Games for a laugh
CARE HOME OPEN DAY EVENTS INCLUDE A COMMONWEALTH COMPETITION
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT and delicious dishes were enjoyed at two West Drayton care homes which welcomed visitors last month.
Two homes – Franklin House in and The Burroughs on Mill Road – celebrated Care Home Open Day on April 21.
The day is a countrywide initiative set up to develop lasting relationships between care homes and communities, and to dispel common myths about care home life.
Franklin House hosted a royal-themed garden party for residents and visitors including the Mayor of Hillingdon, Councillor Carol Melvin. They raised a glass to the Queen on her 92nd birthday.
Everyone enjoyed a reading session led by Christine Selvy from the West Drayton library, as well as a cooking demonstration with the home’s baking club and children of St Catherine’s Primary School. There was also live entertainment from Vessela Stoyanova, who sang songs from the 1960s, and Clive Silverman, which got everyone in the party spirit.
A cream tea in the afternoon, and a slice of ‘royal’ cake specially made by Franklin House’s chef Paul Jankowski rounded off the day.
Mathew V Mathew, home manager at Franklin House, said: “We had a fantastic time celebrating Care Home Open Day this year – I think it might just be our best yet!
“It was wonderful to see so many of our neighbours join us for the occasion. The residents all really enjoyed marking the Queen’s birthday with a party, and the baking was a hit with residents and guests alike. “
At The Burroughs on Mill Road, the care team marked the occasion with an inter-home Commonwealth Games held between The Burroughs and neighbouring care home, Whitby Dene in Eastcote.
Guests were delighted to watch a special closing and passing of the torch ceremony organised by the team, including live entertainment and fireworks.
Residents carried out weeks of exercise and training led by both a physiotherapist and the lifestyle teams at Whitby Dene and The Burroughs to get Commonwealth Games-ready.
During the event, the residents took part in a variety of competitive activities, including volleyball, an egg and spoon race, basketball, a target game and 10 pin bowling.
To top off the day, everyone who took part received participation medals, and residents and visitors enjoyed a delicious meal with dishes inspired by Commonwealth countries, specially prepared by The Burroughs’ chefs.
Saad Baig, home manager at The Burroughs, said: “We had a wonderful day. The residents all had a fantastic time making homemade bunting and taking part in the competitive activities. Congratulations to everyone who participated for their brilliant efforts!
“We are especially delighted to have been chosen to win the Best Care UK Event award”