May is a resident at Etheldred House in Cambridge and recently celebrated her 106th birthday. This is an incredible achievement and momentous milestone for May, so team members at the home wanted to make sure the day was celebrated properly.
For important milestones like this, we would usually welcome friends and family into the home to celebrate and spend time with their loved one. But due to the restrictions in place around COVID-19, visitors aren’t currently permitted.
Because of this, team members have been working hard to ensure these days are personal, special and can be spent with family members, virtually. To do this, video calls and ‘FaceTime’ sessions have been organised to mimic face to face meetings but in a safe way. This has been a huge success and everyone has enjoyed both using and learning about these video calling apps.
For May’s birthday this week, the team got to work on decorating the home with a birthday theme. Banners, bunting and helium balloons filled the lounge and put a big smile on May’s face when she came down on her birthday morning.
She was joined by the team and some of her friends who sung happy birthday to her and handed out her cards. She had two particularly special cards that she was excited to open, the first was from her great-grandson, who had hand made the card and wrote some special words inside.
Another special card she received was from the Queen. May has had a card from the Queen each year since turning 100, so this recent one will be added to growing collection.
In the afternoon, people from the kitchen team brought out a homemade birthday cake for May. It was decorated in bright blue and featured her name and age on the top. She said it was a lovely thought and ended the day with a slice and a glass of red wine.
Happy 106th Birthday May, we hope you had a brilliant day!