Last weekend, staff at The Hornchuch care home hosted an afternoon tea party for 98 year old Gladys Ede, implementing a few changes to what you would usually expect at a pre-lockdown birthday party, and it certainly didn’t take away from the atmosphere!
Four of Gladys’ family members together with two staff from The Hornchurch spent Sunday afternoon singing, reminiscing and sharing stories as well as enjoying an assortment of finger food and refreshing drinks. The gazebo, where the 98th party was held in, was also decorated with birthday banners, table cloths, flowers, petals and balloons. Staff even brought a surprise birthday cake out for Gladys and everyone sang ‘Happy birthday’.
Gladys really enjoyed herself and said it was lovely to spend her birthday with her family, “I have had a lovely day and really enjoyed spending time with my son and family today.”
Family members, Lisa Dolling and Chantalle Reed remarked, “Thank you for making my mum’s birthday such a special day.”
During the current social distancing situation, we want to make occasions such as birthdays as special as possible. We really enjoy welcoming family members back to undergo garden visits but we need to make sure that government guidance is adhered to at all times and that safety precautions are taken, including the use of personal protective equipment for all visitors and staff.