Janine GriffithsFisher Care has joined forces with Richmond Hill Elderly Action (RHEA) to support older people in Burmantofts and Richmond Hill and help tackle loneliness and social isolation.
The partnership will also allow the charity to stay connected with its members when they move into residential care.
To celebrate the collaboration, the newly completed Elland Court Care home which is part of Fisher Care group welcomed around 20 members of Richmond Hill Elderly Action for a special lunch.
Guests enjoyed a meal, toured the facilities and met staff ahead of the home’s official opening.
However, the partnership means much more than a shared meal.
For Gillian Lawrence, activity organiser at RHEA, it offers something particularly meaningful.
She explained that when members move into residential care, the charity often loses contact with people it has supported for years, but events like this help them to stay connected and supported.
“For them to come to this event and for us to have the opportunity to come once a month, sit with them and have a meal with them, it’s phenomenal. It’s absolutely amazing.”
According to Nicola Harrison, volunteer coordinator at RHEA, Elland Court Care Home has been instrumental in bringing people from their charity together with the wider community.
“We’ve had a couple of tours and things, and the furnishings at Elland Court Care Home are second to none. They have really done a lovely job in decorating the home and the staff are absolutely amazing here. We’ve met them on a few occasions, and they’re really welcoming to our staff and members.”
Several people previously supported by the charity are planning to move into Elland Court Care Home. Nicola said the partnership between RHEA and Elland Court Care home will allow them to maintain familiar relationships while adjusting to their new surroundings.
A warm welcome for local residents
Among those attending the lunch was 59-year-old Heather Clegg, who regularly visits RHEA’s lunch club.
Heather attended alongside her mother, Ellen Lofthouse, who is 89 and currently lives in another care home.
Both were impressed by the welcome they received.
Heather said: “I think it is brilliant. It’s been lovely that they invited us. They’ve treated us all with respect and kindness, and the food’s been absolutely lovely.”
Heather was particularly impressed by the care home’s surroundings and the attention shown to visitors.
Supporting older people beyond the care home
RHEA has been supporting its community for 30 years.
Its services include three weekly meal sessions, practical support with benefits and housing, and a weekly food pantry.
The charity also provides a safe space where older people can seek advice, receive support and enjoy social contact.
£9 million investment in East Leeds
Elland Court represents an investment of approximately £9.1 million by Fisher Care.
The home will eventually accommodate around 75 residents, with facilities including a roof terrace and roof bar.
At the time of the interview, the care home was awaiting registration from the Care Quality Commission before admitting residents.
Around 11 people were expected to move in during November, with additional floors opening in stages.
The development is also expected to create employment opportunities.
Joshua Fisher, who has been involved in the family business since his late teens, said that becoming part of the surrounding community is central to the company’s approach.
According to Joshua, the aim is to build lasting relationships with residents and organisations across the area.
He said: “Our doors are always open. We want the community to use as much as possible, so we’re trying to invite as many people as possible to strengthen the integration between ourselves and the community.”
For RHEA, the partnership represents an opportunity to ensure familiar faces and friendships are not lost when older people move into residential care.
It also offers a chance for the charity, care home staff and local residents to build lasting connections.
For older people who have spent years attending the charity’s activities, those relationships can continue into the next chapter of their lives.
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