Vision

In 1982, a church conference was looking forward to the vision for the church in the years ahead. One of the issues raised was our care for the elderly, and out of that conference, the vision came for a retirement home for elderly Christians who could no longer live alone. And so in 1985, the Housing Association was born, with a Management Committee with close links to the church. Money was raised in many enjoyable ways, and by 1988, it was possible as a step of faith, with a massive loan from a Building Society, to begin the venture in earnest.

Past

Years ago, 220 Park Road which is now Florence House was the manse for Park Road Baptist Church. It was bought in the 1950’s as a home for the then pastor, and his wife, Rev’d and Mrs George Hooper. Much later, in 1988, the new pastor at that time already had a home of his own, so the manse at 220 Park Road became available, and was bought by the newly formed Park Road Baptist Housing Association.

 Florence House opened in 1991, named in memory of Mrs Florence Hooper, who had herself been a nurse.  A photo of Rev’d and Mrs Hooper hangs in the dining room. Initially there were 11 rooms, each with en-suite facilities, two of the rooms being available if required for double occupancy. Later, in 1997 it became possible to buy 218 Park Road, and with great imagination and care, both by the architect and Ray Finding who acted as Clerk of Works, the addition to the premises was made with as little disruption to the residents as possible.

Present

The present provision of 19 rooms, still retaining two potential double rooms has continued. Florence House is the residential care home for older people operating with a Christian ethos with support of  the members and management committee of  Park Road Baptist Housing Association.

From the start, there has been a commitment to work through the following principles: 

the belief that each individual is valued.

the desire to enable each individual to retain his/her sense of self-esteem and personal dignity at a time of life when independence may seem to be threatened.

orientation of care towards enabling each resident to achieve his/her full potential by way of self-care, but always aware of changes in needs.

encouragement of physical, social and intellectual activities, while respecting the individual’s right to choose when to be quiet and alone.

allowing residents to maintain individuality and autonomy in making choices and plans as far as possible, in continuing the life-style and routine that they enjoyed previously.

encouraging all to recognise that this is a family home for those who choose to live here, with consideration of others’ needs and wishes

The first manager to be appointed was Mrs Christine Lightfoot, who continued until her retirement in 2007. She was succeeded by Mrs. Barbara Olim who had been her deputy for some years. Both of them have brought their own gifts to the task, each a committed Christian, who has based their work ethic on their faith. Members of the staff care team are on duty to cover 24 hours a day, supported by ancillary staff as cooks and domestic workers.  

Volunteers

From the beginning, the work of the staff has been supported by a committed team of volunteers who help in many different ways. Morning coffee, afternoon tea, and a Tuesday evening quiz night are all run by teams of volunteers. Family prayers each weekday are led by a volunteer for a brief time of reflection between coffee and lunch time, and so is a monthly Sunday afternoon service. Others provide support in the 101 tasks of maintenance of the premises and the gardens.

Future

Perhaps you would like to be part of the Florence House story? If you or one of your relatives wants to know more about becoming a resident, the manager would be pleased to make arrangements to show you round. If you want to consider becoming a staff member, then the administrator would tell you what is involved.  There may be others who would enjoy helping in some way, on a regular or occasional basis and if so, the volunteer team would be delighted to hear from you.

  Want to know more?

Contact us on 01733 315900

As with all Care Homes, Florence House is inspected regularly by inspectors from the National Care Standards Commission, and a report published on the internet. The current copy of the report is also available to read at Florence House or you can pick up a copy of the Annual Report.  In addition, at Florence House there is a photograph album which in pictures and text, traces the story of Florence House for the first 10 years, or there is available a short booklet “The First 10 years 1991 – 2001″.

Following the latest unannounced inspection by the Care Quality Comission in January 2010, Florence House  has once again been given a 2 star quality rating = good.  We continue to strive for excellence.

Welcome to our new Chairman

We are pleased to welcome to the Management Committee of Park Road Baptist Housing Association our new Chairman – Tony Bass and wish him every blessing as he serves God in this new role.  Tony is also a long standing  and committed member of Park Road Baptist Church.

Special Events Coming Soon

Prayer Meeting for Florence House – Wednesday 15th September, 2.00 pm at Florence House.

Florence House 19th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service  – Sunday 17th October, 10.00 am at Park Road Baptist Church.