Dorset care homes open their doors for a merry good time

Snow is falling, children are playing – and two Dorset care homes are opening their doors to help combat loneliness in the community this festive season.

On 7^th December, from 2pm-3.30pm, Care UK’s The Potteries, on York Road, is helping older members of the community to get into the festive spirit by joining residents and team members for a special Christmas lunch.

Visitors will be able to tuck into a traditional Christmas lunch, with all the trimmings, thoughtfully prepared by the home’s Head Chef. They’ll also be mulled wine, mince pies, Christmas carols, and the opportunity for residents and visitors to make new friends while sharing traditions and memories of Christmases past. 

On 20^th December, from 3pm-4pm, Care UK’s Ferndown Manor, on Golf Links Road, is inviting local people to join residents and team members for a Christmassy get together. Visitors can enjoy Christmas carols – and even join in a good, old-fashioned sing-along. There’ll also be festive treats for everyone, including mince pies and mulled wine.  

Studies have shown that almost 1.5 million older people feel lonelier at Christmas than any other time of year*. To help tackle loneliness, Care UK has launched its Care to Share initiative, designed to support older people through the festive season. 

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.

Zita Turner, Home Manager at The Potteries, said: “Here at The Potteries and Ferndown Manor, we’re passionate about playing an active role in our community, so we’re delighted so be opening our doors for our Christmas events to support those in our community.”

Sara Muslin, Home Manager at Ferndown Manor, added: “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. 

“We’d both like to invite our older neighbours to book their place – as these are certainly events yule not want to miss!”  

To find out more about Care UK’s Care to Share initiative, please visit: careuk.com/caretoshare

Additionally, on the 15^th December, from 2pm-4pm, the community is also invited to Ferndown Manor’s Christmas fair. For those looking for some unique presents for friends and family they’ll be craft stalls with handmade gifts, as well as games, a cake sale, raffle and tombola. They’ll also be the opportunity to meet the man himself – as Father Christmas will also be paying a visit. 

The Potteries and Ferndown Manor have been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives in a luxury environment. The homes provide full-time residential care, nursing care, dementia care and respite care and also boast plenty of space – both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation.