Douglas Court Care Home in Derby, part of the Adept Care Homes group, recently held a successful pre-loved clothes sale, bringing residents, families, team members, and the local community together for a day of sustainable shopping and social connection.
There were smiles, laughter and a few happy tears at Douglas Court Care Home in Derby as resident Giles Laurent (61) enjoyed a deeply meaningful Make-a-Wish experience, taking him on a nostalgic journey back to a place filled with treasured memories.
Giles’ wish was to visit Bistro Pierre — a restaurant that holds a very special place in his heart, not only because of the cuisine, but because he once worked there himself. Having lived in France for more than 40 years as a talented and passionate chef, the visit truly felt like a return home. From the familiar aromas to the authentic French flavours, the experience brought Giles’ past vividly to life.
The church was filled with festive cheer as choirs from across Adept Care Homes came together to sing familiar Christmas favourites. Douglas Court’s classic performance earned them the award for Best Traditional Choir.
The award recognises Adept Care Homes’ continued commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred dementia care through innovative practice, compassionate leadership and dedicated teams across its homes. Judges praised Adept for its forward-thinking approach, focus on meaningful engagement, and the positive impact its care has on residents and their families.
Douglas Court Care Home residents have once again shown their community spirit by lending a helping hand to Doorways, a local charity dedicated to supporting people facing homelessness.
The Care Group of the Year nomination is particularly special, as Adept Care Homes proudly won this award in 2024. Being shortlisted again reflects the group’s continued commitment to providing outstanding, resident-focused care across its homes.
Residents across Adept Care Homes have once again put their green fingers to the test in the much-loved Annual Sunflower Competition, with this year’s tallest bloom reaching an incredible 9ft 4in (285cm) at Moat House Care Home.
The competition is a highlight of the year for residents and teams alike. It all begins with a celebratory planting session in spring, when residents plant not only sunflowers but also vegetables and other flowers as part of a wider gardening tradition. Exactly 100 days later, Grounds Manager Richard Mee makes his rounds with the measuring stick to determine which home’s sunflower stands the tallest.
Derby, UK – After Adept Care Homes was proudly named “Best for Sustainability”, one resident at Douglas Court Care Home is being recognised for playing a big part in making that happen.
Paul Davies (60), a long-time resident and passionate environmentalist, has become the beating heart of Douglas Court’s green efforts. As the enthusiastic leader of the home’s Gardening and Sustainability Group, Paul has been instrumental in bringing sustainable practices to life — from composting and recycling to planting pollinator-friendly flowers and herbs for the kitchen.
Midlands, UK – July 2025 – Adept Care Homes has launched a heartfelt new initiative across all its care homes called ‘Stop The Clock’, designed to carve out moments of genuine connection and joy for residents and team members alike.
Twice a day, at 11:30am and 3:30pm, the usual routine takes a backseat as the homes pause the hustle for 10 minutes of pure, person-centred joy. Whether it’s a spontaneous sing-along, a quiet chat over tea, a game of dominoes, or a stroll in the garden, the focus is simple: connection.
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