Express & Star

Wolverhampton care home to step back in time to combat loneliness

VINYL records and bell bottoms will make a welcome return as a care home delves back into the seventies.

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The Bushbury care home will mark Silver Sunday with a 1970s-themed event. Resident: Pamela Fenton,89, and activities co-ordinator Jayne Woods. Pic; Steve Leath

Highcroft Hall Residential Care Home will step back in time as it celebrates the community's older people on Sunday.

Decorations dipped in colour will be scattered across the Wolverhampton home to mark nationwide Silver Sunday, which aims to bring neighbours together.

Fae Doherty, PR officer for Sanctuary Care which runs the Bushbury home, said: "It's all about celebrating older people and their contribution to society.

"Organisations and local communities are encouraged to organise events in order to help combat and reduce loneliness and isolation.

"It's really relevant in our homes as they are for elderly people. Our first event was last year and everyone seemed to really enjoy it."

Residents at the Old Fallings Lane care home are set to embrace the event, with people across the city invited to join the 1970s-themed celebrations.

Guests can indulge in a high tea menu, with slick finger sandwiches and sweet cakes on offer from 2pm until 4pm.

Dancers will also flaunt their moves during a live performance, while residents and staff are expected to don vibrant outfits for the festivities.

Ms Doherty added: "For Sanctuary Care, this year’s Silver Sunday is extra special because it marks the start of the 20th anniversary of when we started delivering care."

Bilston's East Park Court Residential Care Home, in Holloway Street, is preparing to join the celebrations and mark Silver Sunday by hosting a Bollywood celebration.

Residents at Ettingshall Road's Lime Tree Court Residential Care Home will also hold a 1960s Vintage Tea by the Sea event.

Silver Sunday, which takes place on the first Sunday of October, launched five years ago after campaigners discovered more than a third of people over 75 said they were lonely.