Essex care homes host sports day for local community

With the Olympics fast approaching, a local care home is limbering up for its very own sporting tournament.

Care UK’s Haven Lodge, on Reckitts Close, and Silversprings, on Tenpenny Hill, will be bringing Paris to Essex as they open their doors for local people to enjoy their own version of the Games. 

The event comes as both homes join The Big Care UK Sports Day, which sees over 130 Care UK homes across the UK host sports days for the local community and showcase what life in a care home is really like. 

At both events, guests can soak up the sporting atmosphere and, for those daring to compete, have the chance to win their own gold medals with an afternoon of fun and games, including bean bag shot put, volleyball and water sponge relay.

Visitors to Haven Lodge, whose event takes place on Sunday 21^st July from 12 noon, can also enjoy refreshments from a French-themed stall, including croissants, pan au chocolate and baguettes, which they can enjoy while listening to music and watching performances from a mime artist. 

On Wednesday 24^th July from 1pm-4pm, visitors to Silversprings can enjoy a summer barbecue cooked by the home’s talented head chef, and live music from local jazz vocalist, Rosie Holman, who is sure to get the party started.

Anthony Densley, Home Manager at Haven Lodge, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming the local community to join our own sporting celebrations.  

“We are part of a strong community, and days like this are a fantastic way of bringing us all together for a little healthy competition and to celebrate this year’s summer of sport, all while showcasing exactly what life is like here in our care homes.”

Joanne Rix, Home Manager at Silversprings, added: “Keeping fit is important for all ages, but exercise has many additional benefits for older people, from reducing the risk of falls to increasing wellbeing and confidence. We know just how important physical activity is, so we always encourage residents to stay active – and hosting a sports day is the perfect way to do just that.  

“We have some very competitive and skilled residents who have been warming up in preparation for some community competition. We can’t wait until kick-off!” 

Haven Lodge and Silversprings are modern care homes providing full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, with both homes incorporating space for hobby and leisure activities.