Care home receives award for quality surroundings

Bannview House in Banbridge has recently been awarded highly commended in the Northern Ireland Amenity Council’s Best Kept Awards.

The Amore Care home, part of the Priory Group, was recognised in the 2014 Best Kept Residential Facility (Southern Region) category.

Bannview was judged on the quality and upkeep of the surrounding space encompassing its enclosed gardens and patio area, which provide residents with a relaxing and secure space to sit and enjoy the outdoors.

Bannview Care Home manager, John Rafferty said: “We take great pride in the quality of our outdoor space where time and hard work has been invested in creating a haven where residents can relax and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.”

The home’s recommendation in the Best Kept Awards is the second honour it has received, after initially being recognised for catering and nutrition by Edwin Poots, minister for health on a recent visit.

Mr Rafferty said: “We are very proud that the external environment and floral displays have been singled out for praise by the judges of these leading environmental awards.”

During his visit, Mr Poots was given a tour of the kitchen which has a five star hygiene rating and praised the home on the delicious choice of nutritional meals on offer.

The home’s residents enjoy outings to local cafes, pubs and restaurants in addition to theatres, parks, gardens as well as historical places of interest. When residents are at the home, activities co-ordinators produce activity schedules for individual residents to fit around their personal lives and interests.

Bannview House is a contemporary nursing home that has been built to suit the needs of the residents, offering a comfy lounge and dining area as well as an activities and arts room with many rooms offering views of the surrounding countryside.

The Priory Group offers a range of tailor-made treatment plans for anyone who has specific educational or health needs or for long-term mental health care.