April 2014 – The Royal Star & Garter Home in Surbiton has won the Pinders Healthcare Design Award 2014, in the ‘Best Dementia Home – Small’ category.

 

The Royal Star & Garter Homes received the award at a ceremony in London on 2 April. The Charity’s Chief Executive, Mike Barter, was delighted: “It is tremendous that both of our new Homes, in Solihull and Surbiton, have now been recognised as outstanding examples of what can be achieved.”

 

Whilst architectural standards and innovation are key factors, the overriding test for any project is the degree to which it has recognised the needs and preferences of the residents and incorporated these into the final design. The Awards also recognise the important contribution made by the owners of all types of care home, irrespective of size or category of care. The judges look to reward quality of care, achieved through quality of design, rather than design alone.

 

In keeping with the Charity’s philosophy, it was essential to design a building that enables independence, and offers dignity and choice, for every resident in spacious, safe and comfortable surroundings, while blending with the local architecture. Working closely with architects, Scurr Architects, and interior designers, Park Grove Design, the Charity’s Executive Team was keen to create a unique, attractive building, reflecting the Charity’s history and status as a leading care provider.

 

Every aspect of the new Home was thought through carefully and in particular the residents’ individual rooms. Residents’ rooms are spacious, exceeding the minimum room size dictated by national care standards. The floor-to-ceiling windows not only let in maximum light but also allow wheelchair-users to be able to see out to the attractive grounds beyond. The rooms are homely and comfortable and have a feel of a bed-sitting room rather than just a bedroom. Access to the en-suite shower room, and to personal care and therapies, blend smoothly and discreetly in each room.

 

The homely theme continues in the dementia facilities, which fit with the rest of the building, while maximising safety for its residents. Its colour schemes were especially chosen to help those living with dementia with way-finding and the family module layout invites residents to socialise in smaller groups.

 

Maintaining its historical links, design elements from the old Richmond Home have been reflected in the new design, including a replica of the stained glass windows and a wood-inlayed Star & Garter motif on the floor. Paintings and memorabilia from the Richmond Home, depicting the Charity’s history and strong Royal and military connections, have been incorporated into the Surbiton Home.

 

As part of the Finals process, The Royal Star & Garter Homes was invited to select a local charity to which a £500 donation was made by Pinders. The Charity chose Community Housing and Therapy to receive this donation. CHT offers support to ex-Service people who face homelessness as they leave the Armed Forces, helping them to reintegrate into civilian life. The Royal Star & Garter Homes chose CHT to support the local community, which has made the residents and staff at the Charity very welcome.

 

The quality of the Charity’s newly commissioned Homes has already been recognised by Pinders Healthcare when the Home in Solihull won the Elderly Care (More than 60 Beds category) in 2009. The Charity is proud that the same calibre of care-centred design has been recognised in the new Surbiton Home.