Care Home Residents and Staff Mark Day of Reflection

Care homes joined a national day of reflection to mark the second anniversary of the start of the pandemic.

Residents and staff at Colten Care homes in the south honoured those people who have lost their lives and the millions of others who have been bereaved worldwide.

As well as observing a national one-minute silence, the day featured poetry readings, prayers, songs, ceremonies and displays of fresh daffodils.

Thoughts were put in writing to hang on ‘memory trees’ and there were garden walkways of candles in jars with yellow ribbons around them.

And in craft sessions, residents made dream catchers hung with yellow crystals while staff led discussions focused on the need for reflection and encouraging positive themes such as ‘remembering the smile behind the mask’.

In the garden sunshine at Amberwood House in Ferndown, Dorset, resident Jim Smith read out the William Wordsworth poem ‘I wandered lonely as a cloud’ and Companionship Team member Nicky Stevens, who sings with the group Brotherhood of Man, gave a heartfelt rendition of Amazing Grace. “It was just so beautiful,” said resident Mary Whitehouse.

The home’s gardener Lyndon Thompson explained to the gathering how he relates memories to the growth of the Amberwood House garden while resident Tony Kass thanked everyone at the home for their hard work and dedication during the pandemic.

Fellow resident Pat Fisher said in response to the day: “I am very thankful for all my care.”

Companionship Team Leader Kirsty Richmond Cole said: “This was a poignant but relaxed occasion that enabled staff and residents to come together in the sun and remember those lives lost in the pandemic and show support for those bereaved.”

Other Colten Care homes taking part in the day of reflection included Avon Cliff in Bournemouth, Brook View in West Moors, Canford Chase in Poole, Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst, Court Lodge in Lymington and Abbey View in Sherborne.