Dorset care homes join in special event to mark Dignity Action Day (From Thisisdorset)

Dorset care homes join in special event to mark Dignity Action Day

5:30pm Tuesday 7th February 2012 in News

WEYMOUTH and Dorchester care homes held special events to mark Dignity Action Day.

Weymouth Care Home in Glendinning Avenue was among those from the Altogether Care Group marking the occasion, which promotes independence and choice for those in care, with a balloon release.

Residents wrote wishes on labels, which were then tied to the balloons, and care staff spent time with each participant making every effort to make their wishes come true.

Avril Dearden from the Weymouth Care Home organised the event and hosted a buffet for the residents.

She said: “We wanted to mark the day as it’s an important date for all older people who receive care.

“The balloon wish is a way of encouraging residents to choose realistic wishes that can come true and we will mark this by releasing a balloon and working with them to make their wish a reality.

“We also want to give a great big thank you to the little children from Sunny Days nursery who came to release the balloons on behalf of our residents as the weather was too cold for them to go outside.”

The Trafalgar Care Home in Dorchester Road, Weymouth, also held a pamper day for all the residents to enjoy.

Meanwhile in Dorchester, Culliford House Care Home held a fun-packed afternoon with staff, residents and their families invited to join in and take part in a range of activities.

Jeanette A’Court, activities co-ordinator at Culliford House, said: “We want people to maintain independence.

“Dignity Action Day gives people the opportunity to do new things and maintain a place in the community.

“We promote an active home and we have a lot of fun.”

Resident, John Stedmand, 71, said: “Such events get people joining in and having fun. All the staff are very helpful and understanding.”

The Dignity Action Day event gave relatives an opportunity to join in with the activities.

Doris Pitman has been at resident at Culliford House for 13 years.

Her daughter, Susan Pitman said: “There are lots of activities such as cooking, painting and drawing.

“You can see their enjoyment on their faces.”

Dignity Action Day is run by the Dignity in Care Campaign.

Anybody wishing to find out more about the campaign can visit www.dignityincare.org.uk