Autumn calls for a trip out and clothes party at The Beeches care homeA group of Residents at The Beeches care home, in Dukinfield, have enjoyed a trip out shopping at a garden centre this November, and for those who were unable to join, Colleagues arranged for the shop to be brought to them with a clothes party.

On 9th November, Residents Shirley, Doreen and Audrey enjoyed a trip out with Colleagues to Daisy Nook garden centre to view the lovely Christmas displays and decorations. 

Each of the ladies bought themselves a little Robin to display in their rooms at Christmas time and they even took part in a competition that the garden centre was holding ‘Guess the name of the Christmas gonk’, much to the ladies’ amusement!

And of course, it is not a traditional trip out unless they stop for a drink and cake too, which all enjoyed as they chatted and shared Christmas memories. 

Shirley remarked, “This is the first trip I have been on and what better place to bring me somewhere I have been with my family. I have had a lovely morning looking at all the Christmas decorations, thank you for getting me out I feel much better for it.”

Wellbeing Coordinator Sade Smith, commented, “This is our favourite time of year, coming out, looking at all the Christmas decorations and seeing all the smiling faces. It definitely got us in the Christmas spirit!”

The fun didn’t stop there, as the 32-bed residential care home also held their very first clothes party for Residents. This is where a company comes along to the home, equipped with lots of different clothing, dresses, tops, nightwear and much more for the Residents to try and buy, should they wish. 

This was a very successful morning with everyone involved buying a new outfit for Christmas. 

The idea of holding this event was for those who are unable to take a trip out to the shops, or perhaps those who rely on families to buy clothing for them, it gives them the option to look at the clothes and try them on. 

One of the Residents commented, “(I am) feeling like me again.”

It wasn’t only the Residents’ buying clothes either! Colleagues and Residents all had a browse too.  

Christine, who lives at the home, said, “I have really enjoyed today, the amount of things I have bought and being able to try on and not rely on my two boys to shop for me.”

Fellow Resident Muriel added, “I have enjoyed this morning and I have a top I wouldn’t usually go for and it’s been nice to do my own shopping.”

Sade said, “Organising the clothes shop was something that I wondered how well it would be and it was a fantastic morning! A huge success seeing the Residents buying their own clothes and chatting amongst each other while shopping and they can shop!”