In the last few months the Vie Group has stretched out to include the beautiful South Coast. Brighton, Hove, Eastbourne and other Southerly areas are starting to ring with songs and the sounds of balloons bouncing off things. It’s a lovely feeling.
Even better we are now into double figures of care homes up North too with Blackpool, St. Anne’s and other slightly chillier but still beachy areas being brought on board. I do hope that ‘Oh I Do Love To Be Beside The Seaside’ is being sung. I must look into it.
With Spring finally in the air my Grandfather’s favourite song leaps to my mind.
‘Happy days are here again, the skies above are clear again. Let us sing a song of cheer again, happy days are here again.’
The Winter really can be a tough time in care and nursing homes. The lights and festivities of Christmas are packed away. Budgets are depleted from the revels and the weather and spirits can both seem grey. I am not exaggerating when I say that seasons greatly effect the mood of people living in institutional care. The cold outside keeps the windows closed. It is harder for loved ones and friends to visit. There is a much higher opportunity to be visited by ill health.
Spring is the period for throwing open the curtains, windows and doors and being revitalized by a (still slightly chill) gust of fresh air. The hidden timer that makes the trees bud, flowers blossom and little furry creatures emerge from their burrows is felt too by our older friends. Go and visit. If you need an excuse, look out for the little secret signs of extra energy and life that a sunny spring day brings. There are more smiles, appetites increase and if you sing a familiar song, you won’t be singing it solo for long.