas festivities.” I couldn’t have been happier to be the winner, although I must say that I had a little help with the glitter and the glue, things became a little sticky “ ”
A slice of festive fun Christmas cake winners unveiled
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The magic of Christmas came alive this year as Aria Care proudly announced the winners of its much-loved annual Christmas Cake Competition. Taking first prize was Priory Court’s stunning tiered nativity scene cake. Designed collaboratively by residents and Chef Jerome, this masterpiece told the story of Christmas. Deer Park View earned second place with their cake symbolising community and togetherness. The theme “Bake from the Heart” invited participants to pour their love into every aspect of their creations. Residents played a central role, contributing cherished memories and creative ideas to the festive designs. Hospitality Director James Clear, who had the honour of announcing the winners, shared his delight:
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It was truly inspiring to see their memories and festive cheer come to life in such delightful ways, it filled our hearts and homes with warmth and wonder. “
Coppice Lea Resident Doreen Simon
”
In addition, resident Shirley Landy from Kingsclear Care Home and Poppy Dickie from Cedar View Care Centre, impressed the judges with their Christmas tree designs, earning them the runner up prize.
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A Christmas to R emember
As the clock struck midnight, our communities came together to celebrate the cherished memories of the past year, while looking forward to making new memories in 2025. Cranmer Court Care Home ended the year with an epic singalong led by the talented Malindi while residents at Knowle Park Nursing Home celebrated in style with a mocktail bar and chocolate fountain. At Holmwood Care Centre and Kingsclear Care Home they embraced the fun with some funky accessories. Our residents and colleagues all put their own unique spin on the celebrations, making for a fantastic start to the new year! Welcoming the new year
Penguin parade Residents had an unforgettable day at Stowford House Nursing Home as they welcomed two very special visitors – Widget and Pringle, the adorable penguins! The residents were absolutely overjoyed to meet these charming creatures, and their visit brought smiles, laughter and a chance to experience the incredible benefits of pet therapy. The team at Stowford House are always finding ways to bring unique and enriching experiences to their residents – and this one will be talked about for a long time to come!
A chorus of generations The residents of Rendlesham Care Centre were recently visited by the talented Morabe Community Group and the pupils of Eyke Primary School. Regular visitors to the home, the intergenerational choir have put on some fantastic performances for residents and their Christmas visit was no different! With deep roots in the community, Morabe are a wonderful team of musicians who love to entertain and create a fantastic opportunity for children to express their musical flair. Led by Stephanie, the group delighted everyone with some festive favourites and residents had a wonderful time singing along. A Christmas carol
Magna Care Centre in recently hosted a one-of-a-kind festive celebration for their residents and families with a special performance of A Christmas Carol by Dot Collective, a theatre group committed to creating performances that are accessible to those with dementia and additional needs. The performance featured a mix of props, costumes, and audience participation, with residents and guests invited to join in the fun, donning costumes and becoming part of the story. Resident Linda shared her excitement after the show, commenting, "It was such an enjoyable experience! We loved taking part and joining in with the costumes.”
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Our chefs put great care into crafting menus that offer residents delicious and nutritious meals, while also using their talents to add flavour to special occasions. Recipe corner
At Aria Care, we put residents at the heart of everything we do, making every community feel like home. Our dining experience goes beyond meals, creating vibrant, social occasions with nutritious, home-style dishes. From the heart HOSPITALITY
St Patrick’s Day Steak, Guinness and Stilton pie | Serves 6
Beyond traditional meal times
Aria Care’s food promise
• Personalised welcome: Our teams and chefs warmly welcome residents, taking the time to discuss dietary requirements and preferences upon arrival. • Menu collaboration: Join us for resident meetings where our chefs share samples and discuss upcoming
Aria Care enhances the dining experience by creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like home. Meals are nutritious and reminiscent of home cooking, made with fresh, high-quality ingredients to suit diverse tastes and dietary needs. Dining is more than just eating—it’s a chance to connect, share stories, and enjoy meals in a vibrant, community-oriented setting. Beyond mealtimes, we offer morning coffee, afternoon tea, and fresh snacks. Residents can dine privately or in our restaurant-style spaces. We also encourage residents to do what they love. The scent of freshly baked cake fills the air as they share recipes, laughter, and cherished memories.
Ingredients
For the pastry • 225g plain flour • 100g cold diced butter • 1 tsp dried thyme
For the filling • 900g braising steak cut into large cubes • 2 tbsp plain flour • 2-3 tbsp vegetable oil • 1 medium onion chopped • 1 garlic clove minced
• 1 celery stick and carrot diced • 200ml Guinness • Dash of Worcestershire sauce • 1 tsp Marmite • 1 bay leaf & 2 sprigs thyme • 450ml beef stock • 100g Stilton crumbled
menus, making sure everyone feels involved in the dining experience.
• 24/7 snacks and hydration:
Whether it’s a craving for something different or an afternoon pick-me-up,
we offer a variety of snacks and hydration options around the clock. We encourage residents to be as independent as possible and entertain their guests whenever possible. • Special celebrations and themed days: From Christmas to cultural festivities, we celebrate with themed meals and events to make each day special. • Complimentary and private dining: Loved ones can join residents for shared meals or book our private dining spaces for more intimate gatherings.
Method
1. Place the pastry ingredients into a food processor with a pinch of salt, pulse until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add 1 tbsp of cold water and pulse until it forms a ball. Wrap in cling film and leave to chill in the fridge at least 30 minutes before use. 2. Place the steak in a bag and sprinkle over the flour, season with salt and pepper and shake until all pieces are coated. 3. Heat the oil in a large deep pan and fry the steak in batches until browned all over. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining steak. 4. Add a splash of oil into the pan and fry the onion until lightly browned, add in the carrot, celery and garlic until lightly cooked. 5. Drain off any excess oil then deglaze the pan with the Guinness to loosen up all of the caramelised brown bits from the pan. Mix in the vinegar, Marmite, Worcestershire sauce and herbs.
6. Return the steak and any juices to the pan and cover with the beef stock. Season and bring to a simmer. 7. Cook for 2-2.5 hours until the beef is tender. Leave to cool and remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. 8. Heat the oven to 200°C (Fan 180°C). Place the steak filling in a pie dish and stir in the crumbled Stilton. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface until the desired thickness. Brush the rim of the dish with a lightly beaten egg and place the pastry on top. Crimp the edges and decorate the top with any spare pastry cut into shapes. Make a steam hole and brush the pastry with beaten egg. 9. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the pastry is golden and crisp and the filling is piping hot. 10. Serve with creamy mash potatoes and vegetables.
• Local food supply chain:
We source our produce and meats locally to ensure the chefs have access to the freshest and most nutritious ingredients for their seasonal menus.
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PRIORITISING RESIDENT WELL-BEING
Activities for elderly people
Exercise: Gentle fitness classes, like Burns Gym virtual workout classes, improve strength, balance, mood, and cognitive function.
Learning new things: Initiatives like the Happiness Programme at Thames View engage residents in mentally stimulating interactive activities, from games to quizzes and dancing.
The health and happiness of our residents are at the heart of what we do. We recognise how vital activities are in keeping our residents healthy, active, and connected. Here’s a preview of just some of the activities our residents enjoy:
Gardening: Residents can relax or enjoy gardening in our beautiful outdoor spaces. Our annual Aria in Bloom competition brings everyone together to spruce up the grounds.
Animal Visits: Pet therapy, featuring visits from dogs, cats, and even llamas or penguins, lifts spirits and reduces stress.
Hobbies: Creative activities such as painting, knitting, or playing music provide stress relief and a sense of achievement.
Socialising: Our doors are always open to loved ones and the local community to ensure plenty of opportunities for socialising.
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career KICKSTART YOUR Looking for a rewarding career with real opportunities to grow ? The care sector offers more than you might think - develop valuable skills, build meaningful connections, and make a real impact.
No experience ? No problem! We provide full training and support to help you succeed. Whether you're starting out or looking for a new direction, there’s a place for you at Aria Care.
Ready for a career that’s as rewarding as it is exciting ? Join us today!
SCAN HERE to view our range of vacancies! Or visit ariacare.co.uk/careers
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