Family-owned care providers Coate Water Care now run seven residential homes in four different counties across Southern England and the Midlands, but founders and hands-on directors Chris and Geraldine Smith never forget their humble roots as Swindon carers.
The husband and wife team have been committed to quality care since 1995 when they opened their first small Care Home in Swindon’s Old Town. From small acorns, they have gradually expanded their care business, but Chris and Geraldine still take special pride in their three outstanding homes in Swindon – Ashbury Lodge, next to Coate Water Country Park, Church View in upmarket Stratton St Margaret, and Downs View in the quiet rural hamlet of Badbury.
When we first opened our 15 bed home in Clifton Street we could never have imagined where we are today,” says Geraldine, “but some things never change. At heart we remain a family business that believes in the personal touch and serving the people of our adopted hometown. Our sons Jamie and Nick now support us in senior roles, and like us they are fully trained care professionals. As well as being a qualified Care Manager, Jamie is also the in-house patient-handling trainer.”
There was special cause for celebration at Church View this month as senior carer Teresa Murphy celebrated 10 years at Coate Water Care. “Teresa is a real inspiration to all the staff here,” says home manager Barrie Taylor (no relation to Timothy Spall’s character of the same name in ‘Auf Wiedersehen, Pet’!). “Not only is she the consummate professional, but she has the ability to make every resident feel like the most important person in the world.”
Anybody who has driven past Ashbury Lodge in Marlborough Road will testify to the fact it is a handsome building in a privileged location. But continuing investment in state-of-the-art care technology ensures Coate Water Care’s flagship care home is not just pretty, but also fit for purpose and as environmentally friendly as possible.
The latest investment in facilities to benefit Ashbury Lodge and reduce its carbon footprint is infection control friendly surfaces throughout the home reducing the need for overuse of hazardous chemicals. In addition, the full implementation of a new “paperless” care management software system not only fully monitors residents and staff information but has dramatically cut down on the use of boxes and boxes of paper!
Over at Downs View, manager Amanda Timms has been sprucing up the sun lounge as we bid farewell to the winter and work has now commenced on a large secure sensory garden which is scheduled to finish just in time for the nice weather. This new sensory garden will provide a fantastic secure space to tantalise the senses of our residents, relatives and staff. Residents will be encouraged to smell, touch, listen and admire the garden and all of its splendour.
To find out about residential care in Swindon or to arrange a visit to any of our three outstanding care homes in the North Wiltshire town, please contact our ‘Welcome Team’ Sue or Paul 01793 821200.