Reported in the Thetford and Brandon Times

30th December 2009

Peter Smith speaking with Pearl Mumford (manager) at a "cottage" in Laburnum Grove

An elderly people's home in Thetford was praised for it's "excellent" care after a visit by a prospective parliamentary candidate.

Laburnum Grove, which has become one of the best care homes in the country, was paid a visit by Labour's prospective parliamentary candidate for South West Norfolk, Peter Smith.

Mr Smith praised the way the home cared for its clients and said: "Laburnum Grove is a fantastic example of what forward thinking, good design and strong leadership can achieve. It shows that old age should not and must not mean losing one's dignity but only another stage of life than can be jsut as enriched and fulfilling as any other."

"I congratulate Pearl Mumford (manager) and her dedicated team, all of whom have worked hard to be recognised by the Care Quality Commission and the Elderly Accommodation Counsel."

Laburnum Grove, off Elm Road in Thetford, organises fundraising events and social outings, and was recently nominated for an award with the Elderly Accommodation Counsel by people living nearby.

Pearly Mumford, manager of Laburnum Grove said: "At the core of our activities is a fundamental recognition that all of our clients are individuals, each worthy of dignity and respect. Our mission is to provide for their needs in a person-centred manner that avoids the institutionalised approach of the past. We empower our clients to accept as much independences as they can with the assurance that we are able to offer them additional support when they need it."

"My ethos is to encourage those in our care as much freedom as possible to choose their own path through innhovative programmes."