There’s nothing the residents of Ritson Lodge care home enjoy more than their neighbours dropping in.
And on Saturday they did that in droves as villagers called into the Hopton care home to support residents for a charity coffee morning that went on long into the afternoon.
“Today was the day the community all came together to help two charities,” said activities coordinator Anna Montague.
Anna, who joined Ritson as a night carer in 2015 before becoming the activities coordinator, said the day raised money for two charities.
Firstly the residents took guidance from their friends at Pleasurewood Hills who opted to support Katie’s Wheels charity.
The residents agreed the other half of the proceeds would go to support Macmillan Cancer Support and their World’s Largest Coffee Morning annual day of fund raising.
Anna said the day went extremely well with volunteers from Pleasurewood Hills helping with a charity car wash.
In and around the home 27 stalls were laid out selling cakes and fund raising, with many prizes donated by the community.
“There was a lot of entertainment too,” said Anna. “We had singers, a parrot show and a chance to meet Woody the Bear.”
The day has so far raised £522.41 which will be split between both good causes.
But bringing in friends and neighbours of the care home is forever on residents’ minds and so Anna is busy preparing for some forthcoming events.
On October 20 there will be a “wear pink for breast cancer awareness” event from 10am to 4pm with the Barchester Healthcare home again putting on entertainment to attract visitors.
And on October 31 the home is planning a Halloween party for the community from 3pm to 6pm with disco fancy dress competition, owls and, of course, Halloween themed party food.
Ritson Lodge Care Home is at Hopton-On-Sea, and was specifically designed as a home to provide care to older people, including those living with dementia.
The care home features a memory lane community which is one of the innovative methods used to provide nursing care for people with dementia
Anna added: “We are a very warm and welcoming community – that’s why many of our activities and events are planned to ensure the wider community can attend and they are always most warmly welcomed.”
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