Westerleigh

Westerleigh Care Home is located in County Durham and situated in Stanley, close to the local market. An ex colliery village, Stanley has a very friendly, warm and close-knit community feel to it.

Visitors to Westerleigh are always assured a warm and friendly, good old north-east ‘How are you doing, how can we help you?’ sort of greeting. People say we’re very friendly and welcoming, because we are!

The staff are very ‘hands-on’ when they interact with residents. For them, it’s much more than just looking after them, they treat them like their own family - which includes hugs and kisses! – and that makes for a lovely ambience in the Home. It is genuinely true to say that our residents are loved.

We have an open door policy for residents’ families and friends, and we try our best to build a close relationship with them. For end-of-life residents, we have a special room where family can stay overnight with their loved one.

We place a lot of emphasis on activities to keep the residents stimulated, with things like knit ‘n’ natter sessions, exercises, excursions, picnics, movie night, dominoes and painting. Some of the residents go to the local market every Thursday, and a few go to the pub now and then.

The residents also get involved in the running of the Home. Sometimes they join the Manager on job interview panels. There is a residents’ committee, a Westerleigh newsletter, and residents help with the post, do gardening, and also help with activities.

We also encourage links with the community, and we have groups come in from local schools, colleges and churches.