New opening
“Finally, the lighting design in communal spaces incorporates scene- setting capabilities, allowing for adjustments throughout the day to follow circadian rhythms and promote better sleep. Recessed ceiling lighting provides even illumination, while decorative wall and ceiling lights, along with table and floor lamps, create a warm and inviting ambiance and task lighting. We are incredibly proud of the work we accomplished in partnership with Forest Care and are confident that this beautiful home will enrich the lives of its residents.” Playing a key part in enriching residents’
lives will be the communal dining spaces at Elm Lodge – not least the home’s impressive main dining area, where dedicated waiting staff are on hand to ensure residents enjoy a luxury dining experience courtesy of the in- house kitchen team. In addition, Elm Lodge boasts a family dining room which adjoins the home’s activities room – meaning that the two spaces can be opened up to create an event space, as required. On the day of my visit, a spirited exercise session was well underway in the activities room! For a more relaxed drink or bite to eat,
Elm Lodge also has its own coffee bar, where residents can take advantage of a full range of hot drink options while chatting to friends or family. Indeed, Forest Care has now retrofitted a coffee bar to all its other homes.
On the first floor, residents can relax in Elm Lodge’s cinema room, immersing themselves in a movie or sports event with built-in Sonos surround sound. Or, should they wish, they can book an appointment at the home’s dedicated salon and have their hair and nails done, or benefit from a physiotherapy session or massage. “We use Foundations Physio as a third-party contractor to carry out physiotherapy across our homes,” Jon explains. “This is the same for our local masseur, who will carry our regular treatments across the homes. Each home also has its own regular hairdresser. These are included in our ‘all-inclusive’ fee.” Forest Care’s therapy ethos is stated
succinctly on its website: ‘Providing well-rounded care is important to us; we endeavour to look after residents’ physical and medical needs, as well as their social, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Although physiotherapy, chiropody, and hairdressing are not regulatory requirements, we believe they form an integral part of our resident’s care and therefore are provided at no additional cost.’
Forward-thinking Given Elm Lodge’s EPC Energy ‘A’ Rating, it is clear that Forest Care takes the environmental credentials of its care homes seriously. While Elm Lodge uses gas to power its efficient underfloor heating, all other elements of the home – including its impressively kitted-out kitchen – run on electric. The circular car park at the front
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www.thecarehomeenvironment.com March 2025
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