Stansted care home hosts very own version of I’m a Celebrity… and residents are going wild for it

It’s not just the celebrities taking part in bush tucker trials this year…

Residents at a care home in Stansted have officially headed into the Essex jungle to take part in their very own version of I’m a Celebrity...

Inspired by the popular series, which residents enjoy watching together each year, the genius idea was formulated by the lifestyle and activities team at Care UK’s Mountfitchet House – and residents are loving it.

Challenges so far have included: holding real life slithering snakes and terrifying tarantulas, as well as the iconic insect eating trial. Residents 96-year-old, Doreen and 92-year-old, Mary, took a seat at the challenge table, where they tried nutritional, edible creepy crawlies by Eat Grub, including crickets and grasshoppers. 

Doreen said: “I loved meeting the jungle animals the most. I couldn’t believe how gentle and soft the snake was, and the tarantula was really beautiful too. The insects were rather dry, and maybe a bit too healthy for us. We much preferred the milkshakes which were actually a surprise treat, as they were banana and chocolate flavoured.”

Jane Maxwell, Home Manager at Mountfitchet House, added: “Here at Mountfitchet House, we are always looking for fun and exciting activities for residents to get involved in, whether that’s hosting a weekly art club, or creating our very own jungle experience.

“Each year, residents love watching the show together, and were thrilled when they found out we were bringing the show to life for them. Everyone loved getting a chance to hold the snakes and tarantulas, and trying the edible insects in front of ‘Ant and Dec’ really did make them laugh. 

 “Life in a care home isn’t all knitting and nattering – of course, some residents do enjoy these activities, but they also like trying things that are new and exciting, and we’re keen to support them to do so. Everyone had a wonderful time, and we’re pleased to say that the Mountfitchet House team brought home a full house of stars for camp!”

Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, Mountfitchet House has its very own cinema, bar and hairdressers, and there is plenty of space both indoors and out for relaxation and recreation.

For more information on Mountfitchet House, please call Customer Relations Manager, Laura Cook, on 01279 883849, or email laura.cook@careuk.com.

For more general information, please go to careuk.com/mountfitchet-house.