Edinburgh House is the Spanish and Portuguese Jews' Home for the Aged and was officially opened in November 1977 by its Patron, HRH the Duke of Edinburgh. It is situated in Wembley, a pleasant suburb of North West London and is conveniently located within walking distance of Wembley Park underground, is on a bus route and has its own car park.

The principal objective of the Home is to provide accommodation and care for the elderly, both Sephardi and Ashkenazi, with facilities for religious observance. Strict Kashrut is observed at all times. The Sabbath is observed and regular services are held. Passover is celebrated with communal Sedarim, a Succah is built for the festival of Succoth, special services are held on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and there are celebrations during Chanukah and Purim. Great emphasis is placed on the continued contact between residents, their families and friends. Also of great importance is the role of volunteers who, throughout the year, together with staff, arrange entertainment, frequent musical performances, parties, Barbeques etc. Regular outings are arranged in the Home's own minibus. These include visits to Buckingham Palace, theatres, shopping centres, the Zoo, Kew Gardens, etc. An annual holiday is also arranged for most of the residents.

Edinburgh House is a purpose built care home to accommodate 51 residents in a warm and pleasant environment. It is on three floors and is served by automatic lifts. Each bedroom has its own washing facilities and is comfortably furnished. All bedrooms are single and individual telephone and tea making facilities can be arranged. Apart from a number of en-suite bedrooms, bathing and toilet facilities are provided on each floor. The Home's doctor visits the Home regularly, dental treatment, physiotherapy, Chiropody, Optician and beautician services are also available.

The Home is a registered Charity (originally founded in 1747) and is registered by The Commission for Social Care Inspection. In 2008 the CSCI awarded the Home an outstanding '3 star' rating. This means that the residents experience an excellent quality of care which is 'due to the hard work of the Head of the Home, Christine Gibson, and her staff'.

A £1.5 million redevelopment programme has just started which will update our facilities. The ground floor will be totally renovated. All units (including Dementia and High Dependency) will now have their own dining room and lounge on the ground floor. Next year the kitchen will be completely refurbished and new enlarged laundry facilities will be provided.

HARRIS COURT, SHELTERED HOUSING

In the same complex, Harris Court, which was opened in 1993, provides sheltered accommodation. There are sixteen flats, three double bedroom and 10 single bedroom units. All come with a fitted kitchen, bathroom and lounge/dining room. They also have a large laundry room and communal lounge where residents can meet and socialise as well as a beautiful well-kept garden. Thanks to its Warden, Tracy Simonds, who has created a friendly, homely atmosphere, residents have complete independence but also have the added advantage of being connected to Edinburgh House. An alarm button in the lounge and their bedrooms and an alarm pendant which can be worn around their necks can be used in an emergency and this will raise the alarm at Edinburgh House. Every Monday dial-a-ride takes the residents to the local supermarket and waits while they purchase their shopping. Meals on wheels are provided if required. Twice a year they have access to the Edinburgh House minibus which takes them to Southend-on-Sea and Henley-on-Thames for the day.

For further information on Harris Court please contact the Warden, Tracy Simonds on 020 8908 1440.

To speak to Christine Gibson, Head of Home, please call 020 8908 4151.

If you would like to make a donation please contact Vivienne Zubaida on 020 8904 0070.