Winning an award is always wonderfully special. It is recognition for something done well and so we were really pleased to be in Care UK’s Top 20 for East Midlands.
Without sounding like we’re at the Oscars, this belongs to everyone. It was chosen following independent reviews submitted by residents, family and friends. This makes us, as a team, very proud. It’s an honour but also fantastic to know we’re getting it right. It’s also the second year running that we’ve had this award which means we are extra pleased.
So instead of us being self-congratulatory we thought it would be fun to ask the residents their thoughts and to highlight the things they love most about living at Red Roofs.
‘A warm and friendly environment that feels like home’
“Each of the bedroom doors are decorated individually, like real front doors, so it really feels like personal space. The bedrooms are very much our own and we’re encouraged to bring favourite pieces of furniture, cosy blankets, photos and other belongings with us when we move in. It makes it feel like it’s mine.”
‘I’m still doing what I did at home in terms of hobbies and crafts’
“I brought my roses with me from my old garden – they are all planted out in the grounds, looking very healthy. I also create hanging baskets each year which blossom and create a welcoming display for everyone to enjoy. I especially love the gardening club because we can get as involved as we like.”
‘I love the music and dancing’
“Music is important to us at Red Roofs. There are often some good tunes to listen to in the lounge – something for everyone, whether you fancy a little dance, a sing along or to sit back, take it all in, and enjoy the memories they bring back. We also have live singers and performers here every week. It’s also something a bit different isn’t it?”
‘The housekeepers keep the home so clean and lovely’
“It’s such a clean and tidy place to live. I was a bit worried before I moved in but I needn’t have been, the communal areas are fresh and airy, often updated and kept in such good condition. We also have a maintenance man, Malcolm, who mends things quickly and keeps on top of things.”
Malcolm commented:
“I’ve worked at Red Roofs for 10 years and the time has flown by as there is always a job to do. It is a bit like painting the fourth bridge – when you reach the end it is time to start at the beginning again!”
‘We are a family, and I don’t have to worry about anything’
“I have some very good friends here which makes me feel completely at home and safe, knowing there’s always someone to talk to and share things with. It’s a comfort to have nice people around – friends, staff and people who visit us. You know the staff are qualified and well trained because they’re really good at their jobs and sometimes I forget they’re at work because they feel like friends! I always say that I love the girls, they are like part of my family!”
“We have lots of events at Red Roofs and our families are always made so welcome. The staff here like us to invite friends and family along to things to share events with us.”
‘The food is always good, I really enjoy it’
“Food is a big deal here as most of us don’t just like to eat it, we like to make it as well! We get together at mealtimes and enjoy the menu that changes all the time. It’s the kind of food that’s really tasty and healthy as well. Sometimes it’s comforting, traditional dishes and others it is more adventurous but we always have choices. We often cook or bake together and share recipes and family favourites, it’s a good way to get chatting.”
Red Roofs Manager Trish Smith said “I am super proud of Red Roofs and the standard of care and support we provide. We are a bright, positive home that makes a difference and cares enormously about quality of life. Meeting all the amazing people that make our Red Roofs family over the past 36 years that I have been here has been so rewarding.”
Notes on our award:
The annual Care Home Awards recognise 20 of the top-rated Care Homes in each region of the UK based on reviews from residents, family and friends.
This year is the second time Red Roofs has been recognised in the East Midlands region after receiving a 10 out of 10 score across all of our reviews.
