Page 56 • The HERALD • 6th August 2026 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SPECIALISTS v WE CARE, YOU CARE christinashomecare@hotmail.com Fully Qualified, Insured and Enhanced DBS Call me for a friendly informal chat to discuss whatever you or your loved ones needs are on 07579 766797 Christina’s Home Care Professional Independent Carer Covering Waterside and New Forest Merceode Lodge Named Among Southampton’s Highest-Rated Care Homes Merceode Lodge care home in Marchwood, operated by Crystal Care Collection, has received a perfect 10/10 rating on carehome.co.uk, the UK’s leading care home feedback website where residents and their loved ones leave veri ed reviews. e rating comes a er a series of ve-star reviews since opening its doors in January 2026. One review, le by the daughter of a resident at Merceode Lodge, said: “What a beautiful care home. From the moment you arrive you feel at home. The grounds are stunning, and the staff are all wonderful. The food is really delicious, and you feel like you’re on holiday in a 5* hotel. A hairdresser visits every Tuesday (no extra cost) and a chiropodist also is available. The ladies can have their nails done. All the staff are so engaging from the receptionist to the chef, maintenance man and everyone else. I am super impressed.” Speaking of their own experience at Merceode Lodge, resident Keith Hugget said, “Its perfect, everything is at hand, the food is very good, and everything is included in the cost.” Another resident, Marie Brooks, added, “I love going outside in the garden and spending time with the friends I have made here. This morning, I had my nails manicured, which makes me happy!” Helen Chapman, the General Manager at Merceode Lodge, said, “A heartfelt thank you to our residents, families, friends, and community for your wonderful reviews, trust, and support. Your kind words mean the world to us as we continue to deliver the highest standards of care. We are so proud of what we have achieved together and look forward to continuing to make every day special for those who call Merceode Lodge home.” Bartosz Kulczycki, Regional Director said, “What a fantastic achievement for this outstanding care home. The team are amazing and deliver the highest quality of service to our residents and the whole community. On behalf of everyone at Crystal Care Collection, I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who took the time to review Merceode Lodge.” Merceode Lodge Rated Ten out of Ten Hythe Huddle Hythe Huddle, the drop in support group for people living with dementia and their carers, organised by Families Matter, meet on the first Wednesday of each month from 2pm to 4pm at Cornerstone URC, Hythe SO45 6BR. Activities are planned throughout the year including arts and cra s, entertainment and games. Hythe Huddle sessions also provide advice, community and support. eir next meeting is on Wednesday 2nd September. Refreshments are available, kindly donated by Tesco. For more information call: 023 8020 7623 or email: o ce.fm.hurc@gmail.com Monthly Social At Age Concern Romsey A monthly social takes place on the third Friday of the month, 2pm–3.30pm at Age Concern Romsey on Linden Road. £3 for co ee, cake and activities. For more information call: 01794 518 817 or email: o ce@ageconcernromsey.org.uk Dementia Support Group at Totton Library Go along to Totton Library every Tuesday from 2pm-4pm for the Dementia ChatAbout group. is free group welcomes people living with dementia and those who care for them, providing a supportive space to share experiences with others who understand. Dementia Accessible Cycling Sessions With PEDALL PEDALL provides inclusive cycling opportunities to enable people who need support to enjoy cycling in and around the beautiful New Forest. Dementia Friendly Hampshire are supporting PEDALL sessions every Wednesday to enable anyone a ected by dementia to enjoy one of these amazing forest rides. If you would be interested, please email: info@ dementiafriendlyhampshire.org. uk for more details or to book a place.
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