Residents and staff across Care South’s homes and care at home services gathered for a day of festive fun to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society on Elf Day.
Care South, a leading not-for-profit care provider operating across the south of England, saw the team don elf outfits and Christmas jumpers while residents took part in a host of fun activities in support of the national awareness campaign run by Alzheimer’s Society. All of Care South’s care homes and care at home offices take part in Elf Day each year for the good cause.
Through a range of festive events and activities, Care South raised an incredible £1,000 on Elf Day for Alzheimer’s Society. The charity reports that every three minutes someone in the UK develops dementia and that one in three people born in the UK today will go on to develop dementia in their lifetime.
At Castle Dene care home in Bournemouth, the team unveiled their Christmas sleigh made by members of Southbourne Men’s Shed with the home’s residents using materials donated by building merchants Travis Perkins. The sleigh has taken pride of place as part of Castle Dene’s expansive Christmas lights display. It was launched by Brian Speight, a member of Southbourne Men’s Shed, and the Castle Dene team.
Brian said: “I’ve not made a sleigh before, but we were happy to help when the Castle Dene team got in touch. It was great to have the help of the residents who all took a great interest in what we were doing. I’ve also been impressed by the dedication, motivation and attention to detail shown by the Castle Dene team who provide outstanding care for the residents.”
Elsewhere, at Marjorie House care home in Lilliput, residents sipped on Christmas cocktails and hot chocolate while singing Christmas carols before later taking part in a festive quiz.
Barbara, who lives in Marjorie House, said: “It’s nice to do these things as they help us all get into the festive spirit by getting together to sing. I enjoy Christmas carols as it reminds me of going to church at Christmas.”
Other Care South homes welcomed in children from local schools and nurseries to make festive crafts and held fun events such as an ‘elf fashion show’, an ‘elf parade’ and played ‘elf bingo’ for the residents’ entertainment.
Simon Bird, CEO of Care South, said: “We are proud to support Elf Day which brings residents and teams together for some creative fun, food and friendship while raising awareness for such an important cause. The enthusiasm across all our homes and care at home services for this event reflects our commitment to helping people living with dementia to thrive in our care.”
Earlier this year, Care South received the Hennell Award for Innovation and Excellence in Dementia Care from the University of Worcester’s Association for Dementia Studies to recognise its in-house Dementia Care Coach training programme.
Staff across all homes and care at home offices have completed the training to support colleagues and residents to enhance dementia care and wellbeing.
Care South is a leading provider of high quality residential and care at home services across the south of England. The not-for-profit charity has care homes in Dorset, north Devon and Somerset and care at home offices in Dorset and Somerset.
For more information about the care services available, go to care-south.co.uk or call Care South on 01202 712410.