Lonely Pensioners Invited To Christmas Lunch At Stockton Care Home

A Stockton-on-Tees care home is opening its doors and inviting lonely, elderly and vulnerable members of the local community to join both staff and residents for a Christmas to remember.

Almost half a million elderly people faced Christmas alone last year and according to the latest statistics released today by charity Age UK, the figure is set rise even further for 2014.

According to the charity, dedicated to helping people make the most of later life, nearly a quarter of those aged 65 and over fear loneliness this Christmas and worry it will bring back too many memories of loved ones who have passed away.

With the alarming figures revealing that around 2.5 million pensioners felt that this festive period wouldn’t be a happy one, the manager of The Beeches care home in Newtown, Stockton, decided to take action to tackle loneliness in the area.

Elderly members of the community, who are facing the prospect of a Christmas alone, are invited to make the home theirs for the day and enjoy a three-course traditional lunch and an afternoon filled with festivities.

Sue Abdi, Manager at the Hill care home, said: “The statistics revealed by Age UK  show that whilst for most of us Christmas is a time of excitement and joy, to spend with family and create cherished traditions and memories, for some it is a time of fear and worry and the festive period only serves to highlight their loneliness and as a reminder of those loved ones no longer with them today.

“At The Beeches we work really hard to provide a wonderful festive atmosphere for our residents to ensure they enjoy every moment of Christmas and we want to open up the gesture to our most vulnerable and lonely in the community to share in our festivities and our company because no one should be alone on Christmas Day.”

Anyone who would like to join The Beeches on December 25 can call the home on 01642 618818 to book a place, for more details or to arrange a visit prior to the day. 

Address: The Beeches Care Home, Green Lane, Newtown, Stockton On Tees, TS19 0FH