Member Article

Blooming marvellous competition win for care homes

Green fingered residents and care home staff have been awarded for their impressive garden makeovers.

Creative care home Raleigh Court, based in Hull, and supported living housing Horrox Court, based in Keyingham, were awarded joint first out of dozens of entries in the annual Hica in Bloom garden makeover competition.

The Hica in Bloom competition is used to support residents who are older people, those suffering from dementia and those with learning difficulties by involving them in active projects, encouraging them to voice their opinion, make decisions, be creative, and enjoy the outdoors while also encouraging new achievements.

The winning team at Raleigh Court designed and hand made an impressive mini golf course complete with bright colours, flags, potted plants and a wind mill. Joint first place winners Horrox Court created an under the sea theme complete with real whale bones, lobster cages and striped deck chairs.

Raleigh Court manager, Katie Dasley, said: “We are delighted to have won joint first place in the The Hica in Bloom competition. Like the other participants, we spent all summer making our project.

“The competition encourages residents and staff involvement, so we ask everyone what they want to create, they help us design, make things and do the planting and gardening.

“Hica in Bloom really helps to ease the symptoms of dementia by giving residents something positive to concentrate on. We have noticed a change in behaviour throughout the project, residents with dementia have been very content and calm whilst helping. It really is much more than a competition to everyone involved.”

Winners and runners up were given their trophies and accolades at the company’s Shine Ball, which brings together hundreds of staff and residents every year to celebrate their achievements.

Penni Brown, chief executive of Hica Group said: “The Hica in Bloom competition is always a fantastic event. Each home really shows their enthusiasm and creativity and staff do their very best to design and develop an enjoyable space for residents.

“The Hica in Bloom competition is one of our main events every year. It lasts all summer and there is always a tremendous amount of effort that is put into the entries every year.

“The calibre of entries this year was fantastic, creating not only beautiful gardens but also sensory areas and interactive activities which support the needs of our residents.”

The Hica Group, which runs 20 care homes and two retirement villages, introduced the Hica in Bloom competition three years ago, and has seen the event grow each year. Participating homes are given a £250 donation from the care operators Shine Fund, and are encouraged to fundraise to collect more money to spend on their garden project.

Hica in Bloom finalists also included Elm Tree Court, Hull, and its floral display, The Hollies Moroccan Themed courtyard in Hessle, Sunningdale Court’s sensory garden in Scunthorpe and The Rowans recycling themed gardens in Hull. Residential home the Birches in Brigg and assisted living facility The Grange at Buckshaw Retirement Village, Chorley, also received a special mention for their efforts.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by The Hica Group .