At Buckland Care, our values aren’t just written down for people to glance at as they pass by. They are lived, breathed, and felt in the way our homes run each day. One of those values, Create Positivity, is one we see come to life time and again. It’s a reminder that joy often comes in small moments, and that choosing positivity has the power to change the atmosphere of an entire home.

Moments That Spark Joy
You only have to look at some of the stories from our homes to see this in action. At Westbank Care Home, for example, Easter brought not just chocolate and decorations, but the arrival of ducklings. Residents and families gathered to watch them hatch, and the team went the extra step by building a little “Quackington Palace” for the birds to enjoy. What might have been a simple activity turned into something magical-filled with laughter, wonder, and a sense of togetherness. It was the kind of day people talk about long afterwards, proof that positivity can be found in the most unexpected of places.

It doesn’t take a big production to lift spirits, though. At Brunswick House, a summer barbecue did just that. Sunshine, sausages, and chatter brought everyone together – residents, families, staff, and friends – for a day that was as much about connection as it was about the food. Similarly, at Hartwell Lodge, a cruise-themed afternoon transported residents to faraway shores without anyone leaving the lounge. These playful touches bring excitement and variety into daily life, adding lightness and joy to the everyday.

At The Firs, a day out by the seaside brought a different kind of positivity. Residents enjoyed fresh sea air, fish and chips on the promenade, and the simple pleasure of watching the waves roll in. Outings like this remind us that positivity isn’t confined to the four walls of a care home. Sometimes it’s about revisiting old memories, sparking conversations, and sharing laughter in places that hold special meaning.

There are gentler moments too. Inglefield Nursing & Residential Care Home showed how positivity can bloom through music. A session with the “Jiggly Wrigglers” toddler group filled the room with foot-tapping, laughter, and pure, honest delight. Generations danced side by side, proving that joy really does span every age – no passport required.

And of course, positivity shines through in the smaller, quieter gestures. A carer remembering exactly how someone likes their tea. A member of staff taking a little extra time to sit with a resident who doesn’t want to be alone. A smile offered in the corridor that makes someone feel seen and valued. These acts may seem small, but they are the very things that give our homes their warmth.

Why Positivity Matters
As Liana Birkett, one of our directors, says;
“Positivity doesn’t have to be big or complicated. Often, it’s the smallest actions – a kind word, a shared laugh, a moment of understanding – that linger the longest. When we choose positivity, we brighten days for everyone – residents, families, and staff alike.”
That’s the heart of it. Create Positivity isn’t about ignoring challenges or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about finding opportunities – large and small – to bring a little light into someone’s day. And when you walk into a Buckland Care home, you’ll feel it. It’s in the way staff greet you, in the laughter drifting down the corridors, in the sense of community that runs through each event and activity.

Positivity is a choice. At Buckland Care, it’s one we make every single day.