Care home open week 2023

Move over Glastonbury – there’s some new festivals in town

An exciting line up of events took place at Care UK homes across the country to celebrate Care Home Open Week.

A national initiative that encourages care homes to open their doors to the community, Care Home Open Week aims to showcase what life in a care home is really like. 

And life in a Care UK home really is different. We’re always looking for new and exciting ways to encourage residents to lead fulfilling lives, which is why this Care Home Open Week, we decided to do things a little differently. 

Many of the residents living in our homes are avid music lovers, former festivalgoers or concert enthusiasts, which is what sparked the thought – if they can’t go to a festival this summer, why not bring the live music to them? 

Residents at Ambleside, in Stratford-upon-Avon, were over the moon when they woke up to find the home’s garden had been transformed into a Glastonbury-inspired festival site, fit for the ultimate rock ‘n’ rollers.

Complete with a main stage, food stands and even a VIP area, the aptly named ‘Amblefest’ saw residents and their friends from neighbouring Care UK homes don their wellies, flower crowns and homemade banners for an event like no other. 

And that’s not all – Care UK homes across the country have been hosting their own festivals for residents, relatives and the local community too. 

Up North, Deewater Grange in Chester, welcomed a petting zoo with animals of all shapes and sizes to join the festival fun, with face painting, game stalls and bouncy castles available, as well as the chance for those feeling brave to get a temporary tattoo – all while enjoying live music from a local band.

Residents at Glastonbury Court in Bury St Edmunds, Oak House in Slough and Murrayside in Edinburgh hosted the ultimate summer festival, with guests invited to enjoy a barbecue and live entertainment from residents’ favourite local performers – getting everyone in the party spirit.

Further South, the team at Skylark House held a festival for foodies in the local community and invited them to put their tasting skills to the test – as the aptly named bands, The Courgettes and Zucchini Sisters entertained everyone!

Meanwhile, Bishops Manor in Sutton Coldfield had a Caribbean beach themed festival for locals. There’s nothing like sipping a rum punch cocktail, enjoying a Caribbean-inspired buffet and taking in the wonderful sounds of a steel band to take all your worries away. 

Find out what your local care home has been up to as part of Care Home Open Week.

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