Eastbourne care home asks for flower donations to make residents smile

The Emilie Galloway Home of Rest in Silverdale Road provides care to residents near the seafront, with nearby shops and amenities.

Usually, residents at the home can enjoy a range of activities, including days out, poetry recitals, quizzes, art classes.

However, Covid restrictions mean that residents can’t get out and about like usual.

The home is asking for donations of flowers that would otherwise be thrown away. This is with the aim of bringing the outside in, and bringing a smile to the faces of residents.

One resident said, “I used to visit the bluebells in Arlington most days when it was open, however I have missed seeing them this year as outings have been postponed.”

Lauren Middleton, activities coordinator at the home, said, “The garden is always beautiful in the summer, however with winter approaching and outings restricted it would be wonderful to bring the outside in with some beautiful flowers.”

Rather than having entertainers and going on day visits, Lauren and her team are having to keep residents active through new ideas.

One thing they’ve been doing are virtual tours of different countries – sampling food, learning trivia and taking quizzes.

Herstmonceux Castle in Hailsham recently donated flowers from its grounds to the home, and Lauren said it became the ‘talking point of the lounge’.

This triggered the idea of using flowers, that would otherwise go to waste, to brighten up the home over the colder months.

“It would really boost morale,” said Lauren.

Anyone that wants to donate can email Lauren at: [email protected]