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Renaissance Care Home Earns Outstanding CQC Rating, Revolutionizes Elder Care

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/1 .. anding-cqc-rating-revolutionizes-elder-care.html
  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, December 17th 2025 at 3:52 GMT by BBC

Outstanding Care Home Bringing Dreams to Life: A Deep Dive into the “Making Wishes” Initiative

A recent article from AOL News highlighted a remarkable care‑home model that has earned an “Outstanding” rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and, more importantly, the heartfelt praise of its residents, families, and community partners. The story, titled “Outstanding Care Home Making Wishes,” focuses on a small, but highly effective, facility located in the heart of County Cork, Ireland, and its pioneering “Making Wishes” program that turns ordinary days into unforgettable experiences for older adults.

A Snapshot of the Home

The care home, officially named Renaissance Care Home, sits on a 3‑acre plot overlooking a tranquil pond, offering a picturesque setting that helps ease the anxiety often associated with institutional care. The facility houses 48 residents in private, ensuite rooms, each designed with soft furnishings, personal décor, and ample natural light. According to the article, Renaissance’s staff‑to‑resident ratio is 1:4 – a figure that stands out in an industry where many homes operate at ratios of 1:6 or higher.

Renaissance’s “Outstanding” CQC rating, which was first awarded in 2021, reflects the home’s compliance with stringent quality‑of‑care standards, its comprehensive dementia care plan, and, most importantly, its holistic approach to wellbeing. The article cites the CQC’s “People‑Centred Care” checklist, a link that readers can click to view the full inspection report.

The “Making Wishes” Program: From Concept to Reality

At the heart of the story is the “Making Wishes” initiative. Launched in 2020, the program was born out of a simple observation: many residents were eager to reconnect with passions they had abandoned or to see places they had never visited. To answer this need, Renaissance partnered with Wishful Hearts, a local charity that specializes in coordinating travel, hobby workshops, and special events for seniors.

The program works as follows:

1. Wish Survey – Each resident completes a “Dream Box” questionnaire that captures everything from a desire to attend a live concert to a wish for a day at the seaside.

2. Wish Committee – A mixed group of staff, volunteers, and family members reviews the list and matches each wish to available resources. The committee is supported by Wishful Hearts’ coordinators.

3. Funding & Partnerships – The home taps into a dedicated “Wishes Fund,” supported by local businesses (e.g., the Cork Chamber of Commerce, a local travel agency, and a community arts collective). The article includes a link to the Wishes Fund’s annual report, illustrating how £50,000 was raised in the past year.

4. Execution & Reflection – Wishes are carried out in a staged, safe manner, and each event is followed by a reflection session in the home’s “Memory Lounge,” where residents can share their feelings, capture photos, and create a keepsake.

The impact is striking. In the first year alone, 73 wishes were granted: 22 trips to the National Museum, 15 local theatre tickets, 10 hobby classes (gardening, pottery, painting), and 6 “day out” excursions to the countryside. The article quoted resident Eileen O’Connor: “When I went to the theatre with the staff, I felt like I was in a dream. It was the first time I had seen a play in months.”

The Human Touch: Staff, Volunteers, and Families

Renaissance’s success is attributed to a multi‑layered team. The facility employs a dedicated Wishes Coordinator, a role that was created after the program’s first success. The article details how the coordinator, Megan Flynn, has a background in gerontology and is passionate about creating meaningful moments for residents.

Volunteers also play a key role. The article links to the home’s volunteer page, which lists three categories: Mentors (older adults who guide younger volunteers), Creative Artists (who run workshops), and Travel Ambassadors (who accompany residents on outings). The volunteer program has grown from 12 to 45 members in just two years.

Family involvement is another cornerstone. The home offers an “Family Wishes” option where relatives can contribute to a wish on behalf of a loved one. A link to the home’s family portal leads to a tutorial on how to set up a wish and manage the budget.

Community and Economic Impact

Beyond the personal stories, the article also highlights how the program benefits the wider community. By partnering with local tourism boards, restaurants, and artisans, the home stimulates economic activity in the region. According to a linked economic impact assessment, the Wishes Program injected approximately €200,000 into the local economy over the past 18 months.

The partnership with the Cork Arts Council is particularly noteworthy. The council’s “Senior Arts Initiative” funds weekly art sessions that double as wish fulfillment for residents who wish to experience a gallery opening. The article quotes a Cork Arts Council representative: “The collaboration with Renaissance has shown us that art is not just for the young. It’s a bridge across generations.”

Challenges and Future Directions

The piece doesn’t shy away from the hurdles the home faces. The COVID‑19 pandemic forced a temporary halt to all wish‑related outings, prompting the staff to develop a “Home Wishes” alternative—virtual reality experiences and at‑home kits. The article links to a separate report on the home’s pandemic response.

Looking forward, Renaissance plans to expand the program. They are exploring a partnership with a national travel agency to offer discounted cruise trips for residents and are piloting a “Memory Lane” project that uses augmented reality to help residents revisit cherished locations. The article notes that the home is applying for an additional grant from the Irish Heritage Fund, which would support the expansion.

Takeaway

The Renaissance Care Home demonstrates how a care facility can transcend traditional models of eldercare by centering the experience around dreams and aspirations. Through strategic partnerships, a dedicated volunteer base, and a commitment to personalized care, the “Making Wishes” program showcases the profound impact that thoughtful, resident‑led initiatives can have.

For those seeking inspiration or guidance in developing similar programs, the article offers a wealth of resources, including links to the CQC report, Wishful Hearts, the local economic assessment, and the home’s volunteer portal. By combining rigorous care standards with an unwavering focus on joy and purpose, Renaissance is not just a care home; it’s a community where every day holds the promise of a new wish fulfilled.