Residents and staff at Katherine House and Griffiths House celebrated Christmas and New Year together as a community, despite having spent a challenging period in isolation earlier in December.
Keeping spirits lifted, the homes celebrated Elf Day, an annual event promoted by the Alzheimer’s Society to raise money for people affected by Dementia. Other events in December included a movie-themed party and loom lessons for the Knit and Natter group.
Residents embraced the long-standing tradition they refer to as ‘deck the frames with boughs of holly’, each decorating their walking aids in anticipation of their Christmas parade.
Guest musicians visited the homes on Christmas Eve and again on New Year’s Eve, performing outside on the decking, much to the delight of residents who danced and sang along.
Members of the Care Team, Bryony and Julie, became hairdressers on Christmas Eve, styling the residents hair to help them feel particularly special. Wellbeing Assistant Imogen volunteered her time on Christmas Day, along with several of her friends, who performed a socially distanced series of carols on the decking. This set the scene for a fabulous Christmas dinner, after which residents each received a sack filled with gifts from Santa on behalf of the Cote Charity.
Throughout December, family and friends who had been unable to visit due to restrictions, had been secretly sending Christmas video messages to the Wellbeing Team who surprised residents and staff with a tear-jerking collation of emotional festive well wishes from loved ones.
Frequent video calls coordinated by the Wellbeing Team continue to help keep residents connected with friends and family as we move through the third lockdown.
All residents and staff have now been offered the Covid-19 vaccine, with the majority waiting for the second jab in February.
Despite the repeated challenges of lockdown and a period of isolation, everyone at Katherine House and Griffiths House remains cheerful and optimistic. Their energy and enthusiasm is wonderful to witness and, although it is not currently possible to visit the homes, you need only visit their Twitter and Instagram pages @CoteCharity1 to get a sense of the fun this amazing community has together.
