The National Care Home Open Day on Saturday 21st April, is a nationwide initiative that invites care homes to open their doors to the local communities. Care homes across the UK get involved by arranging events and activities that help build connections between residents and the public, this year’s theme was all about linking communities.
Parkview care home in Bexleyheath, took part in the national event and invited guests to join in with the fun. The day started with staff and residents popping along to the local Greggs bakery who kindly donated 100 assorted doughnuts for the open day. Meanwhile back at the home preparations for the open day were in full swing with the arrival of the local Cub Scout club who had offered to help set up the garden furniture and garden games and activities. One of the activities the Cub Scouts and residents took part in during the day was to design a poster to mark the Queen’s Birthday celebrations. The plan is for all residents to sign the poster and send off to her Majesty the Queen. Also, during the open day the Officers were busy making ‘Royal crowns’ with residents in time for the Royal Wedding in May.
Whilst family members joined their loved ones during the day other guests arrived including the Police Cadets, Community Police Officers and Italian entertainer, Salvatore.
The idea behind the open day was to encourage local people to visit care homes in their community and to work together to develop better relationships.
This important connection is something that Parkview care home has nurtured and the home is already acting as a community hub, including regular visits and coffee mornings with the Community Police Officers who often take part in activities with residents at Parkview. During the day Iris, one of the residents at Parkview, was seen chatting and telling stories from the past with the children who had all gathered on the lawn around her, along with the guinea pigs and pet dog Rosie.
Pat Collis, Home Manager said: “This is a great way to show the excellent services on offer and the fantastic work that goes on at Parkview Care Home, Some people still have misconceptions about care homes so we are keen to dispel any myths and for people to come and have a look around, meet the staff and our residents.”
For more information on Parkview or to arrange a viewing please call the home on 0208 3037889.
