Sidcup care home opens its doors for a merry good time

Snow is falling, children are playing – and a Sidcup care home is opening its doors to help combat loneliness in the community this festive season.

On Wednesday 13^th December, from 11am, Care UK’s Smyth Lodge, on Frognal Avenue, is welcoming older members of the community to get into the festive spirit by joining residents and team members for a very special afternoon tea to mark the opening of the home’s Festive Café. 

Studies have shown that almost 1.5 million older people feel lonelier at Christmas than any other time of year*. To help tackle loneliness, Care UK has launched its Care to Share initiative, designed to support older people through the festive season. 

More than 100 Care UK homes nationwide will be taking part to give older members of the community a safe and sociable space where they can enjoy some festive fun and good company – whether it’s singing along to Christmas carols or watching a Christmas movie with a mince pie.

At Smyth Lodge, the team have been hard at work spreading Christmas cheer and have transformed the home’s dining room into a winter wonderland to provide the perfect setting for a festive afternoon tea. Visitors will be served traditional sandwiches, scones and Christmas cakes, alongside mince pies and mulled wine, which have been prepared by the home’s Head Chef. 

Tracey Cheeseman, Home Manager at Smyth Lodge, said: “Care to Share is a wonderful opportunity to bring everyone together and especially to remind the older people in the community that we’re here for them.

“That’s why we’re thrilled to be launching our Friendship Café with a festive twist. We’ve got a cosy afternoon planned, with a festive-themed afternoon tea, and the chance to have a chat and make new friends over a hot cup of cocoa.

“We can’t wait to open the doors to our festive afternoon tea and see some familiar and new faces!”

To find out more about Care UK’s Care to Share initiative, please visit: careuk.com/caretoshare 

Smyth Lodge has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home provides full-time residential dementia and nursing care, as well as respite care.