17th December 2021

Last Friday, residents at our Worthing care home started to get into the festive spirit by celebrating Christmas Jumper Day. 

Caer Gwent, one of our residential nursing care homes, saw lots of the residents participate in the day, donning their festive fleeces and jazzy jumpers to raise awareness and money for Save the Children.  

Marking Save the Children’s 10th annual Christmas Jumper Day, this provided a great atmosphere and festive buzz in the home. 

 

Clare Feest, Care Home Manager at Caer Gwent, said: “Everyone in Caer Gwent, whether a resident or member of staff, loves getting involved in anything Christmassy, and Christmas Jumper Day was no exception.

"Our residents get excited and really enjoy the events and merriment in the run up to Christmas. It’s lovely to have an opportunity to do and wear something different, come together for a good cause, and really turn up the festive feeling in our home.”  

Celebrating Christmas as an older person can provide many great benefits, whether living independently or in a residential care home.

Samantha Paynter, Activities Coordinator at Caer Gwent, said: “Ensuring that our elderly loved ones are included in Christmas celebrations is so important, as it can have such a huge effect on their wellbeing. 

"By arranging lots of activities and events over the Christmas period, we help to keep our residents entertained, in good company and high spirits and prevent loneliness or a decline in their mental health.” 

Sammy continued: “We aim to have several events every month to give our residents something to do and look forward to, but Christmas Jumper day is great for getting everyone in the spirit, and lots of our residents love children too, so they are thrilled to be doing something for a good cause that they care so much about.” 

The rest of the staff at Caer Gwent like to make Christmas an especially enjoyable time for the residents.  

This year, Henry who works in Caer Gwent's, Maintenance Team has built a dedicated Santa sleigh for residents and loved ones to use during visitations. Henry said: “Working in a care home is a real privilege, you get to meet lots of lovely people and their families and get to know their stories. I wanted to do something for them this Christmas, that would really bring a smile to their faces, and I thought what’s more festive than our very own Santa’s sleigh in the garden?"

"It’s been great to see residents having photos with it with their loved ones when they come to visit, maybe I’ll make it a permanent feature!”