Nestled between the tourist hub of Bournemouth, the coastal harbour of Lymington, with the ancient priory town of Christchurch on our doorstep, the range of things to do here is diverse.  Horse riding, flying a light aircraft, cycling in the New Forest, water skiing, and horticulture–just some of the activities that people we support have experienced.

And that’s the most incredible aspect of living where we live.  There is something for everyone, activities both active and passive.  Oceanarium, tree canopy walks and zip lining, fun fairs, picnics at music festivals such as the annual jazzy Stompin’ on the Quomps, the Air Festival with planes old and new cutting through the skies above us.  Gentle strolls through deer-filled forest or along the beach.  From achieving dreams to simply enjoying time to be, to breathe sea air and sit a while looking out over the ocean to Old Harry’s Rocks and beyond.

Perhaps nothing reveals so much about individuals as how they choose to play – how they invest their time and energy for leisure time.  Leisure is that time free from demands or activities of daily living.  Everyone needs regular recreation that develops skills, promotes good health, relieves stress, facilitates social interactions, and provides a general joy for living. ––Regina Cicci, Ph.D. [Developing Recreational Skills in Persons with Learning Disabilities]

The Apple House Ltd Approach:

The world of management and strategic planning can be full of jargon-based terms and phrases, which can take the core meaning away from readers who want to see the direction and aims a company wants to work towards.

While it is crucial that our company has a clear strategic plan from directorship level, the methods which enable this plan to work through an operational route are key to achieving the common goal. This planning stage will assist the company forward through an ever-increasing demanding economy and climate.

For our Company, the aim is to protect the homes of the people we support and the jobs of the people whom we employ throughout our services.

An infographic is used to give an overview of our Operational Goal Planning.

–Romaine Lawson, Director of Operations, Apple House.

Being heard is so close to being loved that, for the average person, they are almost indistinguishable. –David Augsberger

We take our voice, our opinion, our choices, for granted.  We eloquently express our needs and our viewpoints and know that we are listened to, that the other person ‘gets us.’  The notion that we could be spoken for and on behalf of, that our voice translates not into our wishes but into something that the listener interprets for us, is reprehensible to you and I.

Historically, there have been many thousands in the UK, millions worldwide, for whom a voice–on thoughts, feelings, needs and interests–has not been afforded them.  Today, great strides have been taken in paving a pathway to communication for all.  The last decade has seen labels applied less, more creative methods developed to facilitate voice.  We have policies that empower and directives that serve to help all to be heard. Technological advances bring us gadgets and widgets and programmes and choice.

And so, we embrace the changes that have transpired in the past and those that are yet to come.  The knowledge that we all are heard and understood is really the most fundamental and basic right.  Voices may not sound the same.  We may not express ourselves in the same way that our peers do, or our carer, our parent or friend but if we are heard then we know we matter.

— Jane Montrose, Managing Director

🔊 Listen to this

This is us, working hard on our new website!  Thank you for your patience.

Wishing all residents, staff, family and friends a wonderful year ahead from everyone at Apple House care homes.

With warmest regards,

Jane, Romaine, and the management team at Apple House care homes.

“Our first Christmas dinner dance event with live music at Gateway was a huge success.  It was super to see Father Christmas for his first visit of the season!”

“We also attended the nativity at Ashley Baptist Church where we were all shepherds and participated in a reading.”

“The home is decorated and we’re counting down the sleeps until Christmas Day, all very exciting!”

–– John Caslake, Registered Manager, Summerwood.

Our chosen pantomime this year is Cinderella at the Bournemouth Pavillion Theatre.  With tickets booked we can’t wait to shout, ‘Behind you!’

The origins of British Pantomime or “Panto” as it is known date back to the middle ages, taking on board the traditions of the Italian “Commedia dell’ Arte, the Italian night scenes and British Music hall to produce an intrinsic art form that constantly adapted to survive up to the present day.