Care homes fall silent to remember war dead

People old enough to live through World War II fell silent to remember the nation’s war dead in care homes across the country on Remembrance Sunday (14 November).

Those reflecting on the sacrifice of people that defended Britain’s freedoms on Remembrance Sunday included residents living in care homes operated by HC-One.

As a sign of respect, care staff at The Sycamores Care Home in Hyde gathered in the main lounge with residents for a two-minute silence.

One staff member said: “Those who were able to, stood tall” in silence while watching a National Service of Remembrance on TV.

Residents shared stories of serving in the army, while others spoke about their parents' heroic service.

“It was a great pleasure to listen to our older generation share stories and memories of the struggles and smiles they have endured over the years”, said Renee Bell, wellbeing coordinator at The Sycamores Care Home.

Care home residents then watched a virtual show by Stormz Community, which combined historic videos and performances by singers including ‘The Poppy Girls’ and Dame Vera Lynn.

Staff said many of the care home residents shed tears during the day.

Care group HC-One cares for 14,000 residents in over 300 care homes across the UK.

As well as listening to the last post and observing a two-minute silence, in Trafalgar Park Care Home in Treharris, residents created poppy wreaths out of red tissue paper.

People living at Ashton View Care Home in Wigan, watched a video about soldiers around the world.

Veronica, a resident at Ashton View, was among those who spoke about her wartime memories. As a little girl, she would stand in the street near her house and wave off the soldiers who were leaving their country to fight in the war.

Fellow resident Gladys talked about her “dearly loved” husband, who served in the Navy and resident Kath spoke of how she never saw her uncle again after he went to war and didn’t return.

Stacey Sharples, wellbeing coordinator at Ashton View Care Home said: “It’s been a very touching day with stories from all our ladies and gents about how we remember the two World Wars and later conflicts.”

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