Nick Herbert visits local Salvation Army care home
Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert paid a visit to the Villa Adastra care home in Hassocks, run by The Salvation Army, on Friday afternoon (4 January).
He was given a tour of the home by the manager, Chris Shields, and was able to see for himself the new dining room which opened on Christmas Eve. Previously, meals were served in small dining rooms designed for up to eight residents, but it is now possible to bring more of the residents together.
Mr Herbert had tea with visitors to the day centre and, on his arrival there, was challenged to answer the £1 million question in their DVD game based on the TV series ‘Who wants to be a millionaire?'
He also toured the self-contained units where residents are provided with en-suite single rooms, kitchenettes and lounge facilities.
The home provides accommodation and personal care for 40 elderly residents. Amongst the facilities available are a central lounge, large kitchen, hairdressing salon and a garden where summer fetes are held.
The house was donated to The Salvation Army in 1928 by Mr and Mrs E Stafford for the purpose of caring for elderly people in the area.
The home is a registered charity and, in 1996, the ‘Friends of Villa Adastra' was formed to raise funds for an expansion of the home. They now raise funds for a variety of purposes. In recent years, they have funded the purchase of a gazebo for the garden, an aquarium and Christmas decorations.
Mr Herbert visited William Aker who recently celebrated his 100th birthday at the home, joined by family and friends. Mr Aker spent 30 years as a member of the Hurstpierpoint Bowling Club and fellow players joined him for the birthday celebrations.
Mr Aker, originally from just outside Bromley in Kent, described the "lovely atmosphere" at the home. He has lived at the home for almost a year. Mr Aker has a number of personal possessions in his room, including old family photographs. Mr Herbert was shown several works of art that adorn the walls of Mr Aker's room, painted by his late wife Gladys.
Chris Shields said: "The residents were very pleased that Nick took the time to come and see them on Friday. They enjoyed the conversation and really hope he will come and visit again sometime."
Nick Herbert commented: "I was delighted to be able to visit the home and meet the staff and residents. Villa Adastra has a very friendly and warm feel to it.
"I was very impressed by the range of facilities on offer, including the new dining room which enables residents to get together more often."
Mr Herbert added: "The visit was a reminder to me of what wonderful work the Salvation Army does in the community. I hope that I will have an opportunity to visit the home again soon."
Ends
Notes for Editors
1. The most recent Commission for Social Care Inspection report can be seen at http://www.csci.org.uk/registeredservicesdirectory/RSSearchDetail.asp?ID=0000035172&Type=CRH.