Elderly residents enjoy a singalong for Care Home Open Day

DANCING, singing and a party for the Queen marked National Care Home Open Day in the North East.

Hill Care Group homes across the region opened their doors and threw special activities and events for visitors and residents.

At Mandale House Care Home, on Acklam Road, Thornaby, Dementia Friends entertainer Trish McLean held a session with violinist and guitarist Beth Ramsay.

Residents played instruments to accompany Trish’s singing, with specially written songs to take residents on a musical journey.

Resident Irene Fleming said: “It was a lovely experience. Trish made the music come alive. She’s such a clever lady.”

At Bannatyne Lodge Care Home, on Manor Way, Peterlee, residents took to the dance floor for classics from Dean Martin, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison as well as modern hits from One Direction and Olly Murs.

Entertainer Jilli Allen had everyone up and out of their chairs for the party, followed by home baked cream scones and cupcakes.

Resident Brian Naisbett was one of those showing off his dance moves and singing along to his favourite songs. He said: “I had a great time.”

At Stockton on Tees Care Home, on Stockton Road, Hartlepool, families and friends joined an afternoon tea in the garden to mark the occasion and celebrate the Queen’s 92^nd birthday.

Karaoke also kept everyone entertained as residents and visitors performed their favourite songs.

Resident Brian Williams said: “It was a great day singing songs and seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces. Even the sun was shining.”

At The Gables Care Home, on Highfield Road, in Middlesbrough, the residents were also testing their vocal chords with a singalong to classic movie musical the Wizard of Oz.

Staff and residents dressed as characters including the Tin Man, Scarecrow, Wizard of Oz and the Lion, played by resident Harriet Kidd.

She said: “I’ve never been a lion before. It was lots of fun.”

At Hazelgrove Court Care Home, on Randolph Street, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, residents were taken on a culinary trip across the Commonwealth throughout the week, tasting dishes from St Lucia, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Seychelles, Zambia, Australia and Britain.

Other care homes across the region also opened their doors to visitors, including Ingleby Care Home, on Lamb Lane, Ingleby Barwick, and The Beeches Care Home, on Green Lane, Newtown.

Wendy Waddicor, managing director of the Hill Care Group, said: “All our care homes came up with brilliant, unique and interesting activities for National Care Home Open Day.

“The theme of this year’s event was Linking Communities and we were delighted to welcome so many visitors to our homes, as community is so important to our residents and staff.”