A Croydon care home celebrated a decade of memories last week, having just received praise from the national care watchdog.

Residents and team members at Heavers Court were joined by special guests to mark the home’s tenth birthday, including the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Humayan Kabir

The care had another reason to celebrate, having recently received an overall ‘good’ rating following an unannounced inspection by the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC).

Natasha Leslie, home manager at Heavers Court, said: “It was wonderful to see so many members of the local community join us to toast our special milestone.

"The whole team worked hard to organise the event, and I am delighted to say that their efforts were rewarded – our birthday party will definitely be one to remember for years to come. I would like to say a big thank you to the Deputy Mayor of Croydon, Councillor Humayun Kabir, and to everyone who celebrated our birthday with us for making the day extra special.

“Over the last decade, we’ve welcomed some real characters to the home, built relationships with brilliant local organisations, and worked hard to create a real home-from-home environment for everyone who spends time with us here at Heavers Court. We’re excited to see what’s in store for the next ten years and beyond!”

The home received ‘good’ ratings in all five categories: safety, effectiveness, level of care, responsiveness and having a well-led service, with residents and relative praising its caring and attentive team members.

The report commended Heavers Court’s person-centred approach and its dementia-friendly environment, noting the memory boxes outside each resident’s room, filled with some of their favourite objects and pictures.

On the day, guests tapped their feet to live entertainment from a local Irish dancing group, and enjoyed a performance from the Endurance Steel Orchestra.

Long-standing members of the team, including care assistant Lesley Blake and head housekeeper Shirin Ghandi, who have both been working at the home for ten years, and resident Cecilia Lee, 80, who has been living at Heavers Court since the home opened in 2009, were presented with gifts and flowers by Councillor Humayun Kabir.

For more general information visit: www.careuk.com/heavers-court