Making the switch to care-home living as smooth as possible
Gerard McCormack. chief executive of Methodist Homes for the Aged speaks to Natasha Baluchi from the JEP about the charity's approach to care and plans for the future.
For many people, moving into a care home can feel like a major change, leaving behind a familiar home, routine and surroundings. But for Methodist Homes for the Aged (MHA) Jersey, the aim is to make that transition feel as natural as possible.
Founded in 1953, MHA Jersey has been providing care for older people in the Island for more than 70 years. Today, the charity operates Maison La Corderie in St Helier and Stuart Court in St Lawrence, providing care in surroundings designed to feel welcoming, familiar and homely.
Alongside long-term residential care, MHA also offers respite care, providing short-term support for older people who may need additional care for a period of time. It can also give families and carers the opportunity to take a break, knowing their loved one is being looked after in a safe and welcoming environment.
"For our residents, this is their home," said Gerard McCormack, chief executive of MHA Jersey. "We treat it very much as if they are in their home, regularly receiving feedback and assisting them to maintain their independence."
That emphasis on independence and choice is central to MHA Jersey's approach, which is rooted in Christian values of compassion and service. It is about treating residents with dignity and respect, while recognising that everyone is an individual, with their own beliefs, choices and way of living.
And, for Gerard, the people delivering that care are a vital part of creating that environment.
"Our staff, the way they interact with residents, their kindness and commitment to residents, is something I'm particularly proud of," he said. "They help create and maintain the special charm and character associated with both of our homes."
That commitment is particularly important as demand for residential care continues to increase.
"We are definitely experiencing an increase in demand within both our homes," Gerard said. "That's due to a number of factors, including the Island's ageing population, but also the level and quality of care we provide."
MHA is now looking to the future, with plans to significantly extend and modernise Stuart Court.
"With the proposed extension, we are seeking to increase capacity from 28 rooms to 52, whilst refurbishing and enhancing the current home to meet the growing demand for residential care on the Island," Gerard explained.
"Once the extension is finished, our intention is to provide residents with accommodation within it, whilst we renovate and upgrade the existing building at Stuart Court. Our goal is to have a charming, purpose-built, fit-for-purpose care home for the next 50 years, with each room offering interesting views."
But while modernisation is important, MHA is conscious that Stuart Court should not lose the qualities that make it feel like home.
"We want to retain the charm of Stuart Court," he said with a smile.
Residents have already been shown the vision for the proposed extension, and Gerard says they have made their views clear.
"They've made it very clear that they don't want to lose the charm and what they currently experience," he said. "They've seen the vision, and they understand what we're going to do with the new extension." If the plans progress, MHA intends to involve residents throughout the process, ensuring their views continue to help shape the development.
"If we get over the planning hurdle and start the building work, we'll be doing a lot of consultation with the residents, staff and visitors to make sure that we retain that charm and feel in Stuart Court," Gerard said.
For Gerard, that sense of belonging is an important part of providing care.
"We achieve that through the warmth provided by our staff and the homeliness of our homes," he said. "It's that home-from-home experience."
That can mean sharing a meal, taking part in activities, spending time in the gardens or simply having someone to talk to. Residents can also stay in touch with family and friends, while visits from schools and community groups help bring the wider community into daily life.
"You've got all the staff coming and seeing you every day, talking to you. You've got your meals, you've then got other people in the home to talk to, and we have school groups and community groups all coming in," Gerard said.
MHA is also looking at how it can work alongside and use the services provided by other charities, including Beresford Street Kitchen, Acorn and Good Companions.
"We're looking to the charitable sector and how we can fit in with other organisations and help them with their work," said Gerard. "Our intention is to do more of that going forward."
With the future of Stuart Court taking shape, MHA's ambition is not simply to provide more accommodation, but to ensure that its care continues to feel personal, welcoming and, above all, like home.
Find out more about MHA Jersey Whether you are considering care now, planning ahead or simply want to understand the options available, the MHA Jersey team is here to help. To arrange a visit to Maison La Corderie or Stuart Court, or to discuss residential care options in Jersey, please contact MHA Jersey on 01534 872454 or visit mhajersey.org.
For many people, moving into a care home can feel like a major change, leaving behind a familiar home, routine and surroundings. But for Methodist Homes for the Aged (MHA) Jersey, the aim is to make that transition feel as natural as possible.
Founded in 1953, MHA Jersey has been providing care for older people in the Island for more than 70 years. Today, the charity operates Maison La Corderie in St Helier and Stuart Court in St Lawrence, providing care in surroundings designed to feel welcoming, familiar and homely.
Alongside long-term residential care, MHA also offers respite care, providing short-term support for older people who may need additional care for a period of time. It can also give families and carers the opportunity to take a break, knowing their loved one is being looked after in a safe and welcoming environment.
"For our residents, this is their home," said Gerard McCormack, chief executive of MHA Jersey. "We treat it very much as if they are in their home, regularly receiving feedback and assisting them to maintain their independence."That emphasis on independence and choice is central to MHA Jersey's approach, which is rooted in Christian values of compassion and service. It is about treating residents with dignity and respect, while recognising that everyone is an individual, with their own beliefs, choices and way of living.
And, for Gerard, the people delivering that care are a vital part of creating that environment.
"Our staff, the way they interact with residents, their kindness and commitment to residents, is something I'm particularly proud of," he said. "They help create and maintain the special charm and character associated with both of our homes."
That commitment is particularly important as demand for residential care continues to increase.
"We are definitely experiencing an increase in demand within both our homes," Gerard said. "That's due to a number of factors, including the Island's ageing population, but also the level and quality of care we provide."
MHA is now looking to the future, with plans to significantly extend and modernise Stuart Court.
"With the proposed extension, we are seeking to increase capacity from 28 rooms to 52, whilst refurbishing and enhancing the current home to meet the growing demand for residential care on the Island," Gerard explained.
"Once the extension is finished, our intention is to provide residents with accommodation within it, whilst we renovate and upgrade the existing building at Stuart Court. Our goal is to have a charming, purpose-built, fit-for-purpose care home for the next 50 years, with each room offering interesting views."
But while modernisation is important, MHA is conscious that Stuart Court should not lose the qualities that make it feel like home."We want to retain the charm of Stuart Court," he said with a smile.
Residents have already been shown the vision for the proposed extension, and Gerard says they have made their views clear.
"They've made it very clear that they don't want to lose the charm and what they currently experience," he said. "They've seen the vision, and they understand what we're going to do with the new extension." If the plans progress, MHA intends to involve residents throughout the process, ensuring their views continue to help shape the development.
"If we get over the planning hurdle and start the building work, we'll be doing a lot of consultation with the residents, staff and visitors to make sure that we retain that charm and feel in Stuart Court," Gerard said.
For Gerard, that sense of belonging is an important part of providing care.
"We achieve that through the warmth provided by our staff and the homeliness of our homes," he said. "It's that home-from-home experience."
That can mean sharing a meal, taking part in activities, spending time in the gardens or simply having someone to talk to. Residents can also stay in touch with family and friends, while visits from schools and community groups help bring the wider community into daily life.
"You've got all the staff coming and seeing you every day, talking to you. You've got your meals, you've then got other people in the home to talk to, and we have school groups and community groups all coming in," Gerard said.MHA is also looking at how it can work alongside and use the services provided by other charities, including Beresford Street Kitchen, Acorn and Good Companions.
"We're looking to the charitable sector and how we can fit in with other organisations and help them with their work," said Gerard. "Our intention is to do more of that going forward."
With the future of Stuart Court taking shape, MHA's ambition is not simply to provide more accommodation, but to ensure that its care continues to feel personal, welcoming and, above all, like home.
Find out more about MHA Jersey Whether you are considering care now, planning ahead or simply want to understand the options available, the MHA Jersey team is here to help. To arrange a visit to Maison La Corderie or Stuart Court, or to discuss residential care options in Jersey, please contact MHA Jersey on 01534 872454 or visit mhajersey.org.
