Home Life at Merlewood
Life at Merlewood is about much more than the care we provide. We want every resident to feel genuinely at home, with the freedom to spend their time in the way they choose and plenty of opportunities to enjoy good food, companionship, activities and the beautiful surroundings of the home.
Residents are encouraged to continue with the interests and routines that are important to them, while also having opportunities to try something new. Our team regularly talks with residents about the activities, entertainment and outings they would like to enjoy, helping us shape life at Merlewood around the people who live here.
Throughout the home there are comfortable lounges and sociable spaces where residents can spend time together, as well as quieter areas for reading, relaxing or welcoming family and friends. Our 23 acres of landscaped grounds provide even more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, whether taking a stroll, sitting in the gardens or simply appreciating the views.
Companionship is an important part of everyday life. Our team takes time to talk, listen and build genuine relationships with residents, while regular resident and family meetings and our open-door approach provide opportunities to share ideas and feedback about life at the home.
Whether joining an activity, heading out on a local trip, enjoying a meal with friends or simply relaxing with a cup of tea, residents can choose how they would like to spend their day.
Activities at Merlewood
Our Social Engagement Team works closely with residents to understand their interests, hobbies and preferences, creating a varied programme of activities, entertainment and outings alongside opportunities for more individual engagement.
There is always something happening at Merlewood, but participation is entirely a matter of personal choice. Regular activities include gentle exercise, carpet bowls, balloon tennis, cinema afternoons, coffee mornings, flower arranging and arts and crafts, alongside seasonal celebrations and special events throughout the year.
Getting out and remaining connected with the local community is also an important part of life at Merlewood. Residents can enjoy trips to local garden centres, historic attractions and the surrounding countryside, as well as visits and entertainment within the home.
We have links with local schools and colleges and regularly welcome visitors, speakers, singers and musicians to Merlewood. These connections bring different generations and members of the wider community into the home, with occasions such as the children’s Christmas carol singing becoming much-loved events.
Our aim is not simply to keep people busy, but to provide opportunities for companionship, enjoyment and stimulation that reflect residents’ individual interests and help make every day different.
Dining at Merlewood
Good food and enjoyable dining are an important part of everyday life at Merlewood. Our chefs prepare fresh, nutritious meals designed to provide plenty of choice while making mealtimes something residents can genuinely look forward to.
Residents enjoy restaurant-style dining, with varied menus using fresh and seasonal ingredients wherever possible. Individual tastes and dietary requirements are taken into account, helping ensure that everyone can enjoy food that suits their needs and preferences.
Mealtimes are also an important social occasion, providing an opportunity to enjoy good food and conversation with friends. Residents who prefer to eat in their own room can do so, while dining outdoors can also be enjoyed when the weather allows.
Family and friends are welcome to join residents, and our chefs can prepare special menus for birthdays, anniversaries and other celebrations.
A Typical Day at Merlewood Care Home
Life at Merlewood is centred around comfort, companionship and choice, with each resident encouraged to enjoy their day in a way that suits their individual preferences and routines.
Mornings begin at a relaxed pace, with residents waking when they choose and enjoying breakfast either in the dining room or in the comfort of their own room. Some may join a gentle exercise session or morning activity, while others prefer to read, catch up with friends or simply enjoy some quiet time.
As the day unfolds, residents can take part in a varied programme of activities organised by our Social Engagement Team. This might include arts and crafts, flower arranging, carpet bowls, cinema afternoons or entertainment from visiting singers and musicians. There are also regular opportunities to head out into the local area, with trips to garden centres, places of interest and the surrounding countryside.
Lunch and dinner are important parts of the day, with restaurant-style dining and freshly prepared dishes providing an opportunity to enjoy good food and conversation together. When the weather allows, residents can also spend time outdoors in Merlewood’s 23 acres of landscaped grounds.
Afternoons might be spent enjoying an activity, welcoming family and friends, relaxing with a book in the library or simply having a cup of tea and a chat. With a choice of comfortable lounges, quieter spaces and beautiful gardens, there is always somewhere to suit the mood.
Evenings are equally relaxed, whether enjoying time with other residents, watching a favourite programme or settling down in the comfort and privacy of their own room.
There is no set way to spend a day at Merlewood. Residents are free to choose what they would like to do, with our team always on hand to provide companionship, encouragement and support when needed.
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Merlewood Care Home FAQs
What types of care does Merlewood provide?
Merlewood provides residential care, 24-hour nursing care, short stay and respite care, rehabilitation and end of life care. Each resident’s support is personalised around their individual needs, preferences and circumstances.
Where is Merlewood Care Home located?
Merlewood is located in Virginia Water, Surrey, within around 23 acres of landscaped grounds. The setting provides residents with extensive outdoor space while keeping them connected to the surrounding local community.
Does Merlewood provide 24-hour nursing care?
Yes. Merlewood provides 24-hour nursing care delivered by an experienced nursing and care team. Support can be tailored for residents with a range of needs, including long-term conditions, post-operative recovery, rehabilitation and life-limiting illnesses.
Can I stay at Merlewood for respite or short-term care?
Yes. Merlewood offers short stay and respite care, whether someone needs additional support following an illness, operation or hospital stay, or a family carer needs a temporary break. Short stay residents receive the same personalised care and can enjoy the home’s facilities, dining, activities and social life.
What are the bedrooms like at Merlewood?
Merlewood has 54 spacious ensuite bedrooms, all of which are wheelchair accessible. Residents are encouraged to personalise their room with photographs, furnishings and treasured possessions, and many bedrooms have direct access to the Courtyard Garden.
What activities are available at Merlewood?
Merlewood offers a varied programme of activities, entertainment and outings shaped around residents’ interests and preferences. These can include gentle exercise, arts and crafts, flower arranging, carpet bowls, cinema afternoons, visiting entertainers, seasonal events and trips into the local area.