Enfield residents find their place in the sun at care home’s Caribbean party

Home news

Mar 13, 2020

A care home in Enfield took residents and their families on a journey to the Caribbean for a day.

Care UK’s Elizabeth Lodge, on Pennington Drive, organised the special event to fulfil the wish of 80-year-old resident Norma Carby, who asked to travel back to Jamaica.

The event was part of the home’s ‘Wishing Tree’ initiative, which encourages residents to put wishes forward - whether they want to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new. From flying on a plane, to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Norma was born on 4^th November 1939 in Kingston, before moving to North London when she was 22, where she worked as a short-hand typist. Though she’s only returned to Jamaica twice since then, she has fond memories of her childhood in Kingston, and often reminisces while listening to reggae and calypso music.

Residents and visitors, who were encouraged to wear red, gold or green, were transported to the Caribbean for the day and had the opportunity to tap their feet to live entertainment from reggae and soul singer, Michael Mendez, who performed a selection of well-known Jamaican songs. There was also a seated Caribbean-style Zumba class, as well as a Caribbean-inspired menu specially prepared by chefs at Elizabeth Lodge.

Home manager at Elizabeth Lodge, Michelle Sampang, said: “Here at Elizabeth Lodge, we always try and organise meaningful activities for residents, which can be a great way to encourage reminiscence and bring back positive memories. Norma speaks fondly of her younger years growing up in Kingston, so when she wished for Jamaica to be brought to her, the whole team worked hard to organise the best possible Caribbean-inspired event.

“I’m delighted to say it was a success – Norma was thrilled. We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who joined us, and helped us to transform the home into a Caribbean island for the day.”

Elizabeth 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, nursing and dementia care.

To find out more about Elizabeth Lodge, please call customer relations manager, Samantha Neal, on 0333 4343 024, or email samantha.neal@careuk.com

For more general information, please go to careuk.com/elizabeth-lodge