The team members at Goldenley Care Home hosted a day of celebrations this week for Mary’s birthday. Although these birthdays can’t be celebrated as they usually would with visiting friends and family, the team have been grouping together to make sure these days are just as special.
To do this, teams have been facilitating face time calls and video chats with their families, allowing for some virtual time face-to-face on their special day. Decorations and activities have also stepped up at the homes to ensure these special days are well enjoyed.
For Mary’s birthday, the team decorated the home with bunting, banners and birthday balloons. As she arrived at the lounge, a group of team members and residents were gathered ready to sing Happy Birthday to her. Whilst they were singing, the team from the kitchen brought out a colourful, homemade cake they had prepared. This started her morning with a smile and Mary really appreciated the effort.
Surprises weren’t over for Mary though, as her sister and brother-in-law stopped by to drop off some gifts. Although Mary couldn’t spend time with them, the gifts and messages in the cards were enough to make her smile.
After an exciting start to the day, Mary spent the rest of the morning chatting to her friends and reminiscing about some of the things they used to do for fun. You had to be much more creative they said and would never be inside as they didn’t have the fancy toys and games that are available now. They used to make their own fun, and said ‘hop picking’ was one of their favourite pastimes.
Team members took pictures during the session to mark it in style and have some visual memories to hold on to. Mary had fun posing and making funny faces when she was in front of the camera. She laughed and said ’Am I beautiful enough for you, as I’m only 21 you know”.
It was a brilliant day at the home and Mary thoroughly enjoyed her birthday. We look forward to continuing these celebrations with family members when visitation re-opens.