Love was in the air for Residents and Colleagues at HC-One care homes across the UK who celebrated Valentine’s Day with a variety of love-themed fun activities.
Residents and Colleagues took the opportunity to show their appreciation and express their feelings of love, affection and friendship for each other.
Residents at Gittisham Hill House Care Home, in Devon, got in the mood for love by making some lovely heart decorations to display around the home in an arts and crafts session. The hearts were also sent to loved ones, to let them know they are in their thoughts. As Residents were making the hearts, they were chatting about who their valentines are and reminisced over fond memories they’ve shared with their loved ones over the years. The wellbeing team, including Jill Watts and Marie Bourne beautifully decorated the home with the heart shaped streamers to spread cheer and love. Residents loved seeing the beautiful hearts around the home, which brightened up the place.
Love was certainly spreading as
Nicola Aggett, Senior Care Colleague at Gittisham Hill House Care Home, noticed the hearts and commented:
“How lovely to see all the love hearts around the home.”
At Yew Trees Care Home in Tamesfield, Greater Manchester, Residents got creative crafting handmade Valentine’s Day cards and decorations which everyone admired. Classic love ballads played in the background, which Residents enjoyed serenading each other with and dancing to. As Residents had a chatter, a delicious selection of cakes including delicious Valentine’s Day heart shaped biscuits that Residents had baked earlier in the day, sweet treats and beverages were served.
A colourful Valentine’s Day competition was held at Magna Care Home in Wigston, Leicestershire. Residents showcased their artistic talents through participating in a valentines-themed colouring competition. Residents got into the competitive spirit as they enjoyed the therapeutic colouring-in session. The winner of the competition was Gillian Muffet for her wonderful Valentine’s Day rendering. To mark Gillian being awarded first place in the competition, she received an adult colouring book to allow her to continue her love of colouring. Ms Muffet’s creation now takes pride of place in the care home’s gallery, along with all of the other works of art that Residents created.
Magna’s Home Manager, Chipo Mupunga, said:
“It was lovely to see the happiness in their faces.”
Residents in Ashton View Care Home in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan spread the word of love by sharing their wisdom as to what makes a happy marriage and relationship last. Residents spent time crafting cards and keepsakes for their loved ones for Valentine’s Day.
Among the Residents at the home are a loving husband and wife who made each other a beautiful keepsake to keep their love alive.
Their thoughtful gifts to each another prompted a discussion amongst Residents and Colleagues at the home about what is the secret to a happy marriage. The Residents’ responses ranged from the heartfelt and sweet to hilarious and brutally honest answers as they shared their pearls of wisdom.
When asked the question,
Joyce, a Resident at Ashton View Care Home, replied:
“The secret to a happy marriage is to share everything, including secrets, money and love. Don’t hide things from each other.”
Another Resident,
Jimmy, had a different view on what it takes to make love last:
“The secret to a happy marriage is plenty of booze! Always let her be right, it saves a lot of hassle.”
As well as crafting cards for their partners and family, many Residents also made keepsakes for their friends to thank them for everything they had done. All gifts were individually wrapped with a beautiful poem before being sent to their intended recipient.
At Claremont Care Home in Whitletts, Ayrshire, Residents embraced love and romance by writing poetry and taking part in arts and crafts projects. Residents got creative making Valentine’s cards, painting decorations and designing love-themed bookmarks. The highlight for Residents was working on a collaborative romantic poem together, taking on board suggestions, themes and rhymes from everyone to incorporate into the piece. There were many heart-warming moments and laughter as Residents reminisced about their partners and favourite romantic gestures to come up with ideas for the poem.
Lena Blair, a Resident at Claremont Care Home, reminisced about the times she missed her husband when he was away in the Navy. She commented:
“Absence makes the heart grow fonder.”