Rat Pack singer joins Worthing care home residents and carers for Christmas singalong
Residents at a Worthing care home were treated to music from a Rat Pack singer during their Christmas party.
Dean Ager and his 16-year-old son Sidney sang Christmas songs to residents and carers, at Victoria Lodge Care Home, on Wednesday (December 17).
It was about this time last year when Dean reached the top of the iTunes downloads charts – with a parody song about the winter fuel allowance cuts, called Freezing This Christmas. It raised more than £80,000 for Age UK.
Dean, a Lancing-based professional singer, has been entertaining at Victoria Lodge Care Home, in Shakespeare Road, Worthing, for more than ten years. He also takes them out carol singing in the community.
Dean said: “I have had the pleasure of singing at the Victoria Lodge for many years. It really is a very special place.
“Each week I get to sing to the residents. I get to know all their names and personalities and sing their favourite songs.
“The carers are absolutely tremendous and work with such care to create a unique family atmosphere.
“I have seen many residents live out their final days here over the years, and it is so reassuring to the families to know they are very much loved. I have such high admiration for the staff who help create a fun, safe and caring environment.”
Victoria Lodge Care Home is a specialist provider for individuals living with dementia.
Established in the 1990s, Victoria Lodge is a renovated, specialist dementia care facility in Worthing. It is recognised for its commitment to person-centred care and its active calendar of community and cultural excursions.
Manager Nissy Sam said the provider ‘continues to challenge the boundaries of traditional elderly care’.
She added: “Through its dedicated person-centered philosophy, the home ensures that residency marks the beginning of a vibrant new chapter rather than a cessation of activity.
"The homes commitment to enriching lives was recently demonstrated by an ambitious international excursion. Upon discovering a resident had never traveled abroad, the Victoria Lodge team assisted her in obtaining her first ever passport and the staff visas necessary to escort her and a group of residents on a multi-day cruise to Amsterdam.
"In the last two years, residents, staff and families have also congregate in the town centre to perform an outdoor carol concert for the community.”
The Mayor of Worthing, councillor Cathy Glynn-Davies, also joined the annual festive celebration. The mayor engaged personally with residents and families, commending the home’s inclusive atmosphere and dedicated staff.
She said it was a ‘pleasure to attend’ – and praised the ‘great music’ rom Dean and his son, who have ‘voices like velvet’.
The mayor’s post on Facebook read: “What a lovely friendly staff team you have.
"Your residents seem so happy and well cared for and the food was delicious.
"Lovely to bump into Broadwater resident Alan Fowler who sadly lost his wife recently but now takes time out to visit a resident who doesn’t have family. Thanks so much to all these caring people for all they do for our community here in Worthing.”
The management team said its mission is to provide a 'home away from home' where ‘life remains full of possibility’. They added: "From local visits to Brighton and Arundel to international travel, we prioritise the dignity and aspirations of every individual in our care."