Residents at Brize Meadow Lodge Care Home in Brize Norton are enjoying a regular burst of colour, creativity and community spirit thanks to the ongoing generosity of their local Co-op Food store in Carterton, located just across the road from the home.
The store has been donating fresh flowers to the care home on a regular basis, helping transform everyday moments into uplifting and sensory-rich experiences for residents.
At Brize Meadow Lodge, the donated blooms have become an important part of the home’s activities programme. Residents take part in flower arranging sessions where they explore the different textures of the flowers, enjoy their delicate fragrances and carefully select colours and stems to create their own unique displays.
The sessions offer a range of wellbeing benefits for residents. As well as encouraging creativity, they provide valuable sensory stimulation, support fine motor skills and help residents stay socially engaged. The activity also creates opportunities for conversation and storytelling, with many residents sharing fond memories of gardening, weddings, favourite flowers and special moments from their past.
For residents living with dementia, the familiar sights and scents of flowers can be particularly powerful, helping to spark memories, reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm and enjoyment.
Once arranged, the colourful bouquets are proudly displayed throughout the home, including as centrepieces on dining tables and in communal areas. The vibrant displays help create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, brightening the home for residents, visiting family members and staff alike.
Pete Watt, Home Manager at Brize Meadow Lodge, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to the Carterton Co-op for their continued kindness and generosity. The flowers bring so much joy to our residents. Not only do they brighten up our home, but they also form the heart of wonderful activity sessions that encourage creativity, conversation and connection.
“Activities like flower arranging give residents the chance to express themselves, share memories and enjoy meaningful moments together. The support from our local Co-op really helps make these experiences possible.”
The partnership highlights the positive impact that strong community connections can have on care home residents. Being located just opposite the store has helped foster a close relationship between the team and the local community, demonstrating how small acts of kindness can make a big difference to people’s daily lives.
At Brize Meadow Lodge, it is clear that these thoughtful donations are helping residents flourish – one bouquet at a time.
Brize Meadow Lodge Care Home is currently offering an introductory offer for new residents, with four weeks of care for the price of three, giving families an opportunity to experience the home’s high-quality, person-centred care.
For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact
Brize Meadow Lodge: