Halloween Treat for Hamilton Care Home Residents

For the last two years, something spookily good has happened at Avonbridge Care Home in Hamilton for Halloween. The home on Old Avon Road is very much at the heart of the local community and often invites local families to take part in events.

During October half term in 2020, with the topic of new local lockdown restrictions on the horizon, the Avonbridge team decided to cheer residents up with a new Halloween activity. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the home had hosted regular intergenerational activities with a local pre-school group. While visiting guidance allowed residents to safely meet with loved ones, these larger group sessions had been curtailed.

Aware that residents were missing their little visitors, the home invited local children and their families to take part in a socially distanced Halloween fancy dress parade in front of the home. The home is situated close to a much-loved nature walk and has large windows to the front and rear of the home. This provided residents with the perfect opportunity to sit in the comfort of their home watching the family-friendly Halloween procession, waving to all who took part.

A Heartwarming Reaction

Kelly Moore, activity coordinator at Avonbridge Care Home said: “With it being the first year of Halloween parade, we really didn’t know what kind of reception the event would get. On the day itself, we were blown away by the number of local families that turned up to take part. It was heartwarming to see so many people going to the effort of dressing up and waving at our residents. It created a wonderful atmosphere around the whole home.”

With the first event a huge success, the home decided to make the parade a permanent fixture of the home’s activity calendar. In October 2021, the team at the home published an invitation on its Facebook page asking local families to take part once again. On the big day, the Avonbridge family, dressed in their own Halloween costumes, assembled in the windows with great anticipation.

Halloween Delights

This time, with fewer restrictions around gatherings outside, the home was able to add an extra treat for the children taking part. The home’s outdoor visiting room was transformed into a spooky grotto where participants were invited to help themselves to a variety of Halloween-themed delights. With a little help from residents, the team at the home created lots of spooky displays around the grounds including a giant balloon arch to welcome everyone.

When asked about the 2021 parade, activities coordinator Kelly, said: “Despite the typically autumnal weather, we were thrilled to see so many people take part in our 2nd Halloween parade. They had all gone to so much effort with their costumes and our residents loved every minute of the parade. We’re already looking forward to next year!”

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