Care home chosen as site for time capsule to celebrate National Care Home Open Day

Children from a nearby school will send a message to the future this week when they bury a time capsule containing treasured possessions at Amherst House Care Home in Horley, Surrey.

The event celebrates National Care Home Open Day on Friday, 20 June, when care homes across the UK will open their doors to the local community to help change the view of care homes. It will also mark the run up to the official opening of the new home at the end of the summer.

The capsule, which will be opened in in 50 years, will include items such as a mobile phone, an iPod shuffle including songs, a copy of the Surrey Mirror, examples of school work, a class photo and copies of emails, all chosen by students of Yattendon School.

Home manager, Arthur Tanare, said: “It’s fascinating to see the sorts of things that the children have chosen. It’s hard to imagine these same people being here in 50 years’ time to dig the capsule back up. I just wonder whether I’ll be around in 50 years’ time to see the capsule opened!”

In keeping with the theme of time, the care home will be decked out in the style of three classic decades - the 80s, 90s and Noughties. Different areas of the home will be dedicated to each decade with music, games, cult TV and food from each of those eras.

The 60-bedroom suite property, run by Gracewell Healthcare, combines boutique hotel interior design with leading-edge dementia and innovative specialist care facilities. Among many innovative features Amherst House will include a luxurious hair and beauty spa, a nail bar, a cafe, a library and will have WiFi access throughout the home.

The ceremony will also be attended by Sam Gyimah, MP, who is supporting Amherst House’s campaign to make Horley, a dementia-friendly town.