All fun at the fair as care home opens doors to community

Residents at a care home took a trip down memory lane with a funfair-themed fete filled with traditional games and prizes.

Families, friends and the wider community were all invited to the fete on September 7, organised by the team at Heathfield Court Care Home, in Colyers Lane, Erith.

With the support of members of the care and lifestyle team, residents took part in popular funfair games, including splat-the-rat, hook-a-duck, and a coconut shy.

Resident Iris Sealey, 89, who helped to run the splat-a-rat stall, said: “My grandchildren came and loved playing the games and winning some prizes, their favourite was hook-a-duck.

“I remember my own children playing it when they were small, so it was a joy to see the grandkids having fun and playing those same simple games.

“I loved listening to the music and watching the clown, the food was delicious too, it’s a long time since I tasted candy floss!”

Heathfield Court provides residential, nursing and specialist dementia care.

Nikita Waterman, lifestyle manager at Heathfield Court, said: “Iris and a few of our other residents were keen to get involved on the day. It gave them a lot of joy taking responsibility for running the stalls and was a real boost to their self-esteem.

“Funfairs are a very sensory experience, which helps to spark memories – the music and sounds of people chatting and laughing, the smell of the sweet candy floss and cakes, colourful costumes and children having their faces painted – it was lovely to hear our residents chatting about the day over supper and the next day.”

Marjorie Seaman attends Heathfield Court three times a week for daycare. The 102-year-old attended the fete with her daughter and granddaughter, and the three enjoyed having a go at the coconut shy. 

She said: “Oh we had so much fun, I loved seeing all the children having fun and getting their faces painted. I’m so glad the sun came out for the day.”

The event raised almost £600 for the care homes chosen charity, AA Dog Rescue.

Heathfield Court is rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and was a Regional Finalist for the Putting People First Award in the Great British Care Awards 2023.

Pictured top: Marjory Seaman helps with the Coconut Shy (Picture: Heathfield Court)