West Sussex homes throw open their doors for summer fun

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Jul 01, 2013

On Friday June 21, Care UK’s homes joined hundreds of others around the country opening their doors for the first National Care Home Open Day and in West Sussex we took the opportunity to join in the celebrations.

At Beech Hurst, in Haywards Heath, visitors joined in a trip back to the 1940s, with a 40s-style strawberries-and-cream tea. As well as music from the era, other attractions included a flamenco display by local dancers.

At Francis Court, in Copthorne, visitors heard a talk from financial experts on planning and paying for care. This was followed by specialist dementia advice, and followed by a chance to experience what it is like to live with dementia with experiential dementia rooms.

At Mill View, in East Grinstead, visitors joined in an Ascot-style midsummer’s afternoon, with Pimms, strawberries and cream and ice cream, and competition was fierce in the ‘best fascinator’ competition. Visitors also had the chance to browse through displays of residents’ arts and crafts, as well as poems from local schools.

Finally, at Darlington Court, in Rustington, strawberry teas were served and plans were on show for a new sensory garden. We were also joined by the Chief Executive of the Alzheimer’s Society.

As well as showing visitors around, we also gave away copies of the brand new book As Easy As ABC: Care UK’s Top 100 Hints and Tips for Activity Based Care. If you would like to learn more about ABC and how it can improve older people’s independence and wellbeing you can download it from www.careuk.com.