Sunflowers in Full Bloom: Adept Care Homes Celebrate Annual Gardening Competition

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.

Adept Care Homes Celebrate Annual Gardening Competition
Continue reading “Sunflowers in Full Bloom: Adept Care Homes Celebrate Annual Gardening Competition”

Oh What Joy! Resident Takes the Reins in Carriage-Driving Adventure at Kiwi House

Residents and team at Kiwi House Care Home in Alvaston, Derby were all smiles as one very special wish came true for much-loved resident Joy, thanks to the home’s Make a Wish programme.

Joy Plumb (90), who has always had a passion for horses, wished for the chance to go carriage driving – and her dream became reality with a magical trip to Wenlo Riding for the Disabled.

The day was made even more special by the warm welcome from Dawn and her wonderful team of volunteers, who greeted Joy and her companions with tea and delicious cakes before the adventure began. Joy was joined by her son Kevin and five close friends from Kiwi House, making it a true community celebration.

Joy - Kiwi House resident - enjoying horse and carriage riding
Continue reading “Oh What Joy! Resident Takes the Reins in Carriage-Driving Adventure at Kiwi House”

Douglas Court Resident Paul Leads the Way Following Adept Care Homes’ Sustainability Award Win

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.

Douglas Court Sustainability
Continue reading “Douglas Court Resident Paul Leads the Way Following Adept Care Homes’ Sustainability Award Win”

Former Sainsbury’s Employee Finds New Purpose as Shopkeeper at Kiwi House Care Home

After over 25 years of dedicated service at Sainsbury’s in Derby, Brenda Wilkins (90), now a cherished resident at Kiwi House Care Home, is once again doing what she loves – helping people shop.

Brenda, who spent decades building her reputation for friendliness, hard work, and customer service at Sainsbury’s, has found new purpose in her role as the in-house shopkeeper at Kiwi House’s popular onsite corner shop.

Shopkeeper at Kiwi House Care Home
Continue reading “Former Sainsbury’s Employee Finds New Purpose as Shopkeeper at Kiwi House Care Home”

Kiwi House Care Home Brings the Festival Spirit to Derby with ‘Kiwifest’

Residents and team at Kiwi House Care Home are getting into the festival spirit as they prepare to host their first-ever summer celebration — ‘Kiwifest’ — on Saturday 5th July from 11am to 4pm.

Kiwifest on Saturday 5th July 11am-4pm. A full day of entertainment at Kiwi House
Continue reading “Kiwi House Care Home Brings the Festival Spirit to Derby with ‘Kiwifest’”

Douglas Court Care Home Resident Feeds Giraffes in Once-in-a-Lifetime ‘Make a Wish’ Trip to the Zoo!

There were smiles, laughter, and even a few nervous giggles at Douglas Court Care Home in Derby this week, as residents took part in a truly unforgettable day out at the zoo — complete with a close encounter with some very tall, very hungry giraffes!

Organised as part of the home’s ‘Make a Wish’ initiative, the outing was centred around resident Pauline, whose wish was to visit the zoo to fed the animals. She got far more than she bargained for when she was handed a branch of leaves and asked to feed the giraffes — an experience she later admitted was “a little scary, but worth it!”

Resident Feeding Giraffes as part of Make A Wish Scheme
Continue reading “Douglas Court Care Home Resident Feeds Giraffes in Once-in-a-Lifetime ‘Make a Wish’ Trip to the Zoo!”

Douglas Court Celebrates Team Spirit with Award for Commitment & Retention

The stars were shining both inside and outside the Hilton Hotel in Leicester as Douglas Court Care Home took home the “Best for Team Commitment & Retention” award at the Adept Awards in Excellence.

The glitzy gala, held on 7th May, celebrated care heroes who make a difference every single day. The evening, filled with glamour, live entertainment, and heartfelt celebration, honoured outstanding contributions in care—shining a spotlight on the individuals and teams who make a difference every day. Douglas Court was recognised for its outstanding team culture, development, and dedication.

Continue reading “Douglas Court Celebrates Team Spirit with Award for Commitment & Retention”

Kiwi House Shines at Adept Awards Gala with Win for Best Wellbeing

Under the sparkling lights of the Hilton Hotel in Leicester, Kiwi House Care Home in Alvaston proudly took home the coveted “Best for Wellbeing” award at the Adept Awards in Excellence on Wednesday 7th May 2025.

The evening, filled with glamour, live entertainment, and heartfelt celebration, honoured outstanding contributions in care—shining a spotlight on the individuals and teams who make a difference every day.

Continue reading “Kiwi House Shines at Adept Awards Gala with Win for Best Wellbeing”