Enriching lives
At Sanctuary Care, we have been delivering high-quality care for over 25 years. At the heart of what we do is a real passion to improve lives. We focus on our residents, our teams, and our communities. But what does enriching lives really mean to those who matter most: our residents, their families, and our colleagues?
For us, it starts with going above and beyond the expected standards of care. While meeting physical and emotional needs is essential, enriching lives means so much more. It’s about truly understanding each person. It means knowing what makes them unique. It includes the people and memories closest to their hearts. It also includes the passions that bring them joy. It includes the dreams they still want to fulfil.
By taking time to understand these things, our teams can provide person-centred care. It helps residents feel content, happy, and fulfilled, not just cared for.
Enriching lives – the research
To ensure our approach is more than words, we commissioned independent research. It explores what an enriched life truly means to residents and their loved ones. This insight helps us continually adapt and improve the care and services we provide, every single day.
View the summary of our research on Enriching Lives (PDF 186KB)
Independent researchers from Research Works Limited spoke with Sanctuary Care residents and care home teams. They worked across England and Scotland.
By listening to those who live and work in our homes, we can shape our services in meaningful ways. We can deliver on our mission to enrich lives. This shows it is not a marketing message. It is a way of life.
The research identified six key “senses” that residents and families said they need to feel fulfilled and content:
- A sense of security - receiving the care they truly need to feel safe and secure
- A sense of belonging – to maintain and create new friendly relationships
- A sense of continuity – continuing the things they love!
- A sense of purpose – being a part of something special
- A sense of achievement – achieving something every week with the support from the team
- A sense of significance – being treated with the utmost dignity and respect
So how are we fulfilling the six enriching life senses?
Security
Across our homes we offer round-the-clock care, giving peace of mind to our residents and their loved ones. Like Julie, who’s mother Evelyn’s Alzheimer’s progressed to the point where she was no longer safe at home, so she joined us at Howard House and has never looked back. “She’s safe and I can sleep at night,” Julie says.
Belonging
Before moving into Watlington and District in Oxfordshire, Alan felt isolated and low while living alone with Cerebral Palsy and arthritis. Since joining the home, he has found companionship, purpose and a real sense of belonging. With support from the team, Alan now runs quizzes for fellow residents, helps shape ideas around the home, and feels proud to be part of a community again.
Continuity
Lyn, a resident at Nunthorpe Oaks in Middlesbrough, is beaming with pride after her much-loved cheese scone recipe featured in Sanctuary Care’s national charity cookbook. A lifelong baker, Lyn learned the recipe from her mother and still makes it today, sharing her passion with fellow residents. Being part of the cookbook has allowed Lyn to continue a cherished tradition, keeping memories, skills and a lifelong love of baking firmly part of her everyday life.
Purpose
When Geoff arrived at Ridgewood Court in Pensby for a short respite stay, he never expected to feel so settled. What he found instead was companionship, confidence and a renewed sense of purpose. A former landscape gardener, Geoff now helps care for the home’s gardens, sharing his skills and ideas with the team. Being able to contribute in a meaningful way has helped Geoff feel useful, valued and truly happy.
Achievement
Cicely, a resident at Westmead in Droitwich, had always wished she could drive but never thought it would be possible. After sharing this with the team, they helped make her dream come true. With support from staff a driving instructor, Cicely enjoyed her very first driving experience on private land. The experience left her feeling proud, confident and amazed at what she could still achieve. Proof its never to late to try something new.
Significance
We champion our residents to play an active role in the running of their homes. We have resident ambassadors, who do everything from helping us to interview potential staff, to leading show rounds and helping new residents to settle in.
“It’s been wonderful. I am genuinely really happy. The staff are all wonderful and I don't miss being at home, not at all.”
Geoff, resident at Ridgewood Court Residential Care Home
To find out more about our passion to enrich lives, contact our Enquiry Support Team advisors today! They are here to talk and offer free advice on 0800 046 4818.
Enriching lives news
Pedalling to fitness
After the team sourced an exercise bike for her, Mavis is pedalling her way to success! With a member of staff by her side for reassurance - Mavis rides the bike everyday, clocking up between three and five miles each time.
Pam's passion for painting
When Pam moved into our Chyvarhas home, she was delighted that the team not only supported her to continue her passion for painting, but also organised art workshops so she could share her hobby with others.
Mary leads retro rave
Mary, resident at Abercorn House in Hamilton, was delighted to perform DJ duties at the request of the home’s team alongside her son Ian, a former professional DJ. Music brings so much joy, so what better way that to have our residents in charge.
