Love-themed activities help care home residents celebrate Valentine's Day

Memory capacity is a vital ally to embrace when caring for adults diagnosed with dementia, with Hill Care being one care home group that looks to mark memorable calendar dates in order to inspire positive emotions.

Today The Gables Care Home in Middlesborough, Queens Meadow Care Home in Hartlepool, and Ingleby Care Home, Mandale House Care Home and The Beeches Care Home in Stockton-on-Tees will be using the nostalgia of Valentine’s Day to delight residents.

Jan Vaughan, regional manager said: “Valentine’s Day evokes so many happy memories for our residents, so it is wonderful to bring people together for the occasion. Whether that be by inviting our residents’ loved ones to join us on the day, or through our love themed activities – there is something for everyone to get involved in.

“Our residents have really embraced the theme of love – crafting decorations for the homes, planning sweet treat cookery sessions and putting in their requests for their all-time favourite romantic music and films. We know that music in particular can really bring memories to life, so our staff have arranged for some of our favourite singers to visit our homes and entertain residents with songs from Valentine’s Days past.”

Together with a three-course meal with wine and strawberries, residents will also enjoy chocolate making and cake decorating, joined with any loved ones who wish to attend.

In Norwich, seven care residents have combined their creativity in order to mark Valentine’s Day with this poem about the romantic Saint:

1

It starts with the flutter of butterflies,

Has Cupid’s arrow struck?

Is this the start of romantic ties?

It is – with any luck!

2

A romantic stroll along the shore,

As part of our very first date,

Let’s wait and see if it’s something more,

Who knows; it could be fate!

3

I open the door to a lovely bouquet,

Chocolate, wine and more,

I think this man is doing okay,

Showering me with gifts I adore.

4

Bubbles in your champagne and bath,

Alongside a romantic meal,

All part of the recipe for a good laugh,

A nice kiss seals the deal.

5

Love letters written straight from the heart,

An engagement on the cards

Surely nothing can make us part,

We’ll sit and watch shooting stars.

6

Kisses and cuddles behind the garden bush,

Two hearts full of love,

You might get some jewellery at a push,

We go together like a hand in a glove.