New life for Hendon Hall
THE GRADE II listed Hendon Hall is a familiar landmark in north west London — and now it is entering a new phase of its life. In the 18th century, it was Hendon Manor — and it saw further use as a school before being converted to a hotel in 1911. It famously hosted the England football team, including Sir Bobby Charlton, prior to their winning of the 1966 World Cup held at Wembley Stadium.
Now, Signature Senior Lifestyle, one of the leading operators of care homes across London and the South East, is developing Signature at Hendon Hall, which will offer 100 apartments, from studios to large one-bedroom apartments.
There will also be a dementia care complex with 24 apartments, designed in line with the gold standard framework from Stirling University for those living with memory loss.
Signature is holding an open weekend on July 3-4 (10am and 4pm), for those considering care, as well as family and friends.
Hendon Hall stands in leafy grounds including a terrace, patio and winding paths. Amenities will include a café and restaurant, private dining room, boutique cinema, pub lounge and seating areas for relaxing or socialising. There will also be a hair salon and spa.
When considering care options, one possibility is “nursing care” — generally for residents who need a qualified nursing team available around the clock. This may include rehabilitative care after an accident or stroke or longer-term conditions requiring more specialist support.
“Assisted living” promotes independence and autonomy for residents, with a 24-hour support system if needed.
Staff are on hand to provide peace of mind, care, companionship and holistic wellbeing, including activities to suit differing interests and requirements.
For those living with dementia, more specialist support is required. Signature offers small, dedicated dementia communities with a “comfortable yet elegant, family feel”. These are designed using research from the University of Stirling, the UK’s leading dementia specialist researcher.
In line with this research, for instance, the designers have used a colour palette that flows through the home without severe changes that might cause confusion; easy-to-grip handrails in eye-catching colours and contrasting colours between the floors, walls and light switches to make it easier to differentiate between them. Natural light is used wherever possible, complemented by both adaptable lighting and soft night lighting. All homes also have full working kitchens, allowing residents to retain independence by making their own meals if they wish, while technology includes automatic light sensors to ensure residents don’t become confused and fall if they happen to get out of bed at night.
Signature offers carer-to-resident ratios of typically three to one in dementia and five to one in assisted living, not counting care managers — and the level provided is flexible.
It also has a group-wide dementia learning strategy, with regular training and guidance from professional bodies including the University of Stirling and Alzheimer’s Society.
Liz Wardell, head of dementia at Signature Senior Lifestyle, says: “To offer exceptional care, we first have to understand dementia and how it impacts people in different ways — it is a highly complex disease and there is no one size fits all approach or solution. We put huge emphasis on training and development, which means our staff are in the best possible position to support residents.
“We encourage independence — for example encouraging residents to try and dress themselves or make their own tea, supporting as required. Promoting routine and a sense of normality are vital for preserving cognitive function and overall wellbeing.”
The team at Signature at Hendon Hall is led by general manager Jackie Bennet who has more than two decades of hospitality and care experience, including work for Marie Curie Cancer Care.
Bennet says: “It’s a personal privilege and very rewarding to work in care where you can make a positive difference to the wellbeing, health and happiness of residents.”
Routine is vital for preserving cognitive function and wellbeing’
To book for the open weekend or for more information, call 0203 130 4927 or see signature-care-homes.co.uk