Maidstone care home brings joy to residents with Christmas grotto in their living room

A care home in Maidstone was delighted to welcome the local community to see its Christmas display and a festive sing-along ahead of the big day. 

To ensure the Maidstone community was in the Christmas spirit, Brian Thornton, Maintenance Manager at Care UK’s Invicta Court, on Gidd’s Pond Way, created Santa’s workshop at the home in his spare time. 

Built in sections over the course of several months, many of the materials were recycled, from old pallets to wood saved from a fallen down gazebo in his garden The immersive display, which included a real life Santa, allowed residents to step inside amongst the busy elves and experience the excitement and hubbub of Santa’s workshop.

Brian, who was recently awarded Care UK’s Maintenance Person of the Year, said: “The idea of the Christmas display was to bring the outside in, particularly for those residents who are less mobile and unable to see the Christmas displays in shops and garden centres at this time of year. 

“It was wonderful to see the residents’ faces when they saw the display for the first time and their excitement showing their grandchildren and family around. It has become the perfect place to bring everyone together – which is exactly what Christmas is all about.”

The scene was officially unveiled to residents and the local community as part of the home’s mission to bring festive joy to local people and help combat loneliness in the community this Christmas. 

To help tackle loneliness, Care UK has launched its Care to Share initiative, designed to support older people through the festive season. Alongside the grotto, visitors to the home can enjoy a mulled wine, hot drink – and of course, a mince pie, as they share their favourite Christmas moments listening to Christmas carols at Invicta Court’s Christmas café, which is open on the 13^th December between 10am – 12pm.  

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.

Sara Barbosa, Home Manager at Invicta Court, said: “Here at Invicta Court, we’re passionate about playing an active role in our community, so we’re delighted to be opening our doors this December for everyone in the community, of all ages, to enjoy our newly created Christmas grotto. 

“We know December can be a difficult month for many, so this is a wonderful chance to bring people together to get into the Christmas spirit and a great opportunity for everyone to build new friendships – as well as reminisce over fond festive memories as they enjoy exploring the grotto. 

“Thank you, Brian, for ensuring our festive scene was set – Santa’s workshop has certainly brought a sprinkling of Christmas magic to Invicta Court.”

Invicta Court offers a full range of permanent residential care and short-term respite in luxurious surroundings, including a café, hair and beauty salon, bar and cinema. The highly trained, professional team also delivers specialist dementia care.