Care home residents rock and roll for charity

The Knoll Care Home in Gloucestershire travelled back to the 1950s to relive the age of rock and roll, in recognition of World Alzheimer’s Day.

Residents at the care home in Tuffley, Gloucestershire grabbed the mike and put on a show of classic 1950s and 1960s hits, with friends and family invited along for a song or two.

Staff turned up to work kitted out in their best retro outfits, complete with leather jackets and shades. Those who did not dress to impress were fined £3 which contributed to the money raised.

The home’s dining room was transformed into a classic American diner for the day, with a retro jukebox completing the look. Singer Brian Slade, whose mother lives with dementia, sang classics including Be Bop a Lula, All Shook Up and Blueberry Hill.

Debbie Smith, manager of The Knoll Care Home, part of Redwood Healthcare group, said: “Alzheimer’s is a condition we are all too familiar with and the key to living with it is to keep the mind active and stimulated.

“Our residents love the music of the 1950s, especially rock ‘n’ roll and our staff saw the opportunity to put on a fantastic event, raise vital funds and give advice and support to families all in one go.”

Many of The Knoll Care Home’s residents live with dementia and the £100 raised will help fund days out and activities for them.