Horley care home residents make a song and dance for Diwali

A care home in Horley has marked Diwali with an afternoon celebrating Hindu culture. 

Revelling in the festival of lights, residents at Care UK’s Amherst House, on Court Lodge Road, welcomed professional Bollywood dancer Senjuti Das for a fun-filled dance workshop. Senjuti led the residents and colleagues through a series of traditional Bollywood and Bhangra routines, encouraging everyone to join in. With bright smiles and plenty of laughter, residents learned simple hand gestures and rhythmic steps to popular Bollywood tunes, while others enjoyed clapping and moving along from their seats. 

Ellen, a resident of the home, said: “I loved learning the dance moves and hearing the music – it was so lively and colourful. It really felt like we were part of the celebrations.”

Team members also decorated the social spaces in the home in honour of the festival, and residents enjoyed the music, outfits and traditional tasty treats to get into the spirit.

Cristina Cristea, General Manager at Amherst House, said: “Everyone had a great afternoon celebrating the festival of lights and enjoying the incredible entertainment.

“At Amherst House, we are committed to ensuring the home is a welcoming and supportive place for everyone, where different cultures and interests are regularly celebrated through memorable activities that promote positive wellbeing. 

“We’d like to thank Senjuti Das for such a fun and colourful afternoon, and to our team members for their dazzling decorations in line with lots of wonderful Diwali traditions. The workshop created a wonderful atmosphere of energy and togetherness, perfectly capturing the spirit of Diwali. It’s great to see the residents asking questions and getting involved with the celebrations, no matter their culture or background.”

Amherst House has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to lead active and fulfilled lives in a luxury environment. The home provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, and has its own cinema room, pub and hair and beauty salon.