Published on 13th May 2026
Supporting mental health is a big part of later-life care, and we at Beritaz Care understand the part mental health plays in the overall physical wellbeing of our residents.
For many of our residents, an important part of life at our homes is the companionship and community they find there. By providing opportunities for socialisation, group activities, and one-to-one time with our staff, we are aiming to overcome any loneliness our residents may have experienced. We take pride in the communities that we have built within our homes, and the firm friendships residents find with each other. This sense of belonging is a major factor in improving resident mental health and what often helps them settle in so quickly to life at our homes.
Within the homes, our resident activities schedules are planned with the goal of benefiting our residents’ mental health and wellbeing. From creative activities aimed at providing a sense of calm and relaxation, to animal therapy sessions with a variety of adorable creatures, we are always looking for new activities to improve our residents’ moods and ensure we are supporting their mental health. Physical exercise is also a great contributor to mental health; our residents regularly take part in armchair exercise sessions, designed to be engaging, accessible, and most of all, fun. When doing gentle exercises and moving to music, our residents are supporting their mobility and building their strength, all contributing to both their physical and mental wellbeing.
Working in the care industry can be emotionally difficult at times, which is why at Beritaz Care, the mental health of our staff is also something we prioritise highly. We have wonderful teams working within our homes, who provide each other with a fantastic support network, led by managers who are always looking out for the wellbeing of their teams.
It is important to us for our staff to know they are supported both professionally and personally, which is why we have introduced various schemes and policies within our homes to better support staff mental health. At Ashton Manor Nursing Home, the team have introduced a ‘take what you need’ mental health board, where they can get a dose of mental wellbeing. Whether that’s a pep-talk, kindness, a good laugh, or simply a moment to breathe, the team are encouraged to take a note that will hopefully give them the little mood boost they need that day. Tools like the mental health board encourage team members to check in on their own mental health and feel more comfortable talking about wellbeing. At Beritaz Care, we are there to offer staff support, and our team members know that they can always come to us if they are struggling with their mental wellbeing.
Our support extends beyond the residents and staff in our homes. Our residents’ family members and friends are also a part of our community, and we are here to support them from initial enquiry to helping their loved ones settle in, and all throughout their time at the home. Choosing the right home for a loved one and helping them transition into life in a home can be a very stressful and worrying time for relatives, but our team members are there to offer advice, answer any questions, and be a friendly face to talk to at every stage of the process. We enjoy having the opportunity to get to know our residents’ families and have them closely involved in the care of their loved ones, while knowing we are providing them with the peace of mind that their relative is safe and happy in our care.
There are so many ways in which mental health plays an important part in life in our homes, and the mental wellbeing of our residents, staff, and every single member of our Beritaz Care community will always be the highest priority for us.
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, a campaign aimed at improving knowledge around mental health and encouraging everyone to take some time to consider their own mental health. The theme of this year’s campaign by the Mental Health Foundation is “Take Action”, encouraging everyone to take action to support good mental health. Even small actions can help us feel hopeful and less powerless. And while our individual actions matter, when we come together, we are even more powerful.
This week is the perfect opportunity to educate yourself on mental health issues, check in with your loved ones, and take some time to consider how you are addressing your own mental health.
