CARE HOME RESIDENT DANCES THROUGH DEMENTIA INSPIRING CHAIR-O-SIZE CLASSES
Passionate performer and former co-owner of Yorkshire dance school, ‘Dance Worksop’, Sylvia Hawley, is tapping into the chair-based exercise trend to help her fellow residents keep fit.
The 84-year-old grandmother, a resident at Gateford Lodge care home in Worksop, has taken the role of leading “Chair-o-size” classes, drawing on decades of dance experience.
Born in Thurcroft, South Yorkshire, Sylvia’s love of dance began in childhood, where she took part in traditional activities such as maypole dancing. In her younger years, she briefly pursued dance professionally, performing as a “Betty Fox Babe” and appearing alongside well-known entertainers including Charlie Chester and Ken Dodd.
Today, Sylvia lives with dementia, but continues to speak vividly and enthusiastically about her dancing life, sharing her stories with staff and residents.
Motivated by her enduring passion, Sylvia approached staff at Gateford Lodge with the idea of leading a Chair-o-size class for fellow residents—combining gentle exercise with music and movement.
Sylvia said,
“I took some time off dancing to look after my family, but my passion never faded.
“I returned to dance in my 40s through keep-fit classes before moving onto jazz and tap. This led me to teaching and then to co-founding Dance Worksop.
“I am really enjoying teaching again – it’s been too long.”
Sylvia dedicated many years to teaching disciplines including jazz, tap, and ballet to over 100 students at the dance school’s peak. She even gained a formal ballet teaching qualification in her 50s.
Sylvias son, Stephen Hawley said,
“Whilst the Alzheimer’s has robbed mum of most of her memory, she has a vivid recollection of her dancing era and loves to share her stories.
“This initiative has been an amazingly positive and enjoyable experience for mum and all the residents.”
A regular at Sylvia’s classes, 84-year-old, Guy Mathews said,
“Sylvia brings so much energy and happiness to every session. I always leave with a smile on my face and can’t wait for the next one.”
Home manager at Gateford Lodge, Luke Curley said,
“We all love hearing Sylvia’s stories about her dancing days.
“When she approached us about leading a class of her own, we were only too pleased to support her and the residents are thoroughly enjoying her classes.
“Whilst the residents will get a lot out of Sylvia’s classes, Sylvia herself is using the classes as a form of reminiscence therapy, which we know is particularly beneficial for people living with dementia.”
Care Home Resident's Real-Life "Toy Story" Uncovers Treasured Memories
- Story inspired carers to display vintage toy collection to spark childhood memories
Inspired by the launch of Toy Story 5 on 19thJune, staff at a care home in York have unearthed treasured tales for 88-year-old resident and former postman, Frank Argyle.
In a true-life toy story, a 60-year-old teddy bear called “Frank” was brought into York Manor care home by Frank’s daughter, Dawn. The bear, named after her father, was gifted to her when she was born on 15th May 1959 and has been a focal point of the family ever since.
Frank (the bear) began his journey in Leeds and travelled across Yorkshire as Dawn built her life in Harrogate, York and Pocklington. Frank witnessed family milestones, celebrations and everyday moments, becoming a constant source of comfort and companionship.
In March 2020, during the first COVID-19 lockdown, Dawn decided to restore her beloved bear. Years of love and handling had left Frank looking worn and fragile. What began as a simple restoration mission, became a unique family heritage project.
The bear was carefully dismantled and lovingly rebuilt, incorporating precious family keepsakes and memories. Among the most poignant additions is a miniature satchel carried by Frank, containing letters written by Frank to his mother while serving Service between 1955-1957 as a young man. The restored bear also wears a tie belonging to Dawn's father – the same tie he wore when he first met Dawn's mother.
Frank, a former postman, retired in York 25 years ago after ill health brought an end to his working life.
His family's remarkable teddy bear story inspired staff at the home to create a "Toys of the Past" exhibition, which showcase a range of olden day toys brought in by a resident’s husband who collects vintage toys.
The toy collection sparked conversations, memories and stories from residents, many of whom fondly recalled toys from their childhood.
86-year-old resident, Mary Robinson said, “Some of the toys were older than me and it took me right back to my childhood.”
Frank’s daughter, Dawn Argyle said, "To see Frank's story recognised in this way is incredibly special. He has been part of our family for more than 60 years and holds so many precious memories. What started as a much-loved childhood teddy bear has become a way of preserving our family's history and keeping those stories alive for future generations.
“It's wonderful that his journey is being shared and that this inspired the wonderful carers at York Manor to host such a great afternoon for the residents.”
The exhibition proved particularly valuable for residents living with dementia, providing opportunities for reminiscence therapy and sensory engagement through handling and discussing familiar objects from the past.
Home manager at York Manor, Rachel French said, "Stories like Frank's show just how powerful memories can be. Reminiscence therapy plays a hugely important role in supporting older people, particularly those living with dementia, helping them reconnect with significant moments from their lives and share those experiences with others.
“The toys created wonderful opportunities for conversation and social interaction, while also providing valuable sensory experiences through seeing, touching and engaging with familiar objects from the past.
“The joy on residents' faces as they recognised toys from their childhood was truly remarkable, and it demonstrated how something as simple as a toy can unlock treasured memories and strengthen a sense of identity and belonging."
Care Sector Stalwart Retires After Thirty Years Championing Older People's Care
The CEO of not-for-profit care provider, Harrogate Neighbours and former National Chair of the NACC, Sue Cawthray, has retired after a career dedicated to improving care, nutrition and community support.
One of the care sector's most respected leaders, Sue, has spent more than 35 years working across social care, housing, care catering and community services.
Sue’s departure as Chief Executive of Harrogate Neighbours, brings to a close a remarkable career that has seen her influence national policy, champion older people's nutrition and wellbeing, lead award-winning services, and become one of the most recognised voices in care catering and community care.
Stepping into the role as CEO of Harrogate Neighbours is Helena Evans, who brings more than 20 years’ experience across the housing, supported housing, support and care sectors, including almost a decade serving as CEO within community-based housing and support organisations.
Since joining Harrogate Neighbours in 2005, Sue has overseen a period of significant growth and transformation, including the development of extra care housing, expansion of domiciliary care services, the creation of the award-winning Harrogate Food Angels meals-on-wheels service, and the opening of the organisation's Community Hub in Starbeck, North Yorkshire.
Her contribution to the wider care sector has been equally significant. A long-standing volunteer and leader within the National Association of Care Catering (NACC), Sue served two terms as National Chair and played a leading role in advancing nutritional standards for older people, contributing to national guidance, government initiatives and campaigns tackling malnutrition and loneliness.
In 2023, Sue received the Public Sector Catering Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of 30 years of service to care catering. She has also been named among the UK's most influential figures in public sector catering for five consecutive years and was recognised with the Outstanding Contribution to Social Care Award at the Yorkshire and Humber Great Care Awards.
Reflecting on her retirement, Sue said, "It has been the privilege of my life to work in the care sector and alongside some truly extraordinary people. Care is about far more than services – it is about dignity, compassion, relationships and helping people live the best lives they can.
"Over the years I have seen incredible commitment from care professionals, volunteers and support staff who go above and beyond every day, often without the recognition they deserve. I am immensely proud to have been part of a sector that continually rises to challenges and puts people first.
"The pandemic demonstrated beyond doubt the vital role social care plays in our communities. Yet despite that, the sector continues to face significant challenges around funding, workforce pressures and resources. My hope is that social care receives the investment, recognition and support it needs in the years ahead because the people who rely on these services, and those who deliver them, deserve nothing less.
"I leave the sector with enormous pride in what has been achieved and complete confidence in the passionate, talented people who will continue to drive positive change. Although I am retiring from executive leadership, I will always remain a proud advocate for social care and for older people."
Under Sue's leadership, Harrogate Neighbours has become recognised as one of North Yorkshire's most innovative charitable care organisations. Her achievements include leading the development of Greenfield Court into an Extra Care facility, project managing the £7.7 million development of The Cuttings Extra Care scheme, securing The Queens Award for Voluntary Service for the Harrogate Food Angels, and helping the organisation achieve and maintain Customer Service Excellence accreditation with Compliance Plus status year after year.
Her wider influence extended beyond Harrogate. Sue helped launch national nutritional initiatives, worked alongside government and healthcare stakeholders on hydration and malnutrition campaigns, contributed to industry guidance launched at the House of Commons, and played a key role in raising the profile of Meals on Wheels services across the UK.
Commenting on Sue's retirement, Chair of Harrogate Neighbours, Judith Bell said, "Sue's contribution to Harrogate Neighbours, and to the wider care sector, has been exceptional. Her vision, determination and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of older people have shaped not only our organisation but influenced services and standards nationally.
"Her legacy can be seen in the services she has created, the communities she has strengthened and the countless people whose lives have been improved through her leadership. We thank Sue for her extraordinary service and wish her every happiness in her retirement."
Former trophy-winning Mexborough footballer makes triumphant return to old grounds
A former football player in Mexborough scored big when he was invited to return to the Montagu Cup Final as a special guest.
When the team at Care UK’s Montagu Hall, on Harlington Road, received the invitation for 80-year-old Bob Bennett to return to his old stomping grounds at Mexborough’s Hampden Road, they set to work.
Bob was born in West Melton, but raised in Wath and Wombwell, where his interest in football first began. Following in his father Ellis Bennett’s footsteps, a former footballer and manager in the Yorkshire league, Bob played for various teams throughout his early years, including Wombwell FA and Mexborough Town.
He first began playing for Denaby as a centre-back after leaving Wombwell remaining at the club for 16 years before retiring due to an injury in 1975. He participated in two Montagu Cup finals in 1971and 1972, with Denaby crowned as winners in both.
On the day of his special trip, Bob was joined by former football players and friends Paul Butterfield and Malcolm Godfrey at Mexborough’s Hampden Road – where the finals have been taking place since 1897 – to watch the showdown between Wickersley CC and The Gate Inn.
To make the day even more unforgettable, Bob was given the opportunity to return to the pitch after 51 years and meet fellow former Denaby players Pete Pettit, Mal Whitehouse, and Trevor Gough.
Bob said: “I was surprised to have been invited, but it was wonderful going back. I have always loved football and have made so many connections through my love of the sport. “
Following his football retirement, Bob taught Physical Education at Mexborough Grammar School, where he led the team to many successes, including winning the English schools under 19's competition in 1973. His pride and joy now lies in his happy marriage with his wife Cynthia, with whom he shares two children, Robert and Anna, and two grandchildren, Henry and Maya.
The visit was part of Care UK’s Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to put their dreams forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new. From flying a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small for the team to try to grant.
Charlie Parker, Home Manager at Montagu Hall, said: “We know how much playing for Denaby means to Bob, so being invited to the final was incredibly special for him. As soon as we heard about the opportunity, we knew he had to be there.
“It was a real privilege to accompany Bob on the day and see just how much it meant to him. Watching him cheer on the team – with such a huge smile on his face – was truly priceless.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Montagu Cup Federation for making the day so memorable for Bob and giving him an experience he’ll treasure.”
Montagu Hall provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, while also promoting independence, the home incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, including a cinema, hair and beauty salon and café.
HOT IN THE KITCHEN – MANAGING DIRECTORS TAKE ON THE SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM IN BARCHESTER’S ANNUAL CHARITY COOK OFF
Now in its third year, Barchester’s Cook Off in aid of its Charitable Foundation is a much-anticipated diary fixture. Building on the success of last year’s Regional Directors’ Cook Off, this year it was the turn of six of Barchester’s Managing Directors to take on members of the Senior Management Team to see who would prevail under the scrutiny of the discerning judges.
The teams lined up as follows; The Pressure Cookers made up of MDs and Hospital Director Stella Bolger, Alison Donaldson, Jo Fitzgerald, Michelle Macadangdang, Duncan Edwards and Angela Bradford vs The Rolling Scones comprising Directors Julia Atherton, Paul Mason, Mark Bennett, Tony Woollett, Tom Holloway and Alison Glover. So far this year the teams and their divisions have raised £53,000 for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation and the money is still coming in. The Foundation supports older people and other adults living with a disability or mental health conditions by helping them to connect or re-connect with others in their local communities. These funds will support small charities and individuals all across the UK in the form of grants.
Temperatures were rising as the teams got busy cooking up beautifully presented dishes for the judges to taste. Their challenge was to prepare a full menu with a choice of starters, mains and desserts plus an afternoon tea item all of which were blind tasted by a panel of exacting judges headed by Barchester’s CEO, Dr Pete Calveley. All of the food was delicious and cooked to perfection but in the end it was The Pressure Cookers who beat the competition to the Cook Off crown with their sensational menu which had a choice of three different starters, the judges named their Lobster Bisque with chive crème fraiche and croutons an absolute triumph. For main, there was a choice of Cod Loin with beetroot, asparagus and champ mash or homemade Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry. For dessert, the options were White Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake or Rhubarb Crumble Custard Tart and their Afternoon Tea item was a Sausage Plait with red onion chutney which the judges agreed was to die for.
Chairperson of Barchester’s Charitable Foundation, Chief Commercial Officer and one of the Cook Off judges, Simon McCall, commented:
“This year has been the most hard-fought competition ever, our teams really stepped up and tackled this challenge head on. The food they produced was restaurant quality, it is hard to believe this is nothing like their day jobs. It all came down to half a point in the end but congratulations to our MDs who have proven they are a culinary force to be reckoned with! I am utterly amazed that we have already managed to beat last year’s huge total, I know that homes up and down the country have been raising funds with all kinds of different activities which is wonderful to hear. I want to thank the Hospitality and Marketing team and everyone involved in helping to make this initiative happen, it is a brilliant team effort. This is a fantastic amount of money and it will help support so many good causes.”
PENGUINS PROVIDE ONE FINAL SENSORY EXPERIENCE IN STOKE ON TRENT
Residents at Lovett Care’s Hilton House care home in Stoke on Trent were lucky enough to enjoy an extraordinary sensory experience when two Humboldt penguins, named Pringle and Widget, paid a visit.
It was the very last care home visit for the flightless black and white feathered birds, bringing an end to over a decade of penguin visits hosted by Heythrop Zoological Gardens where Pringle and Widget reside.
Accompanied by Barbara Marquez, an expert handler, Pringle and Widget spent the afternoon waddling around Hilton House and interacting with the residents. Gentle and social in nature, allowing for safe, engaging and close-up encounters, it was a truly memorable and fitting way to celebrate the human-animal bond and the many benefits of animal-assisted therapy.
After 50 years, Heythrop Zoological Gardens will soon close. The private zoo, has, over the years strived to educate on animal welfare and behaviour, as well as advance animal training standards worldwide. Its penguins are a multi-generation captive-bred. They are a social species, as well as placid, which makes them perfect for sensory experiences within a care setting.
Commenting on the penguin visit, Gemma Vaughan, home manager at Hilton House, says: “We were honoured to welcome Pringle and Widget to Hilton House for their last ever care home visit. The penguins were incredible; they waddled around the home freely and allowed residents to touch, stroke and hold them. It was a very special activity and lovely to see the residents smile, enjoying the sounds the penguins made as they went from room to room.
“Pringle and Widget have left a lasting impression at Hilton House; amazing memories have been made, and I am sure the penguins will come up in conversation for many months!”
“Pringle and Widget were amazing. I loved watching them waddle around. To have two penguins come to visit me is something I never expected!”
“Today was very special. To see a penguin up close and touch its feathers was magical. Pringle and Widget brought lots of joy and fun to the home.”
“It really is the end of an era. We have thoroughly enjoyed training all of our Humboldt penguins over the last 10 years or so, and the care home visits, such as the one to Lovett Care’s Hilton House, are always incredibly rewarding for the team. As we close the zoo, the penguin colony will all be re-homed together in a private collection here in the UK. We are very happy with their new surroundings and know they will go on to breed and prosper with their new carers.”
Hilton House is part of the Lovett Care Group. With a vision to create caring communities in which our elders thrive, Lovett is one of the UK’s leading care home groups with 28 homes across Greater Manchester, Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire and Cheshire. Filled with joy, togetherness and love, Lovett Care homes are places where life is truly lived. For more information, visit lovettcare.co.uk.
Residential and dementia care home opens in Leeds
A new care home in Adel has opened, bringing additional residential, dementia and respite care provision to Leeds.
Adel Square Care Home, operated by St Mary’s Care Homes, is now welcoming residents at its 86-bedroom facility in North Leeds.
Facilities include en-suite bedrooms, assisted bathrooms on each floor, communal lounges, a café, activity and games spaces, landscaped gardens and external terraces.
Residents have access to a full programme of activities, alongside services such as hairdressing, podiatry and visiting care specialists.
The home has been designed to create a warm, accessible environment, with dementia-friendly features throughout. Distinct colour schemes and themed areas are used to support orientation, while communal spaces include a café, music lounge and quiet lounges, alongside areas for social activity and relaxation.
The opening follows a visit from Katie White MP OBE, who toured the home alongside St Mary’s Care Homes CEO Steven Davis and Home Manager Diane Atkinson.
Steven Davis, CEO of St Mary’s Care Homes, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Katie White to Adel Square Care Home and share a tour of our newest development. Adel Square reflects our continued commitment to delivering exceptional care, combining a high-quality living environment with compassionate, person-centred support. We had a valuable discussion about the growing care needs within the local community and the important role Adel Square will play in meeting that demand.
With dedicated residential and dementia care services, our team is proud to provide a safe, supportive and enriching environment for those who need it most. We’re grateful to Katie for taking the time to visit and learn more about our vision for care in Leeds, and we look forward to continuing the conversation as we support the community now and into the future.”
Diane Atkinson has more than 30 years’ experience in care and leads the home as Registered Manager, with a focus on maintaining standards and supporting both residents and staff.
Diane Atkinson, Home Manager at Adel Square Care Home, said: “It’s a privilege to lead Adel Square as it opens and begins to welcome residents. The priority is to establish a home that feels settled and well-run from the outset, with care based around each individual and strong relationships with families.”
Adel Square Care Home will host an open day on Thursday 23 April between 10am and 2pm, with the Lord Mayor expected to attend between 11am and 11:30am. The event is open to the public and no booking is required.
Katie White MP OBE said: “With the continuous increase in care needs and the increasing demand for dementia care, new facilities in our local towns are vital to support those who need to access them.
It was a pleasure to visit the impressive new Adel Square care home, creating many new local jobs in our constituency of Leeds North West. The team are really focussed on community engagement; it was great to hear more about this and their future plans as they continue to welcome new residents over the coming weeks and months.”
‘The Best Care Home’: Families and Community Praise Innovative Dementia Exhibition at Springbank
Springbank Care Home is delighted to announce the spectacular success of its recent ‘Through Our Eyes’ exhibition, which brought together residents, families, and the local community for a moving celebration of life and history. The project used technology to merge current portraits of residents living with dementia into photographs from their past, creating evocative scenes that highlight the vibrant person behind the diagnosis.
The event featured stunning composite artwork that placed residents as they are in 2026 directly into historical settings, celebrating their lifelong journeys and cherished hobbies. The atmosphere was further enhanced by the cheerful tunes of Richard and Honey, one of the home’s much loved visiting singer and dog duos, who performed hits ranging from "Blue Skies" to the Beatles. Following the exhibition's success, these meaningful photographs will now go on to be given to families and displayed in residents' rooms where appropriate.
A significant highlight of the exhibition was the presence of multiple generations of families to read about their loved one and view their composite portrait. One relative shared their experience:
“It was so lovely to see mum and her friends in their younger days. It’s such a great idea to show how these people were once young and so interesting and very hard working. They really were the generation that changed the world. I loved reading about each and every one of the residents. I particularly loved seeing one resident, who was my old art teacher. I think we do forget the story behind their faces and it’s good for us to be reminded of the life they had before and what a brilliant way to portray this.”
Another relative added…
“As a relative be prepared for a very emotional experience in looking at photographs that chart the ageing process. It reminded me of the sometimes-forgotten young man I once knew. A big thank you for the hard work putting together the ‘Through Our Eyes’ exhibition.”
The exhibition's impact was further reflected in the glowing feedback shared on social media, with one guest commenting, "What a lovely afternoon, thank you for putting so much effort into making it such a nostalgic occasion. What a wonderful idea, the food was delicious too, you really are so hard working and the best care home." Others noted that they "thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and appreciated the effort put into organising the event," and described the presentation as "very moving" and "thoroughly enjoyable."
While the original images remain private to protect the dignity of the residents, the exhibition featured several powerful scenes that illustrated the deep connection between past and present. One piece featured a lifelong fan as they appear today, seated alongside their younger self in the stands at Keighley Cougars. Another depicted a resident watching from the sidelines as their past self played a match on the football pitch.
The collection also included poignant professional tributes, such as a resident—as they appeared in the past—treating their present-day self as an NHS nurse at Harrogate Hospital. In another evocative scene, a lady looked into a mirror to see her past self: a fashionable woman balancing the demands of work, family, and style. The exhibition further captured moments of lifelong learning and industry, showing a resident sitting in a classroom being taught by their younger self, and another gazing through a window into the past to watch themselves at work in a wartime munitions factory.
The exhibition also focused on reconnecting residents with their personal histories and former friends. A representative from the local football club attended to spend the afternoon reminiscing with a resident over historical club photographs, sharing stories from their time as former teammates.
April Howie, Deputy Manager at Springbank Care Home, shared their pride in the event’s impact:
"This project has been a deeply moving journey for everyone involved. By merging the present with the past, we aren't just creating art; we are creating a powerful tool for empathy that reminds us all of the incredible lives our residents have led. It was a privilege to work alongside our fantastic corporate partners to make this event even bigger and better for our residents and guests. Specifically, working with Snuggle, who provided a wide variety of foods to complement the event as part of their initiative to give back to the health and social care industry, helped create a truly celebratory environment. We are so pleased to have been able to show the person behind the diagnosis."
Ollie Bellerby, representing Snuggle added:
“Snuggle Staffing were proud to support Spellman Care and the team at Springbank Care Home for such a meaningful event. The ‘Through Their Eyes’ exhibition was a wonderful celebration of residents’ stories, seen from a unique perspective and we were delighted to contribute by providing some nibbles that helped bring friends and family together.”
NEW CARE HOME FOR BATH DECLARED OPEN
Darcy Gardens, Barchester Healthcare’s new luxury care home in Bath, has opened its doors in style, with a Grand Opening performed by the Deputy Mayor of Bath, Councillor Ian Halsall, in front of invited guests from the local community.
Barchester’s Commercial Director, Simon McCall, and Senior General Manager, Agnieszka Musial, hosted the event and invited guests to view the stunning new 68 bed care home, along with its beautiful landscaped gardens, which is now open and welcoming its first residents. The home has been designed with residents’ comfort in mind and the team at Darcy Gardens will offer residential support, respite stays and dementia care, all delivered by a dedicated and passionate team of trained professionals.
At Barchester, everything revolves around the residents. From the person-centred care, to the dining experience and hospitality which is tailored to residents’ tastes and preferences, and the programme of life enrichment activities which offer choice that supports resident well-being across mind, body and soul. Each resident is an individual, and so too is the care that Barchester provides, and resident choice plays a really big part in that.
Senior General Manager, Agnieszka Musial, commented: “We are delighted our home is now open, our residents are at the heart of everything we do at Darcy Gardens, and we look forward to welcoming them and their families, and becoming an active part of the local community.
“We take pride in really getting to know each of our residents to provide tailored care and support, ensuring dignity and choice in every aspect of daily life.”
Barchester’s Commercial Director, Simon McCall, added: “Darcy gardens is going to be a wonderful home, Agnieszka and her team here will offer personalised care for the people of Bath and the surrounding area in this lovely setting. We’re thrilled to add Darcy Gardens to our Barchester family of quality care homes and hospitals.”
Pictured here cutting the ribbon left to right are: Regional Director, Isabela Andriuca, Commercial Director, Simon McCall, Councillor Ian Halsall, Managing Director, Angela Bradford and Senior General Manager, Agnieszka Musial.
RESIDENTS AT THE GRAND WELCOME FLIGHTLESS FEATHERED FRIENDS
Residents at The Grand care home in West Bridgford enjoyed an extraordinary sensory experience when two Humboldt penguins paid a visit.
The penguins, named Pringle and Widget, spent the afternoon waddling around the care home, as well as interacting residents.
The flightless black and white feathered birds reside at Heythrop Zoological Gardens, a private zoo located in the Cotswolds that strives to educate on animal welfare and behaviour, as well as advance animal training standards worldwide. Accompanied by expert handlers, the penguins are gentle and social in nature, allowing for safe, engaging and close-up encounters.
A number of residents from Lovett Care’s sister care home in Nottingham, Ruddington Manor in Wilford, also attended, along with children from Little Toes Day Nursery, creating a truly unique and memorable intergenerational afternoon.
Ann Harvey, resident at The Grand, says: “The visit from the penguins was fantastic! I have never touched a penguin before, so to be able to stroke one today was magical. The children loved watching the penguins waddle around the home too!”
Ruddington Manor resident, Margaret Bell, aged 90, adds: “What an afternoon! It was good fun spending time close up with the penguins. I have seen penguins at the zoo but never touched or held one before.”
Joan Hodges, another resident at The Grand, comments: “Wow! I have never had two real penguins on my bed before!”
Tracy Johnston, home manager at The Grand, concludes: “Today has been truly special for the residents from both The Grand and Ruddington Manor, their loved ones, Lovett Care staff and their families, as well as the children from Little Toes.
“The visit from the penguins, who were so placid, has created amazing memories for some of the residents and left a lasting impression on everyone within the home. Our elders living with dementia were able to enjoy the penguins, and the birds even reached some of our residents who tend to be a little more withdrawn and less responsive to activities, which was wonderful to see.
“There are so many benefits from animal-assisted therapy, including small improvements in emotional, social and cognitive abilities. The multi-sensory nature of the visit, from the sight of the penguins waddling to the feel of their feathers and the sounds they make, really did touch every resident today.
“It’s been a pleasure seeing so many smiling faces throughout the home. We’ve been able to arrange an extraordinary and joyful experience for all ages, with the children and the residents loving the close encounter and interaction with the penguins, something they have never done before.
“Not only did the residents look forward to the penguin visit beforehand, but it sparked conversation amongst them too. They will no doubt reminisce for many weeks and months to come. This is exactly what we mean when we talk about 'more for our elders’, our residents deserve these special moments.”
The Grand and Ruddington Manor are part of the Lovett Care Group. With a vision to create caring communities in which our elders thrive, Lovett is one of the UK’s leading care home groups with 28 homes across Greater Manchester, Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire and Cheshire. Filled with joy, togetherness and love, Lovett Care homes are places where life is truly lived.
For more information, visit lovettcare.co.uk.