Festive fun at Shoreham care home

Kinsland House celebrated the national Elf Day to support people living with dementia and staff organised various themed activities.

Resident Kitty Ashby said: “It is always a very festive day and the staff always make us laugh in their costumes. What a wonderful way to raise money for charity.”

Karen Williams, general manager, admitted there were some very unusual elves at the home but said the day was a lot of fun.

She added: “We know many people living with some form of Alzheimer’s and we’re proud that the money we’ve raised will go towards such a good cause.”

In the run-up to Christmas, residents have been making cards for their pen pals in nearby care homes.

Karen said: “In these unprecedented times, ensuring residents feel engaged and connected within our local community is more important than ever. Our residents really enjoyed sharing their love of arts and crafts.”

The residents are able to meet their loved ones in the visiting suite during the winter. A Perspex glass divider has been fitted and the room has been adapted so residents can enter from inside, while visitors access it from outside.

Karen said: “Alongside the continued offer of outdoor visiting, the visiting suite visits are well organised and a lot of safety measures have been put in place to keep everyone safe. It was wonderful to see how happy it made the residents and their relatives in a warm and cosy environment.”

The home has received a lot of support from the community during the past few months, including the gift of a batch of curry dishes from Curry Mahal Hove to give the hard-working staff a boost.

Karen said: “We are all truly thankful and feel very humbled to receive support like this from the local community who don’t even have family here at the home.

“The team work tirelessly, continuing to ensure residents are happy, engaged and connected, which is more important than ever. We hope that these new friendships will continue beyond the current situation.”

East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tim Loughton made an outside visit to the home in the autumn and followed up with a Zoom call for the residents, as he was unable to meet them in person.

They were pleased to have the opportunity to put questions to him about subjects such as Covid-19 and Brexit.

Resident June Abraham said: “It was nice that we felt listened to and that Mr Loughton understands how we are feeling.”

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