Tipton care home marks anniversary with celebration of local roots
Exemplar Health Care, a leading nursing care provider in the UK, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and Parkside Care Home in Tipton marked the occasion with a lively party, bringing together residents, colleagues, friends and families for an afternoon to remember.
The celebrations featured music, dancing and delicious food, topped off with thoughtful gifts for everyone.
As part of the anniversary festivities, Parkside also participated in Exemplar Health Care’s nationwide virtual quiz - and came in first place with its aptly named team, the ‘Parkside Pros’.
The competition was fierce, with teams from across the country showcasing their knowledge, but Parkside clinched the win in a thrilling tie-breaker question.
The care home, which opened in 2008, is steeped in local history. The site has played a significant role in Tipton’s industrial heritage, first as a leather works producing saddles for canal freight horses in the 1800s and later as The Unicorn Pub, a cherished community hub.
Today, Parkside continues this tradition as a cornerstone of the community, providing vital nursing care for adults living with complex needs arising from neurological disabilities such as Huntington’s disease, mental health conditions and physical disabilities.
Honouring local heritage
The home’s strong ties to Tipton’s past are embodied by long-serving staff member Rosemary Aldridge, who has worked as a Housekeeper at Parkside for 15 years.
“I’ve always lived in the local area, and this site has been a big part of my life,” said Rosemary.
“As a child, I went to the school that backed onto where Parkside now stands. I remember sitting on the steps of The Unicorn Pub waiting for my mum to finish her shift behind the bar. It felt natural to work here, and I take great pride in making sure the home is as welcoming and comfortable as possible for everyone.
“This site has been a big part of my whole life, and it still is!”
Rosemary’s dedication earned her a finalist spot in ‘The Ancillary Worker Award’ category at this year’s Great British Care Awards for the West Midlands. She celebrated alongside Parkside’s Activities Team, who were also finalists in ‘The Care Home Activity Organiser Award’ category.
A day of celebration and achievements
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Parkside participated in a virtual quiz with other Exemplar Health Care homes across the country, taking home first prize - a chocolate hamper that brought smiles to all.
Residents and staff took time to reflect on what Parkside means to them.
Geoff, a long-time resident, shared: “I love this home - it feels like my real home. Everyone here is so kind, and being part of celebrations like this makes it even more special.”
Home Manager Cath Sandy expressed her pride in the care home’s achievements: “We’re thrilled to celebrate 25 years of Exemplar Health Care and reflect on the incredible impact our homes have had.
“At Parkside, we’re committed to making every day better for the people we support. This milestone gave us a moment to feel proud of what we’ve accomplished together and look forward to continuing our work as part of this amazing community.”
