People are being invited to take part in the 'Christmas Message Exchange’ with local care home residents.
The exchange has been set up by Country Court, a national care home provider, to enable local people to exchange festive messages with residents in their 33 care homes across the UK - and there is one in Milton Keynes.
One of the highlights of the Christmas festivities for many care home residents is the Christmas visits they usually receive from local schools, nurseries, and community groups.
But sadly, due to the coronavirus pandemic, these visits will not be going ahead this year. Instead, the ‘Christmas Message Exchange’ allows those in Country Court's care homes to send and receive Christmas messages with people locally.
Anyone can take part in the Christmas message exchange; all they need to do is either: Make a Christmas card or record a video message.
Messages and cards can be sent directly to their local Country Court Care Home - which for Milton Keynes is Lakeview Lodge Care Home in Newton Leys (address below).
Alternatively, the messages can be sent via WhatsApp to 07872 542369. The video messages can be songs, music or a festive message for residents. The care home residents are planning to send cards and messages back to people who send messages in.
Alykhan Kachra, CEO of Country Court, said: “2020 has not been an easy year for older people, especially with not being able to see loved ones as much as they would like. This Christmas will not be the same celebration that our residents usually enjoy, but staff are already going above and beyond to make the festive season as special as possible.”
Country Court Care Homes would usually be filled with entertainers performing carol concerts, pantomimes, and sing-alongs. Children from local schools would be joining residents to sing carols and chat over cups of tea and mince pies, and families and local people would be enjoying Christmas Fairs and events.
This year Activity Teams are busy helping residents make decorations, wreaths, and cards. Catering teams are planning festive menus and resident choirs are practising their carols in a bid to ensure residents have the best Christmas possible. However, retaining connections with their local community is vital for the health and wellbeing of residents. This year more than ever, care home residents would love to exchange Christmas messages and festive wishes with local people.
When sending messages people should include their name, organisation (if relevant), contact details and the name of their nearest Country Court Care Home as residents would love to send a message or card back.
Lakeview Lodge Care Home, 2 Elba Gates, Newton Leys, Milton Keynes MK3 5QU
© MKFM News 2020
