STAFF and guests at a retirement home in Hamworthy welcomed the Mayor of Poole, Councillor Julie Bagwell, as she officially opened the residential suite of what is the area’s newest care home.
The mayor greeted residents and specially invited guests and visited the bench, donated by CMB Pensioners who worked at the Factory on the site where the home now stands, and a plaque, donated last year by the Friends of Hamworthy Park.
During their visit, guests were given tours of the home and were treated to a selection of home baked refreshments.
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And to mark International Friendship Day, the mayor and guests from The Friends of Hamworthy Park joined residents for afternoon tea, featuring homemade jam and cream scones and a pub-style quiz.
Cllr Julie Bagwell said: “It was brilliant to see the home in full swing, the team are doing such a fantastic job here.
“Upton Bay is a beautiful home, and the residents today were just so happy.
“There are some incredible facilities here, the spa baths in particular.
“What’s lovely is that there are even people living here who used to work in the old Metal Box factory itself.”
The new purpose-built home will provide personalised residential and dementia care for 67 people.
A daily life enrichment programme with an array of tailored activities, a concierge service and seasonal meals are also provided services at the home.
The home has installed a ‘magic table’, which is an interactive, multi-sensory table-based digital learning tool.
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It aims to promote stimulation and cognitive challenges through specialised games for people living with dementia.
General manager at Upton Bay, Mevin Sohorye, said: “We are all very excited about the official opening of Upton Bay.
“Our team have really enjoyed being part of the beginnings of the home, welcoming every new resident and their families.
“We were honoured to have the mayor join us on the day too,” he added.
“It’s been such a wonderful experience for our residents.
“Barchester brings over 25 years’ experience in expert care to Poole, which means residents and their relatives can feel safe in the knowledge that they are in trusted hands.”
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