Love is in the air at Averill HouseSo far it has been a month full of love this February at Averill House care home, in Newton Heath, which offers residential memory and nursing memory care, for those living with dementia. Colleagues transformed the home into a romantic restaurant for Valentine’s Day, as well as showing appreciation with Colleague awards.  

Jodie Yates, Wellbeing Coordinator decorated both of Averill House’s dining rooms to resemble a romantic restaurant. There were red tablecloths, balloon arches and the windows were decorated as a restaurant window with signage titled ‘Valentino’s Restaurant’ (in theme with the romance of Valentines Day). 

Residents then enjoyed a three-course romantic meal serving consisting of roasted vegetable soup and honey roasted ham and baby vegetable quiche as vegetarian option. Residents were also served with prosecco and red wine to compliment their meal and Valentines cards were exchanged too. 

There was also a Valentine’s trolley which visited all nursing Residents who were given out gifts, including flowers, cupcakes and chocolate dipped strawberry desserts. 

The Residents were invited to the meal by special invitations and were met and seated by Colleagues. They chose from the menus what they would and were given the full restaurant experience which included romantic music playing in the background.

Jodie commented, “I blew up in excess of 100 balloons to make the decorations personalised! There were 48 invites, as well as menus and place settings.”

Those involved were absolutely thrilled and commented on how special they felt, going to a real restaurant.

Donna Spencer, Chef, remarked on the decorations, “Wow its beautiful, really looks amazing.”

Marjory Burke, who lives at Averill House, said, “I can’t believe it. It’s beautiful, all this for me for Valentines Day?”

Also this month, the home hosted their staff awards, chosen by Residents, and many recipients had their picture taken against the love themed background (see pictured). 

Residents helped to give out lots of awards such as ‘Kindness in Care’, ‘Long Service’ and also some funny categories such as ‘Most Funny’ to ‘Top Scrubber’. 

Staff received gifts, mini trophies and certificates on the day, which Residents helped to distribute. 

Portland McKenna Resident, said, “It was a good day, and I was asked to announce the awards. It was funny.”

Jenna Lord, Housekeeper, commented, “It’s lovely to feel appreciated and the whole home to celebrate the awards, and for the staff to feel special. It was lovely.”