Since its foundation in 1916, The Royal Star & Garter
Charity has provided an outstanding quality of nursing and therapeutic
care to ex-Service men and women at its Richmond Home. Promoting independence and enjoyment
of an active lifestyle has always been a priority for the Charity,
ensuring individuals are supported in living life to the full.
In future
years, the Charity will move on from its facility at Richmond in response
to the changing needs of residents as well as an identified requirement
for care provision in other areas across the country. The Charity would
like to provide the ‘Star & Garter’ special style of care in a
wider choice of locations and therefore plans to build a network of
new homes that will have the very best of facilities including large
en suite bed sitting rooms. The new homes will also incorporate a specially
designed unit to accommodate people with dementia, an area of urgent
need. The first of these new homes opens in Solihull, West Midlands, in August 2008. It is hoped to build a second new home at Hampton Court Station, Surrey, to replace the Richmond Home. The location for a third home is under consideration, and further new homes are planned.
This vision will ensure that many ex-Service men and women and their widows, spouses and partners will benefit from the Charity’s care long into the future.
Ex Grenadier Guardsman and D Day veteran, Ernie
Small, living in our current Richmond Home, is a typical Royal Star & Garter
resident. Ernie came to our Richmond Home in 1993 on the recommendation
of his doctor after spending some months on a hospital ward recovering
from a severe stroke. Ernie was confined to a wheelchair and had lost
the use of one arm. Ernie has benefited enormously from the physiotherapy
available at the home and, being a sociable individual, has taken full
advantage of the many outings, activities and clubs available. Quite
simply he says the home has given him back his life.
There are many more like Ernie in the home. The comradeship and shared experience of the residents is a special bond which is recognised and nurtured. It is our wish and aim to help many more ex-Service people like Ernie, now and in the years to come, to enjoy the best possible quality of life in their later years.
If you would like to help our residents, like Ernie, you can make an
online donation now.
