23 December 2015
Hallmark Care Homes open their doors to lonely older people this Christmas
Thousands of people will be spending this Christmas alone this year as loneliness becomes an increasing problem, particularly among older people.
To help with this issue, many Hallmark care homes across England and Wales are opening their doors to older people in the local community who would otherwise be dining alone, to enjoy Christmas lunch and festivities with residents, relatives and care home team members.
In order to achieve this, the homes have enlisted help from local Age UK branches and other community care groups, who have put them in contact with individuals who either required support this Christmas or faced spending the entire Christmas period isolated and alone.
Our guests visiting to participating Hallmark homes this Christmas day will be treated to a Christmas gift, a delicious home-made three course lunch served up by Hallmark’s talented chefs and be invited to socialize and spend time with residents in our beautiful, award-winning facilities.
Admiral Court, our care home in Essex, is one of the homes taking part and the home’s Customer Relationship Manager, Kelly Adams is helping to organise the day’s festivities.
Kelly said: “Christmas day is always an extra special celebration at Admiral Court and we are delighted to be able to share it with others and welcome them to our home.
“This year, the local Age UK put us in contact with two people who have been friends for nearly 20 years. Sadly, one of them recently had a heart attack and therefore is unable to cook dinner for herself and her friend this Christmas. It would also be rather difficult for her to travel. We are delighted to announce, that with our help, they can now spend Christmas day together and enjoy a stress free meal.
“I spoke to both guests this morning and they are both very excited and thankful to be spending Christmas with us.”
The confirmed guests at Admiral Court can look forward to a full Christmas lunch with mulled wine, chocolates, crackers and great company. Team members will dress up and wear festive accessories and there will a Christmas sing along in the afternoon.
Meanwhile guests at Anya Court, another one of our participating homes in Rugby, can looking forward to the Queens broadcast, and festive musical entertainment from Rackham and King who play the violin and piano.
Avnish Goyal, Managing Director at Hallmark Care Homes said: “Nobody should spend Christmas on their own and we are delighted to launch an initiative that aims to bring communities closer together and helps older people, who may feel isolated during the holiday season.
“In the New Year, we hope to extend this initiative further, by inviting lonely members of the local community in regularly to socialise, make friends and make use of our café and cinema facilities.”
Click here to find your nearest Hallmark care home.