A Dorset care home is involving residents in a host of celebrations to mark 20 years of providing community care.
Colten Care’s Amberwood House in Ferndown began its ‘anniversary season’ with four days of creative, flower-themed activities.
‘Amberwood in Bloom’ featured floral displays, craft sessions, flower crown making, pressed flowers and the decorating of planters in its newly upgraded garden.
Companionship Team Leader Madeleine Baker said: “We were inspired by this year’s Chelsea Flower Show to hold our very own Amberwood in Bloom-type activities.
“Residents created beautiful floral arrangements and enjoyed a variety of flower crafts. It has been blooming marvellous!”
The 20th anniversary comes as Amberwood House residents continue to back their chosen charity of the year, Ferndown Community Support.
Nimble-fingered knitters spent weeks creating woollen squares for 32 adult blankets, plus children’s and baby versions, for families helped by the charity who are in need of comfort.
The handiwork was handed over to Hannah Hobbs-Chell, co-founder and director of Ferndown Community Support, on a visit by her to the home.
Baskets of food donated by attendees at a bi-monthly business breakfast hosted at Amberwood House were also given to the charity.
Among those making the presentation to Hannah was resident Sheila Shire who said: “We were only too pleased to help.”
Home Manager Kerry Mason said: “Our residents thoroughly enjoyed creating the knitted squares which were then lovingly sewn together to make beautiful blankets. We were also delighted to pass on the food donations from our collection box at the business breakfasts. These will be used as part of a food larder for local people in need and to support wider community projects.”
The home is also hosting anniversary afternoon teas and garden music performances for residents.
The culmination of the anniversary season will be a ‘Big Birthday Lunch’ on 4 July 2026, from 11.30am to 3.30pm, for residents, relatives, friends and invited community guests.
Amberwood House is one of seven Colten Care homes to be rated Outstanding by care sector regulator the Care Quality Commission.
Like the other 20 Colten Care homes, it offers the availability of professional nursing care as an integral part of permanent and short-stay options backed with group-wide clinical and operational support.
For David and Sandie Fordham, an eight-week stay at Amberwood House was the best option after their house flooded recently and they needed to move to somewhere safe and accommodating.
David’s son Peter said: “Everyone was professional, caring and empathetic, not only the carers and nurses but the housekeepers, the kitchen staff and others too. They looked after all my parents’ needs. The nursing care side was definitely a source of reassurance and peace of mind, especially for my step mum. We knew her medical needs were being taken care of. All of the nursing staff went above and beyond to make sure she was comfortable.”
