Bury St Edmunds care homes open their doors for a merry good time

Snow is falling, children are playing – and two Bury St Edmunds care homes are opening their doors to help combat loneliness in the community this festive season.

On Thursday 14^th December, from 11am-1.30pm, Care UK’s Glastonbury Court, on Glastonbury Road, is helping older members of the community to get into the festive spirit by joining residents and team members for a special carolling session, followed by a Christmas lunch.

On Wednesday 20^th December, locals may also join in another carolling session at Davers Court, on Shakers Lane, from 3pm-4pm. 

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.

Both home teams have been hard at work spreading Christmas cheer by adorning the homes with festive decorations and getting the ovens warmed up, ready to serve delicious festive foods.

At Glastonbury Court, visitors can look forward to a carol service with St Peter’s Church, followed by a delicious three-course Christmas lunch, specially prepared by the home’s chef. 

Meanwhile, at Davers Court, there will be mulled wine and festive foods to enjoy after a special carolling session with St Nicholas Choir. 

Ana Mihai, Home Manager at Glastonbury Court, said: “We’re delighted to be taking part in the Care to Share initiative and opening our doors to the community for some festive fun. 

“Here at Glastonbury Court, we firmly believe everyone should have someone to pull their cracker with at Christmas, which is why we’re opening our doors to those who might be feeling lonely or missing that special someone. Guests will be able to enjoy a delicious Christmas dinner specially prepared by our talented catering team, as well as enjoy a glass of mulled wine and some traditional Christmas games with residents.”

Sophie Evans, Home Manager at Davers Court, added: “We’d like to invite our older neighbours to book their place at our special event – this is certainly an event yule not want to miss!”  

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

Glastonbury Court and Davers Court are modern care homes providing full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, with Davers Court having also recently opened its new day centre. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the homes have their very own cinema and hair salon, and there is plenty of space both in and outdoors for relaxation and recreation.