Staff and residents at Country Court Care Homes in London are preparing to celebrate Christmas a little differently this year. Staff are doing everything they can to ensure the season of goodwill prevails and residents have the opportunity to make the most of the festivities.
Residents have been getting creative and making decorations for their homes. The crafting sessions have been a great opportunity to reminisce about Christmas in years gone by, as well as decorate the home. Staff will be entering the residents’ creations in the Country Court ‘Deck the halls Creative Christmas Competition’. Throughout December, residents across the group’s 33 homes will be taking part in weekly festive crafts from baking to making decorations and singing carols, with a prize of a new year party for the home that makes the best overall effort. Residents at Carter House Care Home in Raynes Park have been practising carols, baking Christmas cookies and making decorations for their home.
Residents at Link House Nursing Home, also in Raynes Park, have enjoyed trying a different craft activity every day including making hanging Christmas ornaments, cards and jewellery.
Residents at Lyle House in Hampton were delighted to welcome actress Lorraine Chase into the garden of their home to switch on their Christmas lights. Residents watched through windows from the comfort of their rooms and the lounge as the local actress wished them all a Happy Christmas and turned the lights on to much applause. Residents were then entertained with carol singing from the garden by the home’s very talented Activity Coordinator, Elizabeth.
The Hospitality Team at Lyle House Care Home in Roehampton has been at the heart of the Christmas preparations with plans for the big day well underway. “We’ve been consulting with the residents about our Christmas Day menu.” Said Abdul Salim Mohamed, Chef Manager at Lyle House Care Home. “We want to ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy, whether they prefer a traditional roast turkey or something a little bit different. Food is such a big part of any Christmas celebration; it’s a day when everyone’s favourite dishes are on the menu, and all tastes and preferences catered for.”
In line with new government guidelines, residents will be able to see visitors to their care home in their new COVID-safe visitors’ areas. Visits are following the current government guidance and have been a welcome return to the home. Between each visit, the whole area is sanitised and prepared for the next visitor. “Our residents have enjoyed seeing their loved ones again.” said Edmund Yeboah Home Manager at Woodlands Care and Nursing Home in Colliers Wood “It’s so important for people’s wellbeing, especially at this time of year.”
Traditionally Christmas is an opportunity for Country Court directors to visit Country Court Care Homes to say ‘thank you’ in-person to staff teams for all their hard work and to celebrate with their Staff Awards. This year the Awards will be going ahead virtually; with nominations made online, the judges have reviewed the entries and will be announcing the winners in a series of virtual award ceremonies throughout December.
“The Country Court Board of Directors will be taking the opportunity to say thank you to all staff for their hard work during 2020. This year, more than ever, the staff family has pulled together, supporting each other and our residents. We are delighted to reward their efforts” Said Alykhan Kachra, Co-CEO.
To find out more about how residents are celebrating Christmas in 2020 take a look at our Facebook pages or contact our homes in London directly:
