Care South Staff Spread Holiday Cheer With Elf Day Extravaganza
Care South have celebrated Elf Day in style this year, raising both funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Society in a heartwarming and festive manner across its 15 residential care homes and four Care South at Home offices.
The staff at Buxton House, Weymouth, donned their best elf attire and delighted residents with an enchanting elf pantomime, featuring singing, dancing, and a snowball fight. The elf pantomime has become a cherished tradition at Buxton House, with around eight team members from various departments, including activities, housekeeping, caregiving, and administration, coming together for the third consecutive year.
Approximately 30 residents gathered to watch the short and spirited performance, which included classic Christmas tunes like “Merry Christmas Everyone” and “Walking in a Winter Wonderland.” The highlight of the show was an indoor snowball fight, where residents eagerly joined in using toy snowballs.
Buxton House’s Elf Day festivities were just one part of Care South’s region-wide initiative to celebrate the occasion. Other Care South care homes were also involved in a wide range of activities.
Residents at Dorset House embraced the spirit of the season with a heartwarming church service. Castle Dene encouraged residents and staff to dress up in their favourite holiday attire.
Fairlawn residents were in for a treat with the exciting “Hunt the Elf” activity, adding a playful twist to the holiday celebrations. The engaging scavenger hunt provided lots of laughter and excitement as residents embarked on a mission to find hidden elves throughout the day. St Ives House hosted a delectable bake sale, transforming the home into a festive bakery filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goods.
Wickmeads spread holiday cheer with the arrival of Caring Canines. Furry friends brought smiles and warmth to residents, providing therapeutic companionship during the festive season. Later in the day, the home screened the beloved holiday movie “Elf”, creating a cosy and enjoyable atmosphere for residents to relax and share in the merriment of the season.
Talbot View residents welcomed the talented voices of Winton Junior School for a delightful carol concert. The young performers brought the magic of the season to the home, spreading joy through the timeless melodies of classic carols. Fern Brook Lodge resonated with the sounds of the season as a local school visited to perform a special holiday concert.
Maiden Castle House combined fitness, fun, and musical merriment with an elf Communifit session, ensuring residents stay active and healthy during the holiday season. The day continued with an exciting round of elf bingo, adding a competitive yet joyous element to the festivities.
Jin Lively, Activities Assistant at Buxton House, expressed her joy, saying: “In honour of Elf Day, which raises money for Alzheimer’s Society, we put on a short elf-themed play with singing and dancing for the residents to participate in. The residents all loved it. We could see how much they all enjoyed it, with big smiles on their faces, as they sang along with the Christmas carols.”
Karen Hodges, Group Dementia Lead at Care South commented: “I am truly inspired by the dedicated teams at Care South, who demonstrate a profound understanding and compassionate care for individuals living with dementia. Our commitment extends beyond the walls of our homes, as we actively support those in the community seeking a fulfilling life. Witnessing the collaborative efforts of our teams in making delightful moments for residents, staff, and visitors, all while raising crucial funds for the Alzheimer’s Society, is wonderful to see. Well done to everyone involved.”
Simon Bird, Chief Executive Officer at Care South added: “It fills me with pride to witness the collective enthusiasm and commitment of our homes in bringing joy to residents in our care while supporting vital causes like the Alzheimer’s Society. Seeing all our homes actively involved continues to exemplify our dedication to enriching lives, fostering community spirit, and making a positive impact through creative and joyful initiatives.”
