A Bupa care home is about to undergo a £1m refurbishment programme.

Eglantine Villa in Horton Kirby provides a range of nursing and respite services for elderly residents, and the extra cash will be used to spruce up the property with new fireplaces, bedrooms and cafeterias, a beauty salon, and even an aquarium.

Home manager Sarah-Jane Clapson is excited by the plans and is determined to ensure that they help make life as comfortable as possible for the home’s residents.

“We are really happy with the plans, especially because of how greatly our residents have been involved,” she said.

“I can’t wait to see the home when it’s finished.”

The home’s garden will also receive some attention, with a pergola built for use by local community groups such as the Salvation Army. It will also be used to host summer time entertainment for residents.

“Our residents have been at the heart and soul of the planning for this refurbishment, and we have really taken their needs into consideration,” said Ms Clapson.

“After all, this is their home and it’s only right that they play a major part in deciding how it will look.”

“This process has been ongoing for last six months, and throughout this time we’ve constantly asked our residents for their feedback on all details – including the colour of the curtains, and which tables, chairs and lamps we should have.”

“We’ve also worked with Bupa’s dementia expert, Professor Graham Stokes, to ensure that the designs reflect the needs of our residents who are living with dementia.”

While disruption is inevitable once building work begins, Ms Clapson is confident that life at Eglantine will go on as normal.

“Our contractors have a lot of experience in a care home environment so know the limitations and expectations around the renovation areas,” she explained.

“We also have a few spare bedrooms so that if a resident’s room does not get finished in a day, we can move them into one of our spare rooms until theirs is complete.”

The refurbishment is due to be completed by May.