Somerset Care Home Creates Afternoon of Connection Through Football-Themed Event
Catherine House Care Home, located in the centre of Frome, Somerset, recently welcomed relatives and the community for a FIFA World Cup-themed open day, with food, football and live music enjoyed together in the sunshine.
Football flags and decorations filled the home’s outdoor space and lounge, while plates of meat pasties and pies made their way around and were enjoyed alongside pints, shandies and mocktails.
Ice creams followed later in the afternoon while singers Sentimental Journeys and Chris Auburn performed a mix of well-known songs. Peter, a resident fondly referred to as a family member, sang along beside his wife, who said she had not heard him sing like that for years, while family member Glenda spent much of the afternoon on the ‘dancefloor’.
Somerset Care Home Creates Afternoon of Connection Through Football-Themed Event
Home Administrator Kim Viner said: “You could see people immersing themselves in it all, whether that was singing, dancing, having a drink or staying for the afternoon music. It was lovely to see so many people from the local community come in as well and spend time with everyone and to have a glimpse of our home.”
Activities Coordinator Sharon added: “There were so many moments throughout the day that stayed with us. One that really stood out was seeing family member Patricia join in and sing, with her daughter becoming emotional beside her. A local boy also walked past and saw everyone eating ice cream and got upset because he wanted one too. His dad asked if we had a spare, so we made him the biggest ice cream we could with sauce on top!”
Throughout the day, there were plenty of smaller moments that stood out. Dorothy, who lives at the home, remained at the centre of the afternoon, with Sharon beside her, passing back her tea whenever she wanted another sip as she watched the singing and dancing around her. Brian described it as “an amazing do”, while Hilary enjoyed a pint of lager, and Stephen said it was the “best pie and pint” he had had in a long time.
Elsewhere during the afternoon, the football theme carried on as family members had a kickabout with team members in front of a goal set up for the occasion, with the ball passed back and forth and those using wheelchairs joining in too.
The music carried beyond the Catherine House too, with one relative later saying they were amazed they had heard the event from the nearby hospital where they work!
As the afternoon came to a close, it was clear the day had left its mark, with people already asking when the next one would be.
To find out more see our Activities in Care