Our need to have companionship goes back to the dawn of the human race. As long as we’ve roamed the earth, we’ve done so in groups, and communication – in many forms – has been fundamental to our feeling of belonging and being connected. It’s no wonder that we feel lonely when we are without someone to talk to or to just be with on a regular basis.

Meeting the need for companionship is an important part of staying healthy and happy because loneliness can have a profound impact on mental health. So much so that it’s been described as an epidemic, as more than a quarter of UK households now contain only one person. Many of those are elderly people whose partners have passed away. So, what can we do to be aware of the effects of loneliness and find ways to provide and enjoy companionship?

At Four Seasons and brighterkind, we offer a wide range of opportunities for our residents to get together, socialise and enjoy each other’s company. Whether you reside in one of our homes, live on your own, or can offer companionship to an elderly family member, you can follow these tips to help stay happy and healthy.

TRAIN YOUR BRAIN
Keeping your brain active is just as important as keeping your body active. If you didn’t move off the sofa for a week, you would find yourself stiff and much slower than when you first sat down. Your brain is much the same and needs exercise to stay healthy and to support good memory. Talking to someone for just 10 minutes is proven to improve memory.

Not only will that conversation boost your mood, it will also have longer lasting benefits to combat the worrying effects of loneliness found by various studies, including being 26% more likely to develop dementia and a 105% increased risk of developing mild cognitive impairment. All the more reason to pick up the phone and enjoy a natter.

TAKE AN INTEREST

Companionship can be provided through the simple act of taking an interest in someone. As we grow up, move away and start our own families, it’s far too easy to forget to take an interest in the lives of our ageing parents or neighbours. At the same time, their social circle is also declining as is their mobility and all of this can lead to feelings of isolation and a sense of a loss of purpose.

The simple act of checking in on an elderly family member or neighbour, or inviting them in for tea are impactful ways to make someone feel noticed and acknowledged. Better yet, arrange a visit to somewhere like a garden centre or a café so that you can both enjoy companionship in interesting surroundings.

ASK FOR HELP
Companionship is great for many things; conversation and reminiscing in particular, but a companion can also lend a helpful hand. Whether it’s grocery shopping, preparing meals, helping with cleaning or the odd job around the house – sometimes that’s what friends are for. There’s no need to be shy about asking for help or offering it.

Having a friend is important throughout life. When we think about the best moments of our lives, rarely do we recount a time involving no one but ourselves. Our desire to socialise never goes away and supporting that need is crucial to enjoying a long and happy life.

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We offer brighterkind care – a person-centred approach that is delivered through quality care, recreation and activities, and food and dining.

In 2023, here at Kingston Care Home we supported over 408 families with information to help with their care enquiry to the team. Please do get in touch to see if we can help you.

We receive many referrals directly from local NHS and Local Authority brokerage services and ensure a smooth transition from hospital.  Although this is a very common way to be referred, you can make your own enquiry to us to find out more.    “Kingston Care Home is a hidden gem. The quality of care provided is outstanding. The management and staff are genuine and caring people. They treat residents with dignity and respect and are supportive of family members. My father’s health was very poor upon entering the home but with the attention to the care of the staff, he improved.” Daughter of a resident living at Kingston Care Home.

At our care home in Kingston Upon Thames, we provide a comprehensive range of services, including residential care, nursing care, respite care, and palliative care.

• Residential Care
• Nursing Care
• Respite care
• Palliative Care

We provide care for those who are funded by their Local Authority as well as those paying for their own care.

For those paying for their own care, we now provide an indicative weekly fee:

Our fees for people paying for their own care start from: 

*Any financial contribution by the NHS for nursing care is paid directly to the care home and not included in these indicative prices.

For those receiving funding from their Local Authority or NHS Trust, an additional top-up contribution may need to be paid to contribute towards the difference between that paid by the Local Authority and the care home fee.  A top-up fee is usually paid by another person, usually a relative or significant person in your life.

The final fee is dependent upon an individual’s requirements and needs, as identified during the care needs assessment, the length of stay and the size and facilities of the room chosen. This will be discussed and agreed prior to moving into the home, as will arrangements for paying the weekly fee.

If you are paying for your own care, your fees will be reviewed annually in line with inflation, local market circumstances and/or changes in statutory or regulatory minimum wage system or if there are significant increases to the cost of providing care homes services as a result of changing regulatory rules or the law. Further details can be found within our Terms and Conditions which are published on our website. Your fees may also change where your care package or funding changes or you request a move into a different room.

You may be entitled to support with your Care Home fees. We recommend you seek confidential and independent, professional advice. Your care home manager can provide details of your local Symponia member (independent financial advisors who specialise in planning for care home fees). 

The Weekly Fee includes:

• Care and support services, including regular reviews
• Your food and dining service, including drinks and snacks
• Magic Moments Together activities programme
• Accommodation which includes:
  • Your own furnished room and access to all the Home’s facilities
  • laundry and housekeeping (excluding dry cleaning)
  • utilities
  • activities, lifestyle programme and resident day trips
  • furniture for your room and maintenance of the home and grounds
  • WiFi internet access in some areas of the home

Care types: [insert care home care types offered separated by a comma e.g. Residential, Nursing, Dementia Nursing, Dementia Residential, Respite, Palliative, Intermediate Care]

Key features of our home:
Our home has accommodation for up to 60 residents. We always operate at safe staffing levels, linked to the care needs of residents and monitored through a robust digital dependency tool.

Facilities: Ensuite Rooms Available, Shared Rooms Available, Choice Of Lounges, Lift, Own Furniture if Required, TV Point In All Rooms, Wi-Fi, Garden, Patio, Close to Local Shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or Other Transport, Wheelchair Access, Hairdresser on Site.

Little extras that are outside of the weekly fee

To make you feel at home, we also offer a number of extra treats and services that you may wish to purchase when you move in. 

Additional services include: 

• Professional hairdressing – please ask if you would like the current price list
• Magazines and newspapers at cost
• Items such as fresh flowers for personal rooms, stationery and confectionery, alcoholic beverages, particular snacks and toiletries

In the absence of free provision by the NHS, the following may also be provided and charged in addition to the weekly fees: 

• Chiropody
• Opticians chargeable based on funding for Glasses only
• Dentistry chargeable based on funding
• Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy
• Audiology
• Taxi to appointment (when patient transport is not appropriate) according to meter.

Details of the current charges for these services are available from the Home Administrator or Home Manager.

Accompanying residents to outside appointments 

If you require assistance and a family member or friend is not available to accompany you to an appointment (hospital, outpatient or other medical or social appointment) a member of our team will be happy to accompany you for a small charge of £25 per hour with travel charged at cost. Just ask the Home Manager for more information…

Insuring your valuables 

If you wish to bring personal belongings or valuables into our Home you really should consider arranging your own insurance cover. We have our own insurance, of course, but it normally only covers theft and fire damage. Things like accidental loss and damage or unexplained disappearance of items are not covered. It’s important to remember that large parts of the home are communal areas and accessible to other residents and their visitors. 

If you are unsure whether to bring particular items with you to the home, please speak with the Home Manager who will be able to confirm the security arrangements at the Home and the steps both you and we can take to keep your possessions safe.

If you want to get in touch with us directly, please call [home phone number]

Information correct at: [inert today’s date]

We offer a person-centred approach that is delivered through quality care, recreation and activities, and food and dining.

We are here to help, so please get in touch with our friendly team. Godson of resident said via carehome.co.uk: “Staff are second to none, all very helpful. All willing to lend a hand, including the manager. It’s one of the best places my godfather has been. They have a range of activities from crafts to outings.”

At our care home in County Durham, we provide a comprehensive range of services, including residential care, dedicated residential dementia support, respite care and palliative care.

• Residential Care
• Residential Dementia
• Respite care
• Palliative Care

We provide care for those who are funded by their Local Authority as well as those paying for their own care.

For those paying for their own care, we now provide an indicative weekly fee:

Our fees for people paying for their own care start from: 

*Any financial contribution by the NHS for nursing care is paid directly to the care home and not included in these indicative prices.

For those receiving funding from their Local Authority or NHS Trust, an additional top-up contribution may need to be paid to contribute towards the difference between that paid by the Local Authority and the care home fee.  A top-up fee is usually paid by another person, usually a relative or significant person in your life.

The final fee is dependent upon an individual’s requirements and needs, as identified during the care needs assessment, the length of stay and the size and facilities of the room chosen. This will be discussed and agreed prior to moving into the home, as will arrangements for paying the weekly fee.

If you are paying for your own care, your fees will be reviewed annually in line with inflation, local market circumstances and/or changes in statutory or regulatory minimum wage system or if there are significant increases to the cost of providing care homes services as a result of changing regulatory rules or the law. Further details can be found within our Terms and Conditions which are published on our website. Your fees may also change where your care package or funding changes or you request a move into a different room.

You may be entitled to support with your Care Home fees. We recommend you seek confidential and independent, professional advice. Your care home manager can provide details of your local Symponia member (independent financial advisors who specialise in planning for care home fees). 

The Weekly Fee includes:

• Care and support services, including regular reviews
• Your food and dining service, including drinks and snacks
• Magic Moments Together activities programme
• Accommodation which includes:
  • Your own furnished room and access to all the Home’s facilities
  • laundry and housekeeping (excluding dry cleaning)
  • utilities
  • activities, lifestyle programme and resident day trips
  • furniture for your room and maintenance of the home and grounds
  • WiFi internet access in some areas of the home

Care types: [insert care home care types offered separated by a comma e.g. Residential, Nursing, Dementia Nursing, Dementia Residential, Respite, Palliative, Intermediate Care]

Key features of our home:
Our home has accommodation for up to 60 residents. We always operate at safe staffing levels, linked to the care needs of residents and monitored through a robust digital dependency tool.

Facilities: Ensuite Rooms Available, Shared Rooms Available, Choice Of Lounges, Lift, Own Furniture if Required, TV Point In All Rooms, Wi-Fi, Garden, Patio, Close to Local Shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or Other Transport, Wheelchair Access, Hairdresser on Site.

Little extras that are outside of the weekly fee

To make you feel at home, we also offer a number of extra treats and services that you may wish to purchase when you move in. 

Additional services include: 

• Professional hairdressing – please ask if you would like the current price list
• Magazines and newspapers at cost
• Items such as fresh flowers for personal rooms, stationery and confectionery, alcoholic beverages, particular snacks and toiletries

In the absence of free provision by the NHS, the following may also be provided and charged in addition to the weekly fees: 

• Chiropody
• Opticians chargeable based on funding for Glasses only
• Dentistry chargeable based on funding
• Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy
• Audiology
• Taxi to appointment (when patient transport is not appropriate) according to meter.

Details of the current charges for these services are available from the Home Administrator or Home Manager.

Accompanying residents to outside appointments 

If you require assistance and a family member or friend is not available to accompany you to an appointment (hospital, outpatient or other medical or social appointment) a member of our team will be happy to accompany you for a small charge of £25 per hour with travel charged at cost. Just ask the Home Manager for more information…

Insuring your valuables 

If you wish to bring personal belongings or valuables into our Home you really should consider arranging your own insurance cover. We have our own insurance, of course, but it normally only covers theft and fire damage. Things like accidental loss and damage or unexplained disappearance of items are not covered. It’s important to remember that large parts of the home are communal areas and accessible to other residents and their visitors. 

If you are unsure whether to bring particular items with you to the home, please speak with the Home Manager who will be able to confirm the security arrangements at the Home and the steps both you and we can take to keep your possessions safe.

If you want to get in touch with us directly, please call [home phone number]

Information correct at: [inert today’s date]

We offer brighterkind care – a person-centred approach that is delivered through quality care, recreation and activities, and food and dining.

Our residents experience warm and gentle care from a team who know them well and benefit from regular activities.

“My father was given the best possible care from his first day to his last in Colinton Care Home. He was treated with dignity, respect and gentle banter by all the staff, whether nursing, caring or auxiliary. Staff also ensured that I was well informed of any changes to my father’s health and well-being, and were always guided by what would achieve the best outcome. All staff are warm and empathetic to residents and their family members. I cannot recommend Colinton more highly.” – Daughter of Resident, via carehome.co.uk

At our care home in Edinburgh, we provide a comprehensive range of services, including residential care, nursing care, and specialised nursing dementia care, alongside dedicated residential dementia support, respite care, and palliative care. We have helped over 350 families with their care enquiry in 2023, so please feel comfortable getting in touch with the team.

Christmas is a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing joy, and of course, enjoying a wonderful meal. This year, we’re making sure that every resident has something to celebrate with a variety of delicious Christmas Day menu options, designed to suit every taste and dietary preference.  We have also put together a delicious Boxing Day and New Year’s Day menu.

Christmas Day wouldn’t be the same without our traditional hand-carved roast turkey, served with all the classic trimmings. To start, residents can enjoy a delicious homemade roasted tomato soup, topped with pesto and grilled cheese croutons and for dessert, residents can enjoy a traditional Christmas pudding, served with rich brandy sauce.

Looking for something different? Try a Bloody Mary Prawn Crumpet!

If turkey’s not your thing, don’t worry! Our chefs and residents have come up with plenty of tasty alternatives to suit every taste and are offering a bespoke menu at each of our care homes based on resident preferences. At each Four Seasons and brighterkind home, residents and chefs have worked together to create a range of starter, main, and dessert options, including vegetarian choices, so there’s something for everyone—old favourites and new twists. Homes will choose the alternative options they wish to offer alongside the traditional Christmas fare.

Starter suggestions made by residents and chefs include Breaded Brie with Cranberry Compote, Goat’s Cheese, Pear and Walnut Tartine, Smoked Salmon Roulade, and more. For the main course, alternatives include Salmon en Croûte, Plaice Paupiette, and Plaice Veronique.

Do you know the difference between Plaice Paupiette and Plaice Veronique?

Our homes have come up with eighteen fish recipe options all carefully selected by our chefs and residents to ensure they not only taste great, but are also balanced and nutritious. Three of the fish dishes residents requested are: Plaice Paupiette (plaice rolled up), Plaice Veronique (plaice with a sauce and grapes), and Plaice Florentine (plaice with a creamy spinach sauce).  Did you know the difference between these plaice dishes?

Vegetarians don’t miss out either!

We’ve got fourteen tasty veggie Christmas Day options proposed by our homes, including Homemade Nut Roast, Mushroom and Lentil Wellington, Butternut & Pistachio Roast, Root Vegetable Tatin with Candied Walnuts and Blue Cheese, and Root Vegetable and Chickpea dishes. Vegans aren’t forgotten either. Our care homes cater for a variety of diets (including specialist diets), and any resident following a vegan diet will not be disappointed on these special days.

Specialist diets also catered for at Christmas

For those with swallowing difficulties, our chef teams are able to take any menu item and create a soft diet version suitable for the individual in accordance with the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI). IDDSI classifies foods and drinks into different levels to ensure food and drinks are at the correct level for the individual to prevent choking. This means the tastes and smells of Christmas can be safely enjoyed by everyone.

For those with a sweet tooth

For those with a sweet tooth, we’ve got some delicious dessert alternatives, such as Espresso Coffee and Almond Chocolate Cheesecake with Raspberry and Prosecco Sauce, Blackberry Meringue Pie, Butterscotch Pavlova, Spiced Latte Crème Brûlée, and Baileys & White Chocolate Cheesecake.

There’s something for everyone to enjoy this Christmas!

How are our care home Christmas Day menu options chosen?

Over the past few months, residents and chefs at each care home have discussed and deliberated on menu options they want as their alternative option to our traditional Christmas Day meal. This has resulted in a selection of over 30 starters, 19 main courses, 14 vegetarian main courses and 21 dessert options. Following discussion with residents ahead of the big day, Chefs will select an alternative starter, main and vegetarian option as well as an alternative dessert to the traditional Christmas pudding.

So whether you’re a fan of traditional favourites or looking to try something new, our festive feasting options ensure that everyone can indulge in a memorable Christmas Day meal.

Here’s our traditional menu, along with our Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve menus. If you would like to know what your home is offering on the menu for Christmas Day, please get in touch with the home.

Christmas Day Traditional Menu

Starter: Homemade Roasted Tomato Soup, garnished with Pesto and Croutons

Main: Classic Roast Turkey served with all the Trimmings

Dessert: Traditional Christmas Pudding served with Brandy Sauce

Boxing Day Menu

Starter: Homemade Red Lentil and Barley Soup, garnished with Crispy Haggis and Fresh Parsley OR Smooth Brussels Pate, served with Melba Toast and Sticky Fig Relish

Main: Beef, Ale and Root Vegetable Stew service with Horseradish Dumplings OR Smoked Haddock Fish Cakes topped with a Poached Egg and Mustard Sauce OR Butternut Squash, Watercress and Stilton Pancakes.

All served with au gratin and butter bean mashed potatoes, roasted cauliflower with almonds and cumin sweet peas with parmesan

Dessert: Traditional Sherry Trifle OR Baileys and Chocolate Yule Log

New Year’s Day Menu

Starter: Prawn and Crab Cocktail OR Fan of Melon with a Berry Coulis

Main: Ham Hock Sausage and Cider Raised Pie OR Pan Fried Hake finished with a Lemon and Herb Butter Sauce OR Roasted Vegetable Filo Pie

Dessert: Chocolate Self-Saucing Pudding with Clotted Cream Ice-cream OR Panna Cotta with Morello Cherry Compote

Each home has chosen their own ‘alternative’ options for Christmas Day.  Please pop in to see your Home Manager to find out more.

For more about our food and dining and how we try to make dining special, please visit our Food and Dining page.

We have care homes across England, Scotland and Jersey. Just pop your postcode, town or care home name into the search and our closest homes will be displayed. If you need any help, please give us a call.

Just a a short drive away from Edinburgh city centre and nearby to public transport, makes Gilmerton easily accessible for visitors to pop-in for a chat.  Our home is only a mile away from Cameron Toll shopping centre, which makes for great days out for residents and their loved ones.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
”The care, kindness, professionalism, patience, compassion and personal “touch” shown by all representatives of Gilmerton (Gladstone Unit) has been exemplary. They really work as “one team” from the administration, nursing and carers through to the manager.” – Relative of Resident, published on carehome.co.uk

We believe just because someone moves into a care home, that doesn’t mean they should stop doing the things they love. That’s why we provide an ever-changing activities programme inspired by residents’ interests and needs. From regular trips out and visits from entertainers, to baking and arts & crafts sessions, our wide range of activities helps residents to live life to the full. Here’s a sample of what our current residents enjoy:

• Movement to music
• Games such as giant dominoes, skittles, large snakes and ladders, floor darts and more
• We love an afternoon tea out at the Woollen Mill and also a visit to the Robins Nest Pub

Discover more care homes in Edinburgh.