Raising spirits with our car park concerts!

What a great week it’s been so far! The highlight has definitely been the car park concerts we have arranged for our residents at both homes.

As you may have seen on BBC Look North and on our Facebook page, we invited singer Alfie Dobson to perform some of his greatest hits while respecting the strict social distancing regulations put in place by the government to help fight the coronavirus. What a priceless occasion it was!

Lucy Craig, our wonderful managing director, said: “During this very difficult time, we are looking at every measure possible to ensure we safeguard the health and wellbeing of our residents.

“This of course includes their physical but also their mental wellbeing and we have to ensure we protect this. Visits from families, social outings and gatherings play such a big part in their lives; everything we do now until normal life resumes is so very vital.

“Nothing can compare to seeing the smiles on faces and the warmth across the homes during Alfie’s performance and for some time after – it was truly amazing.”

Alfie was definitely on form for the performances, singing songs from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s as well as specific songs residents requested.

The residents, and their carers, danced along to the music and enjoyed Alfie’s songs. Live entertainment is hugely important to the wellbeing of those receiving residential and dementia care because it helps to relax residents, encourages interaction and boosts confidence.

Tommy Young, 86, a resident at Cramlington House said: “It’s so hard not seeing my wife; we really are inseparable despite us not living together. I have reassured her that it’s not for long and although we are physically apart, we are always together in our minds and hearts.

“I really enjoyed watching Alfie; one of my favourite singers who often visit us. Thank you for making our day; it was wonderful, and we are all looking forward to seeing you again.”

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What people are saying

"I am very pleased with how my mother has settled in and generally how supportive and caring the staff are. This has given us peace of mind knowing that she is safe & well looked after. Thank you."
"Our mum has been a resident at Cramlington House for over a year and we have nothing but praise for the friendly, approachable staff and management. We always feel like part of an extended family and when we visit nothing is too much bother. We are completely happy with the standard of care, support and understanding we all receive as a family."
"From the first day, I knew it was the place for my mum. Clean, friendly staff, lovely environment! My mum would not get the opportunity to do the activities she is experiencing if she was not in Cramlington House. It is home from home and we can visit anytime. I can't say enough of how great Cramlington House is. "
"This is an absolutely superb care facility. The staff say that this is the home of the residents, in which they work - and they evidence that philosophy every day. In the last months of our mother's long life, we took comfort form the fact that she was safe and secure, being well-fed and looked after. The entire care team are brilliant. "
"All the staff at West Farm have provided such wonderful care, compassion and support to my auntie. We both feel incredibly lucky to have found West Farm, it’s been the perfect home for my auntie. I can honestly say, hand on heart, every aspect of the care provided by each member of staff at West Farm has been outstanding."